HOUSES AND PASTORAL CARE
PHILOSOPHY
Pastoral care at Wellington is central to the
College’s ethos; it affects and influences every
aspect of our role as educators, as well as the
developmental process of the pupils in our
care. We understand that each pupil is unique,
with individual needs, potential, limitations,
circumstances, feelings, opportunities and
expectations. Our policy is to be concerned
for the child as an individual and to develop
to a maximum the all-round potential that is
inherent in all children. We aim to provide a
transformative experience in order to bring the
greatest likelihood of long term happiness and
fulfilment.
The eight houses that we have at Wellington
College International Shanghai are selected
from the 17 houses established by our partner
school in England. All pupils will be allocated a
house upon joining the College in which they will
remain for the duration of their time here.
Wellingtonians undoubtedly feel that their house
is very much their home in the College and it is
a real strength that every pupil feels that their
house is the best. From years 6 onwards, every
morning the pupils will go to their house room
for registration with their housemaster and to
receive information on the day ahead. However,
the house rooms are far more than simply a
place for pupils to register; it is a space for them
to get together, do some quiet reading or prep
or drop in for a chat with their housemaster.
For many Wellington pupils, their house room
is also where they develop their most enduring
friendships and it is the place where they can
meet with their housemaster or dedicated
house tutor who will support and guide your
child throughout their time at the College.
Each housemaster will appoint certain pupils
with additional responsibilities in the house such
as head of house, deputy head of house and
college ambassadors. Each of these positions
will give the pupil the opportunity to develop
their leadership, organisational and interpersonal
skills, working closely with their housemaster,
house tutor and peers.
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Early Years and Pre-Prep
Our youngest pupils begin to understand the
importance of being part of a house through
our house point rewards. They also begin to
take part in house events such as swimming
galas and creative competitions. The children will
also come together in their houses to talk about
the virtues of being part of a team and how this
can develop their understanding of Wellington's
core values.
Lower Prep
Pupils in years 3, 4 and 5 will be part of a
house but with their main pastoral leader being
their class teacher. Children in the Lower Prep
will participate in house events together with
their Upper Prep housemates for various
different events.
Upper Prep and Senior
For children going into year 6 and above, each
pupil will be allocated a house which is headed
up by a housemaster who, in turn, is supported
by a team of house tutors. Compared to a
year-based pastoral system, the housemaster
will have care for and oversight of pupils for
much longer: three to five years rather than
one. They will get to know pupils and their
families and have an excellent overview of a
child’s academic progress and of any social
or behavioural changes. The housemaster is
the person held primarily responsible for the
academic and pastoral welfare of the pupils in
their house.
The housemaster is also the primary point
of contact for all parents and all members of
staff The system is designed to give pupils the
best possible support whilst they are in school
and also to give parents the opportunity to
build relationships with one key member of
staff who really knows and understands their
child. Houses are vertically integrated, which
encourages leadership and pupil peer support in
a ‘family’ atmosphere.