We are Wellington | Thriving as a global citizen
At Wellington College International Hangzhou, we aspire to create a caring, international community that develops well-rounded individuals with strong values and the skills and identity to thrive in an ever-changing world. Community is at the centre of all we do at Wellington. We continuously strive to work together with our parents, staff and pupils to develop that strong sense of community that makes international schools unique. In this series of "We Are Wellington" articles, we aim to tell the stories of those families and highlight the special contributions they make to our community.
For the first “We are Wellington” this academic year, we have had an interview with Ms. Catherine Rakotondradano, mother of Célia at Lower Sixth of our Sixth Form in Wellington College Hangzhou.
Please give us a brief introduction of the family and Célia.
Born in Paris region, Célia is the youngest of 2 siblings. Aged 16 years old, she can be described as a world citizen. After four years in France, she moved to the UK for three years, spent seven years in the United Arab Emirates and then joined the Wellington College family in China in September 2020. She has recently finished her IGCSEs and is moving on to her A Level journey with Wellington College Hangzhou. She is a saxophonist, loves team sports and enjoys drawing or painting for pleasure.
What was your first impression of Wellington College International Hangzhou? What attracted you to choose Wellington for your daughter?
We were impressed by the school's excellent facilities but wanted to see more. We were looking for a place where Célia would be able to thrive academically but also personally. What has been decisive was the care we thought would be provided to our daughter. Experience has proved us correct. We have been pleased by the school's ability to respond to her needs and do everything possible to make her feel part of the community.
Célia achieved 9 A*s, 2 As and 1 B in her IGCSE examinations. That is an incredible achievement. What is it that contributes to her academic success?
Célia has always shown a strong dedication to her studies and resilience whenever she is confronted with anything. She understands that whatever she does is not to please anyone but for herself and in her own interest. Her hard work, self-motivation and resilience have paid off.
Célia interviewed by Ms Richardson, Master of Wellington College Hangzhou after receiving the IGCSE results
What was the biggest challenge for your daughter when she first joined Wellington, and how did she overcome it?
Her biggest challenge was to be a pupil learning in an environment where English is not the primarily spoken language and the culture is distinctly different than it is in Dubai, where she used to be studying. However, she has overcome it by accepting the situation and wanting to learn more about the new culture she met. For example, in Dubai, she learnt Arabic, and in Hangzhou, she started learning Chinese. She met great friends who have helped her feel part of the community, which has made an enormous difference in her daily life.
From a parent's perspective, are there any positive changes, academically and personally, in your child since she started to study at Wellington?
Her vision of the world has continued to grow. She has developed a greater sense of cultural awareness and has also grown in maturity. Learning about others has taught her about herself.
From your perspective, how does Wellington support your daughter's well-rounded development?
The different afterschool activities available in the school have played a big part. As a young sports lady, she has enjoyed being part of many sports teams but also being able to coach younger children. She has also been able to perform the saxophone in various school events.
What are your expectations for your daughter at Wellington and her life beyond?
Happiness. All we want as parents is that Célia is happy. No matter what her choices are, we are happy as long as they make her happy.
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