Senior School

Message from the Head of Senior School

Part of our responsibility to being active global citizens is supporting our community in times of need. Our charity committees across the school worked tirelessly to raise funds for the disaster relief charity Hope Bridge. IB students Ella C, Eleanor S, Samuel L and Connie W sold pins throughout the Senior School whilst Year 7, 8 and 9  menu makers, Lindsay B, Ella C, Georgia K, Grace K, Thomas S and Valentina L supported the Primary school to bake cookies.

The giving continued today, to recognise Pepero Day (Nov 11) and World Kindness Day (Nov 13). CAS students sold pre-ordered Pepero biscuits with a note of kindness to raise funds for the charity Volunteer for the Visayans.

We are continuing to work with the Head Students to improve the student experience. We know that dressing for success helps with preparedness and ability to concentrate on learning. This relies on the uniform being comfortable and fit for purpose, a main aspect of this is footwear. 

Therefore, after numerous discussions with students and staff, taking into consideration our climate and the number of students who walk to school. It has been agreed that we will update the shoe policy, extending the Primary School uniform to the Senior School so that students may wear black trainers or school shoes. The expectation is that these must be fully black with no branding colours (see images below).

As the weather turns remember we are moving into winter uniform adding the school cardigan or jumper to the uniform. Also a reminder that any event in the auditorium is deemed as ‘best dressed’ and blazers are required. For a reminder about the uniform requirements please see P68 in the parent handbook.

Meeting the Year 7 parents and students was a treat during our PTSC and we thank everyone who attended. A reminder that on PTSC days, staff are preparing for their meetings and we have to cancel ECAs. The Varsity sport, musical and drama performance practices still run as normal.

The week has ended with an opportunity to reflect, commemorate and honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. Although traditionally for Commonwealth member states, Remembrance or poppy day, links with our value of kindness. Thank you to the Humanities department for providing such a thoughtful and informative assembly. On Sunday the Head Students and I are joining community members at the Commonwealth Remembrance Service at the Seoul Anglican Cathedral.   

Enjoy your weekend.

Ms Suzy Pugh
Head of Senior School

Keeping you informed

The parent portal is a space to share and store all those resources you as parents need, to keep informed.

Added this week

• Parent Workshop slides Navigating IGCSEs

If you think there is something missing or you have a query please do not hesitate to contact us at SS.Admin@dulwich-seoul.kr. 

Dates for your Diary

• 16 November Parent Rep meeting
• 16 November Parent Workshop: IB Core Adding the University Sparkle
• 17 November Year 12 PTSC
• 24 November 2.45pm to 3.30pm Year 7 to Year 10 parent social
• 24 November Parent Workshop: Demystifying the IB
• 25 November IGCSE Award Ceremony 

Senior School Socials opportunities to connect and network with fellow parents in the Atrium B1 Coffee Shop 

• 24 November 2.45pm to 3.30pm Year 7 to Year 10 parent social followed by IB Parent Workshop 
• 1 December 9.15am to 9.45am Year 11 and IB parents after the IB Parent Workshop

Year 9 Ignite: Switzerland program

It was our pleasure to welcome Ms Caroline Taylor, Global Director of the Ignite: Switzerland program, to the College this week. Ms Taylor came to discuss the Ignite program with the pioneering Year 9 students who are attending the first term in January, meet the Term 3 students and launch the program with our Year 7 and Year 8 students. 

The Ignite: Switzerland program is a unique educational opportunity exclusive to Year 9 Dulwich students, inspired by Education in Motion (EiM)’s vision to provide pioneering education for a sustainable future and underpinned by its global network of resources and industry knowledge. 

Year 9 students can apply to undertake a bespoke 12 week residential experience that fosters self-confidence, independence and a sense of community in the South-eastern region of Switzerland.  Students support the study of traditional core academic subjects with dynamic, sustainably focussed and awe inspiring electives that take advantage of the natural environment. All encompassed by alpine a variety of seasonal, exciting and challenging sports and activities for all.

For more information please see the Ignite Residential Programme | Unique Education Experience | Seoul website.

The final few places for the Term 3 program are available to our Year 9 students, don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity –Ignite: Switzerland Application Process | Seoul deadline 25 November. 

Parent Workshops

On Wednesday 9 November we launched the whole school Parent Workshop series. The topics have been requested through our Parent Representatives, include translators and are open to parents from all year groups. Please keep sharing ideas and topics, If you would like to offer a session please talk to your Parent Rep.  

Mr Gareth Wright, the Assistant Head for Years 9 to 11, presented our inaugural session, “What is the IGCSE?” The workshop explained the nature of the Year 10 and Year 11 programme of study at Dulwich College Seoul and how proud we are of our consistently excellent student achievements. Mr Wright outlined the connection with learning from the Primary School and Middle School programs and forward to the International Baccalaureate (IB) offered in Years 12 and 13. Parents were introduced to the subjects available to our students, the examination boards we use and the structure and timeline for students in Year 9. Of particular interest were the language pathways, how the IGCSEs are assessed and why we see value in the IGCSEs compared to other curricula. 

Thank you to all the parents who attended the workshop, and a particular thank you to Lynn S and Eileen P, two of our Year 12 IB students, who were on hand to translate Mr Wright’s words for our Korean speaking community.

A copy of the presentation can be found on the parent portal and the workshop will be repeated at a future date.

Mr Gareth Wright 

University Careers & Counselling

Our Director of University Counselling, Mr Paul Sweet, co-presented at the prestigious Council of International Schools Global Forum on International Admission and Guidance in Madrid last week. 

At the event Mr Sweet presented with the Vice Provost for University Enrollment Affairs/Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Vanderbilt University, along with the Associate Dean of Admission/Director of International Recruitment at Hamilton College on Advocacy and support for student applicants in the context of COVID 19.. 

We are very proud that Mr Sweet is an active member of the Forum Planning Committee. He was attending the Forum to gain updates on the ever-changing university admission landscape and to connect Dulwich College Seoul with university representatives worldwide. We look forward to him sharing his insights with students and in the upcoming Parent Workshops.

Seoul Photography Exhibition

Our IB Visual Art students attended a walking and gallery tour of Seoul. During our 26,000 steps throughout the day, we observed the city in which we live.

Students and staff were challenged to explore a range of juxtaposing locations around the city while observing the architecture, atmosphere, culture, and people encountered along the way.

The explorations brought us under Banpo Bridge, over the Itaewon Hills, onto Dongdaemun, and through the bustling Gwangjang Market. Finally finishing our expedition around Insadong and Gyeongbokgung.  Along the way, we explored a variety of traditional and contemporary artworks from Korean and global artists. We considered the conceptual, technical, and curatorial aspects of the exhibitions.

Our hike was rewarded with a hearty feed of Dakgalbi, where staff and students were able to reflect on our day and enjoy Korean cuisine.

Please enjoy some of our photos from the day. We hope that they are thought-provoking, engaging and capture the city in which we all live.

The following students and staff were involved in the exhibition:

Mr Daniel Hickey
Head of Art