Youngsters become part of the school family
The structure and support a family provides is fundamental to the growth and development of its members and it is for this reason that the family unit, whatever form it may take, is considered the backbone of society.
The same is true in a school such as Wellington. From their first day at the school, Wellington pupils immediately become part of a family dating back to 1836 when Mrs Gross, a Frenchwoman and wife of an Ayr Academy school master, founded a school to teach ‘ young ladies of quality’ in Wellington Square.
Much has changed since then but the small class sizes remain and the Wellington community continues to grow and strengthen both in terms of academic excellence and pupil experience.
Fully co- educational now for 25 years, the school welcomes pupils from age three to 18, at any stage in their educational journey. Whether they start in their infancy or in S5, pupils are guided towards adulthood in the nurturing and inspiring environment that is such an important facet of the Wellington experience.
Admission to one of the school’s four houses gives every pupil a sense of belonging and a keen sense of camaraderie, confidence and healthy competition.
Wellington offers its pupils first class pastoral care and many initiatives are in place to ensure every child feels supported emotionally and educationally.
Support for Learning is overseen by a dedicated member of staff, as is Pupil Welfare.
These support services are supplemented by form teachers who are assigned to a class for the entirety of that class’s secondary education.
This special arrangement allows pupils and their form teacher to develop a mutual bond of trust and respect, which is a key element in serving the individual needs of every child throughout their school career.
In turn, pupils mentor their younger counterparts as part of the S6 Mentoring Programme.
Final year captains in subject areas ranging from dance to foreign languages dedicate a minimum of one free period a week to assisting other pupils in their studies.
A wholly positive initiative, peer to peer mentoring fosters confidence and improves learning.
As much as care and support are central to the school’s community, celebrating successes and reaching shared goals is a vital part of Wellington life.
School publications, online platforms and regular school Assemblies are used to highlight and showcase the value of these individual, class, year and house victories.
Pride in achievement is instilled into every pupil, with a wealth of opportunities on offer to display talent and in turn get commendation for their efforts both academically and in other activities.
In recent years, pupils have been recognised for their achievements in a wide range of areas, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the John Muir Award, the Ayrshire Music Festival and the Advanced HigherChemistry prize for the best investigation in Scotland as well as a vast array of sporting events.
It is clear that external and internal validation is an organic part of being a pupil at Wellington.
The ethos of family is at the heart of the school – why not come and experience it for yourself at the Junior School Open Day on Thursday, May 19, between 2pm and 4pm?
No appointment is necessary.
Alternatively, you are welcome to make an individual arrangement to visit Wellington at another time by contacting the Admissions Registrar.