Systems Transformation Pathway
The Systems Transformation Pathway: Leadership for Just Futures prepares students to grapple with some of the most complex global challenges confronting us: how to feed 8 billion people on a warming planet, how to restore and protect the biodiversity of ecosystems, how to transition away from polluting energy sources quickly and equitably, how to respond to mass displacements and migrations as a result of conflict, climate change and disasters..
Designed in partnership with the International Baccalaureate, this innovative pathway was first piloted at UWC Atlantic in 2023. Our inaugural cohort graduated in 2025, earning early offers from leading universities including Brown, Columbia, and Stanford.
Independent research conducted by our partners at the University of Cambridge highlighted a significant increase in students' confidence and their appreciation of learning.
Building on this strong foundation, the next generation is already following in their footsteps with over 100 students currently enrolled on campus in 2025.
Fundamentally this is an action-oriented and intergenerational course, where students study across four key impact areas: food, biodiversity, energy, and migration. The learning is predominantly classroom-based with a mix of self-directed and collaborative projects.
This course takes the place of 2 Standard Level IB courses and students choosing this pathway graduate with the full IB Diploma and all the benefits of this globally recognised credential.
Our students are the best advocates for how this pathway is transforming education, so listen below to our pioneers as they discuss why they chose to study the Systems Transformation Pathway at UWC Atlantic.
Graduates of this new IB Diploma Pathway will leave UWC Atlantic uniquely empowered. They'll learn how to organise at scale and address systemic challenges, balancing the 'why' of systems thinking and the 'now what' of transformative change, inspired to secure a just future for our people and the planet. This collaboration between the IB and UWC Atlantic is vital in paving the way for the future of the IB Diploma Programme more generally
Find out more about the Systems Transformation Pathway below
Co-Curricular
