On 1st July, Malvern College Chengdu’s Prep School hosted its Prep 6 Graduation Ceremony, Art Festival Performances and Awards Ceremony in the Big School.
A Warm and Whimsical: ‘Harry Potter’ Graduation
It was a warmth and dignified occasion. Surrounded by flowers and applause, and under the loving gaze of teachers and parents, the Prep School Graduation Ceremony officially began.
Ms Jacqueline So, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Malvern College International, Asia Pacific Region, sent her heartfelt congratulations to the graduates via a video message. “Today marks not just the end of your Prep School journey,” she said, “but also the beginning of a new adventure filled with endless possibilities.” She reminded pupils that the upcoming Senior School years will be filled with both challenges and discovery, and that they must cherish the friendships and Malvern Qualities shaped during their Prep School years, allowing these treasures to guide their paths ahead.
In his address, Mr Michael Urquhart, Headmaster, Malvern College Chengdu, reflected on the joyful and enriching time this cohort has spent at MCC. They have acquired strong academic foundations while engaging in the full breadth of Malvern’s holistic education — from the arts and sports to project-based learning. Looking to the future, Mr Urquhart encouraged pupils to “take life at their own pace,” and to pursue disciplines that will shape the future of both China and the world. “Your thirst for knowledge,” he said, “is exactly what defines a true Malvernian.”
On that day, Ms Annie Zhang and Ms Abbie Holmes expressed their hopes for the graduating pupils.
To the stirring strains of a string ensemble, the most anticipated moment of the ceremony arrived. Dressed in their graduation gowns, pupils walked confidently to the centre of the stage to receive their graduation certificates.
Next, came heartfelt messages from those most familiar with them — their Prep 6 teachers, who reminded them that graduation is not an ending, but a brand-new beginning. The road ahead holds new challenges and opportunities alike. With curiosity, kindness, and the blessings of their teachers, pupils were encouraged to move forward bravely, and to write their own brilliant stories.
As the golden afterglow of the ceremony lingered, the magic of a Harry Potter-themed graduation banquet quietly unfolded, waiting to welcome the children. Children pushed luggage trolleys adorned with enchanting details as they “travelled” through the magical Platform 9¾. In an instant, they were transformed into Hogwarts pupils—brave Gryffindors, clever Ravenclaws, loyal Hufflepuffs and refined Slytherins.
This “Harry Potter banquet” was more than a feast — it was a perfect keepsake of the children’s childhood. Through laughter and tears, pupils bid farewell to their primary years and lit a magical lantern to guide them towards the future.
A Celebration of Art and Achievement
The story didn’t end there. Earlier that day, the Prep School Art Festival Performances and Awards Ceremony took place under the theme “As You Wished”.
The event began with a rousing drum performance titled ‘Changing Rock‘, a thrilling syncopation of youthful energy. A lively pop dance ‘Let’s Go‘ then brought to life the vibrant rhythm of summer. A fusion of street dance and martial arts, ‘Huo Yuanjia‘, stunned the audience with its graceful blend of strength and beauty — an elegant harmony of tradition and contemporary modern expression. A ukulele and keyboard duet of the ‘OO7 James Bond Movie Theme‘ created the most beautiful harmony and echoed the unity of the Malvern family and when the bilingual choral piece ‘As you Wished’ began, time seemed to pause in a moment of heartfelt beauty.
With dream realised and memories sealed, the 2025 Prep School Awards Ceremony began. Awards were presented across more than ten categories — including the Malvern Quality Award, Academic Excellence Awards, Pastoral Awards plus Arts and PE Awards. The winners’ certificates gleamed proudly under the stage lights. One of the most anticipated moments was the announcement of the winning House. This year, Deputy Head of Prep School, Ms Abbie Holmes revealed that Nightingale House had taken the crown by a remarkable margin.
Whether through the moving graduation ceremony, the dazzling artistic performances, or the prestigious awards ceremony, the day was a celebration of growth at its finest. We wish every child at Malvern College Chengdu continued joy in learning, courage in discovery, and the fulfilment of their brightest dreams.
