How Wellington supports the transition from Year 6 to Year 7

In September 2022, the new Year 7 class will begin their learning journey with us in the Senior School at Wellington College International Hangzhou. It will be a significant milestone in their studies and towards a new breadth of independence and academic excellence for the pupils involved. We are fortunate for the many opportunities for cross-collaboration and integration of our school's primary and senior phases. Thus, for some learners, this transition will feel natural and seamless. For others, it will take time to adjust to the different expectations and greater self-ownership of learning. 

At Wellington College International Hangzhou, Year 7 focusses on stretching their knowledge, understanding and skills from the "brilliant basics" achieved in the Primary phase. We understand the importance of our role in preparing the pupils for this change and take great care in ensuring the transition starting in the summer term of Year 6 is planned. Each pupil is cared for, either through staff-led initiatives or our pupil mentoring system. Throughout the process, the pupils of Year 7 will see the Wellington values in action.

Pupils in Year 7 will no longer have one central focal point for their pastoral care and academic education. Instead, they will have a Tutor for pastoral needs with whom they will meet every morning and build a strong, trusting, and positive relationship. In addition, their academic lessons will be delivered by highly qualified and experienced subject specialist teachers. It enables the Year 7 pupils to explore each subject across a broad curriculum with great depth and understanding.

The location of classrooms, lockers, toilets, dining and designated outdoor areas for Year 7 may be set up differently than in the school's primary phase. However, our pupil leaders, tutors and leadership team are always available to guide and support. Whether the pupils are transitioning from Year 6 to Year 7 within Wellington or joining from other schools, documents such as the "All about me" form enable our teaching staff to gather valuable information and interests about each pupil and help personalise the learning journey for them.

School facilities

At the beginning of Year 7, pupils will undertake a baseline assessment in English, mathematics, science and Chinese alongside an internationally recognised aptitude test. It enables the senior team to understand the current academic attainment of each pupil whilst recognising the future potential they may hold. At Wellington, we emphasise learning having no ceiling and that every child can succeed in the right environment. 

The Senior pupils at Wellington College International Hangzhou demonstrate high levels of satisfaction with their schooling experience and regularly feel their voices are heard and listened to. Wellbeing is a priority and built into our curriculum as a weekly lesson.

The first few weeks of Year 7 will be about getting used to their new surroundings, building lasting relationships with new and existing friends, discovering new interests and passions, and understanding and rising to senior school academic excellence challenges.

We are looking forward to welcoming Year 7 to our school in September 2022.