In case you missed it: October 2024
Drawn battle lines with VEX Robotics
We are thrilled to share the resounding success of the recent VEX V5 and VEX IQ robotics event held on the 25 of October. This celebration of ingenuity, teamwork, and technological prowess captured the true spirit of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education at Wellington, confirming our commitment to nurturing young minds for the challenges of tomorrow. One of the standout features of the event was the Robot Skills Challenges, where pupils had the opportunity to demonstrate the autonomous capabilities of their robots. Moreover, participants shone brightly in the Programming Skills Test, where they showcased their coding prowess by programming robots to execute precise tasks. Stay tuned for more exciting events and updates from Wellington College’s thriving Robotics community!
United Nations Day and the International Food Festival
For the 10th year in a row, our pupils, parents, and teachers came together once again to celebrate the diversity that makes our community so vibrant and special. The festivities kicked off with our annual United Nations Day and International Food Festival. The sports field was alive with energy as our pupils proudly represented their home countries, waving the flags of over 45 nations and territories in a lively parade. After the parade, everyone made their way to the Dome, where they were treated to an incredible array of signature dishes, drinks and delicacies from around the world. From spicy curries to sweet pastries. This yearly tradition is all the more meaningful as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. Here's to the next 10 years of Building a Global Community!
Our inaugural Wellbeing Festival
At the end of the month, we launched our inaugural Wellbeing Festival. For four days, our pupils and community members took part in workshops, talks and a host of other activities guided by themes, like Be Active, Be Learners, Be Connectors, Be Mindful and Be Changemakers. We explored topics like conflict management, healthy social media use, building resilience and self-confidence and so much more. This unwavering commitment to pupil wellbeing has long been a defining feature of the Wellington DNA. Its roots trace back to Wellington College in the UK, which in 2006 became the first school of its kind to enshrine pupil wellbeing in its mission, earning it the nickname ‘Wellbeington’.
Wellington Lions Y League football opener
The Wellington Lions U10 and U8 teams kicked off the Y League season with positive results, winning 6-2 and drawing 1-1 respectively in their first competitive matches, showcasing quality performances from our young footballers competing against other schools and academies across Shanghai every week as part of the Wellington Extra programme.
U7, 9, 11 football tournament
We hosted around 400 people for a U9 & U11 football festival. Schools travelled from as far as Suzhou for a Saturday morning of football fun. The games were played in an excellent spirit and the wet weather didn't dampen the enjoyment of players and coaches. Our Wellington Lions U11 team finished 1st to retain the trophy. Our U9 team finished a respectable 5th in their first-ever football tournament. Well done!
House happenings: From sports to spelling
Our Secondary School was abuzz with all kinds of house happenings in October. House football and the Secondary Sports Day were held on the same day, with pupils putting their physical skills to the test and racking up points for their houses. Lynedoch emerged victorious in the House football competition, narrowly beating Combermere and Hill. Hill House reigned supreme for Sports Day, narrowly beating Combermere and Orange. The atmosphere was electric as the school community gathered to witness the relays and 100-metre finals. Additionally, our annual Spellington Bee saw Sonia from Year 7 set a new school record by correctly spelling 15 words in one minute for Combermere. As the battle for the House Cup continues, October has set a high benchmark for sportsmanship, teamwork, skill and enthusiasm across all houses!
Wellington music teachers’ recital
Teachers from our Music department treated pupils to a diverse showcase recital featuring a range of musical styles from classical compositions to jazz, musical theatre numbers and funky rhythms. Providing these kinds of engaging performances is an effective way to encourage children's appreciation for music and perhaps even pick up an instrument and learn how to play.
British Chamber - Great British Sports Day
Wellington was proudly represented by a group of highly talented teacher-athletes at Britcham’s annual Great British Sports Day. All matches were played in good spirits with a competitive edge. Our football teams made it as far as the quarter-finals, and our badminton players placed 2nd out of 22 teams. Well done, Wellington staff lions!
Shanghai Swim League Meet
Wellington College International Shanghai hosted its second Shanghai Swim League meet, accommodating over 500 pupil athletes and two hundred parents from across the Shanghai international schools community. During the event we saw Wellington's own Tiffany and Summer place 1st and 2nd in the Girls 13-14 200m Backstroke, and with our combined team scores, placing Wellington 4th overall! This is a triumphant achievement to the Wellington AquaLions who participated and trained for many years and months before Saturday. A huge thank you to the parent Swim Committee, the swim team, officials, coach Miguel and support staff who made this event one to remember.
The Swimming World Cup
Nine Wellington Shanghai swimmers had the experience of a lifetime competing in the Swimming World Cup held 18-20 October at the Oriental Sports Center. The event brought together top swimmers from all over the world including champions from the Paris Olympics, such as Chinese Olympic medallists Pan Zhanle and Tang Qianting as well as French Olympic champion Leon Marchand. Our pupils competed across the disciplines with amazing results - setting eight school records over the three days! We must particularly highlight the accomplishments of two of our swimmers, Shannon T (year 9) and Noe G (year 13). Noe finished first in his heat of the 100 freestyle with a time of 55.09. Shannon reached the finals of both the 200m butterfly and 200m freestyle finishing 6th and 8th respectively, a result which rocketed her into the top 50 in the World Cup ranking for this year.
Sunset Yoga Session
We value the wellbeing of our entire community, which is why more than 30 Wellington staff members came together on the esplanade for a sundown yoga session that stretched the muscles and calmed the mind. Special thanks go to our friendly neighbourhood Lululemon store in the IFC who sponsored the event and offered some excellent lucky draw prizes.
The FOW Founding Family Dinner
This October, we took time to honour those who have been with us since the very beginning, our founding families. The event, held at the elegant HYH Maison restaurant, brought together parents who have been part of the Wellington community for the past decade. Over a delicious dinner, our leadership team thanked these families for their unwavering support and commitment to building Wellington into the incredible global community that it is today. This was just one of several ways we have been celebrating our 10th anniversary. As we mark this important milestone, we are grateful to have been supported by parents who believed in our mission from the very beginning.
Grandparents Day
Early Years and Lower Primary grandparents joined us for a wonderful day of discovery as they shared stories of times past with our pupils and teachers. This was part of our pupils' ongoing Inquiry unit titled 'Who We Are', in which they explored themes related to their families and their communities. As part of the day's activities, children brought snacks that hold a special significance to their families. As they shared the snacks, they shared a family tradition with the class. It was an opportunity to enrich our pupils' understanding and appreciation of the many ways in which families celebrate and connect.
Discovering Chinese musical instruments
Pupils in years 7-9 delved into a fascinating aspect of Chinese culture with a musical instrument workshop at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Ms Hou of the Conservatory led the event and introduced our pupils to a variety of instruments used in making classical Chinese music. She then wowed the audience with a live flute performance. The pupils then had the opportunity to play and experiment with some of the instruments themselves.
A trip to the Bank of China
Year 13 pupils studying economics paid a visit to the Bank of China to see in inner workings of one of the world’s leading financial institutions. The visit included a guided tour of the bank's headquarters, interactive sessions with industry experts and insightful presentations on the latest financial technologies and global market trends. Pupils gained valuable knowledge of banking operations and networked with professionals in the field, making it an enriching and informative experience for everyone involved.
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