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The Turret Wellington School Magazine Session 2025/2026

Contents Head of School Welcome

Page 3

Speech Day Success

Page 4

2025/26 S6 Charity work

Page 8

Magical Christmas by Mrs Coontz

Page 12

Happy Retirement to Mr Johnson!

Page 15

Ayrshire Debating Cup 2026

Page 16

Hockey News by Mrs Penton

Page 18

National Squad

Page 20

This Is Me! Dance Showcase 2026

Page 22

WSPTA Year in Review

Page 24

Footloose

Page 26

One Night Only By James Watson

Page 28

Rock of Ages

Page 30

Scotland’s DigiInventors Challenge

Page 32

Primary 7: Scots Poetry Final

Page 34

Schoolovision Success

Page 36

Celebrating the Legacy of Frida Khalo: A Cross Curricular Wall Display

Page 38

International School Award

Page 42

S2 Pupils Visit National Robotarium

Page 43

Top Award for Advanced Higher Chemistry Pupil, Iona

Page 43

David & Dot Celebrate 20 Years at Wellington

Page 44

Sports Exchange

Page 46

Football Flourishes at Wellington

Page 50

Sports Day 2026

Page 52

Former Pupils Q&A

Page 54

A Message to our Former Pupils

Page 55

A Note from the Editor

Page 55

Welcome From Ms Gallacher, Head of School The pages of The Turret capture achievements, certainly, but they also preserve something more enduring: the character of a community and the relationships that sustain it. As we look back over the year, we are reminded that a great school is not built solely on examination results, performances or accolades: it is also shaped by countless little moments often unnoticed at the time - that create the distinctive spirit of a school. What makes Wellington School so remarkable is the breadth of talent it contains. Pupils challenge and inspire one another; teachers bring expertise, passion and encouragement in equal measure; support staff contribute immeasurably to the life of the school; families provide unwavering commitment and trust. Together, they form something far greater than the sum of their parts. We hope this edition provides not only a snapshot of last session, but also a reminder of what we cherish most about our school: a vibrant, thoughtful and caring community, in which every individual has a part to play - and every contribution matters. Reviewing The Turret as the new Head made me feel proud of all that was accomplished last session and - even more so - excited about what lies ahead for the Wellington community in the years to come. Ms D. Gallacher Head of School

Speech Day 2026

Senior 2 Progress Matthew Borthwick

We ended the academic year with our annual Speech Day at Ayr Town Hall, where we gathered to celebrate the achievements of session 2025/2026 with our pupils, staff, Board of Governers, families and friends.

Senior 3 Merit Mia Barbour, Ellen Clachan, Eva Cowan, Lara Keston, Fallon Kyle, Sian McLaughlin Senior 3 Progress Harriet Linton

Well done to our pupils and performers, including all members of the School orchestra. A very special thank you goes to guest speaker and former pupil, Dr Aileen Craig. It was a pleasure to welcome you back and hear you share your advice and experiences with our pupils as they begin their next chapter.

Senior 4 Merit Sophia Borthwick, Charlotte Dale, Roisin Renwick, Eva Taylor, Amber Thomson, Padma Unnam, Saraswati Unnam Senior 4 Progress Sophie Hastings and Margaret Scott

General Excellence in Primary 7 Annabel Borthwick, James Bruce, Ava McDonald, Caelan McDevitt, Aaryan Sangha

McMillan/Kilpatrick Prize for Achievement in S3/4 Sophie Alexander and Freya McAleese

The Torrence Cup for Progress Chanel Bawa

The Cup for Effort in Senior 5 Callan Forsyth

General Excellence in Senior 1 Lucia Cornelius, Zacc Cunningham, Isla Forsyth, Jane Hoper, Aarna Mangalampalli, Finlay McFadzean, Grace Walker, Zechariah Wilks

Coats Challenge Cup for Golf Fraser Peters Wellington School Scratch Golfer of the Year Thomas Carlyle

Senior 1 Progress Charlotte McGaughey

Primary Football: Senior Player of the Year Dillon Alexander

General Excellence in Senior 2 Joe Conetta, Penelope Dunlop, Georgia Hannah, Grace Longman, Sibyl McLaren, Noah Ritchie, Riley Stevenson

Netball Player of the Year Holly McNeilly

Trophy for Rugby Presented by Shiona Douglas Rory Cumming

Prize for Higher Accounting Calum Kelly

1st XI Hockey Player of the Year Iona-Mary Fairbairn

Reynolds Cup for Art, Awarded for Outstanding Work in S4 Charlotte Dale

The Cala Trophy for Services to the PE Department Holly McNeilly

Prize for Higher Art & Design Xander Potts

The McLaughlin Cup for Outstanding Effort in Sport Freya McAleese

Prize for AH Art & Design Milla Potts and Issy Wilson

Willians Plate Lewis Reilly

Gainsborough Cup for Art, Awarded for Outstanding Work in S5/6 Mia Swift

The Junior Boys' Sports Championship Trophy Charlie Gillies Dale Quaich Awarded for the Most Meritorious Performance in a Championship Event Rory Cumming

WSA Award for Outstanding Contriution to Art & Design in the Senior School Natasha Hardy Prize for Higher Biology Alexander Melvin

The Craig Trophy Senior Boys' Sports Champions Rory Cumming

Prize for AH Biology Isla Hall

Primary 6/7 Girls' Sports Champion Georgia McGeoch

Prize for Higher Business Management Ava Clachlan and Jamie Wardrop

The Victor Ludorum (Primary 6/7 Boys Sports Champion) Campbell Lennox

Prize for AH Business Management Madison Niven

1st Year Championship Trophy (Girls) Lucia Cornelius 1st Year Championship Trophy (Boys) Benjamin Freestone Logan Trophy Junior Girls’ Sports Champion Sofia Manners Wellington Rosebowl Senior Girls’ Sports Champion Kate Robinson The Morrison Cup for Best All-Round Sports Boy Rory Cumming

Prize for Higher Chemistry Alexander Melvin Prize for AH Chemistry Isla Hall Prize for Higher Classical Studies Millie McKenzie Cup for Higher Computing Alexander Paisley Prize for AH Computing James Watson The Rosebowl for Higher English Anastasia D’Angelosante

Laughland Cup for Best All-Round Sports Girl Lemoni Allan-McLaughlin

Prize for AH English Milla Potts

Prize for AH Mathematics Isla Hall

Sir Thomas Moore Cup for Primary 7 Public Speaking Aaryan Sangha

Trophy for Higher Modern Studies Millie McKenzie Prize for AH Modern Studies Jamie Wardrop

Ayrshire Debating Cup Best Team Performance Evie Mae Cattanach and Amalie Cotter

Cup for Higher Music Anastasia D’Angelosante

The McKinstry Cup for Debating Anastasia D'Angelosante and Zechariah Wilks

Prize for AH Music Tiffany Cai

MacDonald Prize for Creative Writing Milla Potts

Prize for Higher Music Technology Natasha Hardy

The Terras Cup for General Services to the School Alexander Paisley and Daisy Windows

The Ayr Amateur Opera Senior Vocal Award Natasha Hardy

The McKinlay Trophy for Commitment to the School Harry Morton and Aditi Mudunuri

The Quartz Cup for Commitment to Music Tiffany Cai

Milne Cup for Citizenship James Morton and Issy Wilson

The MB Hay Trophy for Excellence in Music Murray McAleese

Prize for Higher French Robyn Dunlop

The Brady Award for Performing Arts Daisy Windows

Prize for AH French Cara Wilmer

Prize for Higher Physics Alexander Melvin

Prize for Higher Geography Alexander Paisley

Prize for AH Physics Ivy Richardson

Prize for AH Geography Lottie Garner

Prize for Higher Physical Education Daisy Windows

Prize for Higher German Madison Pearce

The Cup for Higher Modern Languages (Spanish) Robyn Dunlop

Clark Prize for Higher History Laura Shiels

Prize for AH Spanish Cara Wilmer

Taylor Cup for AH History Erica Baird

The Patrick Smith Prize for Outstanding Contribution to School and Community Milla Potts

Prize for Higher Latin Daisy Windows

Sinclair Cup for All-Round Achievement in the Senior School Iona-Mary Fairborn

MacFarlane Cup for Higher Mathematics Alexander Melvin

The Kenneth Manderson Prize for Academic Excellence in Sixth Year Isla Hall Proxime Accessit for Session 2025-2026 Anastasia D’Angelosante and Alexander Paisley Dux of School for Session 2025-2026 Alexander Melvin Retiring Head Girl 2025-2026 Issy Wilson Retiring Head Boy 2025-2026 James Morton Head Girl Session 2026-2027 Daisy Windows Head Boy Session 2026-2026 Alexander Paisley

Photos: Brian Muir - Air Image Photography

2025/26 S6 Charity Work Each year, members of S6 nominate a variety of worthwhile charities to support. This year was no exception, and we were delighted to announce that BEAT Eating Disorders was the chosen charity for session 2025-2026.

For Harriet, it started during lockdown, after ongoing pressure and the influence of social media, which often promotes unrealistic and unhealthy standards around body image and weight loss.

The inspiration behind this nomination was S6 pupil Ivy, whose family has a specific connection to the impact eating disorders can have on young people and their families. Ivy’s sister and Former Pupil Harriet developed an eating disorder during lockdown. However with the help of BEAT, Harriet started to recover and rebuild her life.

Over time, the disorder took hold, and we started to see clear changes in her behaviour. It got to a point where it felt like Harriet wasn’t really herself anymore. We started referring to her illness as “Annie”, to separate the eating disorder from the person we knew and loved. During that time, Harriet would go to great lengths to avoid eating. She would hide food in her pockets, feed it to the dogs, and often try to give others more food just to ease any guilt she had about eating any food herself. It was a very difficult and worrying time.

We spoke to Ivy about her experience with BEAT: “This year, I chose to put forward BEAT Eating Disorders as our S6 charity after seeing first hand how dangerous and often unspoken eating disorders can be, when my sister Harriet developed anorexia.

But eventually, thanks to a lot of strength on Harriet’s part , and with the right support, she began to recover. That support included help from BEAT Eating Disorders, our S6 charity this year. BEAT supports not only those suffering from anorexia, but also people with Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, and other types of eating disorders. They provide resources, helplines, and guidance for individuals and families going through what can be a very isolating experience. According to BEAT, only 46% of people with anorexia will go on to make a full recovery and is the mental disorder with the highest mortality rate which includes deaths caused by both medical complications and suicide. Additionally, the number of people being diagnosed with anorexia is increasing every year, most commonly developing in young people aged 12 to 25. Eating disorders are often misunderstood, but they are serious, growing issues that impact many people, especially those our age. Supporting this charity means contributing to life-saving work, helping people like my sister access the help they need to recover and rebuild their lives.’ Over the past year, pupils and staff have been dedicated to raising funds for BEAT. Here is a snapshot of some of the activities and contribution they have undertaken as part of this effort.

Charity Fundraising Activities House Charity Days Churchill, Curie, Montgomery & Nightingale have hosted House Charity Days, which have been packed with fun activities. These included a nonuniform day, Christmas jumper day, bake sale, and exciting games like beat the goalie, golf chipping, and even a dance party!

AJ Bell Great Scottish Run In October, S6 pupils Laura and Charlotte, along with both Mr Byers and Mr Mitchell took part in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run. Laura, Mr Byers and Mr Mitchell took on the Half Marathon while Charlotte completed the 10K.

Crazy Hair Day In November, our Junior School pupils and staff had a lot of fun when they came to school sporting their wildest hairstyles. From Christmas Tree Hair to Mrs Potato Head - they really took on the challenge!

Christmas Craft Fair On a crisp Saturday afternoon, the Wellington community came together for a successful Christmas Craft Fair on 29th November. Organised by S6 pupils and staff, the event saw a fantastic turnout of attendees, all eager to get into the Christmas spirit while supporting a great cause. The fair featured a wide variety of stallholders offering unique products, including personalised gifts, skincare, Christmas decorations, jewellery, artwork, and much more. Visitors also enjoyed a selection of delicious hot food and drinks, live musical entertainment, fun games and crafts, and a magical Christmas grotto where they could meet Santa himself.

Dip with a Nip On 13th February, S6 (along with some willing staff) showed bravery as they took on the annual ‘Dip with a Nip’. They took on the challenge with smiles and team spirit (even though it was freezing outside). After their icy plunge, they all warmed up with a well-earned hot chocolate.

£21,369.75 for Beat! Our S6 pupils presented a cheque for an incredible £21,369.75 to Beat, marking the culmination of this year’s Charity Work. The final total was revealed during a school assembly in June, where Sandy and Olivia from Beat joined pupils and staff to celebrate. The donation reflects the dedication, generosity and hard work of everyone involved in this year’s fundraising efforts. We are incredibly proud of our S6 pupils for leading the appeal and extend our sincere thanks to all pupils, staff, families and the wider Wellington community whose support made this fantastic total possible.

Magical Christmas 2025 By Mrs Coontz Each year, we take our Primary 7 pupils to our partner school, the Mallinckrodt-Gymnasium, in Dortmund, to learn about German Christmas traditions with pupils their own age. S6 Mentors help with the younger pupils. This year, we asked the Mentors to keep a short diary for their group. Here are some of the highlights. Sunday, 30 November 2025 In the lead-up to the trip, we were all buzzing with excitement and wondering what adventures were waiting for us in Germany for our Magical Christmas trip. The plane ride started off a bit tiring, but it quickly turned fun once everyone began chatting and laughing together. The bus journey was long, loud, and full of good vibes!

places. Travelling with friends has been a lot of fun. It looked different from what we expected. I’m also excited to meet the German families and visit their school. I’m looking forward to the icebreaker activities because they make it easier to talk to people and get along with everyone.

When we arrived at the hotel, we were given our rooms and happily settled in with our friends, making them feel like home for the next few days. Later, we all met for dinner and enjoyed a meal that properly filled us up after a long day of travelling.

Monday, 1 December 2025 After a great night’s sleep, we woke up eager for the day ahead. We headed downstairs for breakfast and filled ourselves up with toast and cereal, ready for the adventure.

Now we can’t wait to visit the partner school, explore the Christmas markets, try some German treats, and learn more about the German language and currency. The best is still to come!

We walked over to the school to meet the German students, where the deputy head teacher and another teacher introduced us and explained the icebreaker task. After that, we were given a tour of the school, it was HUGE, and so modern that we couldn’t believe it!

My favourite part of the day was chatting and traveling with people I don’t usually spend time with. Going to different places with all my friends has made the experience even better. Everything is busy and filled with Christmas-themed decorations, and I’m really looking forward to visiting the Christmas markets and exploring new

Next, we braved a cold walk with our new friends to the BVB stadium. We learned loads about the

history of the team and the stadium, which was actually really interesting. Our favourite part of the museum was the soundproofed room where we got to belt out football karaoke without anyone hearing us. We finished the visit in the merch shop, where we picked up some souvenirs to take home. Later on, we met up again with the German students and their mentors for a selfie tour around the Christmas markets. We learned about the giant Christmas tree and all sorts of fairytales as we snapped photos along the way. But the absolute highlight of the day was the markets themselves! We treated ourselves to delicious German food such as hot dogs, crepes, churros, and curly fries - the perfect reward after so much walking. Once we were full, we browsed the cute stalls, buying gifts for family and a few treats for ourselves. The purchase of the day? Our Stitch and cow hats with moving ears, easily the best thing we bought! Finally, we headed back for some free time to chat and play with our friends before having some dinner to end the day. Meeting the exchange partners for the first time was exciting, and exploring the German school added to the experience. Visiting the Christmas markets, trying foods like churros and German sausages, buying gifts for family and friends made the trip even more memorable. Going to the BVB museum and getting things like a PEZ and a hand warmer was a fun highlight, as was getting the Dortmund Weihnachtsstadt 2025 Christmas cup from one of the market stalls. Throughout the trip the thing that I liked the most so far was chatting with people I don’t normally talk to, whether in the dorms, while colouring, or just hanging out, this helped everyone connect and become closer to each other. Listening to music also gave us a chance to chill out and enjoy the quieter evenings.

Tuesday, 2 December 2025 We started off the day with a walk to school to meet our German friends again. We kicked things off with an icebreaker warm-up and sang Christmas carols together. After that, we headed to our workshops to learn about different Christmas activities. One workshop was all about creating and performing our own Christmas fairytale stories. Another was making Christmas cards for someone special — it was so fun, even though Ava accidentally glued her hand to her jumper! The last workshop taught us about Christmas traditions in Germany, where we wrote letters to Santa c/o the Christmas post office. At break time, we watched a German pupil perform a piano piece, and it completely shocked us because it was so incredible! Afterwards, we split up again for more workshops. In one, we worked with a German pupil to code a Christmas story about visiting the different markets. In the other, we did a chemistry workshop where we mixed chemicals to make different colours — it was amazing watching them change right in front of us! After all the workshops, we headed back to be put into groups to visit our German friends’ houses. We did loads of fun activities with our families, but the best ones were definitely baking Christmas cookies, exploring new markets, seeing Santa flying, and getting chips for dinner! We had so much fun on our last full day. We’ll be sad to leave tomorrow, but we’re also excited to see our families again and sleep in our own beds!

then giving them our own presents. Although we were a bit nervous at first, we quickly got along once we started chatting to each other. When we were with our German families we also went on the Ferris wheel at the Christmas market. Ola’s family was incredibly kind and welcoming to us. Before bed, we played a game of Consequences, ending the night on a fun and friendly note.

Wednesday, 3 December 2025 Packing on the last morning was a challenge. Some bedrooms were neat and tidy, others looked as if the proverbial bomb had gone off. Eventually, we managed to squeeze everything in, had breakfast, put on our red hoodies and set off for the bus to the airport. We checked in at Düsseldorf, went through security and into the departure lounge. There was time to buy some final souvenirs before joining our British Airways flight back to London. In Heathrow, our Mentors helped us choose somewhere to buy some dinner before we caught the final flight of our trip. We arrived home very tired but full of happy memories and we’re looking forward to going back to Germany on exchange when we are in S2.

We started the day by preparing for the morning before taking part in a computing workshop using Scratch, followed by Christmas tag making and traditional Christmas carols. Later, with our A big ‘thank you’ to our wonderful mentors who family, we visited a museum about different jobs in looked after us! Germany and then went to a pizzeria that served massive pizzas. Afterward, we exchanged gifts— receiving a Nutella stocking, marzipan bread, a cup, a coaster, a snowflake stamper, German cookies, and a bag to carry everything home in, before

Happy Retirement to Mr Johnson! Speech Day in June marked the last official school day for our former Headmaster, Mr Johnson, who retired after 11 years of dedicated service to Wellington School. Mr Johnson’s involvement has extended into every aspect of school life - from participating in the orchestra and attending numerous musical performances to accompanying exchanges, trips and supporting school sports - enriching the experiences of countless pupils and staff. He has consistently encouraged the wide range of opportunities available to our pupils and has been a visible encouraging presence. His enthusiasm and unwavering support for Wellington over the years has made a lasting impact and we would like to thank him for his ongoing commitment and dedication to the school community. He will be greatly missed, and we wish him every happiness and success in his retirement. 💐

Ayrshire Debating Cup 2026 In June, our debaters were on form at the Ayrshire Debating Cup, held in our Carleton Turrets Hall... and this was our biggest Cup yet! Now in its fourth year, the event doubled in size last year and grew again this time round, bringing together 36 teams from more than a dozen schools across Scotland to debate everything from celebrityowned football clubs to academic ‘grindset’ culture. Congratulations to Evie Mae and Amalie (S5), who reached the Gold final and finished as the secondhighest-scoring team across the whole competition. Rebecca and Luella (S3) were every bit as impressive, breaking to the Silver final as the sixthhighest-scoring team - no small feat against older opposition. Sophie (S5) and Milla (departing S6) both placed in the top 10 speakers out of 72, alongside our grand final pair. A huge well done to all our debaters for representing Wellington so brilliantly and helping make this our biggest and most successful Cup yet!

Hockey News By Mrs Penton Scottish National Emerging Programme

St Margaret’s School of Girls in the rounds of the Scottish School Senior Challenge Cup competition. Reaching the semi final they were met by a strong Kelso High School team. This was an extremely competitive match with Wellington leading until the final minutes of the game resulting in penalty strokes. Sadly the team were defeated 5:4 in this nail biting end to the game ending their cup journey. The team and every player involved should be proud of their achievement in this competition.

Iona-Mary, Lemoni and Daisy have been selected for the Scottish National Emerging Programme. Being selected is a huge achievement and provides the opportunity for these players to train and develop in a high performance environment. This selection reflects their talent and dedication. They are role models for our younger hockey players allowing them to see the pathway to success in hockey and we hope this will encourage and inspire them to continue their hockey journey. We are proud of our players’ success and commitment to this programme. We wish them all the best in their hockey journeys.

Our Junior team had tough opposition, Hutchesons Grammar, in the first round resulting in the team then entering the plate competition. From this point forward the team has had great success winning against Morrisons Academy and Gordonstoun in the semi finals securing them a place in the final at Glasgow Green against Peebles.

Brave Programme Congratulations to Sophie, Lemoni, Eva, IonaMary, Emily, Freya and Daisy on their selection for Brave Academy, the talent pathway for Scottish Hockey. We are proud of our players’ success and commitment to this programme with the players attending additional training and competitive opportunities. We wish them all the best in their hockey journeys.

A huge congratulations to our Junior team, who in the end had a fantastic victory in the final of the 2026 challenge. The girls showed tremendous teamwork and skill to secure the win - a result they should be incredibly proud of. A big thank you to Peebles for being such worthy competitors and helping make the match so exciting.

Scottish Schools Challenge Cups This year we entered 2 teams (1XI and Junior) into the Scottish Schools competitions.

Thank you also to everyone who showed up to support the team, it was a brilliant display of school

Our 1XI were victorious against Galasheils and

spirit and community and we are so proud of the whole squad. Well done girls! We are very proud of these team’s achievements and their effort and dedication throughout this season. Congratulations to all those who played in the Wellington performance teams.

National Squad We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of three of our pupils who have been selected for the national training squad pathway leading to the Scotland national field hockey team. This prestigious selection is a testament not only to their talent on the pitch, but also to the dedication and passion they have shown to their sport. In this special feature, we hear from Daisy, IonaMary and Lemoni as they reflect on how their love for hockey began and the challenges they have overcome. They also give us a glimpse behind the scenes - sharing their pre-match rituals. How did you first get into Hockey? Daisy - I first got into hockey by learning to play at my first club which was Clydesdale and started when I was 5. Iona-Mary - I first got into hockey through Wellington School, around P4, our old head of the Junior School, Mr Cox, strongly encouraged a lot of us to join after school hockey on the back astro, I originally went because I found it a lot of fun but now it is a big part of my life. Still fun though! Lemoni - I first got into hockey in primary school through my school’s PE programme. I really enjoyed the team aspect of it and the competitive side & wanted to take it further, so I decided to join a local club and play for Scotland.

better player. Another setback I have faced is injury. I damaged my ankle quite bad and wasn’t allowed to play for a couple of months, when coming back from it I found it hard to regain confidence as I knew that I had missed out on a lot of training. Lemoni - One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was having back surgery and taking the time away from sport in general. It was a huge setback both physically and mentally, as I had to take months away from playing. However, I was really fortunate to have supportive coaches who adapted training for me and even allowed me to help coach during my recovery. That kept me involved in the team and helped me develop my leadership skills off the pitch. The experience made me more resilient and grateful for every opportunity I now have to play.

What position do you currently play? Daisy - I currently play a mix of attacking midfielder positions. Iona-Mary - I play more of a defensive role but occasionally I’m moved up to screen/deep midfield. Lemoni - I currently play as a forward, and ocasionally midfield.

What does a typical training week look like for you? Daisy - A typical training week for me would be playing 6 days a week. Including 4 training sessions during weekdays, a game and national training at the weekend. Iona-Mary - I train around 4 times on a busy week with national training on a Sunday, then two games on a Saturday. My training on the weekdays are for my club Kelburn, BRAVE and school hockey. Lemoni - A typical week usually includes three main training sessions with my club, one with school and another with BRAVE Academy. I often have a school match on a Saturday morning, followed by an Ayr club game later that day, and then national training on Sunday.

What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome in your sport? Daisy - I would say the biggest challenge I have had to overcome are setbacks from different team selections. Iona-Mary - The biggest setback I have had when playing is not being moved up in selection processes and knowing how much I need to work on myself, this can be hard to accept but it definitely pushes me to want to become a much

Tell us a bit about the selection process: Daisy - The selection process was quite intense; I played BRAVE cup which is a selection tournament against other BRAVE centers. This allowed me to get scouted for a trial, which then led to me getting selected for the National training squad. Iona-Mary - To begin the BRAVE pathway I had to trial with many girls from different districts, then they made a selection of who would be in the Emerging BRAVE set up. I have played the last two BRAVE cup games for the Emerging Thunder team and have then been moved up to the Aspiring squad. To be selected for the Emerging National Program I had to be scouted from the BRAVE cup games to come for a National trial, I then was selected to be a member of the training squad. Lemoni - The selection process involved multiple assessment sessions where coaches looked at our fitness, technical skills, decision-making and attitude. It was so competitive, and everyone there was talented, so consistency was really important. When I found out I had been selected, I felt incredibly proud, it made all the hard work, early mornings, and tough training sessions feel worth it. How do you prepare before a big match? Any pre-match rituals? Daisy - My pre-match ritual would definitely be having an iced coffee before I train/play! Iona-Mary - I wouldn’t say I do anything in particular before a game but I always make sure to wear my bracelet from my grandparents, it has a four leaf clover on it, you could say it is sort of like a good luck charm! Lemoni - My pre-match ritual is making sure my hair is done perfectly. If I feel put together, I feel confident and when I feel confident, I play better. What advice would you give our younger readers who are thinking about getting into Hockey? Daisy - I would say just to keep sticking with it and working hard - remember that setbacks are important and the best way to learn and develop! Iona-Mary - I would say to younger people wanting to get into hockey, if it is something that you love and are passionate about, don’t give up on it and be confident! Lemoni - My advice would be to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Hockey is fast and physical, and at first it can feel overwhelming. But that’s where you grow the most!

This is Me! Dance Showcase 2026 On Wednesday 11th February, Ayr Town hall was filled with energy, emotion and an overwhelming sense of pride as our pupils took to the stage for this year’s dance showcase, ‘This Is Me’. The theme, This Is Me, perfectly captured the spirit of the evening - a celebration of individuality, self-expression and the journey each person takes as they grow in confidence and character. From our youngest performers in Primary 1 to our inspiring S6 pupils preparing to move on to new chapters, the show was a powerful reflcection of our school community and the values that guides it every day. At the heart of the performance were our Wellington 5Cs: Care, Creativity, Challenge, Confidence and Commitment - woven seamlessly through every routine. Care The support shown throughout rehearsals and on the night itself was truly special. Older pupils encouraged younger dancers backstage, friendships shone through group performances and staff worked tirelessly to ensure every child felt supported. The warmth in the audience was unmistakable with families and friends cheering every step, lift and leap.

Creativity From imaginitive choreography to thoughtful music choices, the show highlighted the creative talent within our school and our pupils. Whether energetic and uplifting or moving and reflective, every piece brought something unique to the stage. Challenge Learning choreography and performing in front of a full audience is no small feat - particularly for our youngest pupils. The courage shown by all our pupils stepping onto such a grand stage was remarkable. Confidence As the evening progressed, you could see confidence radiating from every performer. For some, this was their first time on stage; for others, it was their final school dance show. The applause they received was well deserved! Commitment Behind every polished performance were weeks of rehersals, lunchtime practices and after-school dedication. The commitment shown by pupils across all year groups was exceptional. This Is me was more than just a dance show. It was a celebration of who we are as a school community supportive, ambitious, expressive and united. To every dancer, member of staff and supporter who made the evening possible - thank you. Here’s to continuing to live our 5Cs every day - and to many more unforgettable performances in the years to come!

Photos: Brian Muir - Air Image Photography

WSPTA Year in Review It’s been another busy and successful year for the Wellington School Parent Teacher Association (WSPTA), supporting the school through a wide range of enjoyable events and worthwhile projects. From social evenings to school concerts and practical investments, it’s been wonderful to see our community come together.

Summer Concert Our Summer Concert, held at Ayr Town Hall, was very well attended by parents and guests. The evening followed its familiar and much-loved format, with refreshments served in the Chamber before the musical performances began. As always, the pupils impressed, and it was a lovely celebration of their hard work and talent.

Here’s a look back at some of the highlights:

Cheese & Wine Evening One of our first events of the year was a Cheese & Wine Tasting evening. Guests enjoyed a delicious selection of wines generously provided by local wine merchants Corney & Barrow, perfectly paired with cheeses from McGregor & Reid. It was a relaxed and enjoyable evening that brought members of the Wellington community together and set the tone for the year ahead.

Thrift Shop The WSPTA Thrift Shop continues to go from strength to strength and now holds sales every six weeks at Carleton Turrets. Dates for upcoming sales can be found on the school website, with the next event scheduled for Friday 6th March. We are particularly keen to receive donations of senior uniform to help replenish our rails. All donations can be dropped off at the main school office. A huge thank you to everyone who continues to donate—these contributions play a vital role in the ongoing success of the Thrift Shop.

Junior School Halloween Party In October, our Junior School pupils enjoyed their Halloween parties, with the WSPTA helping to provide snacks and fun decorations. It was a great way to add a little extra excitement to the school day and was clearly enjoyed by all.

WSPTA Purchases This year, the WSPTA funded the purchase of new football equipment for the Senior School. The football nets have been very well received and encourage pupils to stay active during their free time.

Christmas Wreath Workshop On the 1st of December, we hosted our firstever Christmas Wreath Making Workshop. This event sold out within days, and guests fully embraced their creative side, leaving with beautiful handmade wreaths. Following its success, we are delighted to confirm that a similar event will be planned in the future—details to follow.

We have also recently purchased road safety signs to promote more mindful parking during pickups and drop-offs. We would appreciate parents sharing this message with grandparents and friends, as we know parents are not always the ones collecting pupils. The safety of our children in and around the school grounds is always our priority.

Thank You None of these events would be possible without the incredible support of our committee members and teachers, and I would like to personally thank them all for their commitment throughout the year.

Christmas Concert Our final event of the year was the Christmas Concert at Ayr Town Hall. Guests were welcomed with festive Christmas punch before enjoying performances from the music department, making it a wonderful and celebratory way to close the year.

A very big thank you also goes to all parents for their continued support—whether by attending events, buying raffle tickets, or helping in other ways. Every contribution goes directly back into supporting the work of the WSPTA.

Dates For Your Diary We have several events planned for 2026, and we are also excited to announce that we will be hosting a Sportsman Dinner in Spring 2027. More details will be shared in due course.

Footloose By James Watson & Laura Paterson In October 2025 S3-6 came together to perform an inspiring production of Footloose. Ayr Town Hall appropriately bedazzled by Mrs Bradley - was transformed once again for a very professional performance! After the amazing crew performed their magic and the stage mirrored broadway. It was time for the cast to step into the spotlight. However they had, had a long hard journey to get there. Audition tapes were intersting, with some bright stars filming everywhere from the garden to the bathroom. The chaos continued into all of the rehearsals - with shoes and limbs flying across the room. While some people picked up the dancing first try, others were reliant on their enthusiasm. Some weeks you could have sworn they were professionals, but others you could hear the director lecturing us! This year’s cast was full of first time performers in both principal roles and chorus, as well as a few people who have devoted years to the school shows. The production was a perfect example of spectacular dance numbers, stellar singing and hilarious line delivery as well as the teamwork and effort expressed by the students. The cast was a single cast this time, putting principal characters under pressure to get it right every night. We also had many first-time chorus members on stage too. This was a fun production with spectacular dance numbers, stellar singing and hilarious delivery of the script.

Photos: Callum Gibbs Photography

Photos: Callum Gibbs Visual

One Night Only By James Watson It’s easy to attend a performance - whether it’s a concert, a show or something less formal - enjoy it for an hour or two and then move on contentedly. It is easier still to put it all down to raw talent and skill without sparing a thought for the time and effort that goes into preparing for such a performance. A school show is a perfect example. People with entirely different interests, entirely different personalities, come together to produce something truly spectacular. A show cannot be performed by one person alone, even if they are the most talented person in the world. Every production relies on a team; a cast, an orchestra, a tech crew or something more unique. In truth, the most important part of putting together a show does not happen on opening night or at curtain call, but in the months leading up to it. For me, this year was my first real time on stage - unless you count the P7 panto - and I must admit I greatly underestimated what I was signing up for. Truth be told, I didn’t read the cast list closely enough and had no idea that the role I auditioned for was a principal. The audition scenes were short and there was only one song, so I assumed that the role was small. I was very wrong. Taking part in a show is an incredibly daunting task but after doing one myself, I can say without a doubt that it is a highlight of the school experience. It takes months of commitment and hard work from everyone involved and the level of stress it can bring is not to be underestimated. Nothing can quite prepare you for the moment you walk - or in some cases strut - on stage for the first time and you feel the audience’s eyes on you. In that moment you have two options: let panic wipe your mind blank or give it your everything without fear of embarrassment. I ended up loving being on stage, with my friends beside me shining in the spotlights. But a cast can only go so far on its own. It is the hard work that goes on backstage that truly brings a show to life. Between Mrs B’s bedazzlement of the sets, former pupil Max’s hard work on sound, and current pupils Fraser and Milla’s skilled efforts on the spotlights - it almost felt like Broadway. Of course, something must be said about the band. With only one or two run-throughs with the cast before opening night the band picked up the strengths and weaknesses of the performers almost instantly - especially under the keen eye of their conductor, the wonderfully talented Mrs Docherty. I’ve always loved musicals, and being in one has made me appreciate them even more. Performing anything in front of anyone is a great feat and should always be commended and encouraged something Wellington has been great at doing. The nerves can sometimes feel overwhelming, but nothing can beat that rush of adrenaline coursing through you as you walk off stage knowing you gave it your absolute all.

Photos: Callum Gibbs Photography

Rock of Ages In early June, pupils from P7 to S2 took to the stage at Carleton Turrets Hall for three fantastic performances of Rock of Ages Jr. (Youth Edition). Bringing the sounds of 80s rock to life, the cast delivered a high-energy, feel-good production packed with big vocals, memorable performances and plenty of classic hits. Audiences enjoyed much-loved songs including Don’t Stop Believin’, We Built This City, The Final Countdown and Here I Go Again, as pupils showcased their talent, confidence and dedication throughout the show. With the direction of Mrs Bradley and Miss McKinlay, pupils worked hard to bring the production to life, supported by staff and contributors behind the scenes who helped create such a spectacular show.

Photos: Callum Gibbs Photography

Scotland’s DigiInventors Challenge in April, P7 pupils Ava and Lisa were named winners in Scotland’s DigiInventors Challenge 2026, with classmates Dillon and Mason also achieving success as runners-up. They celebrated their achievements at the DigiInventors Primary School Edition Award Ceremony, held at City of Glasgow College. Scotland’s DigiInventors Challenge is an innovation programme designed to equip primary and secondary school pupils with the digital and entrepreneurial skills needed for the modern economy. The initiative encourages pupils to move beyond traditional learning by applying technology to realworld challenges. Through the programme, they explore opportunities within the digital health and care sector by designing, prototyping, and pitching viable digital solutions.

Primary 7 - Scots Poetry Final By Mrs Clachan What a start to the year it was for our amazing P7 pupils. Our P7 Burns/Scots Poetry Final brought poetry, passion and plenty of personality as pupils took to the ‘stage’ with confidence and serious OOMPH! We had a brilliant line-up of finalists: Annabel – Homework, Oh Homework by Jack Prelutsky Ava – The Sair Finger by Walter Wingate

Lamb — poet, Carnegie-nominated author and proud spork enthusiast — who shared his dramatic “Lamb o’ Shanter” (inspired by Tam o’ Shanter, the poem that changed his life!). His energy and storytelling had everyone hooked. This was rounded off by our participation in the SAC Burns Supper at Ayr Town Hall — what a way to continue celebrating Ayrshire’s rich literary heritage! We are proud of each P7 pupil for their courage, commitment and enthusiastic performances. Scots language is alive and well in their hands!

Isabella – A Dug, A Dug by Bill Keys James – Address to a Haggis by Robert Burns Lisa – The Sair Finger by Walter Wingate Sophie – A Dug, A Dug by Bill Keys Each performer was judged by Miss Kerr (no easy task at all!). After much deliberation, huge congratulations to our joint winners Sophie and Isabella — outstanding performances! As if that wasn’t exciting enough… we were also inspired by a fantastic Scots session from Simon

Primary 7 Strike the Right Note with Schoolovision 2026 Victory There was celebration across Wellington as pupils were crowned winners of Schoolovision 2026 after months of hard work, creativity and teamwork. The exciting journey began earlier this year when pupils set out to create an original song to represent the school in the international competition. From the very first brainstorming sessions, learners worked collaboratively with Mr Levif, their French teacher, to write meaningful lyrics, develop melodies and shape the overall messge of the song, which was entitled “La paix”. Pupils were involved in every stage of production from recording vocals to helping organise rehersals and perfecting performances. Once the song had been professionally recorded, using the recording studio within the Music Department here at Wellington, attention turned to creating a music video to accompany the entry. Filming took place on the beautiful Ayr beach, which is right on the school’s doorstep, as pupils thought it was the perfect representation of Scotland’s beautiful scenery. Pupils took to the sand dunes and enthusiastically danced and sang to their song, as well as writing the word peace in the sand in lots of different languages. The finished video captured the energy of the performance, but also the strong sense of community and school spirit that made the project so special. After the final entry was submitted, excitement continued to build as schools across Europe voted in the competition. Pupils eagerly awaited the results announcement, before discovering that Wellington had officially been crowned Schoolovision 2026 champions. The achievement has been celebrated throughout the school community, with staff, pupils and families

expressing pride in everyone involved. Beyond the trophy itself, the experience gave pupils the opportunity to build confidence, develop creative skills and work together towards a shared goal. Although celebrations are still ongoing, attention is already beginning to turn towards the future, with pupils excited about the possibility of defending their title next year. With such talent and teamwork on display, Wellington will undoubtedly be looking forward to Schoolovision 2027.

Celebrating The Legacy of Frida Khalo: A Cross Curricular Wall Display By Ms Hyslop To celebrate International Women’s Day and to mark Women’s History Month in March, Ms Hyslop and Señora Herrera decided to organise a crosscurricular project centred on the iconic Mexican artist – Frida Kahlo. Through learning across five subjects, our pupils collaborated to create a vibrant wall display that proudly showcases their outstanding work. The display features work from Spanish, History, Art, English and Geography, demonstrating the creativity and curiosity of our students. This colourful exhibition highlights how different subjects can come together to explore Frida’s life, achievements and lasting influence. Frida Kahlo was chosen as our focus because she is widely recognised as one of the most influential artists of modern times. Famous for her striking self-portraits, Frida often portrayed women as resilient, powerful and unapologetically themselves - values that align perfectly within the spirit of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. Through this project, pupils gained a deeper understanding of Frida’s life, her artistic legacy and the richness of Mexican culture. It has been fantastic to see how this cross-curricular approach has inspired thoughtful learning and creativity across the school.

Summary of Our Learning & Activities History – In S4 History, pupils have been learning about Frida’s involvement in Political History. Frida was known for her committed activism to causes important to her. This has included her association with the Communist Party in Mexico along with her famous husband Diego Rivera, her ties with Leon Trotsky and the Russian Revolution (a topic we study at National 5). Historically, International Women’s Day directly triggered the February Revolution in Russia on 8th March 1917, as female textile workers in Petrograd went on strike for ‘Bread and Peace’ sparking mass protests for equal rights as well as the abdication of the Tsar. Lenin later established this day as an official holiday to honour their role. Art – In S4 Art, pupils have been studying some of her most famous works of Art at National 5 level and critically analysing the symbolism of her iconic work. Her famous Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird (1940), remains one of her most significant creations, this painting showcases Kahlo wearing a thorn necklace, with a hummingbird hanging lifelessly from the chain. The thorns symbolise her enduring pain, while the hummingbird may represent lost love or hope.

English - In S2 English, pupils have been doing close reading to interpret Frida’s impact on Mexico and beyond. Pupils selected their favourite quotes and interpreted key areas of impact in her life politically, culturally and personally.

export and celebration of Mexican culture is certainly something Frida would have embraced.

Senior Languages - In Higher Spanish, pupils have been learning about Frida Kahlo through their Spanish language studies. Their work has highlighted some of her most inspiring quotes and the core values she stood for. Junior Languages - In S1 and S2 Spanish lessons, primary pupils studied the Day of the Dead, celebrated primarily on November 1–2. Officially known as Día de los Muertos or Día de Muertos, this celebration is frequently called a ‘festival of life’ or a time of remembrance. Pupils designed their own Mexican Day of the Dead skulls (calaveras). These are vibrant, decorated symbols used to honour the deceased, representing the departed soul and the celebration of life. Often made of sugar (calaveras de azúcar), chocolate, or clay, these skulls are placed on altars (ofrendas) and gifted to friends or family, frequently featuring the recipient’s name written on the forehead. Geography – In Higher Geography, pupils have been learning about the export of traditional Mexican culture through studies on the impact and experience of Migration. Although this debate remains a controversial political one today, the

Project Impact On being asked about their Learning, several of our pupils offered their enthusiastic feedback. Laura Sheils (S5) commented that “I enjoyed learning about Frida Kahlo in Higher Spanish because it highlights how powerful women can create beauty out of conflicting emotions and personal struggles through expressing themselves in a unique way, which was somewhat controversial at the time”. Amber Thomson and Padma Unnam (S4), when asked if were happy to contribute across three subjects even responded with “Of course! Anything for Frida! We love her!”.

Ms Hyslop and Señora Herrera would like to thank all pupils who engaged with this activity and all staff involved in the project including: Mrs Coontz, Mr Ledingham, Mrs Morton, Mrs Kolgan, Madame Rabeyrin. A special thanks must go to S6 Advanced Higher History pupils Erica Baird and Milla Potts who helped to bring the display to creative life. We hope to engage with further cross curricular projects in future to continue to develop the valuable subject links we have fostered.

This article shows some examples of the incredible work produced by our pupils and a picture of our completed display.

Frida Khalo’s Values

Frida Khalo’s Legacy

1. Radical self-expression and honesty Frida Kahlo painted her own life—physical pain, emotional wounds, love, jealousy, and joy—without softening it. She believed personal truth was worthy subject matter, even when it was uncomfortable.

1. A global feminist icon She is celebrated as a symbol of strength, autonomy, and defiance — especially for women, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ communities who see themselves reflected in her work.

2. Feminism and bodily autonomy Through unflinching self-portraits, she challenged traditional roles for women. She depicted miscarriage, disability, sexuality, and independence at a time when these topics were taboo.

2. Redefining self-portraiture Kahlo expanded what self-portraiture could be: not vanity, but psychological depth, political identity, and lived experience.

3. Pride in Mexican identity (Mexicanidad) After the Mexican Revolution, she embraced Indigenous roots, traditional dress (Tehuana clothing), folk art, and pre-Columbian symbolism as a statement of cultural pride and resistance to European dominance.

3. Cultural and artistic influence Her visual language — bold color, symbolism, and autobiographical storytelling —continues to shape contemporary art, fashion, film, and literature worldwide.

4. Resilience in the face of suffering Enduring lifelong pain from childhood polio and a devastating bus accident, she turned suffering into art. Her work insists that pain does not erase dignity or creativity.

4. Visibility for disability and chronic illness By showing her braces, scars, and hospital experiences, she helped normalise disabled bodies in art long before such representation was common.

5. Political commitment and Anti-Imperialism Kahlo was openly leftist and believed art should reflect social reality. Her paintings and public life expressed solidarity with workers, Indigenous people, and anti-colonial movements.

5. Enduring cultural presence From major museum exhibitions to pop culture references, Kahlo remains one of the most recognisable artists of the 20th century, representing authenticity and resistance.

International School Award Success Wellington School has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

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The award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in global education. Bringing an international dimension into the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world.

The assessors commended the school on very successfully meeting the requirements for Reaccreditation for the Full British Council International School Award. In particular, they noted the strong and active international partnerships and links we enjoy with many countries and continued:

The 2026 award ceremony took place at Westminster on Monday 2 February and was attended by Members of Parliament and representatives from schools around the UK.

“ You provide your students many opportunities to enhance their language skills, through interactions with their international peers, as part of collaborative projects. I am impressed how you have engaged all your students in activities that help them to develop as global citizens. I enjoyed watching the video of the Model United Nations and very aware of its power in encouraging young people to think about the complexities of global politics and issues. It is creditable that you also provided the opportunity for members of the student body to organise events such as Fairtrade Fortnight. It was a pleasure to read your submission. Congratulations! ”

Wellington School’s international work includes a wide range of cross-curricular activities across the school with an international ethos emphasis. Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: ‘The school has earned this prestigious award through its inspirational international work and links with schools abroad. The International School Award is a chance for schools to be recognised for their important work bringing the world into their classrooms. The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with upmost pride that we celebrate their achievements. By embedding an international dimension in children’s education, these schools are preparing their students for successful lives in the UK or further afield, empowering them to be global citizens, and are creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy.’ Over 6000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999. The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop: •

A whole school approach to international work Collaborative curriculum-based work with several partner schools Year-round international activity Involvement of the wider community

An international ethos embedded throughout the school

S2 Pupils Visit National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University By Mr Currie In January our S2 pupils visited The National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University. Pupils got to tour the state of the art facility, see various robots in action in interactive demonstrations, and program their own in a competitive workshop. This experience provided valuable insight into how technology and engineering can be combined and applied to benefit a range of industries and fields such as healthcare and medicine, production, agriculture, among others.

Top Award for Advanced Higher Chemistry Pupil, Iona Before Christmas, we were delighted to discover that our former pupil, Iona had been awarded the Dr Craig Grey Memorial Award by the RSC Education Community Scotland in recognition of her exceptional performance in the SQA Advanced Higher Chemistry Project! This is a wonderful achievement for Iona, who returned to Wellington to collect her certificate and we are extremely proud of her hard work and dedication to her studies. This amazing achievement is also a credit to Mrs Leckie for her continued dedication and support to our pupils guiding them through their educational journey and contributing to an excellent chemistry learning experience.

David & Dot Celebrate 20 Years at Wellington School Behind every great school day is a kitchen that keeps it all running - and at Wellington, that heart belongs to Dot and David. Celebrating an incredible 20 years of cooking for the school community this past October. In this special interview, we step behind the scenes of the bustling dining room to hear their story, uncover what two decades on the job has taught them, and of course, get the inside scoop on the legendary chicken wraps that pupils simply can’t get enough of! What do you remember most about your very first day in the Wellington kitchen? Dot: The very first day, when I got interviewed, I said to them, the only thing I can’t do is bake. And all I did for the first two years was bake. I had to learn very quickly! But now I really do love baking. How has the food changed over the last 20 years? Dot: To be honest, I would say it’s not really. It’s always been your favourites; steak pie or lasagna. Saying that… I don’t remember when the chicken wraps were introduced! That was maybe about 15 years ago. Was it as popular at the time as it is now? David: Oh, yes chicken wraps have always been a favourite with pupils. Former pupils will still comment on them! Everyone is happy when it is chicken wraps on the menu.

Is there a particular year or event that really stands out in your memory? Dot: I would say back in October because it marked 20 years we had been here. So I would say that was quite a big milestone because I worked in Littlewoods for 20 years. And then when I got made redundant, I couldn’t settle anywhere because I had been at Littlewoods for so long and it’s what I was used to. And I was everywhere, I was at Spar, I was at Pinefield’s Nursery, I was at Belmont Academy, I was at St John’s. I just couldn’t settle anywhere. Then I got this job, and here I am 20 years later.

What do you like most about cooking for our pupils? Dot: I think it’s the feedback you get. The pupils are all very nice and polite, “that was great”, “good one today Dot”. I like the feedback from the pupil council, as well because if they say, “oh, well, we don’t really like that” we try to accommodate that. We love to hear from the kids about what they enjoy and what they don’t. But, it needs to be said, we can’t have chicken wraps everyday! Is there a dish that pupils always ask you to bring back? David: Chicken wraps, always chicken wraps. Even when we meet former pupils, they’ll ask “do you still do the chicken wraps?” It is the one they always remember, that’s a favourite of everyone, definitely.

What’s your favourite dish to make and eat? Dot: Ohh… that’s tough. I would say lasagna, I like lasagna. And I love a beef curry. I prefer beef to chicken! David: I would probably say the chicken wraps. I just have the salad, then the chicken, a little bit of chili and sriracha. Oh it’s good! What does being part of the school community mean to you? Dot: Oh, we just love it. Absolutely love it. Although we work for Sodexo, everything we do is for the school. Every single thing. I love the pupils and - I know folk will roll their eyes at this - but it really is a family.

What does a typical day in the kitchen look like for you? David: A typical day. It’s quite chaotic because the kitchen’s quite small, so there’s not a lot of space around it. In the kitchen we’ve got freezers that have aluminium surfaces on them so they’re basically used as tables. But then at times we need to take everything off it to get into our freezers. So it can be quite difficult at times. If you could describe your time at Wellington in three words, what would they be? Dot: I’d probably say… Challenging, family and enjoyable David: I would say rewarding, enjoyable and… satisfying

What’s the secret to keeping calm during the busy lunchtime rush? David: I thrive in the rush, actually I love it. I like to do things last minute! I think it’s because I’ve worked with the chefs and we see them getting under pressure if it becomes last minute - whereas the way I look at it is that if you just stop and think for a minute, lay everything out step by step, it makes it all easier. That’s just how I work whereas Dot is the complete opposite! Dot: I like to get everything cooked up and ready beforehand - David always tells me it’s too early but no, I like it done and then we know we’re ready. So we’re really complete opposites with that, but, I know that he’ll pull me out of it if I start feeling the pressure or anything.

Sports Exchange By Mrs Coontz

This school session we have reintroduced our Sports Exchange with the Institut Saint-Dominique, Mortefontaine, France. Over the September weekend, 24 Wellington pupils went to France to spend three days enjoying sporting activities with their French partners. The weather was perfect for being outdoors. On the first day, everyone met at school for the official welcome at morning assembly. This takes place outside in the playground and each class lines up with its class teacher to listen to the headmaster giving an address and making announcements. After assembly, the first activity was hiking. We walked through the Forêt d’Ermenonville to the Abbaye de Chaalis, a distance of just under 10km. The paths pass through fields, villages and woodland and emerge at the ruined abbey and adjoining château. After our picnic lunch, we took part in an orienteering competition. This sport was new to most of the Wellington group but it is practised regularly in France as part of the PE curriculum. At the end of the day, everyone was relieved to see a coach arrive to take us back to school. Tuesday was a more relaxed day. In the morning, we went to Senlis, the local market town. Here everyone took part in a treasure hunt through

the historic centre. ‘Treasure’ was purchased, too, and the local toy shop did a great trade in Jellycat croissants. Next, we rejoined our coach for a visit to the Stade de France. This was the highlight for many. We saw behind the scenes in the stadium, including the police cells, we saw the changing rooms and ran through the tunnel to the pitch, familiar to many from the Six Nations championship. Wednesday was our last day and we spent it in the PE Department at school. The first session was climbing. St Dominique has its own climbing wall and our pupils worked with their partners on rope skills to climb the wall. There was a selection of routes from easy to difficult. Next, we went to the games hall for a lesson in handball and a competition. School finishes at lunchtime in France on a Wednesday. This gave everyone time to go back to their French homes, eat, change and pack before meeting at the airport to return to Scotland. In March, it was our turn to host! 24 French pupils arrived at Glasgow Airport in the sunshine. After arriving at school our guests had lunch and then went for a walk on the beach. For them, this was very different to being at school in the forest and they loved the space and fresh air. On the first full day, the girls and boys were

offered separate activities in the morning. This was new to the French pupils who are used to doing joint activities. The girls went to Coylton for a netball session. They started with ball-handing skills and were taught the basic rules of the sport. By the end of the session, they had enough confidence to take part in a mini-competition. Some of our girls took leadership roles in teaching the positions used in netball and did this extremely well. While the girls were at Coylton, the boys had an introduction to rugby at Doonside followed by a football session at ShootSoccer. In the afternoon, everyone returned to Doonside for hockey training. This was another sport for the French children and, again, it was lovely to see our pupils taking the initiative in helping with skills. On Wednesday, our guests had the chance to experience golf at Top Golf before spending a little time shopping for gifts at Silverburn. Thursday was another busy day. The group spent the morning at Riverside and took part in a range of athletics activities. Then, they returned to school for lunch in the canteen. The final activity was a training ceilidh. Dance is not part of the regular PE curriculum in France so this was a new experience for many. In two hours, they learned six of our most popular dances. After school, our visitors put their cases onto a coach and they headed back to the airport for the evening flight to Paris. A huge ‘thank you’ to the PE staff from both schools for making this opportunity possible. The children made new friends, discovered new sports and cultures and had a huge amount of fun.

Football Flourishes at Wellington School football continues to go from strength to strength at Wellington. Despite being a relatively small school compared with many of our local counterparts, we are proud to provide pupils with a wide range of opportunities to train, compete and represent the school. Last year, football training was open to all pupils in Primary 5 through to Primary 7. From these sessions, two squads were selected: our First VII and a Development Team. This approach allowed our more experienced players to compete at a high level while giving developing players valuable experience of representing Wellington. Our First VII enjoyed a busy season, participating in three South Ayrshire District Schools’ Football Association competitions: the League Cup, Mackie Cup and Craigie Cup. The team was also invited to compete in the Somerset Cup, held at Ayr United’s new community pitch. Wellington produced some excellent football throughout the tournament and progressed all the way to the final, where we unfortunately fell just short of lifting the trophy. The Development Team also gained valuable competitive experience in the December Development Cup at Shoot Soccer in Ayr. In addition, we hosted our annual Wellington Invitational at the school playing fields at Doonside, welcoming teams from across the local area for another enjoyable celebration of school football. There were many fantastic performances throughout the season, but our greatest achievement was undoubtedly winning the Craigie Cup for the second time. In the final, Wellington defeated Symington Primary 7–1 following a scintillating display of attacking football. It was a memorable performance and a tremendous achievement for everyone involved. 50

We were fortunate to have an extremely talented group of players last year, with two of our former Primary 7 pupils enjoying particularly impressive seasons. Campbell Lennox and Dillon Alexander, who have now progressed to S1, were both selected to represent the South Ayrshire District Schools football team. The squad brings together many of the best young players from across south-west Scotland, so we were extremely proud to see two Wellington pupils selected for the district setup. The football teams also benefited from excellent support throughout the year. Robin Bawa assisted with training sessions and attended every match to help with coaching on the day. He has a wealth of football knowledge, and his advice and insights have been invaluable. We were also capably assisted by Lucas Cornelius, who supported the team as part of his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Looking ahead, Wellington will enter the same competitions again this season, with training beginning on Friday 28 August. We are also delighted to be expanding the opportunity by inviting Primary 4 pupils to attend training alongside those in Primary 5 to Primary 7. While trophies and results are always enjoyable, school football at Wellington is about much more than winning. It gives pupils the opportunity to develop their skills, confidence, teamwork and resilience while experiencing the pride of representing their school. We look forward to welcoming our returning players and a new generation of young footballers for what promises to be another exciting season.

Sports Day 2026 June saw pupils, staff, families and friends gather at the Riverside Sports Arena for a memorable Sports Day, with plenty of competition, teamwork and House spirit on display throughout the day. The event began with the traditional House Marching competition, where Churchill, Curie, Montgomery and Nightingale proudly took to the field. Each house delivered an impressive performance, showcasing their precision and House pride, before Montgomery were announced as this year’s House Marching winners. The afternoon brought a full schedule of sporting events, with pupils competing in sprint races, the long jump, high jump and much-loved favourites such as the Egg and Spoon, Sack and Skipping races. The day finished with a prize-giving ceremony, recognising some of the top sporting performances and achievements from across the events. A huge well done to all our pupils for their enthusiasm, effort and determination throughout the day. It was fantastic to see everyone getting involved, supporting one another and giving their best. We would also like to say a huge thank you to our PE Department for organising another brilliant Sports Day, along with the staff who helped plan and run the event. We are incredibly grateful to the parents, families and friends who came along to cheer on our pupils and help create such a wonderful atmosphere. Your support helped make our 2026 Sports Day a memorable one.

Former Pupil Q&A Name: Summer Saunders Nickname at School: Sum Boarder or Day Pupil: Day Position of Office: Business Captain What house were you in? Nightingale When did you attend Wellington? 2009 - 2023 Class of: 2023 Further Education: Real Estate at Royal Agricultural University Occupation: Student - Final year Earliest memory of Wellington: School trips with Mrs McKenzie and Mrs Bowyer in P1. 3 favourite memories of your time at Wellington: Speech Day, Amsterdam Hockey tour and making the Poppy Dress. Name of Headmaster/Mistress: Mr Parlour then Mr Johnson Favourite Subject: Business Management How would your teachers describe you? Participating, hardworking and probably too chatty! Favourite School Trip: Dortmund Christmas Market Favourite School Lunch: Crispy Chicken Wraps Favourite Sports Activity at School: Hockey What is your proudest achievement? Meeting the Princess Royal, through the Poppy Dress project at the Royal opening of the Lady Haig Poppy factory. Tell us about your life since leaving Wellington: I am going into my final year of my degree in Real Estate at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, with the view to sitting the APC exam to become a Chartered Surveyor. Leaving sixth

year at 17 years old, I travelled to Bali, Indonesia to teach English as a foreign language at a number of schools and universities, the following year I completed the same program in Thailand. I also worked at an international summer school at a prep school in Sussex, organising daily activities and trips to central London. Do you have a message for current pupils? Work hard, play hard. Have you been back at Wellington since Speech Day in S6? I gained further work experience with the Marketing department and went to my brother’s final Speech Day.

A Message to our Former Pupils Former pupils of Wellington and Drumley House Schools continue to play a vital role in shaping our present and future. We encourage all alumni to stay connected by joining our Alumni Network. We’re also looking for stories, photos, and videos from your time at Wellington, if you have anything to share or would like to sign up, please get in touch. Additionally, we invite you to join our new Former Pupil Facebook group to reconnect, share memories, and stay updated on school news and events. Email: formerpupils@wellingtonschool.org Facebook: Wellington School Former Pupils

A Note from the Editor We hope you enjoyed the 2025/26 edition of The Turret! This annual magazine aims to capture the essence of Wellington School. I would like to start by thanking everyone who has contributed to the Turret, including our pupils, staff, and parents, for sharing stories, news, and work for display. While it has been exciting reliving the last academic year, as always, trying to fit all our stories in can be quite tricky. If you feel we have missed something, please get in touch and we will seek to cover your story either on social media, the website or even the next edition of The Turret. In the event of there being a factual mistake, please accept our apologies. If you get in touch, we will amend the digital version of the magazine, which is available on the School Publications page of the website: wellingtonschool.org/wellington-life/school-publications. If you have any feedback, enquiries or requests, please contact Marketing via email: marketing@wellingtonschool.org or by telephone 01292 269321.