What makes a Wellington College China education unique?

Wellington College China is a family of six international and bilingual schools. It is a diverse and multicultural family, with pupils from over 40 different nations and territories. All of the schools have a strong commitment to internationalism and a shared vision to share the best pedagogy and practice from the East and West. This philosophy not only helps pupils develop a global perspective but also fosters a sense of tolerance and respect for other cultures. As the world grows closer, it is essential for pupils to develop an understanding and appreciation of other cultures. This is achieved through the schools’ curriculums, holistic approach to education and commitment to the communities they serve.

Wellington College China offers a unique curriculum that combines the best of British and Chinese education. The schools draw on the UK National Curriculum, which is widely recognised as one of the best in the world. However, it is also adapted to meet the needs of Chinese pupils, with a strong emphasis on Chinese language, culture and identity. 

 

 

 

One of the key features of the curriculum is its focus on independent learning. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and develop the skills and habits necessary for lifelong success. This includes critical thinking, problem-solving, metacognition and self-reflection. As well as having this strong foundation, the curriculum is constantly developing and is never static. The more the curriculum is taught, the more it is understood, and this leads to adaptations and changes that evolve with current global perspectives and sustainability initiatives. In particular, the problem-based learning approach sees pupils as active agents who help to shape the world of the future. Projects involve pupils partnering with local sustainability companies in China to address common challenges that face humanity.

Wellington College China also places a strong emphasis on character education and pupil wellbeing. Developing pupils' character is just as important as developing their academic abilities. To achieve this, pupils take part in the Positive Education Enhanced Curriculum that focuses on developing pupils' empathy, resilience and leadership skills. Teachers firmly believe that happiness and wellbeing fuel success, not the other way around. When we are positive, we are more motivated, engaged, resilient and productive. Emotional and social support are also enhanced through the comprehensive pastoral care programme, which includes counselling, mentoring, and coaching programmes for pupils, teachers and parents.

One of the most significant differences between Wellington College China and other educational institutions is its commitment to holistic education. Wellington College believes that education is not just about academic achievement but also about developing pupils' physical, emotional and social wellbeing. This is reflected in the group's vision statements and its values which emphasise the importance of developing pupils' character. The Wellington Values of Kindness, Respect, Integrity, Courage and Responsibility are woven into the fabric of the curriculum. They are also lived through what we call the ‘hidden’ curriculum — in other words: the way children learn how to treat others and how they are expected to behave.

As well as an emphasis on values, Wellington College China offers a wide range of co-curricular activities that are designed to enrich pupils' holistic learning experiences. These activities include sports, music, drama and community service, among others. Pupils are encouraged to participate in these activities, which not only help them develop new skills but also foster a sense of community and belonging. Pupils are engaged in a wide range of service projects that benefit local communities and groups. One notable example is the service work that pupils do to support Educating Girls in Rural China.

Another unique aspect is the commitment to innovation and technology. Wellington College China schools recognise that technology is an essential part of modern education and has invested heavily in the latest teaching methods and tools. This includes the use of interactive whiteboards, digital textbooks and online learning platforms, among others. By incorporating technology into the classroom, pupils are provided with a more engaging and interactive learning experience.

The benefits of Wellington’s unique holistic education provision ultimately bear out in our academic outcomes. Our pupils consistently score above the global average on the IGCSE, IB and A-level exams. And every year, our graduates go on to attend top-ranked universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, UCL, Imperial College London, Caltech, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Schools play a significant role in developing a sense of belonging and connection to the communities they serve. One of the most significant aspects of Wellington College China is the emphasis on community, with pupils, teachers and parents working together to create a supportive and nurturing environment. Being part of a family of schools creates an even wider community for parents, staff and children. Wellington College China inter-school competitions, for instance, bring together pupils from all Wellington and Hiba schools in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Tianjin and Nantong. The games showcase the talent and dedication of our pupils while fostering a spirit of healthy competition and sportsmanship.