Congratulations to our 2024 Leavers!

Speech Day 2024
“We wish you well on your way but remember
this is your school and always will be”

This year’s cohort has made us proud with offers from some of the world’s finest universities: Oxford, Cambridge, University College London, Imperial College London, University of Toronto, Vassar College, University of the Arts London and more! We are also confident that their IB scores will be nothing short of impressive.

The commencements began with Cyndrik giving a moving performance of Robert Schumann’s ‘Träumerei, Kindersenszen Op. 15 No. 7’  on the piano.  Martin O’Brien, our Head of Sixth Form, took to the podium and reflected on the challenges this impressive cohort faced, remarking:  

“And now as you sit here today, you should hopefully be able to recognise that the resilience you've got from that, the experiences you've had, you're now going to go out into the world and do yourselves and us really proud. As you move forward into the next chapter of your life, I want you to remember this. Wellington College will always be your home. You'll always be a part of our community.” 

Leaver Sophie shared her insights about the prospect of stepping out into the unknown with a speech titled ‘Finding Certainty from Uncertainty’. She offered some practical and comforting advice:  

“How did we find certainty from absolute uncertainty? We found it in our relationships, the support from our teachers, gossips, and the little moments that make us smile. We found certainty in the late-night revision sessions, shared laughs and even those collective groans through tough exams.” 

Aaliyaa followed her remarks with a belting rendition of Charlie Smalls’ ‘Home’, a meditation on one’s past achievements and the impact we have on those around us. Alice then took to the podium to share ‘An Encapsulation of Memories’: 

“I know many of you can understand how quickly changes occur from being at an international school like this, where gaining and losing friendships becomes inevitable. However, throughout the losses and the pressures that studying the IB has brought us, I'm grateful and proud to be able to say that we've experienced this all together, and it'll be difficult to grasp at the familiar comfort of having both teachers and friends just a classroom away.” 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel and Shuming approached the podium to crack wise about this year’s class of Leavers: 

“So I do want to say a few special words about Wellington's graduating class of 2024. Right in front of you. Versatile, tenacious, innovative, intelligent, hardworking... Sorry… shoot…  Sorry… That was my speech about last year's graduating class. But hey, we're not that bad either.” 

Our Sixth Form Ensemble then took to the stage to perform ‘History’ by One Direction before our outgoing Pupil Leadership Team offered some final parting words.  

Niklas, our Co-Deputy Head of College, used high-concept mathematics to express his gratitude for his peers: “The butterfly effect is a concept in chaos theory that suggests that small changes can influence greater things and lead to widespread consequences. For example, the flap of a butterfly's wing in one part of the world could push air molecules in such a way, causing a tornado in a completely different part of the world. But you guys aren't just the flap of a butterfly's wings. You guys are the severe thunderstorms and wind shear that certainly caused that tornado. What I'm trying to say, albeit in a very nerdy way, is you guys have all had a massive impact on me.” 

Nathan, our other Co-Deputy Head of College used Speech Day as a teachable moment for next year’s sixth formers: “As we biology students might hopefully still remember from the exam two weeks ago, amino acids are organic, and one forgotten bottle of the amino acid that I left there unwashed, rotted, and that stank the entire room. Dear year 11 and year 12, I don't know where you are today, but if you still remember that one afternoon when the fume cupboards smelled funny, I confess that it was all my fault.” 

Finally, Tracy, our Head of College evoked the imagery of her time here as a performer and an academic to convey the rhythms of life.  “There's a rhythm for things to move as designed. Whether it is learning lessons from musicals, my everyday lesson in IB, English particularly, or practising dance during after-school sessions…I find my own pace here. The rhythm in my life is just like a piece of performance, seeking to feel the highs and lows, the tempo shifts, the emotions expressed by the singers.”  

Congratulations to Wellington’s Class of 2024!  

This milestone is just the first step on an exciting journey ahead. Equipped with the knowledge, skills and values from your time here, we do not doubt that you will all forge incredible paths. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with the same passion, integrity and determination that defined your Wellington experience. Never stop being learners, connectors and changemakers. 

If you would like to see more photos of our Class of 2024 and newest Old Wellingtonians, please scroll down and click 'read more'. 

For questions, please contact admissions:

+(86-21) 5185-3885
+(86-21) 5185-3864

admissions.shanghai@wellingtoncollege.cn