Virtual visits from Bell Shakespeare and Julian Sedgwick

Sean Dooley

Head of Prep English

As we’ve all discovered during the past few months, having no access to school is not the same as having no access to learning. This term, pupils and teachers have been giving it their all to make this strange and challenging part of their learning journey successful while also having as much fun as possible. In that spirit, last week the Upper Prep and Senior Schools have been delighted to welcome back some very exciting external speakers whom they have worked with before. [wellington_wistia]gyqwbjr9an[/wellington_wistia]

An interview with Julian Sedgwick during his Michaelmas term visit to Wellington

Carnegie shortlisted novelist Julian Sedgwick has been sharing some excellent sessions online with years 6-9. Julian is already well known to our Upper Prep pupils following his successful first visit to Wellington last November. Given that he couldn’t be here in person, this time Julian has been presenting via Zoom. During his workshops, he has been sharing his journey as a writer, discussing with pupils how the first chapter of his novelGhosts of Shanghai went through 20 different edits before reaching the finished version. He has also led workshops on haiku and character development, as well as leading some non-fiction workshops with our pupils in year 9.

Wellington's 2019 inaugural Shakespeare festival

Sadly, due to the ongoing situation, we had to take the difficult decision to cancel this year’s planned Shakespeare festival which was set to build on the great success of last year’s inaugural week of workshops and drama activities. Undeterred, however, we invited back the always dynamic and inspiring Bell Shakespeare Company from Australia, whose energy has been just as infectious over Zoom as it is in person. During this week, the group has taken our pupils in years 9 and 10 through different aspects of actively performing Shakespeare’s works. I think it’s safe to say that pupils were delighted with the change of pace and different style of learning enabled by our virtual visitors. We are extremely pleased with the success of the workshops last week and are hugely grateful to both Julian Sedgwick and the Bell Shakespeare Company for their sterling efforts. We look forward to a time when we will be able to enjoy the physical versions of their workshops back in the College itself!   More relevant articles : We are Wellington [Online] | Modern wizardry We are Wellington [Online] | E-learning in the art room We are Wellington [Online] | Learning wherever we are Maintaining mindfulness and wellbeing     Although our campus is physically closed – you can still take a look round via our new virtual tours. Our admissions team is readily available to answer any questions you might have and to guide you through the application process.  Please do get in touch. admissions.shanghai@wellingtoncollege.cn