Wellington’s Bridge between the East and the West

Furthering the partnership between Wellington here in Shanghai and the original College back in UK, Dr. Julian Thomas, Master-designate of Wellington College in the UK, recently spent a week, getting to know the staff and pupils both in Tianjin and Shanghai.  Dr. Thomas spoke very highly of all that has been achieved since the College opened in August, and expressed his excitement at the benefits that will surely come with a deeper relationship between the Colleges.

Emphasising the partnership between both schools, Ms Eleanor Prescott, Head of the Senior School at Wellington College in Shanghai, who was formerly a teacher and Housemistress at Wellington College in the UK, placed a huge importance on the strong ties within the Wellington family.  Under her leadership an exciting student exchange programme has been established.  Currently, Shanghai is hosting two visiting pupils, one from Wellington College in Berkshire and one from Eagle House, the Prep School to Wellington.  The exchange programme encourages pupils to reflect on Wellington’s five core values through exploring outside their comfort zones, inspiring self-sufficiency and challenging preconceptions of an unfamiliar culture.

An internship programme has also been running since the school’s conception.  Bringing over to Shanghai students who have just left Wellington in the UK and integrating them into the classroom and activities provides pupils with active role models, while interns benefit from both cultural and professional experiences whilst developing skills and understanding which will inevitably be part of their future careers.