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Sunday 22 June saw Wellington College host its annual Third Form Celebration, a highlight of the summer term that brings together pupils, families and staff to recognise the progress and achievements of the College’s youngest year group.
The event, which welcomed parents and grandparents to the College, marked the culmination of the Third Form’s first academic year. Guests enjoyed afternoon tea in the V&A Café and Selangor Court before exploring exhibitions of the pupils’ academic and creative work. These included the Malim Prize showcase in Waterloo Hall and the Third Form Art Exhibition in the Cultural Living Room.
The Malim Prize, named after former Master Frederick Blagden Malim, encourages pupils to explore a topic of personal interest through any medium, from essays and artefacts to musical compositions and curated exhibitions. The prize is regarded as a significant academic milestone for all pupils in Year 9. This year’s winner, Kika K, was recognised for a creative piece on the theme of friendship. House finalists presented projects spanning areas such as artificial intelligence, astronomy, fashion, music, and ethics, reflecting the cohort’s diverse interests and independent thinking.
In the Cultural Living Room, the Art Department displayed an array of work developed over the year across painting, photography and textiles. Pupils also took part in artist-led workshops and extension opportunities, including the “Rule of Thirds” programme, further developing their creative practice.
The day concluded in the GWA with a concert featuring music, drama and dance, with all performances delivered by Third Form pupils. Musical highlights included Duke Ellington’s In a Sentimental Mood, performed by Casper G on saxophone, and Roselie dB on violin performing Music for a While by Purcell. The Third Form Orchestra performed movements from Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 and Bizet’s Aragonaise from Carmen.
Drama pupils presented The Bard’s Apprentices, a series of short scenes from Shakespeare’s plays, including Macbeth, The Tempest, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A series of dance pieces showcased the breadth of participation and the strength of the College’s dance extension programme.
In his address, the Master, Mr James Dahl, reflected on the growth and enthusiasm of the year group:
“They may only have been here for nine months, but have already made it quite clear they are a year group with spirit, academic spark and so much to give to the College over the next four years.”
He also emphasised the cohort’s growing understanding of the College’s core values – Kindness, Responsibility, Respect, Integrity and Courage – and the importance of character alongside achievement.
The Third Form Celebration provided a fitting end to the pupils’ first year at Wellington, recognising both individual and collective progress across academic, creative, and co-curricular pursuits.
Congratulations to all members of the Third Form on a successful and memorable first year.
