Hangzhou Zhejiang Education Guide 2019-2020

SCHOOL FEATURE
be aware of. As Blomberg
(N.D.) states, “Moving is an
emotional experience, and
how the transition is handled
has an enormous impact on a
child’s academic performance”.
Pogosyan (2016) concurs,
arguing that “The external
upheaval surrounding transitions
is often mirrored in us internally,
through a kaleidoscope of
emotions”. At Wellington, all
children are placed in a 'House'
from the day they start. The
House system pairs children
from different age groups,
helping to build a sense of
belonging and community that
spans traditional classroom
barriers. Children at Wellington
also take weekly wellbeing
lessons where teachers help
children navigate social and
emotional challenges, including
initial transition periods.
Teachers provide opportunities
for children to feel comfortable,
make friends, find their way
around the school, know how to
reach out for help and, above
all, enjoy the fantastic learning
opportunities they will be given.
Whilst acknowledging that
transitions can create challenges
for children, Pogosyan (2016)
cites psychologist Doug Ota
(2014) in arguing that “mobility
across cultures can be a catalyst
for tremendous growth”. Reeves
(2006, cited in Morales, 2015)
argues that “No matter how
challenging the situation is for
families, with the right support
and guidance, attending an
international school can be
a very positive experience”.
Building a positive atmosphere
through community engagement
between parents and schools
is perhaps the most important
way to maximise the benefits
of studying at an international
school. Most schools have
some form of parent-teacher
association. At Wellington,
our Friends of Wellington
association helps by developing
bonds in the community and
allows parents to get involved
in the operations of the school.
Parents are able to demonstrate
solidarity for the children, and
contribute to creating many
positive experiences, events,
activities and festivals that help
children feel more at home,
and part of a living, breathing
community.
Regardless of the challenges
that transitions pose, the
experts agree that the benefits
outweigh them. Pogoysan
(2016) eloquently explains;
“A safe passage through any
transition involves the marriage
of many steps, many moments
of perseverance…After all, the
reward for children is far bigger
than a new ship. It’s life maturity.
It’s resilience. It’s the confidence
of knowing that they can go
through challenges and come out
on the others side. The reward
is also a broadened mind. The
appreciation of what is true. And
the realisation that there is more
than one way of being right”.
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