OW Society

an introduction

Welcome to the 2020/2021 Yearbook. As we move forward from the uncertainties and complications of the last 18 months, perhaps at times with diffident steps, I hope that you and your families are keeping safe and well. Last year, I suggested that it was unlikely that anyone would be left untouched by the pandemic. Twelve months on, regrettably, that has become a truism.

Mark Milliken-Smith (Bd 81) Governor and Chairman of the OW Executive committee Many have suffered, and continue to suffer, enormously: countless loved ones lost, and many enduring long term physical debilities. The tendrils impact far beyond the physical: the many deprivations – whether social, financial educational, or others – have had, and will have, a huge impact on the wellbeing of a very significant proportion of our communities, many perhaps without even recognising it. Our societal norms are being permanently redrawn. And yet, globally, we are the comparatively lucky ones.

And what is clearest is the justifiable concern for the younger generations: those in education, particularly secondary and tertiary, those embarking on, or are early in, their working lives, those without work.

Which is why I celebrate the positivity, selflessness and optimism which those very generations embody. The House Reports in this volume repeatedly demonstrate both natural leadership and inclusivity from the prefect groups, and, in every school setting, a “get on and do” resilience, with a simple understanding of mutual support. The necessity for student “bubbles” has highlighted the personal and collective importance of Houses, of year

We have been inspired by, among many others, OW entrepreneurs supporting young people from less socially mobile backgrounds to identify and fulfil their potential, and by OWs leading all-women philanthropic groups at university.

groups, of classes, and of the special importance of all school community events. Those who follow College’s social media will have in May seen the power of the Wellington Community spirit in support of Pictonian David Lofthouse’s courageous and truly brilliant Kingsley walk in support of the Cerebral Palsy Trust.

And the achievements of the A level and GCSE level students, both last year and this, reflect extraordinarily on their character, resilience and endeavour which reflect not just upon them, but upon the extraordinary adaptability, commitment and sheer hard work of an outstanding Common Room. To have to turn, repeatedly and almost on a sixpence, between online and live learning requires almost double the work. The planning and preparation for every eventuality has enabled as seamless an education as could have been provided, and my congratulations don’t do justice to the strategic planning of the leadership teams and of the dedication of each member of staff.

And that is but a part, behind the scenes are the truly remarkable College staff. From technology to catering, from in-house to the Works Department, and many others, all have worked tirelessly to ensure that the school has been prepared at every opportunity for the vagaries thrown at it.

Those same forward looking and inclusive qualities are exemplified in manifold ways across the OW and its wider community. Embracing technology, Life Beyond Wellington has united OWs in their support for their communities. We have been inspired by, among many others, OW entrepreneurs supporting young people from less socially mobile backgrounds to identify and fulfil their potential, and by OWs leading all-women philanthropic groups at university.

During College’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Festival, OWs spoke candidly, insightfully, and movingly about their struggles with mental health and about their coping strategies, parents held workshops on personal resilience, and OWs discussed the interface of wellbeing and a fulfilling career.

The Common Room Chats from the 1960s to the 1990s brought teaching staff and OWs together for happy reminiscences. Tales from the Archives went back further still for many others. The incredible generosity across the Wellington Community during Welly Giving Week supporting the Prince Albert Foundation, a central plank of the College Community’s commitment to widening opportunity, was uplifting.

The whole College Community has used the opportunity provided by COVID to reflect upon, discuss and address where it falls short on issues of equality, diversity and inclusion. Current students and young OWs have rightly taken a strong lead. Indeed, several such OWs, with lived experience in this space, have formed an ED&I group to confidentially listen to issues which may arise in the university and working environments. The Board of Governors now rightly possesses a Committee specifically dedicated to Social Responsibility and Community.

I am hugely grateful to all those who give up their time and so much more to help all those within our wider Community. And as Autumn approaches, with a sense of cautious optimism in the air, I have no doubt that all of you will continue to take this spirit, enthusiasm and strength into your own communities, however big or small or wherever they may be. Let that be perhaps but one positive legacy which this last 18 months leaves behind.