Wellington Shanghai's Two Perfect 45 IB Graduates Share Wisdom

Selina spent eight years at Wellington, excelling in both science and the humanities. She will study English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford in the fall. Her Extended Essay analyzed "Morality in The Lord of the Rings"—a theme she aims to expand on at university.

Selina Yeung, Class of 2025

Both Selina and Felicity chose personally meaningful projects for their CAS (Creativity Action Service) projects. 

Felicity created wellbeing kits for left-behind children in Guizhou as well helping to set up a sanitary products provision at school that sourced from sustainable brands.

Selina ran a workshop where pupil volunteers from Wellington could get to know younger pupils at a school for special needs through arts and crafts.

"Felicity's IB achievement is extraordinary, but even more impressive is her character—humble hard working and endlessly curious. She is a role model to aspiring scientists," says Dr Charles Debieux, Head of Secondary School.

"Selina has always had a thirst for knowledge and an inquisitive nature. With guidance from her teachers, Selina has successfully embodied the qualities of an IB pupil and her ability to rise to the occasion during challenging circumstances will serve her well in the future. We could not be prouder," says Martin O'Brien, Head of Sixth Form.

No IB journey is easy; both Selina and Felicity met - and overcame - many challenges along the way.

"My best work was always fuelled by the intrinsic motivation to someday become a scientist," says Felicity. "I constantly reminded myself of that goal – whether by reading and learning about Biology or simply putting up positive notes in my room."

Selina shares: “I used to be too proud to admit I didn’t understand something, but I realized that it’s much better to look like I don’t know what I’m doing in front of a teacher than being confused by myself. IB taught me to be proactive, especially when asking for help."

No 45 is achieved in a vacuum. Both Felicity and Selina benefitted from excellent support systems in and out of school. 

"My achievement would also not have been possible without the support given to me by my teachers, the HEC [Higher Education and Careers] team, the school’s science facilities, and a library with an excellent curation of books and digital magazines for research," says Felicity.

"My teachers were incredible—they supported me even when I doubted myself, and I knew I could always count on them to listen," says Selina. "I’m also grateful for the emotional support from my peers, who were there whenever we needed a quick chat break during intense study sessions."

Advice for pupils gearing up for the IB?

"Find the revision method that works best for you early on, and don’t beat yourself up if you procrastinate sometimes," advises Felicity.

Selina shares: "Plan your time accordingly; do a little of bit of everything every day over a long period of time. Do not leave your EE until Year 13."

But of course IB is just one stage in a bigger journey.

"Never lose sight of the dreams and aspirations behind what you’re doing, and don’t let external influences steer your path or decisions," says Felicity.

"No matter where I go, being able to work well with others will be a priceless skill," says Selina.

Wise words from two outstanding Wellingtonians with bright futures ahead!