We hope you all had a restful and rejuvenating break.
I had the privilege of joining our Year 12 students in the Philippines, where they focused on marine conservation and community outreach. This transformative experience highlighted the importance of sustainability and the power of working together to make a positive impact. Meanwhile, our Year 9 students have been enjoying a snowy adventure in Japan, engaging in activities that foster resilience, teamwork, and an appreciation for the natural world.
Here at school, Year 7, Year 8, and Year 10 students have been busy with performances, explorations around Seoul, and work experience placements. These opportunities provide students with real-world challenges and invaluable learning experiences. You can read more about their activities in the following articles.
Looking ahead, our parent workshops this term will focus on curriculum areas and supporting your child’s learning journey.
We are immensely proud of our Year 11 and Year 13 students, who demonstrated commitment and focus during their mock exams. These moments of challenge are essential for their development and preparation for future success.
This term, we are delighted to welcome back Áine Staunton and Antonia Snower from maternity leave. We would also like to express our gratitude to Michael Donkin and Ffiona Wilkinson for their exceptional contributions in covering their roles during their absence.
Next week, we are proud to host the EiM annual student leadership conference, welcoming 200 students from across the EiM group. This event will provide a platform for collaboration, innovation, and leadership development, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a connected and empowered global community. Additionally, Year 8 students are preparing for their adventurous journey to Taiwan, where they will engage in activities that challenge their independence and teamwork.
As we look forward to the term ahead, I invite you to share any areas of focus or suggestions with your Parent Reps, who will bring them to the discussion table next week. Together, we continue to build a school community that values and supports every learner.
Have a great week everyone.
Suzanne Pugh
Dates for your Diary
12 January 2025
Hosting Oxford Debate Competition
6–15 January 2025
Year 11 and Year 13 Mock Exams
13–17 January 2025
Year 8 Adventurous Journey (Taiwan)
15 January 2025
- Senior School Parent Rep Meeting
- Year 7 & 8 Social Media Forum Q&A
RSVP Here
16 January 2025
- 8:20 AM: New Parent Coffee Morning
17 January 2025
- 2025/26 Ignite Launch with Loren Cooper
15–18 January 2025
Hosting EiM Student Leadership Conference
12 February 2025
IB Forum Wine and Evening
14 February 2025
High School Prom
Parent Workshops
- 12 February 2025 | 8:20 AM
Senior School Parent Workshop – The World of Humanities
RSVP Here - 21 February 2025 | 9:20 AM
Senior School Parent Workshop – Drama in Senior School
RSVP Here - 26 February 2025 | 8:20 AM
Senior School Parent Workshop – Science at DCSL
Year 8 2025/26 Ignite Launch
Loren Cooper is visiting from HIF to launch the 2025/2026 Ignite Program. All interested Year 8 parents, and any other Middle and Primary School parents keen to know more about this amazing opportunity please join Loren on the 17 January (details will be shared via SMS).
The Ignite programme takes learning beyond the classroom, offering students extraordinary opportunities to explore their passions, challenge themselves, and develop skills for the future. From working with leading experts in unique fields to tackling real-world problems, Ignite inspires creativity, critical thinking, and resilience, empowering students to pursue excellence and make a meaningful impact.
Year 10 Work Experience
Written by the Marketing Interns
As part of their enrichment week, Year 10 students had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of roles around the school during this year’s work experience day. For many, it was their first hands-on encounter with the professional world, and students were eager to take on the different jobs and tasks assigned to them by teachers and staff members.
From assisting teachers in classrooms filled with energetic children to supporting staff with administrative tasks and even managing the school’s social media accounts, students experienced a range of responsibilities. This gave them valuable insights into various roles and the skills required to fulfill them.
The marketing team conducted a series of interviews throughout the day to capture students’ reflections and highlight their experiences.
Written by Eliz H and Homin L, who were placed with the Marketing Team
Backdrop Design for the Year 7 Production
The Year 7 production was a true highlight of the school calendar, showcasing not only the students’ performing talents but also their incredible artistic creativity. A key feature of the show was the stunning animated backdrops, which brought the stage to life in vivid and imaginative ways.
These backdrops were the result of a collaborative effort by a group of Year 7 students, who worked diligently in the art workshop to design and create the backdrop scenes. With guidance and support from Ms Seo, our whole-school art teacher, and Ms Heather, our skilled art technician, the students transformed their ideas into beautiful works of art that enhanced every moment of the performance.
Ms Heather’s expertise in animation added a dynamic element, turning the students’ artwork into moving, mesmerizing scenes that captivated the audience. This creative process not only allowed students to develop their artistic skills but also demonstrated the power of teamwork and innovation.
The final result was a breathtaking visual experience that complemented the talent and dedication displayed on stage.
Congratulations to our Year 7 students, Ms Seo, and Ms Heather for their outstanding efforts in bringing the production to life!
Exploring the Future of Farming: Our Students Visit a Smart Farm
This week, our Year 10 students had the incredible opportunity to visit a pioneering underground smart farm, famously featured in a BBC Travel article titled Is Underground Farming the Future of Food? The trip was not just an eye-opening glimpse into sustainable farming practices but also a seamless extension of the GCSE Biology curriculum they are currently studying.
During the visit, students were given a guided tour of the innovative metro farm, a cutting-edge facility showcasing how vertical farming and advanced technologies are revolutionizing food production. This practical exploration highlighted topics such as photosynthesis, nutrient cycles, and sustainability in agriculture, tying beautifully into their classroom learning.
The students didn’t just observe—they rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on experience. They participated in planting and harvesting salad vegetables, learning firsthand about the precision and care that goes into cultivating crops in a controlled environment. One of the highlights of the day was creating their own salad boxes using the freshly harvested produce. Sampling their creations was the perfect way to “taste” the future of sustainable food production.
A big thank you and our heartfelt gratitude goes to the educators and staff at Farm8 in Sangdo Station, whose expertise and hospitality made this experience truly unforgettable.
This trip was more than just an educational outing; it inspired our students to think critically about the global challenges of food security and the innovative solutions shaping the future. The experience sparked meaningful discussions about sustainability and left them excited about the possibilities of applying science to real-world problems.
We look forward to seeing how this experience enriches their understanding and enthusiasm for Biology in the months to come!
Year 8 Trip to Seodaemun Prison History Hall
On Wednesday, Year 8 students visited the Seodaemun Prison History Hall as part of their exploration of Empire in History. During the trip, students engaged in a treasure hunt to uncover key facts about Japanese occupation in Korea and the experiences of Korean independence activists who were imprisoned and persecuted during this period.
The focus of their inquiry was to identify and analyze examples of Korean resistance to Japanese rule, which will serve as the foundation for their upcoming classroom projects on this theme. Back in the classroom, students will compare these acts of resistance with examples from other empires around the world to deepen their understanding of resistance in a global context.
The visit not only enriched their historical knowledge but also allowed them to see the resilience and courage of those who fought for independence. Everyone had a fantastic time and came away inspired and eager to continue their studies!
Work Experience Day: Reflections from Our Students
As part of the school’s Work Experience Day, students had the chance to shadow their parents at work and gain practical insights into different professions. Here are their reflections:
Jude: Experiencing the Medical Field Jude spent the day at his father’s hospital, where his dad works as an ENT doctor. Acting as a nurse, Jude greeted patients, assisted with registration, and guided them to treatment rooms. He stepped out of his comfort zone by communicating with patients in Korean, gaining a new appreciation for the interpersonal side of healthcare.
Briony: Behind the Scenes at Malaysia Tourism Promotion Briony shadowed her mother at the Malaysia Tourism Promotion office, helping sort brochures, answer calls, greet visitors, and deliver files. She reflected on the effort her mother puts into her job and built confidence working with new colleagues.
Josh: Exploring the Semiconductor Industry Josh joined his father at SIMMTECH, commuting two hours to the factory. He observed production processes, learned about semiconductor technology, and conducted research by exploring the company’s website. The experience gave him insight into the demands of commuting and factory work.
These students embraced new challenges and gained valuable perspectives through their workplace experiences, showcasing the importance of hands-on learning and stepping into unfamiliar environments.
Lunar New Year Celebration Year 2025
The Lunar New Year (LNY) is an important festival for our Mandarin department, Chinese families, and many Korean and international families.
The Lunar New Year in 2025 welcomes the Year of the Snake, according to the lunar calendar. Celebrated by millions around the world, this is a time for cultural traditions, family reunions, and hopes for good fortune in the coming year. This year, 2025, is the Year of the Snake, which will commence on 29 January 2025 and end on February 17 for 2026. In Chinese astrology, each zodiac year (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig) is associated with one of five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Therefore, since the element of Wood represents 2025, it is called a Wood Snake Year. Wood represents spring, so this year is also called as the Year of Green Snake. The Snake, symbolizing wisdom and transformation, offers opportunities for personal growth and change.
We cordially invite you to a special Lunar New Year assembly on Friday, January 24, 2025. The assembly will take place in the Gym from 2pm to 3pm and is a wonderful opportunity to experience the Lunar New Year atmosphere and learn about Chinese culture with our students. Please arrive at the Gym by 1.50pm and sit by 2pm in the sections designated for parents and friends. We look forward to celebrating this special event with you all!
PERFORMANCE LIST: We will have various performances from groups of students across the whole school with rhymes, songs, dances, drama, etc. Please find the program list at the end of this article.
NON-UNIFORM: To promote the festival spirit, Friday, January 24, 2025, is a non-uniform day; we encourage students and staff to wear traditional Chinese or Korean clothes or dress in red clothes for that day. Alternatively, students from other nations that celebrate LNY may wish to wear their traditional attire.
BUSES: If you will attend the assembly and then pick up your child without using the College bus service, please inform the school bus coordinator via the Schools Buddy system before noon on Friday 24 January, 2025.
Happy Lunar New Year of the Snake! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Wishing you a prosperous Year in 2025!
Mandarin Department
Worldwise Alumni Advisory Board Annual Conference
SSAEM Peer Mentoring
The Year 12 and Year 13 students are re-introducing the new SSAEM peer mentoring program for this term!
‘SSAEM’, which roughly translates to ‘tutor’ in Korean vernacular, is designed to help younger students (Year 7 to Year 11) with academics and other things relating to the senior school. It can be a great way to gain insight into IB students’ perspectives on school and also to discuss topics that are more suitable for a mature student body.
Mentees will be joined up as either single sessions (one mentor and one mentee) or double sessions (one mentor and two mentees), depending on the mentees’ choices. Scheduling for meetings will happen individually via email between the mentors and the mentees, which can happen anytime from lunchtime to 4.30pm after school.
For students wishing to become mentees for this term, please fill out this form.
We look forward to seeing more students sign up!
The Year 12 and Year 13 SSAEM mentoring group.
The Ambassador Platform
We’re pleased to share “The Ambassador Platform” with our community—an interactive chatting app that’s been connecting prospective parents with our dedicated community of parents. Our team of parent ambassadors has been doing a great job engaging with potential families, sharing personal experiences, and offering advice to showcase why Dulwich College Seoul is a great choice.
This platform is not only useful for prospective parents but also a helpful resource for our current parents. They can easily start a conversation with our experienced parent ambassadors to get answers to any questions they may have about Dulwich College Seoul’s school life. Click here to start chatting and learn more about our community and the enriching experiences at Dulwich College Seoul for your family!