Li Po Chun United World College
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Li Po Chun logo
Established in 1992, Li Po Chun United World College is part of the UWC (United World Colleges) Movement initiated by the German educationalist Kurt Hahn, with a view to promoting international understanding and post-World War II reconciliation in response to the general animosity and revolutionary zeal in the age of the Cold War conflict. It is situated in the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.
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The school admits students both from over 74 countries and from local Hong Kong schools, who undertake a 2-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The College places special emphasis on increasing students' understanding of Chinese culture, society and language, as well as on extra-curricular and community involvement.
Hong Kong students are selected by the College in a highly competitive process involving group activities and two rounds of interviews, whereas international students are selected by their respective UWC selection committees. Students generally receive financial assistance on a means-tested basis.
Li Po Chun students are famous for participating in a number of rituals. Several times each year, the college is home to cultural evenings, in which all students from a particular geographic region (South Asia, Europe, etc.) combine efforts to put on a performance showcasing different elements of their cultures. Typically the evenings involve song, dance, and speeches, as well as a special dinner.
Students typically congregate in a neighboring shopping and entertainment district known as Lee On before returning for the famous "Canteen parties" in which the school's dining hall is transformed into a veritable global village, where dance and music accompany the students on their journey to true international understanding.
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Another famous tradition is known as BOB. Though the origin of this name is steeped in lore, it is generally acknowledged to have been begun by two Japanese students with the aid of a cooler they named Bob. Several times in each academic year students congregate on a beach near the school to participate in many diverse forms of cultural interaction and international relations in an informal, extracurricular context.
Other favorite pastimes of LPC students include frequenting the Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai entertainment districts, the harbourfront and Chungking Mansions, and various establishments in Tsim Sha Tsui with colorful names such as "Bonkers" and "Ned Kelly's."
List of principals
Dr. David Wilkinson (1992-1996)
Mr. Blair Forster (1996- 2003)
Dr. John Green (Acting principal; 2003-April 2004)
Dr. Stephen Codrington (May 2004-)
External links
- Official Website of Li Po Chun United World College (http://www.lpcuwc.uwc.org/)
- Official Website of the United World Colleges (http://www.uwc.org)