The Week Ahead 15 December 2016

Dear Parents,

It was a delight to see the Seldon Theatre so packed for this week’s Spirit of Christmas Concert and so captivated by the superb performances of our richly talented and accomplished musicians.  Our students performed an impressive programme of seasonal and festive favourites across both classical and modern musical genres. The powerful resonance of our stage-filling orchestra was balanced by ethereal melodies from sweet-sounding choirs, whilst numbers of our excellent instrumentalists demonstrated virtuoso proficiency. The performance was also very inclusive, with three-figure involvement and participation of pupils and staff. Coming as it did hard on the heels of a great Junior School concert on Friday, and the most successful Nest ‘Wriggly Nativity’ the day before, it has been a terrific week for College events. 

Early next term we have mock examinations for public examination classes. All senior school students have received holiday work guidance and revision advice, may we ask for your support with this and that you discuss your child’s routines at the beginning of the holiday.  Early next term there will also be Junior and Senior School parent evenings including IGCSE option choices, A Level option choices, and school development plans, with further details to follow.

In the meantime, we do hope everyone has an excellent holiday break. On behalf of my colleagues we send all our Wellington families warmest Season’s Greetings and every good wish for a happy and successful New Year.

With best wishes to all our Wellington families.  

Michael Higgins,
Master

In Praise of Lifelong Learning
 
It is not often that I have the chance to write about our teachers in this column; the focus is rightly on our children and the ways in which they have access to the finest educational opportunities. However, none of the wonderful things our pupils have achieved this term would have been possible without the expertise and encouragement of my colleagues on the teaching staff.
 
I have been meeting with large numbers of the parent body over the past three weeks, and one consistent message has been clear – the staff here at Wellington is recognized for its remarkable dedication and commitment to providing the most stimulating learning environment for all our children. Wellington’s ethos and values are shared by the staff – teachers and non-academic colleagues alike – and it is through such a strong bond with the school’s aims and vision that we are able to recruit and retain such excellent staff. The school seeks to nurture the professional and personal development of its teachers through a comprehensive programme of training. We support teachers through specialist courses, designed to enhance their pedagogy; new and exciting opportunities as inspectors and assessors;