Senior School

Welcome message 

It has been my absolute pleasure to join Dulwich College Seoul as the new Head of Senior School. 

Before joining the school I felt I had a good sense of what the College and community would be like from the social media, website, publications and stellar reputation within the International Community; rigorous, kind, and community minded. My perceptions were only the tip of the iceberg! Dulwich College Seoul are all those elements and so much more. 

The staff in all areas of the school are committed, enthusiastic, experts in their field. Continually striving to ensure excellent provision and experiences for the students, they exude an energy and aura of “we can achieve”; modelling exactly the dispositions and attitudes we want to instil in our students.

The parent body is hugely supportive and welcoming to new staff and parents alike. Whether it be, conversations at the new parents coffee morning, a chat at the school entrance in the morning or welcoming emails, the parents are brimming with ideas. I am particularly looking forward to working with the dynamic Year Representatives and Friends of Dulwich on this next chapter of the Senior School. 

And the students! Diverse, curious, unique, outstanding, creative, leaders, change-makers; the adjectives are boundless. Beyond the excellent examination results, the DCSL students have the confidence and drive to really make a difference. 

The weekly e-update and monthly e-newsletter will allow a glimpse into the life of Dulwich College Seoul.

I look forward to meeting you all soon, and a successful year ahead.

Ms Suzanne 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.

This week we have uploaded the curriculum overviews and presentations from the Parent Information Evening. 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. 

Diary Dates

ECAs and Enrichment

Sign up for ECAs and Enrichment begins Friday 2nd September 4pm. To develop independence students will sign up via Schools Buddy (www.dulwich.schoolsbuddy.net) by Thursday 8th September.

Senior ECA’s Start week beginning Monday 3^rd October.

University Parent Kick-Off 

An opportunity to meet with the University Careers & Counselling team to discuss options, next steps and advice.

• Year 13 – Wednesday 7th September 5 to 6pm
• Year 12 – Wednesday 14th September 5 to 6pm
• Year 10/11 – Wednesday 21st September 5 to 6pm
• Year 13 Student Parent Meetings September 26-30
• Year 7-9 – Wednesday October 5 5 to 6pm

Adventurous Journeys

• Progressive whole school programme Year 1 – Year 12
• Promote strong collaboration – people engaged with a common purpose
• Adjust level of challenge – environment, technical and independence
• Student independence – plan and undertake own adventurous journey
• Post COVID19 – first residentials for many

Year 7 and Year 8 Chuseok Poetry

Students in Year 7 and Year 8 used their poetry skills to devise inspiring and poignant poems that describe what family means to them.

Chuseok Poetry Year 7 and 8

Eliz H
Year 8 – GWY

A Voyage

You, A warm breeze that carries me home

when I face a storm at sea, all alone.

Like the ocean’s soft waves that cradle me

as I navigate through this long journey

You, like the North Star, always there

to give support, guidance, and care.

You, whom I endeavour to eulogise,

give me laughter, joy, and surprise

Though the seas can bring their storms

and colder winds can mask your warmth,

still-blue waters ahead. We can always foresee

and I remain on-course, connected to you, my family.

Oliva C
Year 8 – GWY

My mother is a teapot

My mother is beautiful, like an ornate teapot

When I look at her, I see patterns of flowers and leaves.

I know that might seem strange to some, but it’s what I see.

When my petals are melting to grey, she’s always there to lend me hers

When I feel empty, she pours me her tea, I’m always first.

If my green leaves are gone, she’s there to give me hers

Now she does not have any petals or leaves of her own

But she’s still just as pretty. She’s still my home.

When I am cold. She’s always there to warm me up.

When I need her most, she is there to fill my cup.

Sometimes i worry she won’t always stay,

Sometimes I worry her pattern will fade.

My cup is empty, like an old box

I try to fill the cup on my own, but I always feel blocked

I look at her, and I can see cracks in the pot

But she stays warm, boiling hot.

I know a teapot won’t last forever

But I will still be there, no matter whatever

When I need to be her pot, I won’t be late,

I will be there with glue, and plenty of tape.

My mother is beautiful, like an ornate teapot

And though it seems strange, that will never stop.

Jaime Y
Year 8 – GWY

It’s a Family Thing

Y’know those weird jokes your family has?

The one about…

My Brother, he has this irrational fear of birds.

My Dad’s use of the word “yo” is even worse.

Mom’s obsession with our dog, she says looks like George Clooney.

Even my friends are weird; they think coins aren’t money!

Out on an evening walk and Dad spots some trash

He points it out, we all start laughing agasp.

We don’t even know why, but we all start to cry

He just points at things he sees and I wanna die!

I get it… it’s not funny but that’s all it took

Dad randomly points at things and shouts “look!”

Now when he points, we all fall apart.

There goes dad, thinking he’s smart

Even my dog, his teeth, were gnashing

These silly little jokes keep us from crashing

People walk by, they think we’re insane

I can hear them saying “Are they okay?”

The jokes. I know.  They don’t really make sense,

yet it makes me giggle, and cackle to know they are there.

To know that when I need my family, they’ll always care.

These small inside bits, they’re what make us…us

They might be lame to you but to me it’s absolutely hilarious

Inside jokes keep a family together

They might not make sense, they’re not even clever

But every family has their own

They’re what make you a team, they make you a home

Y’know those weird jokes, think… What are yours?

The ones that bend you over, on the floor

The ones that make you clap your hands

The ones that no one understands

The ones that make your throat sting

The ones that make you say

“It’s a family thing.”

Charlotte C
Year 7 – JTN

Nights To Remember

The night started awkwardly.

Everyone asks how you are

I try to run but I don’t get far

Dinner was a frenzy

It was all kind of messy

But there’s something about being here…

Maybe it was the family cheer

even though you have to fight for your food

I have to conclude

Times like these are frozen for me

I’ll remember these moments, I guarantee

Aadhya A & Chiara B
Year 7 – JTN

Family is Everything

Family is like a circle

Without ends

Like stars, always there

Like a book, with many pages

Laughing and playing

Running around the yard,

Past the frosted trees,

As a crisp breeze,

Rushes through our hair,

With our family by our side!

We need each other,

Without family we are nothing.

The warm blazing fire

Crackles in the hearth,

I sit and snuggle into my grandpa on the couch.

God gave each of us a special family

That we can call our own.

Lunch is nearly ready

Everything smells delicious,

We gather round the table

To share our favourite delights!

So love them all when you can

Because life can be short.

Damian T A
Year 7 – AST

My family is all sorts of shapes and sizes,

one short, one tall and one wise.

I guess they all are kinda fine,

But they will be old in time.

So they´ll be too grumpy,

or clumsy

for anything funky!

Our students’ outstanding sporting achievements

We would like to congratulate Aiden L for his outstanding water skiing achievement. Over the summer, he flew to Florida to train for three weeks with water ski jump world champion Scot Ellis, and also found time to compete in five different water ski competitions, including the Asia Water Ski Championship. Aiden first began training in the sport in July 2020 and became a registered skier last year. This year alone he has earned one gold, five silver and two bronze medals in three different disciplines – slalom, trick skiing and ski jump. He has ranked 4th in Asia and 1st in Korea for for his age (U17). Aiden will be representing Seoul in the Korean National Sports Festival 2023 to represent the team of Seoul.

We would also like to celebrate and congratulate Youngsoo’s fantastic sets of results from the two major swimming competitions in New Zealand. The results are as follows:

2022 Auckland Short Course Championships:

• 50m breaststroke men 16 years – Bronze medal (30.08) 
• 100m breaststroke men 16 years – Gold medal (1:04.37) 
• 200m breaststroke men 16 years – Gold medal (2:20.39) 

2022 Apollo Projects NZ Short Course Swimming Championships

• 100 breaststroke men 16 years– Silver medal (1:03.68) 
• 200m breaststroke men 16 years – Bronze medal (2:17.60) 

We would like to give a round of applause to both of our students for participating in these competitions and for their stellar achievements.

Friday’s Senior School House Activities

Last Friday, Senior School students took part in a number of House sporting activities, including Tug-of war, dodgeball and a water relay. After many close games, the first House event of the academic year resulted in Seacole crowned as overall winners.