WELLINGTON TODAY 2017
James Beadle , our maths teacher , discussed a similar problem in maths teaching in his highly popular session at EdFest . He compared Gaokao maths exams to those of IB and A-level maths . His research showed that Gaokao has far more time pressure , demanding a high degree of fluency and familiarity by the students , who need to know exactly what to do as soon as they see a problem . This extreme time pressure discourages students from having a go at something they are unsure about because they simply don ’ t have the time . That is contrary to the problem solving skills you need in life . James also argued that in today ’ s world of computer technologies , ‘ speed ’ is actually a least important ability in maths .
In a Wellington education , we achieve outstanding academic results that get our pupils into the world ’ s top universities , so the visible tip of the iceberg is recognised by everyone . What we are truly proud of is the massive invisible part , the benefits of which are much longer lasting well into later life . In our definition of ‘ intellectual ’ we mean the ability to critically think and to engage in deep learning ; it means pupils are encouraged to have a go at something even when they are not sure . It also means we view failed attempts as essential paths to eventual success .
Professor May Lee , another EdFest speaker , teaches innovation and entrepreneurship to the most brilliant Chinese engineering students who make it to Shanghai Technology University . She said that although these students achieved impressive results in their Gaokao , there are gaps between the way they typically worked and how they will have to work to innovate . The two largest such gaps are ‘ thinking out of the box ’ and ‘ collaboration ’. She said when there is one correct answer to a problem , her students are the best at finding it . However , when it ’ s an open ended question , or when there are many ways of
achieving the same things , her students become much more lost . She said the key to innovation is ‘ connecting the disconnected ’ and quite often great ideas come from linking seemingly disconnected subjects . Albert Einstein wrote extensively about his inspiration for the theory of relativity coming from music . In a Wellington education , this ability is nurtured from the early years by an all-round education where every subject matters , by crosssubject teaching and by an inquiry-based learning .
The second aspect of ‘ collaboration ’ is probably more cultural . Professor Lee observed that quite often her students collaborate for consensus rather than for innovation , people often choose not to say anything when there is a difference in opinion . Team projects , team sports and debating at Wellington are just a few examples of that invisible underwater part that encourage intellectual collaboration .
Another Wellington identity is also the result of all these unmeasurable parts of the Wellington education , that our pupils are inspired . This means they are genuinely excited by everything they have done during their time at the College . There is an intrinsic motivation within them which is nurtured by making learning fun , by allowing mistakes to happen and by giving them choices . We , as parents and educators , should not underestimate the importance of this intrinsic motivation . The only sustainable drive comes from within and soon enough our children will need to lead their own lives in this world , making their own choices and judgements , becoming truly independent .
The most rewarding part of working at Wellington College China is being able to see that spark in our pupils ’ eyes , knowing that we are providing them an education not just for exams , but for life !
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