Dear Parents and Guardians,
On Thursday, we came together to honour the hard work and achievements of our students at the IGCSE Award Ceremony. The event was made memorable by outstanding musical performances from Daniel S., James K., Adrian L., and Jaewook K., as well as a heartfelt inaugural speech from our new Head Students. We extend special congratulations to our 2024 Scholars, Cristian K. and Jaewook K., for their exceptional IGCSE results. Celebrations like these reflect the excellence and dedication we cherish in our community.
Collaboration and inquiry were at the forefront this week as our Year 12 students engaged in the IBDP Group 4 Collaborative Project. Working diligently in teams, they impressed us with the depth of their scientific investigations and knowledge. It was a fantastic showcase of STEM education in action and an inspiring demonstration of their curiosity and teamwork.
We are pleased to announce the new Senior School House leadership teams for the 2024-2025 academic year. Our House student leaders are instrumental in fostering collaboration and a strong sense of community across the Senior School. Guided by Mr. George Welsby, our Head of Houses, these students will serve as role models and advocates, uniting peers through meaningful projects and initiatives that enhance school spirit and inclusivity.
This week, we were also delighted to host Victoria, Ivah, Rohan, and Edgar from EiM. As members of the team that supports Admissions, Marketing, and Communications (AMC), as well as Worldwise Events, they offered their expertise and broad perspectives gained from collaborating with Dulwich Colleges worldwide. Their visit focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration and leveraging their extensive knowledge to enhance our efforts in these areas. It was an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss how their support can help us strengthen our community and initiatives.
Our Year 6 students had a transformative experience this week as the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) brought their expertise to Seoul. The workshops focused on Julius Caesar, offering a dynamic exploration of conflict, power, and decision-making. This opportunity allowed students to delve deeply into literature and drama, enriching their understanding in an interactive and engaging way.
Today, our Primary students enjoyed their first House Lunch of the year, sharing a traditional British meal that included favourites like fish and chips, baked beans, ice cream, and house-coloured jelly. Students and staff sat together in their respective Houses, fostering new friendships and conversations. A big thank you to Mr Chris Morgan, our Primary School Head of Houses, for organising this delightful event.
Today I had the pleasure of welcoming Bryan Chiew, President of the Worldwide Alumni Advisory Board and a Dulwich College Beijing graduate from the Class of 2016. Bryan shared valuable insights on fostering alumni engagement, including strategies to build a stronger sense of community and platforms for exchanging ideas. His experience and dedication to the Dulwich network were inspiring, and we are excited to explore new opportunities to connect with our alumni and celebrate their achievements. It was a productive and energising discussion, and we look forward to implementing these ideas in the months to come.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony this afternoon in the B1 Atrium was wonderful. The excitement built as we counted down to the moment the lights illuminated the tree (kindly provided by the FoD), creating a magical atmosphere. Our chamber musicians provided beautiful music that added to the festive spirit, and the shared refreshments made it a warm and intimate community event. It was wonderful to see so many of you there.
As I write this, our Winter Concert is about to commence. I would like to extend a very big thanks to our Director of Music, Mark Knights, for his exceptional work in organising this double event. His dedication, along with the hard work of our talented students, has made these special celebrations possible. I am confident that the concert will be a memorable highlight of the season, showcasing the incredible talents within our school community.
The Winter Bazaar, taking place on Saturday 7 December from 10am to 3pm, is always a huge event for our community. Organised by Friends of Dulwich (FoD), this event will feature live music, a photo booth, face painting, a bake sale, kids’ crafts, local vendors, and seasonal delights such as hot chocolate and mulled wine. Adding to the festive cheer, we have heard from the North Pole that Santa himself may make a guest appearance. We hope you will join us to celebrate the season together and enjoy this special day with family and friends.
With warm regards,
Ms Alison Derbyshire