With Focus Week, the whole world is a classroom
Phil Burnell
Head of Education Excursions
In early November, our pupils in years 7 through 13 embarked on a variety of educational tours for Focus Week, named for the deep dive pupils go through into academic focus areas. This year, each trip presented a unique opportunity for our pupils to immerse themselves in a new experience across the globe. These transformative initiatives are central to Wellington's commitment to experiential learning, empowering pupils to venture beyond the classroom and cultivate essential real-world skills.
The Chinese and Geography departments teamed up to lead a captivating journey to Guilin and Yangshuo, China. Pupils explored the stunning natural landscapes that have long inspired artists and poets as they learned about the region's majestic karst formations and rivers and how they shape the local culture and traditional practices. Such experiential learning allows our pupils to move beyond textbook knowledge and use critical thinking skills to analyse complex, interconnected systems. By connecting theoretical geographical concepts to these tangible observations, our pupils developed a deeper, more holistic understanding of the intricate relationship between people and their environment.
Our English department took pupils on a fascinating tour of London. They uncovered the historical evolution of scriptwriting and performance, visiting renowned venues like the Globe Theatre and learning from industry professionals. Along the way, they developed their literary analysis skills while cultivating a greater appreciation for the arts. Activities like this matter because by engaging directly with cultural institutions and practitioners, our children learn empathy and how to tap into their creative potential.
Meanwhile, our History department led an eye-opening exploration of Germany and Poland, visiting key sites in Berlin and Krakow that shed light on the momentous events and lasting impacts of the 20th century. From the poignant remnants of the Berlin Wall to the sombre and sobering memorials of the Holocaust, our pupils took a deep dive into the complexities of history and how the past continues to shape the present and the future. Bearing witness to such significant historical legacies fosters a deeper comprehension of global citizenship.
These trips were part of Wellington's Educational Excursions programme, which is a driving force behind our mission to shape tomorrow's globally-minded leaders. We want our pupils to engage with the world with confidence, compassion and curiosity. As such, a truly great education cannot be confined to the four walls of a classroom. There is an entire world out there where our children can learn to grow intellectually, emotionally and socially as well as academically.
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