Whole School

Introducing the Dulwich College Seoul x Oppidan Mentoring Programme

We are proud to be the first international school in Korea to collaborate with Oppidan Education, a leading mentorship provider that works with top UK schools such as Dulwich College London, Eton College, and Harrow School. This programme, now underway, provides tailored mentoring for our Senior School students in Year 9 and Year 12, focusing on leadership, resilience, and self-reflection.

• Year 12 Students benefit from structured guidance in developing character, effective communication, and university preparedness.
• Year 9 Students receive training in mentoring skills, enabling them to support Year 6 pupils as they transition into Senior School.

With 134 students participating in in-person sessions led by expert Oppidan mentors, our goal is to ensure that students are equipped with the skills and mindset for success beyond the classroom. Stay tuned for testimonial videos from participants, offering insights into the positive impact of this unique partnership.

Dulwich College Seoul’s 15th Anniversary Logo

& Slogan Contest

As we celebrate 15 years of excellence at Dulwich College Seoul, we invite students, alumni, and parents to take part in a special Logo & Slogan Contest to mark this milestone. This is a unique opportunity to showcase creativity while contributing to a commemorative design that reflects our school’s journey, values, and community spirit.

What Are We Looking For?

The logo must incorporate the number 15, the school crest, and an original design that aligns with our anniversary theme, “Inspiring Connections & Community”. The accompanying slogan should be short, memorable, and meaningful. Submissions can be hand-drawn or digital (PDF, JPG, PNG formats accepted).

Key Dates

• Submission Deadline: 5 March 2025
• Winner Announcement: 25 March 2025

The 15th Anniversary Planning Committee, in consultation with the College Leadership Team, will evaluate designs based on creativity, alignment with our brand and theme, and flexibility for use in various anniversary events.

How to Submit

Entries can be emailed to marketing@dulwich-seoul.kr with the participant’s full name and status (student, alumni, or parent). Hard copies can also be submitted to the Marketing Office (Room 223).

We encourage our school community to take part in this exciting initiative. Be creative and help shape our anniversary celebration!

Sneak Peek: Introducing Our New MyDulwich Parent Platform

We are excited to share this sneak peek video of our new MyDulwich platform, which is currently in beta testing with a select group of parents and staff. Designed to streamline communication and personalise your child’s learning experience, MyDulwich brings together timetables, school news, event updates, and more—all in one convenient location.

To help you explore MyDulwich firsthand, we will be running “Genius Bar” drop-in sessions in our school foyer throughout March. These sessions are timed to coincide with other school events, making it easy for you to drop by before or after you’re on campus. Our staff will be on hand to walk you through the platform’s key features, answer your questions, and show you how to make the most of its capabilities.

We look forward to seeing you at one of the upcoming Genius Bar sessions. In the meantime, we hope this preview video gives you a glimpse of how MyDulwich can enhance your connection to our school community.

Gift of the Nile and Circle of Life

Forty students from two Year 4 classes visited the Egyptian Embassy today and learned about the circle of life, papyrus, obelisk, cats and lots of mummies.

H.E. Excellency Ambassador of Egypt to Korea, Khaled Abdel Rahman, greeted the students and staff, alongside his embassy staff, including two military attaches in smart uniforms. The lobby of the embassy is a mini museum, with replicas of a world-renowned obelisk with hieroglyphics and hand-carved limestones with the emblematic circle of life symbol on them, featuring a man holding papyrus, from which the word, paper, originated from. 

Year 4 students listened intently as Amb. Abdel Rahman talked about how in Egypt, when they say the heart is light as feather, it means they have done good deeds in their lifetime. He talked about the importance of the sun in Egyptian culture and cats as protectors of the home. Students asked outstanding questions such as “Is it true that 96% of Egypt’s population lives along the Nile River?” The Ambassador replied yes, and the country is often called the Gift of the Nile because it doesn’t rain or snow, and the Nile was the only source of water in the region.

One of the things most often associated with Egypt may be striking pyramids that served as kings’ tombs. Students were fascinated by the masks covering the mummies and how body parts were separately preserved in jars [is this too graphic?]. One interesting fact learned was that the reason they enclosed the bodies in masked caskets is because they believed the soul leaves the body after death to ask questions about whether they had stolen or killed anything. When the soul returns to the body, the mask helps it recognize which body to “return” to.

In addition to Egypt’s incredible history and tradition, the country boasts a modern metropolis, whose entire population is double that of South Korea. Many Korean companies including Samsung and LG have factories in Egypt. Egypt is also celebrating 30 years of friendship and diplomatic relations with South Korea this year.

After an intensive question and answer session where our students asked back-to-back questions about everything from how mummies are preserved to how artisans carved into something as heavy and hard as limestone, one student modelled their traditional costume and happily posed in front of the two obelisks by the entrance.

Then came snack time: an assortment of delicious Egyptian food including healthy falafel patties made from chickpeas, thin flatbread stuffed with ground beef, and a fried dough ball dipped in honey (what’s not to like about this delight?) for dessert. The students lined up in orderly fashion and got a taste of Egyptian delicacies.

Huge thank you to Ambassador Abdel Rahman and his embassy staff who made this visit possible and Ms. Cho and Mr Kim who helped plan the visit. Thank you to Ms. Goddard, Ms. Rowbottom, Mr. Gomersall, Ms Han and Mr Williamson for their support.

2025 EiM Student Leadership Conference at Dulwich College Seoul 

There’s something magical about watching young leaders make connections and discover more about themselves. This spirit was on full display at Dulwich College Seoul, which welcomed nearly 150 passionate student leaders and educators from 15 schools around the world for the 2025 Education in Motion (EiM) Student Leadership Conference, part of the Worldwise Events Programme. Over three inspiring days, Dulwich College Seoul’s campus buzzed with energy, ideas, and a drive for positive change. 

Running alongside this gathering, the Worldwise Alumni Advisory Board Annual Conference brought together nine key alumni leaders—some travelling from overseas, others based locally—to mentor student participants, run workshops, and join panel discussions. Their involvement created powerful intergenerational connections, further enriching the experience for everyone present. 

Dulwich College Seoul’s Year 6 students opened the conference for their international guests with mesmerising traditional Korean mask and fan dance performances, followed by uplifting musical pieces from Senior School students. Head of College Alison Derbyshire then set an inspiring tone for the event with her message about the art of listening as a prerequisite for effective leadership. Drawing on wisdom passed down from her mother, she reminded attendees that we have one mouth and two ears because we should listen twice as much as we speak. This challenge to fully listen resonated throughout, embodying the compassionate leadership values central to EiM. 

“DCSL was the perfect place to hold the Student Leadership Conference so we could all benefit from being the kindest school in the universe!” shared D’Arcy Lunn, EiM Group Head of Sustainability and Global Citizenship, who led the event. “The student leaders learn the important lessons of listening as leadership, leadership through compassion, and encouraging the hearts of others.” 

Several generations of the Dulwich family came together for these activities. Ninety-seven current student leaders from Dulwich College Seoul and other participating schools were joined by alumni from the Worldwise Alumni Network (WAN), creating an environment where past and present Dulwich leaders could share knowledge and experience. 

One of the conference’s most meaningful initiatives saw students partnering with Banpo Elderly Community Centre and HOPE IUM Charity to prepare 150 banchan lunch boxes for elderly Seoul residents living alone. Each box was carefully filled with bulgogi, soy sauce quail eggs, kimchi, mung bean jelly, and dried anchovies – a testament to putting leadership into action through service. 

The joy of connection and growth echoed in student reflections: “We made many friends at the leadership conference and it was so fun!” shared Emi and Jia from Dulwich College Seoul. 

Participants did not merely study leadership – they lived it. They created impact plans for their own schools, engaged in team-building activities, and immersed themselves in Korean culture with visits to the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, exploring what it means to be agents of positive change. 

“We learnt that it’s really about connecting with the community and getting everyone’s ideas onto the table so that we can get a master solution,” explained Jaewook, Head Student for Excellence at Dulwich College Seoul. 

Edgar Zillmann, EiM Head of Events and Educational Partnerships, captured the spirit of the conference: “This event epitomised our commitment to fostering empowered, globally minded leaders who make meaningful contributions to their communities. A heartfelt thank you to Dulwich College Seoul for being such a wonderful host.” 

As the conference drew to a close, it was evident that something transformative had taken place. Students left with new leadership skills, firm friendships, and an unshakeable belief in their ability to create positive change. From collaborative problem-solving sessions to hands-on community service, they discovered that leadership grows out of compassion, understanding, and a commitment to making a difference. 

Crowning these events was the Worldwise Alumni Network Dinner in Seoul. Over 60 alumni attended, representing Dulwich schools from Beijing, Suzhou, and Shanghai Pudong, making it the largest alumni gathering in Seoul to date. The evening offered former students a chance to reconnect, share experiences, and celebrate their enduring ties to the Dulwich community. 

Looking ahead, Education in Motion celebrates the remarkable success of these events, which demonstrate that Dulwich College Seoul—and schools across the EiM network—are dedicated not only to educating students, but to nurturing the next generation of thoughtful, empowered Global Citizens who will make a positive impact on the world. 

EiM extends sincere thanks to Mr D’Arcy Lunn, Mr Edgar Zillmann, Ms Maggie Goddard (Deputy Head of Primary School, Pastoral), Mr George Welsby (English Teacher and Senior School Head of Houses), Ms Mia Kim (Senior School Administrative Assistant for IB, UCC, and WAN), and Mr Bryan Chiew DCB’16 (President of the Wordwise Alumni Advisory Board) for their tremendous efforts in organising these events. Their dedication helped create memorable experiences that will continue to inspire students, alumni, and the wider EiM community. 

Exciting News from the 2025 WorldWise Game Jam! 

On February 14th and 15th, students from Year 5 – Year 13 were invited to participate in the highly anticipated 2025 WorldWise Game Jam. Over the course of 48 hours, teams collaborated to create innovative and engaging video games focused on the UN’s sustainability goal of health. 

In preparation for the event, students had the unique opportunity to attend workshops led by professional game developers from Ubisoft Shanghai and experienced artists. These workshops helped to enhance their skills in game development, art design, and teamwork, ensuring they were ready to bring their creative ideas to life. 

Now that the games are complete, students eagerly await the results of the competition. The games will be judged on several criteria, including fun, innovation, visual appeal, overall feel, and how well they incorporated the health theme. 

We can’t wait to see which teams will emerge as winners in this exciting and inspiring event! Stay tuned for the results! 

2025 School Photographs Schedule – 24 to 27 February 2025

From Monday 24 February to Thursday 27 February, our School Photographer, Family Day Studio, will visit the College for our annual school photographs.

* Year 6 parents, please note that due to the Y6 Adventurous Journey to Hong Kong, Year 6 photographs will take place on Friday 21 March. Year 6 sibling photos will also be taken on this day.

During this time, each student in the College will have their photograph taken individually and with their class/form group. Additionally, you can request photographs of siblings together (please refer to the special instructions below). The photos will be taken in both formal and casual styles, with the photographers stationed in the MPR by the College Foyer. Please be aware that photo slots for individuals, classes, and other groups may be subject to change. We apologise in advance if your child’s session must be rescheduled.

Individual and Class/Form Group Photographs
Each class/form will be assigned a specific time for their individual and class photos. Every child present on their photo day will automatically have their individual photograph taken and be included in a class photo.
 

Optional Extra:
Sibling Photographs (must be booked in advance)
Several time slots are available on each day for sibling photos, but parents must sign up in advance. 

1. For children who arrive at school with their parents on foot or by private car, photo sessions are available before and after school. Parents must book these sessions ahead of time and be there to actively supervise their children during these sessions, which run from 7.30am to 8.15am in the morning and from 3.30pm to 4.30pm in the afternoon. 
2. For children who use the school bus service, sibling photo sessions will take place during the school day. College staff will supervise these sessions.

For ONLY those wanting optional sibling photos: Please sign up at this link for either an early morning slot OR an afternoon slot: https://forms.office.com/r/fq9prWHuh5
The survey link will close at 5pm on Tuesday 20 February.

Student Uniform Requirements and Students’ Appearance
Only students in the correct uniform will be photographed. Parents must ensure their children are dressed accordingly for photo days:

DUCKS (Nursery to Year 2):

1. Winter uniform: navy DCSL trousers and our pale blue long-sleeved polo.
2. Navy socks only (no lace, logos or patterns)
3. Fully black sneakers (no colours or white stripes, including on laces or soles)
4. No leggings, sports gear, coloured band decorations or non-DCSL clothing items
5. Hair neat and tidy
6. No necklaces, hair decorations, bracelets or scarves

Junior School (Year 3 to Year 6): 

1. Full winter uniform and blazer – trousers/skorts and the appropriate long-sleeved top 
2. Navy socks or navy tights only (no lace, logos or patterns)
3. All Juniors with a red Primary tie and top button done up
4. Fully black shoes/sneakers (no colours or white stripes, including on laces or soles)
5. No leggings, coloured band decorations or non-DCSL items
6. Hair neat and tied back if long – no hair decorations
7. No necklaces, scarves or bracelets

Senior School:

‘Best Dressed’

Year 12 – Year 13 usual business attire with jacket

Year 7 – Year 11

1. Best Dressed uniform with blazer – trousers/skorts and the appropriate white shirt 
2. Grey socks, grey or navy blue tights only (no lace, logos or patterns)
3. Striped tie with top button done up
4. Fully black shoes/sneakers
5.  (no colours or white stripes, including on laces or soles)
6. No leggings, coloured band decorations or non-DCSL
7. Years 12 – 13 should be in their usual business attire.

If parents would like their child to bring a hairbrush or comb to neaten their hair before their photograph, they are welcome to do so. Please note that combs and brushes should not be shared between students for health and safety reasons. Teachers will provide children with time to tidy their appearance before the photograph is taken.
 

Purchasing Photographs
Each student will receive a slip containing their name and information on how to order photos. All photographs will be made available for order approximately three to four weeks after the photo session. Families will have the opportunity to review proofs of their child’s photographs on the Family Day Studio website before deciding to place orders for prints, downloads, speciality framing, etc. All orders and payments will be completed through the Family Day Studio website.

While there is no obligation to purchase the photos, many families appreciate the convenience of obtaining high-quality shots of their children, which can be easily shared with relatives abroad and cherished for years to come.
We will contact you again after the photo session with further details on ordering and purchasing the photographs.

Community Forum with the Head of College 

All parents and guardians are warmly invited to attend our upcoming Community Forum, where Head of College Ms Alison Derbyshire will share important updates on our School Strategic Plan, CIS Preliminary Report and Survey, MyDulwich portal, and our 3-Year Masterplan. There will be two sessions—one in person and one online—to make it as convenient as possible for everyone in our community to participate. 

• Offline Session: 
  Tuesday, 25 February, 8.30am–10.00am 
  Auditorium (4F) 

• Online Session: 
  Thursday, 27 February, 6.00pm–7.15pm 
  (Joining instructions will be shared separately.) 

We hope you will take this opportunity to learn about our school’s direction, ask questions, and share your feedback. We look forward to your participation and to continuing our work together in shaping the future of Dulwich College Seoul. 

g Gov. Jeon, and we look forward to continuing meaningful partnerships that benefit both our students and the wider community!

No Summer School This Year – Alternative Programmes Available 

As we undertake extensive facilities work on campus this summer, we will not be offering a Summer School programme. However, we are pleased to share two exciting external options for families looking to enrich their children’s holiday experience: 

HIF International Summer Adventure Camp 2025 (ages 10-16) 
13–26 July (Core Camp) | 26–31 July (Optional Cultural Extension) 
Hosted at HIF School in the beautiful Engadine Valley in Switzerland, this camp offers language immersion, STEM workshops, cultural exploration, and adventure activities—all supported by a 1:9 staff-to-student ratio. Families will handle their own travel arrangements, and an optional chaperone service may be offered depending on interest. To learn more or register, please contact camp@eimglobal.com. 

Register now by clicking on this link.  

Green Camp Bali provides a range of immersive, nature-focused experiences—from short family retreats to youth camps, and summer programmes. Each one emphasises sustainability, intercultural learning, and hands-on exploration in a unique setting. To learn more about specific camp options, dates, and enrolment, please visit the Green Camp Bali website. 

We hope these alternatives will provide your children with fulfilling educational and cultural experiences this summer. If you have any questions, please contact us in the school office. Thank you for your understanding and support as we improve our facilities for an even better Dulwich experience. 

Call for Volunteers: Global Citizenship Day

We are thrilled to announce that Global Citizenship Day will take place on Wednesday, 23 April, and we invite parents to take part in this celebration of our wonderfully diverse community. We have 46 countries represented at Dulwich College Seoul, and we would love to see as many as possible showcased at the event. Volunteers will set up a stall representing their home country, complete with snacks, decorations, and any other items that capture the essence of your culture. To register your interest in participating, please click here. This event will be held during the school day, and we welcome all parents who are eager to share their unique heritage with our students and staff.

MyDulwich: A New Gateway to Your Child’s Learning Journey

MyDulwich is our new, streamlined parent portal set to replace the current iSAMS Parent Portal in March 2025. Developed in response to parent feedback and adopted across the Dulwich family of schools, MyDulwich aims to enhance your experience by offering simpler navigation, personalised updates, and greater connectivity with your child’s learning.

What Is MyDulwich?

MyDulwich is a one-stop platform where you can view your child’s timetable, access a single, merged school calendar, and receive invitations for events and trips—all in one place. Importantly, it also provides custom updates tailored to each child’s year group, ensuring you see information that’s relevant to your family.

Key Features

• Single Sign-On
  Use your existing iSAMS login to access MyDulwich, SchoolsBuddy, and SeeSaw—all through one secure login.
• Mobile-Friendly
  Enjoy a user-friendly experience on any device, with push notifications for instant updates when using your phone.
• Tailored to Each Child
  MyDulwich only shows information relating to your child’s year group, helping you focus on what truly matters.
• Calendar & Bulletins
  Keep track of important events, academic schedules, and extracurricular activities. You’ll also receive weekly bulletins summarising the latest announcements.
• Customisable Communication
  Adjust your notification settings to control how much—or how little—information you receive, creating a more personalised news feed.

What You’ll Find

• Student Timetables
  Check your child’s timetable to stay informed of their daily classes (homework details will follow in Phase 2).
• Essential Documents
  Access handbooks, curriculum guides, and key policies, plus resources on uniforms, lunch services, buses, and staff directories.
• Weekly Top News
  Instead of an overlong newsletter, we will curate the top stories of the week through the Head of College message on Fridays.
• School Events & Activities
  Learn about upcoming events and sign up for private music lessons, sports programmes, and ECAs—all from the same platform.
• Educational Resources
  Discover links to the digital tools and learning platforms used across our schools.

Next Steps

Leading up to the launch in March, we will send detailed instructions on logging in to MyDulwich via your existing iSAMS credentials. Additionally, we will conduct on-site and online training sessions in February and March to make sure you’re comfortable navigating the portal.

Thank You

We appreciate your patience and support as we introduce this new system. As with any new initiative, there may be a short transition period while we fine-tune the platform. We look forward to making MyDulwich a valuable tool that keeps you informed, engaged, and connected to your child’s educational journey.

HIF International Summer Adventure Camp 2025

We are pleased to introduce the HIF International Summer Adventure Camp 2025, an enriching programme designed to foster academic growth, cultural exploration, and life skills development in the breathtaking Engadine Valley, Switzerland.

Programme Overview

• Dates: 13–26 July 2025 (core camp), with an optional cultural extension (26–31 July) to explore iconic European cities.
• Eligibility: Open to students aged 10–16.
• Capacity: Limited to 60 participants with a 1:9 staff-to-student ratio ensuring dedicated supervision.
• Curriculum: A well-rounded programme featuring language immersion, STEM workshops, cultural activities, and adventure-based learning.
• Fees: CHF 4,500 for the core camp; CHF 1,500 for the optional extension (exclusive to EiM group students). Fees exclude visa applications and flights.

Registration & Next Steps

• More Information & Registration: Click here to register.
• Induction Session: HIF will host an online induction in January to provide further details and answer queries.
• Payment & Contracts: Parents will complete payment directly following contract issuance by HIF.

For further details, please visit the programme brochure and risk assessment reference through the provided links. For inquiries, contact camp@eimglobal.com.

This is a valuable opportunity for students to engage in a transformative summer experience in Switzerland. Spaces are limited—early registration is recommended.

FOBISIA School Newsletter Insert for January 2025

Please click here to read the FOBISIA Newsletter Insert for January 2025.

Support WISE Conference 2025

Dulwich College Seoul is excited to be hosting the WISE (Women in International Schools Empowerment) Conference 2025 from 21-23 February 2025. WISE is an initiative led by Women, for Women, to empower aspiring and current female educators and professionals working in international schools. Sponsoring the conference is a great opportunity for you to promote your businesses or organizations to 200+ conference participants from across Asia, the Middle East and Europe who want to support and empower each other’s development and success. Or please simply support DCSL, the hosting school!

Please find more information by clicking here or contact Helen Kim (Helen.Kim@dulwich-seoul.kr) to discuss.  

WISE Conference 2025 team

BP Debate competition

Global Citizenship Introductions

We are Lynsey Gogin and Lara Small, Global Citizenship Leads at Dulwich College Seoul, and we are honoured to advance our schools mission to inspire students to grow as global citizens who make a positive difference in the world.

One of our goals is to create meaningful, inclusive experiences that reflect and celebrate our diverse community. To achieve this, we are reaching out to invite enthusiastic volunteers to help mentor individuals and contribute to a variety of initiatives. We believe that your unique perspectives and experiences will greatly enrich our Global Citizenship programs.

Here are some of the key topics and events where we are looking for volunteers throughout the year:

March 2025

Neurodiversity: Share insights and support for individuals with different neurological conditions and learning styles.

February 2025

Black History Month: Help organize and facilitate events that honour and educate about the contributions and experiences of Black individuals.

March 2025

International Women’s Day: Lead conversations and events that celebrate women’s achievements and address gender equity.

April 2025

Earth Week: Contribute ideas and actions to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and our role in protecting our planet.

June 2025

Pride: Support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through inclusive activities and discussions.

If you are interested in volunteering or have any ideas to contribute, please reach out to us at lynsey.gogin@dulwich-seoul.kr/ lara.small@dulwich-seoul.kr Your involvement will be invaluable in helping us build a more inclusive and engaging environment for everyone.

We look forward to working with you and making a positive impact together!

Warm regards,

Lynsey Gogin and Lara Small (Global Citizen Leads)

An Exciting Opportunity: Barça Academy Camps for Years 6–12 Students

We are excited to share a unique opportunity brought to us by the ESCCK and Barça Academy!

Barça Academy is offering football camps designed for students in Years 6–12, providing them with the incredible chance to train with expert Barça coaches. Participants will not only enhance their football skills but also learn the values and methodologies of FC Barcelona, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world.

A standout feature of the program is the MVP Award, granted to the best participant in each category. Winners will receive a full scholarship and could even visit FC Barcelona for further training and development.

This is an amazing opportunity for young football enthusiasts to develop their talents and experience world-class training.

Click here to read about the program,

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!