Wellington Today Summer 2020

Wellington SPEECH DAY 2020 | SCRUBS GLORIOUS SCRUBS | MENTAL HEALTH DAY

today

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WELLINGTON TODAY SUMMER 2020 EDITION

CONTENTS Speech Day 2020 The Move to Virtual Scrubs Glorious Scrubs 4th Annual Global Politics Conference The Return of Sir Anthony The Wellington Arts Fund Mental Health Day Introducing the New Chaplain The Chaucer Wellington Relays Sevens Silverware at Shiplake International Success #DoitforDavid Sweeney Todd Triumphs I am David - Junior Play Lent Term Music Remote Learning in our International Schools The Path of Duty

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FROM THE EDITOR MMXX ‘Never such innocence again.’

It seems strange sitting here in glorious sunshine - just after Wellington’s first ever virtual Speech Day - to look back to when it all began. 2020 dawned and with it a sense of real promise: a new term, a new year, a new decade. Exciting Oxbridge results, international sporting successes, and the annual Lent Term musical, this year the stunning Sweeney Todd, reminded us all that, as is so often the case at Wellington, anything is possible. But as academic study began to loom larger for those facing the reality of mock exams, so too did worrying news from across the globe as China, and our international schools there, went into lockdown. It couldn’t happen here, could it?

But as February morphed into March, and with it the European spread of the virus, it became quite clear that it would. Preparations for virtual school began in earnest: new software was installed, teachers were briefed, online lessons planned and practised. The penultimate week of term saw two major announcements on Wednesday 18th March: all UK schools were to be closed, all public exams cancelled. By Friday evening every pupil had gone home, by Monday, 23rd March Wellington had gone virtual with all lessons delivered via Microsoft.

The Summer Term has seen Wellingtonians (and their teachers) increasingly confident with remote learning. For the Third, Fourth and Lower Sixth it has been very much business as usual, while the Fifth and Upper Sixth have enjoyed new courses bridging the gap between GCSE and A Levels, IB and undergraduate work. The co-curriculum has continued to flourish, thanks to the prodigious achievement of two Computer Science pupils who set up the WellyHub: dance, drama, music, art, and sport have enabled fitness in both body and mind. Duty and service have remained central, with individual and school-wide examples of both great ingenuity and selfless generosity. Speech Day, while very different this year, has once again acted as a celebration of the way of life that is Wellington.

Wellington today is not quite the same as it was back then, but this Wellington Today seeks to record not just how College adapted to the new normal, but to celebrate the achievements of the school both before and after Covid-19 changed all that we thought we could take for granted. It has been quite a journey, but one that confirms that a Wellington education remains as alive and as vibrant as ever.

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WELLINGTON TODAY SUMMER 2020 EDITION

Speech Day 2020 Although the Big Top (seating 4,000) was replaced by thousands of individual screens, Speech Day still delivered its customary mix of style, sparkle and sheer entertainment.

As the strains of the school song (taken from the 2012 Albert Hall recording) beamed across the ether, it was clear that Speech Day this year was going to be a celebration not only of this academic year but also just what it is that defines a Wellington education.

Our Heads of College, Issie Thorneycroft and Charlie Bradbury introduced proceedings and what followed was a beguiling mix of the old and the new. The much anticipated Master’s Entrance Video was there of course, featuring Sheriff James Dahl riding into College to impose new standards of law and order, as was the formal welcome from the Duke of Kent in what was to be his 50th Speech Day as President. Despite the seeming limitations of the virtual medium we enjoyed stunning performances from the College Choir, the Wellington Dance Company with an inventively choreographed Chandelier, and the orchestra (with no fewer than 60 players on screen simultaneously) showed not only great musicality but also stunning cohesion. The Wellingtones, as breathtaking as ever, put their unique mark on You are the Reason, while the Global Citizenship video tugged at the heartstrings as it confirmed the vital work of the Wellington outreach programme and its commitment to social responsibility.

Prize-winners were recognized, their achievements broadcast against backdrops of College Art and Sport, the musical accompaniment true proof of the range and professionalism of Wellington’s creativity. Recorded speeches from Peter Mallinson (Chairman of Governors) and the Duke of Wellington himself leant style and solemnity to the occasion, but it was the words of the Master, James Dahl, and the Heads of College that lingered longest.

As the Master said, he knew that Wellington was a special place before the Covid crisis, but the College’s response since has simply confirmed that Wellingtonians will always rise to the challenge. The virtual provision in the classroom has been magnificent, but what has really impressed has been the range of academic extension and co-curricular activities on offer, with over 150 clubs, societies and opportunities available: the concept of a holistic Wellington education remains as alive and vibrant as ever. Charlie and Issie spoke about the personal journeys that they had enjoyed at Wellington, and drawing on the metaphor of a blank canvas explored how all their year group had painted the most magnificent and colourful pictures during their time.

The incoming Heads of College then read the citation for the Queen’s Medal which they then presented to Charlie and Issie before Wellington’s first virtual Speech Day was brought to a close with a poignant rendition of We’ll Meet Again, a sentiment most dear to all Wellingtonians, both past and present.

EVE OF SPEECH DAY CONCERT One of the most keenly anticipated events in the calendar, the traditional Eve of Speech Day charity concert would normally see the Combermere Quad swing to the beat of Wellington’s finest jazz musicians. Although there could be no deckchairs and picnics this year, ingenuity and technical virtuosity ensured that the show most definitely went on!

Streamed via eStream and DukeBox radio, parents, pupils and staff were able to enjoy a wonderful evening that showcased a sparkling array of talent. The Jazz Orchestra opened proceedings before House ensembles, the Brass Band, the Wellingtones, duets and an eclectic mix of remarkable solos from Wellingtonians past and present combined to deliver an evening that will live long in the memory.

The Arts team set the challenge for the event to raise £2,000 for the Frimley Park Hospital Trust - but the generous and appreciative worldwide audience ensured that that figure was comfortably £2,790.

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The WTV Speech Day Entrance Video The Sherriff (aka James Dahl) rides into town

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WELLINGTON TODAY SUMMER 2020 EDITION

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Speech Day 2020 performances from left to right

1. The Wellington Dance Company 2. Charlie and Issy - Heads of College 3. Wellington plays the Albert Hall 4. We’ll Meet Again 5. The College Orchestra 6. The College Choir

7. Peter Mallinson, Chairman of Governors 8. Global Citizenship - Teaching in local schools 9. Rosie and Guy - Incoming Heads of College 10. Noah presents from Dubai 11. The Duke of Wellington 12. The Wellingtones

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WELLINGTON TODAY SUMMER 2020 EDITION

The move to Virtual: HOW REMOTE LEARNING IS KEEPING OUR STUDENTS CONNECTED Although the Government announcement of school closures on 18th March brought the Lent Term to an abrupt end, Wellington College teachers were not caught napping.

At the end of February, as the virus gathered momentum, conversations started to happen about what our digital offering might look like for two scenarios; a hybrid of some students being physically in lessons and some in isolation and a second more extreme version of the whole College closing.

Our first trial was in the first week of March with a willing U6 Chemistry class and the novelty factor (and the ability to stay in house) along with the superb Wellington WiFi led it all to go swimmingly. The next Tuesday we ran solid training sessions all day for the teaching staff and after sharing the modifications and tweaks that naturally came up as we thought about this from different departments, we had a plan.

Responding with remarkable flexibility and energy, Wellington teachers were united in their determination not to let our pupils fall behind in their studies or feel isolated whilst away from our physical base.

Over Easter many hours were spent adapting resources for online lessons, as well as writing new engaging courses to take our Year 11 and 13 students beyond the confines of their prior curricula and prepare them for future studies at IB, A level or university. Since then pupils have been enjoying live teaching across a full range of subjects from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Teachers have been using a range of approaches to add variety and challenge to their lessons through online quizzes, games and discussions.

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Reading plays together, performing in ensembles and investing virtual funds in the stock markets are just some of the class activities that have helped to keep our pupils connected as they learn. Tutors report that their tutees are relishing the focus of home learning and are actively participating in the array of academic extension and enrichment activities on offer. HMs have been delighted to receive emails from students and parents thanking the teaching team for all that they are doing.

Teachers are, however, missing their students and the buzz of life at Wellington - we are looking forward to being back in our physical classrooms as soon as possible. As the light at the end of the lockdown tunnel begins to glimmer, albeit faintly, Wellington staff are already looking towards the next stage of this process, by reflecting on what we can learn from our experience of virtual education and planning how we can deliver ever better lessons whatever the future may bring.

Few could have imagined how well the staff and students have adapted so well to this mode of working. They have, as ever been patient, flexible and developed their skills in such quick time - a true example of the whole of Wellington College pulling together for a common goal. We have also gathered together a group of trailblazers to ensure that we continue to offer the very best digital provision for our students whether they be in Crowthorne or Croatia, Surrey or Singapore.

EVEN VIRTUAL SCHOOL IS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST LESSONS

MUSIC, ART, SPORT AND DRAMA

While it is right that schools should focus on ensuring the academic progress of their pupils is in no way compromised by inconveniences such as lockdown, we were all determined that as far as possible the unique features of an all-round Wellington education should remain unchecked.

The Montgomery Singing Competition and the Junior Instrumental Montgomery are both taking place online this term, as is the House Ensemble Competition, where teams of four or more record and submit their entries. The Eve of Speech Day Concert moves online from its traditional setting in the Combermere Quad, but will still be broadcast live.

The move to virtual has seen remarkable ingenuity. The Master paved the way with our first ever distanced End of Term Assembly back in March, and since then Full School and House Assemblies have kept all pupils connected with their teachers and each other. Group tutorials, and one-to-one Tutor periods continue as important moments in the life of each pupil, and Wellbeing classes remain a priority.

The new Chaplain, Father Adrian Stark-Ordish, has ensured that Wellington’s spiritual flame has continued to burn brightly on its new online platform: Sunday and midweek services have continued, with prayers, readings, sermons and talks; congregational music has also featured, autocue text of favourite hymns accompanied by real time organ accompaniment (and special thanks to Mr George de Voil for his exemplary playing and imaginative reharmonizations) giving a lift to all our spirits.

Art is very much not in lockdown as the House Art competition continues to provide inspiration. Not only for individual entries but also testing the collective ingenuity of all the students as they strive to come up with online collaborative pieces. Dance workshops continue throughout the week, regular weekly yoga sessions allow for moments of calm reflection, and the Sports Department encourage all pupils to join them for their regular live workouts, led by our crack fitness and conditioning coaches.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, featuring a cast of students from Wellington, will be broadcast on Dukebox throughout June, and this year Shakespeare in the Master’s Garden is being replaced by Shakespeare from their Gardens, with students and staff recording and submitting their favourite speeches, which will then be spliced together for a stunning final College collage.

Monday evening Fireside Talks, WellingTens and visiting (virtual) speakers across many departments and subjects have been beamed across the ether ensuring that at this time of all times Wellingtonians continue to look outwards and beyond the narrow confines of their own worlds. There has also been a significant growth of online student-led academic societies.

And to the future: virtual Visitors Days, online admissions interviews with students from around the world, and Open House mornings all continue to take place as parents still seek to secure places at Wellington, knowing that whatever the future holds, a Wellington education will best secure that future for their youngsters.

Houses have set up a variety of challenges, some for the sheer joy of connection, others to maintain their charitable purpose.

The 2.6 Challenge in late April provided much needed variety, purpose and fun, from prodigious feats of physicality to astonishing ingenuity in the kitchen and baking world.

And, of course, what would a Wellington year be without Speech Day to celebrate. Not this year in the Big Top - but still a glorious occasion and virtually certain to stay long in the memory!

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LAUNCHING THE WELLYHUB

The story behind the WellyHub is one that demonstrates our pupils’ vision, collaboration, expertise and perseverance.

WellyHub is a social learning platform and the newest addition to myWelly - ‘an app run by students, for students’.The WellyHub was developed to coordinate Global Citizenship, the Arts, Sport, CCF, Academic Extension and Enrichment activities and gives access to students and teaching staff to nearly 150 activities. Wellington students Arjun Naha (U6th, Hg) and Gregor Maclaine (5th, M) president and vice-president of WellyCompSci, respectively - are the main developers of the project, which has been coordinated

by Dr Lays Valim, Head of Computer Science.

In what should have been the last week of the Lent Term, after students returned home due to the coronavirus outbreak, Laura Nicoli (L6th, C) drafted the proposal for a platform she called WellyHub. Her idea, which aimed to create a sense of ‘togetherness’ during lockdown was featured in Mr Dahl’s speech

THE MONTGOMERY RECITAL COMPETITION Arguably the pinnacle of Wellington’s instrumental life, the Montgomery saw an extraordinary evening of recitals performed by Tom Symonds (U6th, Bn), Arim Steenbrugge (5th, M), Gabriel Suvini (5th, Pn), Rulan Zhang (L6th, Hg), Olivia Harford (5th, Hn), Benedict King (5th, Bn), James Dundas (L6th, Pn) and Ollie Dewar (U6th, M), adjudicated by Mark Forkgen (Conductor and Director of Music of Tonbridge School). It was most poignant as it was the first time we had held a Montgomery Competition without the presence of James Montgomery who sadly died in November 2019. As ever the standard was astonishing and after much deliberation, the 1st prize was awarded to Gabriel Suvini for his superb programme of violin music featuring Cesar Franck’s A major Sonata and de Falla’s Danse Espagnole.

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at the very first virtual End of Term Assembly and, after making its way to the Computer Science Department, fuelled various conversations amongst staff and pupils.The myWelly team worked tirelessly through the Easter holidays to prototype, build and test the platform and in a little under four weeks the Hub was ready.

Whilst the launch of WellyHub has been an important milestone, the platform is still very much in development. It is constantly evolving to meet the requirements of the whole College community and the benefits are already exceeding the team’s initial goals. Drawing from its potential to centralise resources for pupils and to make them available 24/7 all year round, the WellyHub will soon be the home of the Third Form Entrepreneurship and Life Beyond Wellington programmes, as well as the Library’s News Digest.

It is just the beginning for WellyHub - exciting new features and content will be coming soon to a screen near you!

VIRTUAL ECONOMICS AND POLITICS EXTENSION SPARKS DEBATE AND DISCUSSION 66 Fifth, Lower and Upper Sixth students joined four members of staff from the Economics Department as they debated the latest data on the impact of COVID-19.

Students posed challenging questions on the various impacts of COVID-19, from the rise of protectionism, the importance of global institutions, and the extent to which the austerity policy of the previous decade in the UK has contributed to the crisis. Opposing views were aired in an open and thought-provoking debate. Further discussions were led by Sven Bruening (U6th, Hg) on the cause and impact of the dramatic fall in oil prices, and eight Upper Sixth IB students drew on their own personal experiences of lockdown in different countries by hosting a debate on the global consequences of different international responses.

Mr Whitworth led a discussion on the different types of political power with 45 Fourth Form pupils, where a quick Kahoot quiz encouraged students to reflect and think about their understanding of hard and soft power - and how it can be used for both good and bad. Questions revealed an excellent understanding of the role of government and a good appreciation of the consequences of power imbalance in terms of poverty and social provision. Students were encouraged to reflect on political ideology in terms of economic left and right, weighing up the importance of state intervention versus free markets, as well as reflecting on the benefits of a more authoritarian versus libertarian approach.

“QUESTIONS REVEALED AN EXCELLENT UNDERSTANDING OF THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AND A GOOD APPRECIATION OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF POWER IMBALANCE IN TERMS OF POVERTY AND SOCIAL PROVISION.”

ART IS NOT ON LOCKDOWN As part of its response to the COVID-19 lockdown, the Wellington Art Department has set up a House Art challenge.

Under the title, Art is not on Lockdown, the whole community - pupils, parents, staff - has been set the task of creating drawings, sculptures or digital pieces.

‘Give me but one firm spot on which to stand, and I will move the earth.’ Archimedes Henri Matisse painted from his bed and Yves Saint Laurent famously created his overnight timeless sensations from periods of complete isolation.

Director of Art, Alice Carpenter, wishes to encourage all our community to create from their homes this term and participate in our House Art challenge.

The challenge is to create a drawing, sculpture or digital piece.

It requires you to use design and artistic skills, referencing or adapting an existing object to explore how, through a process of repurposing, you can encourage alternative views on the world.

To submit and share your imaginative work, upload photographs of your finished outcome to Instagram #wellyartschool

Open to the whole College/Pupils/Staff/Wellington parents.

As Josef Albers said, ‘We cannot afford to waste time and material.

We must make the best we can out of what little we have.’ This competition is now closed. Winners will be announced soon.

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WELLINGTON TODAY SUMMER 2020 EDITION

Scrubs, Glorious Scrubs “I HAVE HAD SO MANY PEOPLE CONTACT ME ASKING TO HELP,WHETHER BY CUTTING FABRIC AND SEWING OR SIMPLY RAISING AWARENESS AND SPREADING THE WORD.” Evie Campbell (U6th, W) often spends her holidays working at The Fashion Workshop, an Ascot dressmaker. When owner Lynda Yong and designer Catherine Prevost were approached by a local consultant who needed 88 scrubs for Heatherwood Hospital, Evie decided to not only organise sewing volunteers but also help source fabrics and cottons from the local community. She was delighted when the very first donations came from Mark Abbott, an OW who founded Abbott & Boyd, a London-based interior design company.

As the pandemic worsened many other hospitals such as Wexham, Frimley Park, and St Peter’s heard of their work and asked for scrubs: it was estimated that over 5,000 were needed. Evie and her team had an overwhelming amount of support

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from the local community (including many Wellingtonians and members of staff!) who volunteered their time and skills; at one time Evie was coordinating over 300 amazing volunteers via email, text and phone. Evie’s mother, Mellony also got involved: an embroidery off-shoot of her company Finer London was put to work to embroider hearts on all the scrubs, ensuring that front-line NHS staff would recognise how much love and support they were receiving from this amazing army of volunteers.

They even caught the attention of larger companies such as John Lewis and Hobbycraft who donated fabrics, and the Workshop was featured on Channel 4’s Steph Show, the BBC and Ross Kemp’s On the NHS Frontline thereby raising even further awareness.

Evie says, “I have had so many people contact me asking to help, whether by cutting fabric and sewing or simply raising awareness and spreading the word among their community. It goes to show how kind, caring and selfless Wellington students are”.

Please follow their progress on their Facebook, twitter and Instagram pages called ’Scrubs Glorious Scrubs’ https:// www.facebook.com/scrubsgloriousscrubs/ which gives updates on the project as well as seeing the final products in use on the front line in hospitals.

Wellington College Joins National Effort with Visor Production

As we all know, not all heroes wear capes. Many these days are wearing face masks and visors.

But the essential PPE required by NHS medical staff has been in short supply around the world. With such an unprecedented and unforeseen demand, the supply chains have been haphazard and unreliable, which is where another tier of heroes has stepped in to help. A team of Wellington College staff has been working flat out to build and deliver visors to Frimley Park Hospital.

Despite taking 32 minutes to laser cut each face mask, the team comprising James Inglis, Iain Henderson, Alan Ilsley, David Dray, Sam Wilson, and his wife Katie, created and delivered over 246 visors in the space of just eight days.

Sam Wilson, DET teacher, said, “The design community has been incredible during this time. We chose several different designs created in response to the virus. They were

either laser-cut or 3D printed. The 3D printed design took far too long to make and relied upon three to four different supply chains. The laser cut model we finally chose, needed to be slightly adjusted to be anthropometrically sound to fit both men and women. As soon as we had created the first viable prototype, we sent it to Frimley Park Hospital for feedback, before going into production.”

The team are now awaiting more materials before going into production once more. We are incredibly proud of their efforts, and the wider Wellington community who assisted them, knowing that their contribution is helping to save lives.

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4th Annual GLOBAL POLITICS CONFERENCE

Wellington College held their 4th Annual Global Politics Conference on Wednesday 5th February. Attended by 140 pupils drawn from eight different schools across both maintained and independent sectors, as well as Wellington’s own IB and A level Politics students, the day proved to be popular, challenging and successful.

The Conference examined the world order, with a focus on contemporary geopolitical trends, the re-emergence of multipolarity, and the strategic interplay of powerful states. Keynote presentations were delivered by journalist Tim Marshall (former foreign affairs Sky News Editor), Professor Robert McKeever (UCL), Mathieu Boulegue, Research Fellow at the Royal Institute of International Affairs at Chatham House, and Brigadier Ian Thomas, Dean of Academic Studies, The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. We are most grateful to Dr Neil Quilliam, Associate Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Programme who very kindly presented his session after arriving from Heathrow following his trip to Kuwait. Topics for the day included: ‘International relations

- divisions old and new’; ‘The restoration of Russian power and spheres of influence’; ‘Geopolitical trends in the Middle East’; ‘The role of China in global governance’, and ‘The end of the American Century - the United States and world leadership’.

As one visiting student wrote: "The conference was a fantastic opportunity not only to hear experts discussing the current power game being played by Russia, America and China - but also to take part in university style seminars and plenaries". Congratulations to all involved, and especially to Mrs Woolhouse and Mr Coates for organising such a valuable and inspirational day.

“THE DAY PROVED TO BE POPULAR, CHALLENGING AND SUCCESSFUL.” 14

SAVING WILDLIFE IN AUSTRALIA

YOUNG SCHOLARS VISIT THE DREAMING SPIRES Wellington’s Third Form Scholars and Exhibitioners headed off to Oxford at the beginning of March for a day of academic extension. They started by gaining an insight into the life of an Oxonian by visiting Corpus Christi College for a tour of the college and gardens before a talk by the outreach officer about university life at Oxford. They were then treated to a whirlwind tour of some of the key sights of the city by Oxford alumnae Miss Spencer and Mrs Patterson, including the Examination Schools, Botanical Gardens,

With students drawn from 35 different countries, Wellington is justly proud of its international reputation as one of the world’s leading co-educational schools.

This diversity, as well as offering our pupils a variety of perspectives, also ensures that worldwide events resonate loudly in College. Shocked by the bushfires that were raging across Australia, Australian brothers, Alex (5th, M) and Ollie (4th, M) Frost - brothers of alumni Matt and James Frost - set out to raise both attention and funds to support the relief operation that had been put in place to secure the safety and survival of Australia’s unique wildlife. Alex and Ollie raised almost £6,000 to help support charities that are dedicated to saving Australia’s suffering wildlife.

the Bodleian Library, Sheldonian, Radcliffe Camera and Bridge of Sighs.

To round the day off they united to defeat the Fourth Samurai, take on the Wild West and rescue Blackbeard's treasure in a series of intellectual puzzles and challenges. I’m glad to report that not only did all the groups 'survive' and escape - but returned to Wellington excited about the possibility of studying at Oxford or Cambridge.

£6,000 RAISED TO HELP SUPPORT CHARITIES THAT ARE DEDICATED TO SAVING AUSTRALIA’S SUFFERING WILDLIFE. 15

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The Return of Sir Anthony

“IT WAS A FABULOUS EVENING THAT CONTINUED LONG PAST ITS SCHEDULED END, WITH QUEUES OF STUDENTS WAITING PATIENTLY TO TALK TO SIR ANTHONY AND GET HIM TO SIGN HIS LATEST BOOK.” In recent years few political historians have had such an acute and perceptive grasp of contemporary UK Politics as Sir Anthony Seldon, and we were honoured to welcome him back to Wellington on Monday 27th January.

His talk, given as part of our regular Monday evening Fireside Talk series, focused on the Conservative party, and attracted a large audience of students, staff and parents. Speaking to the title, ‘What Leadership Means in Today’s Political Debate’, Sir Anthony (in his trademark unscripted style) offered a brutally honest review of the Prime Ministerial careers of David Cameron,Theresa May and Boris Johnson, focusing in particular on May’s limited knowledge of the EU, the unwillingness to listen to expert views, and the ease with which debate was allowed to revert to tribal lines.

Widening the scope of his talk, Sir Anthony went on to explore how these traits determined and defined the characteristics of a leader and the role that leaders play in setting the

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direction of travel, before drawing (or not) on the expertise of others. He also stressed the vital importance of visibility and accountability before hosting a lively Q&A session, with many questions focusing on Sir Anthony’s writing and the inside sources of information he manages to access so seamlessly.

It was a fabulous evening that continued long past its scheduled end, with queues of students waiting patiently to talk to Sir Anthony and get him to sign his latest book. Speaking later, Sir Anthony said how honoured he was to be invited, how thrilled he was to be back at Wellington, and how delighted he was to see the excellent progress the school is making. He went on to say how impressed he was by the students he met and that he was “bowled over by the students at dinner and in the lecture, by their warmth, courtesy and by their very incisive questions.”

I think we all hope that we won’t have to wait so long to see him back at Wellington next time!

Wellington Arts Fund When the Annenberg Performing Arts Centre opened in September 2018, Wellington’s Artistic Director, Simon Williamson, was determined that as well as being a wonderful space for the College’s actors, musicians and dancers, it should be a focal point for the artistic communities of local schools.

To further this aim, Wellington created an Arts Fund, the money chiefly being raised from ticket sales for College performances such as West Side Story and Sweeney Todd.

Schools have been encouraged to apply for grants to enable their own special projects to become a reality.

The Arts Fund is specifically available for Arts Education projects involving students of school age, and particularly school-based projects. Applications are now invited for the Michaelmas Term, the deadline being Wednesday, 30th September 2020.

We are delighted that the Wellington College Arts Fund has just awarded its first ever grant, the recipient being Court Moor School, Fleet. Antonella Edwards, Head of Art at Court Moor, realised that a brand-new printing press would help them start an exciting after-school print-making club, as well as benefiting all Key Stage 3 and 4 children by enabling them to produce better quality artwork. She applied for funding and Wellington was thrilled to provide her school with the means to purchase the press.

Wellington College would love to be able to offer more schools the opportunity to apply, so if you would like further details or guidance, please contact the Director of Arts, Simon Williamson, by emailing: thearts@wellingtoncollege.org.uk

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Wellington College Community

Mental Health Day The whole College community came together on Saturday 8th February to open up a dynamic discussion on mental health and celebrate the opportunity to think about personal wellbeing.

Wellington welcomed 40 speakers and wellbeing practitioners who delivered over 75 talks and workshops over the course of the day on topics spanning a whole spectrum of mental health issues including addiction, eating disorders, depression and resilience. Alongside these talks, a wide range of experts gave workshops on: mental health in sport; the unconscious brain; spirituality in mental health; eating for good mental health; financial wellbeing, and last, but not least, the importance of creating and managing mentally healthy organisations and departments.

Students, parents and staff also took the opportunity to try something new to boost their wellbeing by having a go at a diverse range of activities from calligraphy and slacklining to pottery making and board games. It was great to see both young and old learning and having fun alongside each other. The College Library transformed into the ‘Mallinspa’, offering shoulder and hand massages and the opportunity to experience ‘pranic healing’. There were jigsaws, chill-out rooms and mindful colouring-in while over lunch we saw the return of the very popular community ‘pat dog’ team. The V&A café saw speakers Rachel Kelly and Luke Sutton signing their books, as well as hosting displays from the St Mary’s Calne Young Enterprise group who had written their own book entitled ‘Note to Self-Insight and Anecdotes: for Teens

by Teens’. The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust and SupportU (who offer support to individuals on LGBT issues) were also based in our popular café.

The day has been praised by the whole community as an excellent initiative which really did draw people together. It not only widened knowledge about mental health but also opened conversations about difficult topics and helped break down the stigma that still shrouds mental health.

Plans are already under way to make Mental Health Day a regular feature of the Wellington College year, and to ensure that next year’s renewal will be even bigger and better.

Delyth Lynch, the College mental health lead said: “For the first time the community was learning together on such an important topic. It was incredibly powerful to have teachers, students and their parents in the same room. It provided a platform for our young people to feel more confident about raising issues and seeking help.”

The day was a resounding success amongst all the participants with one parent saying: “I went home and, for the first time, had a conversation with my son about his mental health.

Thank you for giving me the tools to do this.”

And pupils said: “it was brilliant - so much fun even though the topics were serious”; “it was a stunning day - well done Wellington for all you are doing on mental wellbeing”.

“I went home and, for the first time, had a conversation with my son about his mental health. Thank you for giving me the tools to do this.”

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INTRODUCING WELLINGTON’S NEW CHAPLAIN FATHER ADRIAN STARK-ORDISH Father Adrian joined the Wellington College community as Chaplain at the beginning of the Summer Term. The editor caught up with him to ask a few questions.

When did you first begin to think about becoming a priest - and what were some of the experiences that led you to that decision?

At university. I was in my third year and, as is natural at that point, was beginning to think about future careers; I considered teaching or working in the charity sector and then the call to explore ordination came out of the blue. I became a Christian at university through the chaplaincy - and this is why chaplaincy has always been important to me.

I understand that you started off as a Parish Priest. Where was it and what did it involve?

This was in Goodrington, in Torbay, Devon. All Church of England clergy do a three- or four-year curacy working with an experienced priest as part of their training. Amongst all the normal business of parish life such as services, study groups and marriages, baptisms and funerals I was also a governor at a local primary school.

I know that you then became an RAF chaplain.What were the main requirements of that role - and what did you most value about the experience?

The main requirements were to be alongside the service personnel and be an advocate for people. This involved everything from joining in physical-training sessions to senior leaders’ meetings, as well as drinking a lot of tea! I most valued the shared ethos and can-do attitude amongst service people, as well as working in some fascinating and unusual environments such as exploring ethics with trainee fast-jet pilots and supporting squadrons operating RemotelyPiloted Aircraft Systems (commonly -and mistakenly - called ‘drones’) .

From there to school chaplaincy - what were the differences?

In some ways, surprisingly few! Schools and the military are both ordered, hierarchical institutions that value ethos. Of course, one major difference is the age range of the people you deal with and I love young people’s passion, creativity and energy both inside and outside the classroom.

What led you to join Wellington - and what had you heard about the school?

My wife has followed me around for my work for many years. She was working in a job with a horrendous commute and so it was time for me to move for her. I couldn’t believe it when this job appeared as it is such a fantastic opportunity. During my interview day I really

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fell in love with the school and its atmosphere as well as all the amazing work that is done both on-site and in the local and global communities. A flatmate at university was an OW, and was always very proud of that!

What do you see as the biggest responsibilities for a chaplain in 2020 and beyond?

I see my role as involving prayer, presence and partnership. Prayer includes creating space for the exploration and development of spirituality, for those of all faiths and none, leading services and praying for the College. Presence is about being alongside people whether in the classroom, in Houses, on the sports pitches, in the V&A café… anywhere really! Partnership means working with all sorts of different individuals and groups to serve the pupils and staff and to be an ambassador for Wellington.

How are you delivering services etc in the virtual world?

Chapel services are being filmed each week and distributed to the College community. I am also being invited to join virtual House meetings to begin to get to know pupils, which is fantastic as one of the most important things to me is to be visible and involved in College life.

First impressions of Wellington and its chapel?

We have been made wonderfully welcome and I am so excited to be here. I feel very at home in the Chapel as it was designed by the same architect as the chapel of the university where I did my first degree (in which I was Confirmed and married, albeit a number of years apart). It is a beautiful monument to the spiritual life of the College and a wonderful reminder of our continuity with inspirational former generations of Wellingtonians - I long to see it full of people.

Thank you so much Father - and can I end by wishing you a long and happy time here at Wellington. I know we are all delighted to have you here.

“DURING MY INTERVIEW DAY I REALLY FELL IN LOVE WITH THE SCHOOL AND ITS ATMOSPHERE AS WELL AS ALL THE AMAZING WORK THAT IS DONE BOTH ON-SITE AND IN THE LOCAL AND GLOBAL COMMUNITIES.” Father Adrian - Wellington College Chaplain

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WELLINGTON TODAY SUMMER 2020 EDITION

The Chaucer As part of the Community Mental Health Day, the College held a fun run which also marked the official opening of its new 2km waymarked running route - ‘The Chaucer’.

This new course is the brainchild of Head of Running, Delyth Lynch, who has been working very closely with Mark Dodd, Head of Gardens and Countryside, over the planning and design of the route over the last year. We are delighted that so many took part in the event, and hope that The Chaucer will bring peace, health and happiness to many more runners over the years. The College running club is a member of the #runandtalk initiative set up

by England Athletics, an initiative supported by Mind. You can read more about this here: www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk/news-events/runandtalk-a-new-wellbeing-initiative/ None of this could be achieved without the amazing support of all those involved with the running club, but also the Grounds, Gardens, Events and Security staff who work so hard to ensure that our runners have an excellent course to run on - but are also safe as well.

Teamwork really has made this dream work!

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TheWellington Relays On Saturday 1st February the College hosted the extremely popular cross-country event, “The Wellington Relays”. Now in its 25th year, the race saw over 300 runners representing 20 different schools competing over five 2km legs. The course which snaked through Chaucer Woods and around Swan Lake placed a premium on both speed and endurance.

Congratulations to Abingdon School who won the Senior Boys race, and Sevenoaks who won the Senior Girls. Wellington athletes can be very proud of their performance, with our senior boys’ team coming 4th while the senior girls came 3rd.

Three days later the course was once again pushed into action for the annual House Relays.

Just over 200 pupils took part and there was, as always, a brilliant atmosphere at the start and finish with all competitors cheering on their teammates, despite the very cold weather.

Two course records were broken - Aidan Dias (3rd, R) now holds the fastest lap time in the junior boys’ event and Freddie Gillmore (U6th, Hg) the fastest time in the senior boys’ race.

The two fastest laps recorded this year were run by Marcus Nye (5th, Bl) and Georgiana Nason (4th, O). The Hopetoun were the outright winners in the girls’ event and the Raglan were the winning boys’ house.

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Sevens Silverware at Shiplake

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The senior Sevens team started the 2020 season impressively by winning the Shiplake tournament on Sunday, 2nd February.

In the opening match a skilful Tonbridge side caused Wellington trouble in a game that saw Wellington concede first and lose two players to injury. However, a focussed and resilient response, which was to be the hallmark of the day, saw Wellington emerge 10-7 winners. More straightforward victories against Hurstpierpoint and Emmanuel, two sides that had caused problems in the past, saw us post a further 87 points while also developing a playing style that combined focus, flair and physicality.

The semi-final against Cheltenham College was another physical encounter but on a small and rainlashed pitch stand-out efforts from Jake Graham (L6th, Bn) and Kit Bloor (U6th, Bl), who defended with tenacity but also managed to exploit the spaces available, saw Wellington into the final with a 28-14 win. Taking on a strong Clifton College on the main Shiplake pitch, Wellington went through the gears and despite the wet and blustery conditions produced some sparking rugby to win 33-12.

In particular, Alex Teague (L6th, Hl) completed a phenomenal day at the office by scoring a hattrick in the final - but throughout the day he was ably supported by Jack Kinnear (U6th, Bd) and Max Thomas (U6th, Bd), consistently tough defenders who caused havoc at the set pieces.

Hector Elrington (U6th, Hl) and Cassius Forshaw (U6th, Hl) co-captained the side superbly, not only by understanding the fluctuating rhythms of a long tournament day, but also by leading through example in all that they did - it was their mental focus that set the tone for the team.

Credit should also be given to Finn Tawse (5th, Hl) and Mason Archer (5th, M), fifth formers who ably stepped up to compete at the higher level and play so well against powerful senior Sevens teams.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR SPORTING WELLINGTONIANS Congratulations to hockey goalkeeper Raph Robeson (L6th, W) who was selected to play for England in the Under 18 series against Ireland during February half term. Raph, who earlier this year was awarded the Hockey Writers’ Club Junior Player of the Year, continues to impress with her skill, courage and determination. Meanwhile, rugby players Marcus Rhodes (U6th, Bd), Fin Baxter (U6th, Hl) and Cassius Cleaves (L6th, Hl) were also busy over February half term as they were asked to join the England Under 18 development camp, a camp that will determine final selection for the upcoming international fixtures against France and Wales. We wish all four of them the very best of luck and are delighted that such fine ambassadors of Wellington sport are meeting with such success, due reward for their dedication.

“WE WISH ALL FOUR OF THEM THE VERY BEST OF LUCK AND ARE DELIGHTED THAT SUCH FINE AMBASSADORS OF WELLINGTON SPORT ARE MEETING WITH SUCH SUCCESS.”

INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS Sixth Formers Emily Guckian (U6th, Hn) and Darcy Bourne (U6th, C) continue to carry all before them - and not just on the hockey field. They were both selected to represent the England Under 21 Hockey against Wales in March, as well as being integral members of the Surbiton Ladies team, who were recently crowned this season’s Premier League Champions.

Darcy has also been playing for the GB Elite Development Programme.

In addition to these successes, they have been taking their academic studies seriously, and are both bound for the United States next year, Emily having been awarded a scholarship to Stanford University, and Darcy to Duke. We are enormously proud of them both and wish them well.

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#DoitforDavid “As I had the surgery when I was a young child, I realised the difference it can make to a child’s life. I wanted to give a child, who cannot afford it, the same opportunity I had. With the support of the Wellington College staff and past and present pupils of Wellington College, I knew I could achieve this goal.”

After a life-changing operation, inspirational Wellingtonian David Lofthouse (5th, Pn) is determined to raise thousands to help another child.

When it comes to serious challenges, then perhaps there is none tougher than that which faces David, who has set himself the goal of completing a 5K walk, at Wellington College. David hopes to draw attention to his campaign to raise £70,000 to fund Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery for a person, like himself, with cerebral palsy.

At the age of two, David was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia, which meant he would never be able to walk independently.

However, as a young boy, David underwent life-changing Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery.This treatment substantially improved his condition and quality of life. Including accommodation and physiotherapy, the treatment costs a staggering £70,000 per person. In order to help another child who cannot afford such a vast sum, David and his friends aim to raise £70,000 for the Cerebral Palsy Trust. The Cerebral Palsy Trust (CPT) has remarkably been set up by David and his young friends and with the help of international rugby star and media celebrity Will Greenwood.

David’s inspiration for his challenge is Wellington College’s annual 5K Kingsleys race, where more than 1,000 students and staff weave their way through the 410-acre site, culminating in a plunge through Swan Lake.

David will attempt the full course, including the lake finale supported by a small team of close school friends. David started his training in September when he could barely complete 1K on a treadmill but has been working exceptionally hard and has now completed a 3K walk.

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David Lofthouse said: “As I had the surgery when I was a young child, I realised the difference it can make to a child’s life. I wanted to give a child, who cannot afford it, the same opportunity I had. With the support of the Wellington College staff and past and present pupils of Wellington College, I knew I could achieve this goal.”

James Dahl, said: “Those of us who are lucky enough to know David, and see the courage with which he has tackled every school day at Wellington College since he started three years ago, are under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge - but will be cheering him on every hard-fought step of the way.”

David’s story has understandably touched the hearts of many, including some well-known celebrities like Will Greenwood, Ellie Bamber, Dan Carter, Jonny Bairstow, Jason Robinson, Gareth Thomas, James Haskell and Olivia Coleman, who have all sent messages of support. It has in particular caught the attention of, Made in Chelsea star Josh Patterson, who came along to support David, a few weeks ago, at a training session.

Josh Patterson said: “I can tell you first-hand, he will smash it!”

Please support David by giving generously to the Cerebral Palsy Trust (CPT).

To donate to the fund via JustGiving please visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cpt To find out more, follow the Trust on Instagram @cerebralpalsytrust

It is with an incredibly heavy heart that in the light of the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday evening we have taken the decision to postpone David’s walk on Tuesday 24th March until such a time it can take place safely and with the full support of the widerWellington community.

This is a charitable cause that is so close to the heart of the Picton house, and the student leadership has been simply phenomenal.

We know that everybody will be fully behind a re-organised walk and make it bigger and better once it does happen.The boys are already driven to making sure that the walk will be absolutely sensational when we get back together as a community.

Thank you all for your support and well wishes for David and the team.

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WELLINGTON TODAY SUMMER 2020 EDITION

Sweeney Todd triumphs!

A tale of horror and loss, a tale of revenge, a nightmarish gothic fantasy. Not, at first glance, ideal material for a school play, let alone a musical - but add to the mix a beguiling and strangely captivating score, a few ingenious twists and turns, and key roles for actors, singers and dancers and you have all the ingredients for yet another triumphant Wellington Lent Term Musical.

And so it proved as a large cast of over 40 boys and girls, a 20-strong orchestra of Wellington’s finest musicians and a backstage team comprising both professionals and pupils, delighted audiences for four thrilling nights in February.

The Annenberg was transformed into a busy and colourful corner of Victorian London’s Fleet Street, the multi-level set allowing for seamless transitions between scenes: the connection between the fiendish barber’s chair and Mrs Lovett’s pie shop effortlessly made by theatrical trickery. The street scenes were all hustle and bustle, allowing the ensemble to shine and provide a textured backdrop to the main characters.

Amelia Hutton (5th, W) set the scene as a desperate yet compelling beggar woman, while Freddie Coughlin (5th, T) and Madeleine Power (L6th, O) brought energy and immaculate comic timing

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to the roles of Pirelli and Tobias. Sebastian Carroll (U6th, R) was a chillingly disturbing Judge Turpin and the wistful yearning of Johanna and Anthony was beautifully portrayed by Emilie Harper (4th, W) and Lucas Evans (U6th, Pn), their duets hauntingly and sensitively rendered.

Nevertheless, as the name and subject of the show suggests, Sweeney Todd is ultimately about the two main characters, Sweeney and Mrs Lovett, and Hugo Williamson (L6th, R) and Hayley Canham (U6th, O) rose to the challenge magnificently. They were quite simply superb, showing a range of both voice and expression, and elevating the show to a level of professionalism seldom seen at school level.

Sweeney was Wellington at its very best, a glorious fusion of talent from across all year groups, truly coeducational, creative, sassy and thought-provoking. The production oozed with a profound sense of joy and teamwork from all involved, and special praise must go to Clare Cooke, Director of Choreography, Sean Farrell as Musical Director and Jim Russell as Director: their inspiration and leadership ensured that this outstanding production of Sweeney Todd will live long in the memory.

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I Am David - Junior Play

‘I am David and I belong to myself’ All David has ever known is the high fences of a concentration camp - until one night he escapes. Terrified that they will catch him, he begins to run. And as he runs, he learns about freedom and hope, betrayal and loneliness.

I Am David, Wellington College’s Third and Fourth Form play, was powerfully and sensitively performed in the Christopher Lee Theatre on the 28th and 29th of January. Telling the story of a young boy’s journey from Bulgaria to Denmark, as he encounters and evades successive threats to persecute him, the play fragments David into three characters who simultaneously voice and enact the conflicts and contradictions suffered as he travels through a Europe menaced by Fascist oppression. Katie Hamilton’s gripping production made powerful use of photographic backdrops to highlight, within this one-hour show, the struggle for survival that David undergoes. Particularly pronounced was the sharp contrast between the thuggish brutality that was as unpredictable as the moments of compassion that confronted him in the successive countries he passed through. A large and committed cast did full justice to this complex and, ultimately, hopeful play about the powers of persisting and searching. Particular mention must be made to Mia Kadyan (4th, O), Digby Venables (3rd, Pn) and Harriet Fowler (3rd, C) whose skilful interweaving to create a single character was truly impressive.

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Lent Term Music Music continues to be a cornerstone of Wellington life in 2020, and throughout the LentTerm our talented performers had many opportunities to shine.

THE SPRING CONCERT On Friday 13th March, just six days before the term closed prematurely, and in front of a small but very appreciative audience, we held our annual Spring Concert. For many the highlight was Ollie Dewar’s (U6th, M) sensitive interpretation of the 1st movement of Rachmaninov’s 2nd Piano Concerto and the Orchestra’s powerful playing under the guidance of Natalia Luis-Bassa. Our elite string group, Camerata, the Symphonic Brass ensemble and Coro all contributed to make it a fitting finale to the musical term, while Sebastian Carroll’s (U6th, R) interpretation of Libertango on the trumpet, complete with costume and customary flamboyance, added a bizarre and idiosyncratic note to the proceedings!

STILE ANTICO, FEATURING OW WILLIAM DAWES JOIN FORCES WITH THE CHAPEL CHOIR On Wednesday 4th March, we welcomed the internationally renowned professional singers of Stile Antico to the Chapel for a concert with a difference. The College’s two flagship choral ensembles, Schola (a ten-piece Sixth Form group, many of whom are aspiring university choral scholars) and the Chapel Choir, enjoyed a fascinating afternoon delving into Renaissance performance practice and consort-singing techniques, before collaborating with Stile Antico for Evensong and then the evening concert.

The concert featured an intriguing collection of music composed by or for women in the 15th and 16th centuries and concluded with a new work by composer Joanna Marsh. It was a particular pleasure to welcome back to the college OW Will Dawes, now a professional singer and conductor (amongst other things, Director of Music at Somerville College, Oxford). We look forward to their next visit!

CONCERT FOR THE DUKE OF KENT FRIDAY, 6TH MARCH To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of his Presidency, an eclectic mix of Wellington’s finest musicians performed a special concert in the presence of The Duke of Kent, past Headmasters and Governors of the College. The elegantly furnished Waterloo Hall, home to the country’s finest collection of memorabilia commemorating the grand battle of 1815, was the perfect setting for the evening which featured music from Camerata, the Wind Quintet, Brass Quartet and the Wellingtones. There were also moments to cherish from the term’s music making with highlights from the Montgomery Recital Competition and a rousing number from Sweeney Todd, performed by the show’s stars, Hayley Canham (U6th, O) and Hugo Williamson (L6th, R). It was generally agreed that the Duke was unlikely to have seen witnessed many finer performances since he first visited Wellington back in 1970.

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Remote Learning in our International Schools When Wellington College China (Hangzhou) celebrated Chinese New Year ahead of the holidays in January, there was no inkling of what was about to unfold. The schools were decorated and everyone was in high spirits as two Chinese lions pursued the Master, Paul Rogers, to his office to bless the school with good luck for the coming year. That good luck wasn’t immediately apparent, when not a week later all schools in China were shut down.

completely new creative areas, such as coding, or podcasting, and along the way discovered new interests and skills. Though team sports are impossible, extensive effort has been put in to keeping children exercising together, albeit virtually. A particularly inspired example is WCI Bangkok’s ‘Road to Wellington’ challenge, where each minute of physical activity students report, is equivalent to 1km along the route from Bangkok to Crowthorne. At last report they were somewhere near the Myanmar-Bangladesh border!

One of the most important areas to emerge was communication between all Wellington schools. Julian Jeffrey, Master of WCI Tianjin said, “The Wellington community has proved a formidable force in establishing a solid e-learning programme in just a few days”.

Keeping the entire community together by staying positive and supporting, through direct dialogue, letters and surveys - and lots of listening - has been crucial for alignment and inclusion.

Programmes were quickly honed to work for the majority of students in a variety of circumstances across all age groups.

Wellbeing is a major area of concern during the isolation of lockdown and teachers have adapted their approach to increase contact time which has had a positive impact on mental health.The Housemasters have been particularly active, creating meaningful connections and group activities to build house spirit and to identify any issues facing individual children.

In addition, the enhanced communication has had enduring benefits for both parents and teachers. Parents now feel more involved and included - and have given crucial support to their children’s learning. For teachers, the challenge of online learning has brought opportunities for different types of connection, collaboration and the sharing of good practice within and between departments and schools.

Independent learning, a cornerstone of the Wellington philosophy, ensured that students were well-placed to approach the challenge of remote learning. Chris Nicholls, Master at WCI Bangkok, noted that he saw students across the board improve independence and resilience and gain confidence from tackling challenges on their own.

There are so many conclusions we can already draw from this extraordinary period, and there will be many studies done. What we see clearly already though, is that in the foreseeable future e-learning on its own cannot replace the wonderful breadth of learning and experience that our schools provide. As Andrew Willis, Head of Prep, WCI Shanghai says “Perhaps the main lesson that has been reinforced for me is that the best sustained learning takes place when people are physically in each other’s presence”.

However, the lockdown has brought opportunities to develop new skills, discover new interests and see new perspectives. Our growing Wellington identity has been enhanced, and the crisis has definitely brought us closer together as a Wellington Community, creating moments of connection that were under-utilised before.

An odd good-luck gift from the lions perhaps, but we will get past this crisis, and we may well be stronger for it.

However, the period of lockdown has not just been about academic learning, and the co-curricular response has been characterised by creativity and ingenuity. Music, Art, Sport and Wellbeing programmes have all continued and while some activities have inevitably been curtailed, students and teachers have diverted into

“THERE IS NO EDUCATION LIKE ADVERSITY” - BENJAMIN DISRAELI 32

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THE PATH OF DUTY During times of crisis it is important that those who are able to help do just that. Since the Covid crisis started, Wellington College has been able to support the national and local response in a whole variety of ways: •

Provided accommodation for key workers from Frimley Park Hospital in one of our boarding houses.

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The Design, Engineering and Technology Department, ably assisted by several Wellington families, has made over 1,200 face visors for Frimley Park Hospital, six local care homes, four local GP surgeries, and an increasing number of local primary schools.

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Our Independent State School Partnership (ISSP) has been offering online replacements for existing courses for state school students.

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Our Teaching School Partnership has been offering free resources, online Teachmeets, advice and Professional Learning courses.

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A whole school initiative, involving staff and students, to support the 2.6 Challenge, raising funds for charities financially hit by the crisis.

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Many staff and students have been supporting The Cowshed, a local charity which provides support to people of all backgrounds in a time of personal crisis by providing pre-loved clothes and essentials.

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All aprons, goggles and gloves from our Science Departments have gone to local GPs and care homes.

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Reusable Wellington water bottles have been provided for staff at Basingstoke and North Hants, and Frimley Park Hospitals.

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Year 13 students have been making scrubs for the NHS across Berkshire and North Hampshire.

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Many College staff have volunteered for the NHS Good Samaritan scheme, helping with medical visits and collection of prescriptions etc.

We have supported Knitting for Good, a virtual group which makes, amongst other things, pairs of hearts that are then sent to hospitals to help families with bereavement.

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In partnership with Ian Davenport of Springboard Education, Wellington has begun an initiative to support ‘Looked After Children’ in the Wokingham area.

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Wellington is committed to supporting Healthwatch, helping the local community across Bracknell Forest, and in particular Crowthorne, which is our main area of focus.

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We were able to fund a range of meal vouchers, food parcels, equipment and staffing costs for eleven schools that are local to Edgbarrow School and The Wellington Academy - thereby maintaining provision for vulnerable pupils over the Easter holidays. Wellington College remains committed to finding ways to help and support those in need at this time of national crisis.

Wellington College remains committed to finding ways to help and support those in need at this time of national crisis.

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Wellington College, Crowthorne Berkshire, RG45 7PU www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk +44 (0)1344 444 000