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At Wellington College, Global Citizenship is not confined to a single lesson, programme or initiative. It is woven through the fabric of College life, encouraging students to look beyond themselves, engage meaningfully with the wider world and develop the confidence, compassion and curiosity to make a positive difference.
Throughout this academic year, students across all year groups have embraced an extraordinary range of opportunities spanning community engagement, sustainability, creativity, leadership and social justice. From supporting local schools and care homes to exploring environmental challenges, developing leadership skills and discovering new passions, Wellington students have continued to demonstrate what it means to be active and engaged global citizens.
For students in the 3rd Form, the journey began with an introduction to some of the defining issues shaping the modern world. Through sessions focused on Sustainability and Social Justice, students were encouraged to think critically about their responsibilities to both people and planet, while a diverse enrichment programme enabled them to explore new interests and skills beyond the classroom.
Students participated in a wide range of activities including Art History, Chess, Computer Science, Rocketry, Golf, Fencing, Mountain Biking and Origami, alongside racquet sports, dissection workshops and DET taster sessions. The breadth of opportunity encouraged students to challenge themselves intellectually, creatively and physically, while all also worked towards their Arts Award Bronze qualification.
In the Fifth Form and Lower Sixth, students built upon these foundations through an even broader programme of enrichment, service and collaboration. Many completed the Arts Award Silver qualification while participating in innovative enrichment activities such as Green Power Racing, DukeBox, Escape Rooms and WTV.
A cornerstone of the Global Citizenship programme this year has been Community Action. Students committed their time, energy and enthusiasm to a remarkable range of partnerships and initiatives across the local community. Through projects such as Bookmark, students supported younger readers through virtual reading sessions with primary schools, while others worked closely with local schools including Kennel Lane School, Portesbery School, Carwarden House School, New Scotland Hill School and Finchampstead CofE School.
Students also contributed to community wellbeing through partnerships with Pinehurst Care Home, Valerie’s Care Home and St Brendan’s Care Home, spending meaningful time with residents and fostering valuable intergenerational connections. Listen to some student reflections on their experiences during the Dukebox podcast recording HERE– created by the Dukebox student team as part of their GC activities.
Elsewhere, students delivered Drama in the Community projects, supported foodbanks, coached sport through Wellington College Prep Coaching and Golf in the Community and developed confidence and teamwork with young people through Tag Rugby initiatives.
The College’s Connected Curriculum initiatives further encouraged students to apply their learning in purposeful and collaborative ways. Partnerships linked to STEM education, refugee support, Classics outreach and humanities projects enabled students to connect academic study with real-world impact, broadening perspectives and deepening understanding.
Outdoor Adventure also played a significant role throughout the year, with students developing resilience, teamwork and confidence through activities including Bush Craft, Climbing, Paddling, Mountain Biking and Low Ropes. Wellington also welcomed visiting primary schools to take part in outdoor learning experiences, helping to extend opportunities and foster new connections beyond the College community.
Alongside this, students engaged in dedicated programmes focused on Sustainability, Social Justice, leadership development through Welly Leaders and the ongoing work of Wellington College Peace & Conflict Institute, reflecting Wellington’s commitment to developing thoughtful, informed and compassionate young people prepared to contribute positively to society.
What has been most striking throughout the year has been the willingness of students to engage wholeheartedly, not simply participating in activities but building relationships, showing empathy, taking initiative and contributing meaningfully to the lives of others.
The Global Citizenship programme continues to reflect Wellington College’s belief that education should extend far beyond academic achievement alone. By encouraging students to serve, collaborate, lead and reflect, the programme helps prepare young people not only for success in the future but for lives of purpose, integrity and impact.
Across every partnership, project and experience this year, Wellington students have shown that global citizenship begins with action and that even small acts of serving others, contribution and connection can have a lasting impact.
