Summer Camp: An enriching experience at Wellington College UK

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This summer, pupils of Wellington and Huili schools from China and Thailand gathered at Wellington College UK for an enriching and unforgettable camp experience led by College staff and with the support of current College pupil volunteers. In this two-week programme, pupils from Wellington College schools in China and Thailand had the opportunity to strengthen their connection to the Wellington Global Family as they made new friends from different schools, cultures and nations and enjoyed the real boarding, and learning experience of a College Wellingtonian in the iconic Wellington College campus Crowthorne, England. Together, they enjoyed an action-packed daily schedule that blended academic learning with team-building activities and cultural exploration.

Exploring

New academic frontiers

The pupils expanded their horizons with enriching bite-sized lessons in physics, chemistry, geography, history, English literature and language and IT. For example, being in England, it only seemed appropriate to explore the works of Shakespeare. Given the season, A Midsummer Night’s Dream seemed the obvious choice. The pupils engaged in close readings of the text and put on excerpted performances of the classic. 

“I wanted [the pupils] to understand that Shakespeare is a really fun playwright…. Not just somebody that you have to write exam answers on,” said Tim Head, Teacher of English at Wellington College UK.

Learning to

lead, cooperate and collaborate

Through the Global Social Leadership (GSL) programme, this year’s campers had the chance to develop essential soft skills. They took part in a variety of activities that helped them gain the confidence to speak publicly and express themselves clearly. In one exercise, the pupils worked together in teams to see who could build the tallest tower using dried spaghetti, tape and string. And then they had to balance a marshmallow at the top of their structure. In so doing, the children put essential life skills like leadership, collaboration and communication into practice. In another session, the pupils engaged in self-inquiry, learning to think clearly about their own personality traits, their strengths and where they can improve and cultivating a positive attitude. 

After all, “Attitude,” said course director Juliette Noske, “is something that is free, and it is available to anyone and everyone, no matter what background you come from.”

Pupils from Wellington and Huili schools learned valuable skills through a variety of enjoyable summer activities. They learned teamwork through sports like basketball and football, and self-reliance through solo sports like real tennis, badminton and table tennis. The indoor climbing wall and outdoor low ropes course taught them to overcome fears and practise resilience and teamwork. They tapped into their creative side in a pottery painting session and got to take home their own personalised mug or plate.

Summer

Camp

The College staff and pupil volunteers took international visitors on exciting trips to Lazer Quest and an indoor ice rink. The group also had a fun evening competing at the Hollywood ten-pin bowling alley.

One of the highlights of the programme was the visit to the Horseshoe Lake Raft Building Centre. Pupils were challenged to build an improvised raft to transport their team across the lake. This activity aimed to improve personal and interpersonal skills, boost confidence, strengthen group bonds and develop trust in others.

During their free time, pupils relaxed in the boarding houses and around campus with various activities such as board game tournaments in the College Library, movie nights with pizza and popcorn in the houses and a competitive quiz night in the Monro Pavillion.

Connecting with

British culture and each other

Another key objective of this year’s summer camp was simply to underscore that Wellingtonians are connectors. They connected with each other not only by engaging in activities together but through the shared experience of a traditional British boarding school, the kind of environment in which lifelong friendships are often forged. 

“We encouraged them to fulfil the Wellington Values as well,” said David Wilson, Wellington College’s International Academic Director. “We emphasised Kindness because a lot of these students are living in boarding houses away from home for the first time…. and also Courage through trying things that they have not tried before, pushing themselves outside their comfort zone.”

Moreover, they had the chance to connect with Britain. Day excursions to London, Bath and Oxford offered pupils the opportunity to experience the country’s rich culture and fascinating history. 

Day Excersions

They visited Bath to take an open-top bus tour of the city’s historic sites and view the city’s stunning Georgian architecture. They also paid a visit to the city’s namesake baths, which date back to the Roman Empire.

Another excursion took the pupils to Oxford, a city famed for its architecture and scholars for over eight centuries. They enjoyed a quintessentially ‘Oxford’ experience by punting with their friends on the river Cherwell.

There were adventures at Hampton Court Palace to learn of the public dramas and private lives of Henry VIII in the world of the Tudor court and a visit to explore the corridors and gardens of Windsor Castle the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.

The pupils also took a trip to London, the nation’s capital, where they visited the Natural History Museum to travel through 4.6 billion years of our planet's history and learn how to help protect its future. On to Buckingham Palace, recognised around the world as the home of the British monarch, and the focus of national and royal celebrations over hundreds of years. At the day’s end, they took a ride on the iconic London Eye to enjoy spectacular skyline views.

LONDON

When the camp concluded after two weeks, it was clear that seeds were planted that will grow into qualities vital for today's global citizens — a spirit of social responsibility, cultural sensitivity, resilience and a lifelong love of learning. And they returned home energised and primed for success in the coming academic year.  As the College staff and pupils waved the international pupils off on their long journeys home, they began planning straight away for an even bigger and better Wellington College Summer School 2024.

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