These Wellington Scholars exemplify excellence

Before being awarded the Wellington College China Shuping Scholarship, Frank was a top pupil at a prestigious local public school. There, he felt a constant need to study hard, and it never came easy for him. He would also take special care to review his work against that of his high-achieving peers. He enjoyed the sense of competition, but it was never easy and there was always stress. Wellington’s emphasis on independent learning therefore intrigued him. “My motivation and style of study changed,” he says about his time at Wellington. “There was a great atmosphere, a tangible feeling of partnership and a can-do attitude and focus from all the staff at the College.”

Frank’s passion has always been mathematics. From a very early age, he found numbers fascinating, looking for outcomes using various theories. At Wellington, his teachers helped a great deal in his growth, suggesting articles, online forums, speeches and of course, reading materials. The school’s University Guidance Team worked tirelessly with Frank, helping him to find the school that would be the best fit for his talents. They got the best out of him in his practice interviews running up to his Cambridge interview. And when that day finally came, many of his maths teachers waited after school to see how he performed in his interview.

Meanwhile, Frank completed the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), an A Level standalone qualification designed to prepare pupils for university. In his project, he constructed a mathematical model to evaluate COVID-19 prevention strategies. It was timely subject with real world applications. His work thoroughly impressed the admissions team at Cambridge, where he will study next fall.

During his time at Wellington, Braden has cultivated his talents in leadership, communication and collaboration. These soft skills have served him well since his days in Upper Prep, when he was elected Head Boy, an important leadership role in the pupil community. He is also an avid volleyball player and has played competitively for the school’s U14 and U18 varsity teams.

But in addition to the breadth of opportunities, his scholarship has offered, Braden enjoys plenty of depth too. “I enjoy psychology, studying society and helping others,” he explains. “So, as a Scholar, I have had the chance to conduct an investigation on this topic with some help from my teachers. This has helped me to develop my research skills, which will certainly be vital in the future, and I got to delve deep into something that truly interests me.”

The Wellington Academic Scholarship is also propelling Braden along his desired career trajectory. “I want to study psychology or medicine or both at university,” he explains. “As scholars, we work closely with teachers, who help us set specific goals. We are also provided tutors, who give us professional support and feedback to help us lay the foundations for our future studies.”

Sissi’s academic excellence shines through in a variety of subjects. Last year she had the chance to showcase it in the World Scholar Cup. But her talents extend far beyond what she learns in the classroom.  She brings energy and enthusiam into everything she does.  She is always willing to try new things, too. Having long studied art and piano, she continues to push herself outside of her comfort zone, pursuing other areas of the arts, such as dance and rock music.  

Sissi recognises the importance of making a positive impact on the world as well. She is the director of Hiba’s Junior High grant-making programme that raises funds for selected charitable organisations. Currently, she works closely with From the Mountain, an organisation that promotes cultural awareness about China’s ethnic minorities. She is working hard to organise a stage show that showcases these cultures. But charity is more than just an extracurricular activity for Sissi. At weekends, she helps to provide medical relief to injured birds. She also makes monthly donations to UNICEF with her own pocket money.

Academic Scholars at Hiba are encouraged to be leaders. Sissi does her part as a deputy house captain. In this capacity, she puts the Hiba Value of Responsibility into practice as she organises pupil activities and competitions in academics, sport and the arts.

After graduating, Sissi hopes to pursue a career in medicine. “Many people would say that being a doctor is hard work,” Sissi says, “but I think it is a burden worth shouldering if it means improving the lives of others.”

Zoe first applied for Hiba Academic Scholarship last academic year, but she did not quite make the cut. That did not discourage her. She made a second attempt and was awarded this academic year.

It has since compelled her to get involved in nearly aspect of campus life and she brings an infectious enthusiasm to everything she does. She has taken to stage performance and has showcased her talents in the school’s annual Chinese New Year Gala. She is an active member of the Hiba Maths Club. She also sits on the executive pupil council.

“Being a scholar,” Zoe says,  “is not just about academic achievements but also leadership and teamwork. There are inevitable setbacks. What matters is how we learn from these experiences, so we can improve ourselves and meet future challenges with confidence.”