At Wellington College International Hangzhou, we aspire to create a caring, international community that develops well-rounded individuals with strong values and the skills and identity to thrive within an ever-changing world. In fact, this is our vision statement. Community is at the centre of all we do at Wellington, one of the best International schools in Hangzhou and we continuously strive to work together with our parents, staff and pupils to develop that strong sense of community that makes international schools unique. In this series of ‘We Are Wellington’ articles, we aim to tell the stories of those families and highlight the special contributions they make to our community.

This article in the ’We are Wellington’ series is from the mother of Coco (Year 4) and Kiki (Year 1), Ms. Yanli (Sunny) Sun. The family moved back to China from America 4 years ago, that was also when Coco joined Wellington College International Hangzhou. Kiki followed the steps of her sister, starting her education at Huili Nursery before transitioning to Wellington College International Hangzhou in Year 1.

A love of learning approach 

for studying

Coco was born in America and started her study there. After we moved back to China, she joined Huili School during its founding year, and then transitioned into Year 3 at Wellington. The teaching in Wellington is differentiated by the expert teachers. Through a holistic approach, every pupil is cultivated with life-skills to thrive at university and beyond. Teachers are always keeping timely communication with parents, and we all aim for the same goal, which is to generate a love of learning to set up for success on this formative stage. 

The class teachers for Coco are very knowledgeable and professional, especially Ms. Gallacher, her classroom teacher, and Ms. Li, her Chinese teacher. Coco’s English has improved a lot with the help and encouragement of Ms. Gallacher. She can even prepare a presentation by herself for a theme assigned by her teacher, which greatly helped her to become an independent individual. After studying Chinese with the guidance of Ms Li, Coco loves Chinese from bottom of her heart. She understands and is interested to know the Chinese history and poems. 

A holistic education environment

The curriculum at Wellington College International Hangzhou is rigorous and stretching. It has been designed to meet the needs of each individual. Coco quite enjoys the environment and style of Wellington. She is an outgoing girl, and curious about everything she experiences in life and school. The classroom teaching is enquiry-based. Coco is guided to think critically, solve problems in a team, question the world around her, and be creative in her approach to learning. 

Coco has developed a wide range of interests during her school life. She was part of a drama production in Huili during her first year, attended the Lighting Ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Hangzhou, and Naked Stables Moganshan, where she performed and showcased her learning and talents, and at the same time, built her confidence and interpersonal skills. Coco loves skiing, piano and art. She attended the 2020 Shanghai Family Art & Writing competition and won the award in the “Eco Future” category. 

The curriculum at Wellington College International Hangzhou is rigorous and stretching. It has been designed to meet the needs of each individual. Coco quite enjoys the environment and style of Wellington. She is an outgoing girl, and curious about everything she experiences in life and school. The classroom teaching is enquiry-based. Coco is guided to think critically, solve problems in a team, question the world around her, and be creative in her approach to learning. 

Kiki has made great improvements since transitioning to Year 1. She can even write a small article. Her classroom teacher, Ms. Harrell, cares about the smallest changes Kiki has made each day and encourages her to be better. Kiki’s school life is enriching and enjoyable. She is good at violin, Chinese painting and loves skiing. The aim of the Wellington education is to allow pupils to develop themselves fully in every sense, knowing that interested children become interesting adults. I hope Coco and Kiki take these interests as lifelong skills, feel the happiness and achievements they can bring to them.

At Wellington College International Hangzhou, pupils develop their personal, cognitive, social and study skills to enable them to cope with the challenges of university and beyond. It is a vibrant, warm and welcoming place. Both Coco and Kiki have grown rapidly in the school. I believe with the real, deep and effective partnership with Wellington College in England, and the flourishing links with the Wellington College family, my two girls will act and embrace Courage, Respect, Kindness, Responsibility and Integrity, the Wellington values. It will help to shape their personality, also a breadth of educational experience and an academic depth that prepares them to move upwards. 

Applications are now being welcomed for the 2021-22 academic year. 

However, if you are moving to Hangzhou prior to the next academic year we are very happy to accommodate your requirements. We can offer you and your family a personalised tour where you will meet the Master and experience our excellent teaching and learning. Please contact admissions team via (+86-571) 8239 6366 or admissions.wcih@wellingtoncollege.cn for more information.