In case you missed it: October 2023
TaPS in Hong Kong
At the beginning of the month, our IB theatre pupils went to Hong Kong TaPS, the Theatre and Performance Symposium. This was an opportunity for our budding thespians to hone their craft with seasoned theatre professionals. They challenged themselves with a three-day series of intensive workshops in which they learned about staging play texts, explored world theatre traditions, dove into theatre theory and so much more.
Shanghai Masters
The 2023 Shanghai Masters tennis tournament was in town early in the month, bringing with it with it some world-famous tennis players. Following the tournament, there was a special meet-and-greet event with the one and only Roger Federer. Several Wellington athletes had the opportunity to attend. It was a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience for our pupils to witness his tennis skills, get a photo with the tennis legend and even get a few tips they can use on the court.
Arts Festival
The Wellington Arts Festival was back in full swing this year, and this time, we shared in the celebrations with our sister schools throughout the Wellington College China group. This was an enriching eight-day exploration of music, dance, drama and the visual arts. The festival kicked off on Friday 13 October when a select group of nearly 200 of Wellington College China’s most talented artists came to Shanghai for three days of ‘Elite Pods’. It was an opportunity for our artists and performers to learn from experienced professionals in their respective fields, showcase their talents and collaborate with their peers. On the following Monday, the rest of the College took part in the festivities with an action-packed schedule of artistic activities. Pupils were treated to daily live jazz performances in the Promenade while they painted terracotta warriors, learned to throw pottery and screen-printed their very own commemorative tote bags. Painters and illustrators put their talents to the test in an hour-long art competition. The week finally culminated in a flash mob performance of the song ‘Time Warp’ from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Spellington Bee
Our second annual Spellington Bee once again showcased the linguistic prowess of our Prep School pupils. Contestants were faced with some challenging words and each child made an impressive showing in a very spirited competition. In Pre-Prep, Lynedoch racked up the most points. Hardinge won the day for Lower Prep, and in Upper Prep, Wellesley prevailed. Nevertheless, the competition for the coveted House Cup remains firmly in play.
UN Day and IFF
Coming together over the cuisines
that make up our community
On 24 October, pupils, parents and teachers came together to celebrate the diversity of our community once again with the annual United Nations Day and International Food Festival. The day was a chance for our community members to celebrate both what makes us unique as well as what we have in common. The festivities commenced on the sports field with our United Nations parade. Wellingtonians represented their home countries in a procession on the track as they waved the flags of more than 45 nations and territories. After the parade, we all quickly moved into the Dome, where pupils had the chance to sample a vast spread of signature snacks, drinks and other delicacies from all over the world.
Senior School Sports Day
Our Senior School pupils went faster, higher and stronger this month. Senior School Sports Day saw Wellingtonians put their skills, strength, stamina and endurance to the test on the sports field with events like track and field, spinning, rowing, planking and more. Winners were then treated to a special lunch. House Combermere won the day.
Model United Nations
A delegation of budding diplomats represented Wellington at Model United Nations this month at Shanghai American School. Pupils showcased deep insight into geopolitical issues as they applied their communication, collaboration and negotiation skills. The event not only nurtured public speaking and critical thinking skills but also imparted a deeper understanding of international relations, teaching participants the importance of being a globally-minded citizen of the world.