We are at an unparalleled juncture in the history of education.
Generative artificial intelligence, powered by large language models, has rapidly become a global phenomenon over the past few years, representing one of the most notable technological advancements in history. During this Chinese New Year holiday, a tool called Deepseek went viral; it is no exaggeration to say that this ChatGPT equivalent independently developed in China became a topic of widespread conversation. We are all amazed at how the AI era has truly taken hold.
At Wellington College Hangzhou, we launched the new term with the highly anticipated “Techsperience Week”. During this event, pupils from different grades explored the wonders of artificial intelligence, learned about the underlying principles and experienced the allure of AI technology firsthand. Our digital leaders had the opportunity to visit the Apple Store, where they participated in a unique workshop that further honed their technological skills.
In addition, we organised a PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) course focused on internet safety to help our pupils navigate in the digital age. Pupils also had the chance to try on VR headsets, immersing themselves in a virtual reality learning environment and enjoying the novel educational experiences made possible by technology.
Creativity in Action
Digital Art and Design
Pupils got hands-on with digital creativity through lunchtime workshops, including Mirror Magic with Tayasui’s Sketches School. These sessions encouraged pupils to experiment with digital art tools, blending traditional drawing techniques with modern technology.
AI Literacy Lessons
Encourage Critical Thinking
and Digital Awareness
Throughout the week, pupils engaged in AI Literacy lessons, delving into thought-provoking discussions on artificial intelligence. Using interactive tools, they explored questions such as: Can AI have emotions? How might AI impact future careers? These lessons encouraged critical thinking and digital awareness, essential skills for navigating an increasingly tech-driven world.
VR Experience
Take Learning to the Next Level
One of the standout experiences of the week was the introduction of Virtual Reality (VR) learning. Every class had the opportunity to step into new virtual environments, whether it was exploring the depths of the ocean, walking through historical landmarks, or even stepping inside the human body. This hands-on experience helped bring learning to life, making complex topics more tangible and engaging.
A Journey into Innovation
Apple Store Trip
Our Digital Leaders had the unique opportunity to visit the Apple Store at MixC, where they participated in a hands-on workshop on digital creativity. The pupils designed their own emojis, exploring the intersection of technology and self-expression. This immersive experience not only sparked their creativity but also gave them a glimpse into the world of digital design.
Minecraft Esports
A Battle of Strategy
Esports is more than just gaming—it’s teamwork, strategy and problem-solving. Our pupils put their skills to the test in a Minecraft Capture the Flag live match. This event showcased their ability to collaborate, think critically and apply digital literacy skills in a competitive yet friendly environment.
Empowering Educators
The Teach Meet
Teachers also took centre stage during our Teach Meet session, sharing best practices for integrating EdTech into the classroom. From using AI-powered translation tools to interactive storytelling apps, these short presentations demonstrated how technology is enhancing learning experiences across all subjects.
Retrospective on
Techsperience Week
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our teachers, pupils and parents for their enthusiastic participation in the activities of Techsperience Week. Their support is instrumental in fostering a forward-thinking learning environment.
At Wellington College Hangzhou, our educational mission transcends merely equipping our pupils to compete with artificial intelligence.
We do not engage with artificial intelligence through confrontation, but rather through collaboration. The humanistic literacy we advocate is designed to instil in every pupil the values of kindness, responsibility, respect, courage and integrity. It encompasses the pursuit of truth, goodness, beauty, freedom, fact, will, emotion, equality and desire. Humanistic literacy enriches the human spirit, fosters independent thinking and individuality, and enables individuals to realise their true potential—this is the fundamental distinction between humans and artificial intelligence.
This is also why we aspire for our pupils to be changemakers. We expect them to have a solid foundation of knowledge and to possess exceptional creativity. However, thinking and abilities cannot be acquired merely through instruction or rote problem-solving. They can only be refined and enhanced through real-life activities, interpersonal challenges and overcoming difficulties. This is the true essence of education. What we pursue for our pupils is not just academic achievement, but their holistic development.
Therefore, in addition to our core academic curriculum, Wellington College Hangzhou has meticulously crafted a wide array of Co-Curricular Activities (CCA). We actively encourage pupils to engage in international competitions, participate in an annual musical production and embark on field trips that present real-life challenges beyond the classroom. These experiences collectively nurture their overall qualities, including critical thinking, communication, teamwork and creativity.
We believe that the essence of education lies in unleashing potential and shaping character. Each pupil is a unique individual who requires not only the enrichment of knowledge but also the nurturing of their spirit. At Wellington College Hangzhou, we are committed to creating a diverse, open and challenging learning environment where pupils can thrive through exploration and improve through collaboration.
This educational ethos enables our pupils to achieve academic excellence and become responsible, compassionate and visionary changemakers on the journey of life, contributing their strength to the progress of society.
