To look back is to set out with greater conviction.

As 2026 arrives, we stand at the threshold of time, reflecting on the year just passed and re-examining the essence of education. Education has never been about leading children towards predetermined answers; it is about equipping them with the ability, courage and judgement to step into the world — so that even in an uncertain future, they can move forward with confidence and clarity, and make conscious choices.

In an era of accelerating change, true education helps pupils build an inner compass: to think amidst complexity, to judge amidst noise, to have courage when making choices, and to find direction in the unknown. This is the path Wellington has always upheld, and the original purpose we continually test and reaffirm through practice.

Over the past year, Wellington College Education (China) – Hangzhou has continued to extend the boundaries of learning, allowing education to move beyond the classroom and into the real world. Knowledge is no longer simply transmitted, but understood through practice; perspectives are no longer merely expressed, but heard through public dialogue; growth is no longer only an outcome, but something witnessed through challenge.

Through action, pupils come to understand themselves; through collaboration, they learn to understand others; and through repeated attempts and breakthroughs, they gradually shape their own value systems and global outlooks.

Every voice raised, every boundary crossed, every moment spent on stage is our response to the question of how the future should be shaped — and a living testament to educational ideals becoming reality.

Before beginning this annual reflection, we wish to extend our New Year's greetings.

And now, let us return to 2025.

To the moments chosen by time, and the chapters we created together — moments that define this year at Wellington, and that will become the starting point of our next journey.

On 15 April, our school hosted a highly anticipated TEDx Youth event. Entirely planned and organised by Renesmee, a pupil from the Senior School, this thought-provoking gathering centred on the theme A Just World and brought together eight speakers whose insights and passion offered the Wellington community an inspiring intellectual experience.

Through participating in such events, pupils not only develop their communication skills and overall competencies, but also gradually shape their own value systems and life directions through deep reflection on the profound concept of justice.

At the end of April, Wellington welcomed a very special guest — Martin Brockman, Britain's leading decathlete.

During his two-day visit, Martin generously shared his extensive athletic expertise and deep understanding of sports management processes with our elite athletes. From refining high-jump techniques and sprint starts to mastering power and angle in throwing events and enhancing overall performance in other track disciplines such as relay racing, his guidance covered every aspect of athletics.

On 24 May, our campus transformed into a futuristic 'tech playground' as over 3,000 pupils, parents, staff and community guests gathered to witness an unforgettable summer celebration.

The 2025 Summer Carnival placed technology at its heart, boldly breaking traditional boundaries. With immersive future-themed experiences, electrifying music, and all-day family activities, it offered children and adults alike a vibrant festival where technology, art and joy came together in perfect harmony.

On 7 June, the 2025 Wellington Water Sports Invitational was grandly held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Aquatic Arena. More than 500 young athletes from over 20 swimming teams and 10 artistic swimming teams — representing Hangzhou, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, the Yangtze River Delta and Singapore — competed for aquatic glory.

As host, our school achieved outstanding results: first place overall in the girls', boys' and mixed team categories with total scores of 334, 325 and 659, respectively. In artistic swimming, our pupils also secured first place in seven categories, including team, mixed duet, duet and solo events, claiming the majority of championship titles.

On 14 June, the 2025 Annual Pupil Art Exhibition opened at MixC Mall, presenting the public with an artistic feast that transcended age and culture. Teachers, pupils, parents, members of the public and media representatives gathered to witness the opening of this exhibition.

This was the first time MixC Mall had opened its commercial space to a school for a pupil art exhibition. Titled 'Perspectives', the exhibition featured nearly 100 works across painting, sculpture, photography and installation art. Through the curatorial theme Ways of Seeing, it offered a window into Generation Z's reflections and interpretations of the world.

In late June, the Class of 2025 celebrated their graduation in a grand ceremony. Wearing their academic gowns, pupils walked along the familiar Wellington Avenue, beginning their ceremonial procession of honour. This tradition carries forward the Wellington values of kindness, responsibility, respect, courage and integrity, and conveys enduring wishes of love and happiness.

Among this cohort, 77% of pupils received offers from universities ranked in the global top 20 by QS, and 85% entered top 50 institutions worldwide. The total scholarships awarded reached 3 million RMB. As they look back on their shared years on campus, these graduates take with them not only outstanding results, but also the abilities, character and memories nurtured at Wellington — treasures that will accompany them onto a broader and brighter global stage.

Over the past year, our Nursery has steadily advanced its journey towards certification under The Curiosity Approach. This globally recognised educational philosophy integrates the essence of Reggio Emilia, Montessori and Waldorf education, with a core focus on learning environments — using real, natural materials to awaken children's curiosity and nurture a sense of belonging and exploration.

We are delighted to announce that official certification was achieved in the summer of 2025. This recognition affirms our educational practice and marks a new beginning. Today, we are working alongside our sister schools in Tianjin and Shanghai to support their own certification journeys, further strengthening connections and shared growth across the Wellington family.

In July, Wellington College Education (China) – Hangzhou stood out with near-perfect performance in the prestigious Jingling and Forbes international education rankings, securing multiple top positions in Hangzhou and demonstrating its strength as a benchmark for international education.

In the China International Kindergarten Top 30 · 2025 ranking released by Kinglead, our Nursery claimed first place in Hangzhou with a 5A rating. In the 2025 Forbes China International School Rankings, Hiba Academy Hangzhou, Wellington College International Hangzhou (Primary and Senior School) all ranked first in their respective bilingual and international school categories.

On 17 September, Chairman of Transfar Group and Honorary Chairman of Wellington College Education (China) – Hangzhou, Mr Xu Guanju, together with Mr Chen Tao, President of Transfar Science and Technology City Co. Ltd., Mr Jiang Zhangke, Executive Vice President, Ms Wang Lijia, Assistant to the President, and Ms Chen Miaomiao, General Manager of the Industrial Investment Promotion Department, visited our school for a tour and guidance.

During the tour, Chairman Xu made detailed inquiries about the curriculum design, teaching practices and daily operations of the school. He spoke highly of the school's achievements in continuously upgrading its teaching facilities in recent years and in creating an outstanding learning environment for pupils.

In the 2025 IGCSE examinations, five pupils from our Senior School distinguished themselves among candidates worldwide, winning five Global Top Awards and two China Top Awards. In recognition of these outstanding academic achievements, the school was presented with the Star-Gathering Award at the Pearson Edexcel China Partner Schools Annual Conference.

From October to November, we conducted in-depth interviews with these exceptional pupils, inviting the community to revisit their journeys of growth and discover the perseverance and passion behind excellence.

In May and December, our Nursery welcomed several internationally recognised scholars in early childhood education. Senior Lecturer Philippa Thompson, Principal Lecturer Dr Aaron Bradbury from Nottingham Trent University, and — during a special December visit — Matthew Northall, Head of the Childhood and Education Programme, engaged in in-depth and inspiring dialogue with our teaching team around key issues in early years education.

Although the visits were brief, these exchanges brought fresh perspectives to early years practice, Sino-British teacher training systems, and the essential role of play in child development.

On 13 December, our annual Winter Fair returned as expected, transforming the campus into a warm and welcoming 'Winter Village' through lights, music and festive installations. Children explored the stalls hand in hand with their parents, friends met beneath the glow of the lights, and laughter mingled with the sound of camera shutters, turning the campus into a place of connection and shared joy.

The fair celebrated the school's strong international spirit. Teachers from different countries hosted culturally inspired stalls, bringing their own festive traditions to life through food, decorations, games and interactive activities. In this relaxed and joyful atmosphere, pupils experienced the richness and diversity of the wider world.

As evening fell, the choir and pupil performances filled the air with music and smiles, lighting up the campus and leaving behind warm winter memories for all.