Olympiad Recap Newsletter Article
On Sunday 17 March, 52 students and seven staff flew to Singapore to attend the 2024 Olympiad. 891 students from all over the EiM network and from Dulwich College London and James Allen Girls School (London), representing 13 different schools and colleges, came together to explore one of four disciplines. Throughout the week students were working together, creating one family of schools.
Students also had an opportunity to experience Singaporean culture – including visiting the night safari and Garden’s by the Bay.
Art
I am elated to share the resounding success of our recent event, “Dulwich Olympiad 2024,” in Singapore. The event left an indelible mark on all who attended. The school halls were transformed into a gallery of wonder and imagination as students showcased their exceptional talents and creativity. From intricate sketches to vibrant mural paintings and delicate jewelry designs to unique lamp stands and custom-made hoodies to hand-made canvas shoes, each piece was a testament to the dedication and passion of our budding artists. Visitors were captivated by the diversity of styles and themes.
Moreover, the event fostered a sense of community and appreciation for the arts as students and guests engaged in lively discussions and exchanged insights. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to making the exhibition a resounding success, and I am proud of our Olympian artists. I eagerly anticipate future opportunities to celebrate the artistic brilliance of our College community.
Drama and Dance
What the Drama and Dance students managed to achieve during this term and in the culmination of the performance during the Olympiad week was quite remarkable. It was truly a delight to witness their passion, professionalism, and skill. The biggest compliment I can give the students was that the whole experience felt like working with a professional theatre company. Their attitude and application were admired by many of the adults and students from other schools, as they collaborated and shared with all those involved. They helped create memories for themselves and many others during the creation, rehearsal, and performance of the Odyssey.
Music
Our musicians in the Dulwich Olympiad shone as they took center stage at the musical showcase, on Friday 22 March. They performed a wide range of pieces from esteemed composers, including Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst, as well as sung songs of a Malay and Indian traditions in TaReKiTa and Sehati. They were stretched with challenging repertoire, and the choir memorised tricky and complex harmony lines with great success in the Gala Concert. Each student should be proud of their performances, with their dedication, resilience and perseverance resulting in an exceptionally high quality concert after a week of thorough and professional coaching from the two guest conductors.
Sport
The Dulwich Olympiad 2024 marked a pinnacle of the sporting calendar as students from across the Dulwich network gathered to showcase their prowess across multiple disciplines. With competitions spanning football, basketball, track and field, badminton, and swimming, the event encapsulated the spirit of athleticism, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Football
In the football arena, teams demonstrated skilful play and strategic prowess to finish as Plate winners in both the U13 and U15 boys division. The matches were fiercely contested, with the DCSL Leopards showing great determination and focus. Considering the competition was often much larger schools, the students performed excellently. Year 12 Aiden L joined DCSZ and made it straight into the starting team. He played so well and helped the team finished in 3rd place which is an incredible achievement.
Basketball
Basketball courts buzzed with energy as our players put into practice the strategies and set plays practiced during training. There were some intense matches, with players displaying remarkable athleticism and skill. The U13 boys’ had a tough draw facing some of the stronger basketball schools but they performed well throughout the tournament. The U15 boys finished as Plate winners after showcasing some excellent skill and gameplay. Our two U13 girls, Sabina W and Stella L joined forces with Dulwich College Beijing and became two key players in the team. It can be difficult to play with new teammates but both girls integrated into the team well and gave 100% effort. At the end of the competition, they finished in a very respectable 5th place. In the over 15s, Aiden L and Kiyoon K join Dulwich College London and became a mainstay in the team. They both played very well and helped the team reach the final against DCSG. It was a very competitive final that DCSG won but both Aiden and Kiyoon can be proud of their silver medal.
Track and Field
The track and field events were a spectacle of speed, strength, and endurance. The DCSL Leopards pushed their limits, striving for personal bests. The competition was very tough with some competitors competing at national level. However, all our students competed with determination, demonstrating their athleticism across the different disciplines. Highlights were Somi H winning Silver in the U19 Javelin, Michael K winning Bronze in the U13s 800m and Jieun J and Andie H who won Bronze as part of a combined under 15s relay team.
Badminton
Badminton courts witnessed fast-paced rallies and skilful shots as players vied for supremacy. We witnessed some thrilling matches and our students performed with great focus and effort. A special mention goes to Kiyoon K who was unlucky not to get a bronze medal after finishing in 4th place by points difference. Yongbin J was our most successful badminton player winner a silver medal in the U13 category. Well done!
Swimming
The swimming competition was a high calibre event with a great atmosphere as competitors raced towards the finish line, leaving it all in the water. Isaac Y, Simon W, Eugene K, Stella L and Aiden L all competed against some very experience swimmers. Aiden L won a bronze and silver medal in over 15s 50m and 100m freestyle making him our most successful athlete at the Dulwich Olympiad.
The Dulwich Olympiad 2024 was a resounding success, celebrating the talents and dedication of our students across various sporting disciplines. The event not only showcased athletic prowess but also fostered a sense of unity and sportsmanship among the students. There were many new friendships made and lifelong memories created. Well done to all involved!
During the week our students truly lived up to our guiding statements. Through collaborating with students from other Colleges and Schools they were clearly seen building bridges to the world and many staff members commented on how polite and kind our students were, showing our aspiration to be the kindest school in the universe. I am very proud of their attitude, determination and positive attitude shown throughout the week.
Rebecca Gardner
Earth Day 22 April – Non-Uniform Day
To mark and celebrate Earth Day on 22 April, Primary and Senior students are asked to come to school dressed in blue and/or green with a KRW 2000 donation to spotlight the day. Money raised will go to Chungnam Wildlife Rescue Center in Chungcheongnam-do (more information can be found here), an organisation that rehabilitates injured wild animals. The theme of Earth Day is Planet vs Plastic, highlighting the harm that plastic production is doing to our planet and the need to reduce rather than recycle plastic waste. With only 9% of plastics recycled globally due to contamination and profitability, the need to take action is now.
For the week of Earth Day, students, parents and staff will be challenged to go without using single-use plastic items, such as water bottles, cutlery, straws, balloons, takeaway containers, bags, coffee cups, etc.
Term 3 ECA
Term 3 ECA information and booklet for Primary and Senior School has been shared this Monday 25 March 2024
The information booklet is to highlight the variety of opportunities available to all students in our ECA program.
The schoolsbuddy sign-up opens at 5pm on Friday 29 March 2024. Please see below for key dates for the Term 3 ECA program.
Key Information:
Schoolsbuddy Sign Up Opens | 29/03/2024 |
Schoolsbuddy Sign Up Closes | 14/04/2024 |
Students’ ECA final allocations shared | 17/04/2024 |
Term 3 ECAs Start | 22/04/2024 |
Term 3 ECAs finish | 14/06/2024 |
Please remember it is the responsibility of Primary parents to register on their child’s behalf. Senior school students sign up directly.
How places are allocated:
The Schoolsbuddy system will randomly allocate students for the activity. Students who put the activity as one of their top choices, are more likely to secure a place. Please list all the activities your child is interested in; 1st, 2nd 3rd, (and so on). You can apply for as many activities as you wish. Primary School may only apply one for Leadership ECA.
School Buses:
Buses run at 4.30pm for students taking activities. Please contact the bus department for any further questions at buses@dulwich-seoul.kr
Need help?
For passwords problems, please email passwords@dulwich-seoul.kr
Other enquiries, please email eca@dulwich-seoul.kr
Kind Regards,
ECA Team
Dulwich Haru – March Edition
We’re excited to announce the release of the latest issue of our Dulwich Haru publication. Our featured student this month is one of our Head Students, representing our value of Academic Excellence, who started at Dulwich at Year 2 and is now in the pool for South Korea’s national debate team representing the country at global competitions. Read about how our Head of European Languages helps students immerse themselves in foreign languages and what advice he has for parents on how to support their children’s learning. Our featured parent is Canada’s Ambassador to South Korea who herself was a child of a diplomat. Despite having moved around a lot throughout her career, she instilled in her sons a strong sense of Canadian identity and openness to other cultures as they lived and traveled in many different countries. Please click here for these compelling stories!
Dulwich School Bus
Term 3 ECA Bus: From 22 April to 14 June 2024
If your child/children participates in an ECA (3.30pm – 4.30pm), their bus time will automatically be switched to the 4.30pm bus.
For late activities including ECAs and Sports Squads that finish at or after 5pm: Students will be automatically removed from bus lists and they must be picked up.
School Bus Change
Morning Bus: If your child is sick in the early morning and unable to take a bus, please contact your morning bus driver or monitor directly.
Afternoon Bus: Please be informed that any changes to the Bus service (e.g. Time change or pickup) should be requested via SchoolsBuddy latest by 12 pm on the day that you want to change. This will ensure that your request receives our immediate attention. Video guide
Special Note for Senior School (Year 7 – Year 13)
Please remind the students that they must go to their bus as quickly as possible as other children are waiting for them. If they are not there by 3.40pm / 4.40pm, then the bus will leave without them.
For other bus-related matters or any emergency changes, please contact the College Bus Department at:
Email: Buses@dulwich-seoul.kr / Telephone: 02-3015-8563
Kind regards, School Bus team
Neurodiversity Awareness Week
Neurodiversity Awareness Week was celebrated last week, raising awareness about different cognitive styles and learning needs. Each day, information was provided in classes and tutor groups about various neurodiverse conditions.
The photo shows a Wellbeing lesson focused on understanding neurodiversity within our community. These lessons began with 5 minutes of mindfulness for students.
In addition, both the Primary and Senior sectors of the College hold a monthly ‘drop-in’ clinic where teachers can learn about different neurodiverse conditions and take away additional strategies to support individual learners. Furthermore, students and teachers are encouraged to learn more about Neurodiversity by visiting the Senior library where a wide range of books and resources on the topic can be found.
What is Neurodiversity?
- Neurodiversity is about recognising that there is a wide range of neurological variations in the human brain, instead of viewing these variations as being “abnormal.”
- Everyone has a differently-wired brain and their own unique way of thinking, interacting and experiencing the world.
- Neurodiversity is based on the concept that neurological variances should be recognised and respected just like any other human variation, such as gender, race or sexual orientation.
What are some of the neurodiverse conditions?
Some of the different ways of thinking, learning, interacting, and perceiving the world have been given labels, such as:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Dyscalculia
- Tourette’s Syndrome
How can I as a parent learn more about Neurodiversity?
To promote further awareness and understanding of neurodiverse conditions to our wider community, the AEN team will be conducting a workshop in Term 3, which will outline the neurodiverse conditions we work with in the school and the teaching methods and strategies we use to support neurodiverse learners.
In the meantime, here are some links to find out more about neurodiverse conditions:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/
New Families Coffee Morning
Against Malaria Foundation Update
We are pleased to share the latest news from the Against Malaria Foundation. Below is a letter from Mr Graham Nelson, offering an update on the foundation’s recent activities and successes:
Dear friends of AMF Korea
It’s been a little while since I was last in touch, but I thought you might appreciate a short update on our work over the last couple of months.
Since my last email in January we’ve been hard at work preparing to publicly launch the charity – ensuring our interim website (www.amfkorea.org) was accurate and the donations systems all worked properly, and that we had the right materials in place to explain our mission to potential donors. I’d like to give a big shout out to Mike Breen and his excellent team at Insight Communications, who very generously offered us their insight (fittingly!) and energy to help draft and publish our first press release, which issued earlier in March. That communication has led to some great early coverage for AMF in the national and specialist media, including an interview with one of Korea’s major newspapers, the Hankook Ilbo, which you can read here.
I’m delighted to say that following this publicity we have started to receive our first donations to AMF Korea from members of the public. By my count, since the interview was published we have received donations to fund over 600 bed nets. Adding in those genuinely new donations (i.e. from donors not previously giving regularly to the global charity and/or trustees of AMF Korea) since our legal incorporation last August, we have funded over 2,000 nets. Even taking into account distribution costs, that means that we can comfortably forecast that our efforts in Korea will already prevent at least one child from dying from malaria and a thousand people falling sick. While only the very tip of the iceberg in terms of what we hope to ultimately achieve, I’m sure you’ll agree this is a fantastic milestone.
Of course, we’ve only just fired the starting gun on our work, and there’s a huge amount to do now. I’ve had some extremely encouraging early conversations with several schools about a campaign we hope to hold later this year, bringing schools and students from across the whole country together to run, walk, swim or otherwise take action to fight malaria. I’m excited to share that Dulwich College Seoul, the International School of Busan and Seoul Foreign School have already very generously indicated their willingness to support us. We’ll be launching a special page dedicated to the campaign on our website very soon, and over the next couple of months we aim to get at least one school in each district in Korea – over 100 – involved so we can raise as much awareness and support as possible from across the country. I will share an update on this in my next email.
We will also continue talking to anyone who’s interested to hear about our work. I’ve had fantastic conversations with other Korean charities, philanthropic foundations, charity evaluators, businesses, academics and many others. There’s a huge amount of opportunity in all those areas for AMF to make an impact. Of course, if you feel able to help us spread the word by sharing our work with your contacts, that would be hugely appreciated. I attach information packs on AMF Korea in English and Korean in case helpful in doing so.
I will end here, but can I finish by thanking each one of you for your support to AMF Korea in our journey to date. It is extremely exciting to have publicly launched the charity and to see the response as people here in Korea begin contributing to the cause. None of this would have been possible without your encouragement, energy and empathy. Thank you!
With warmest wishes,
Graham
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Day
IB Music Student Aiden’s Solo Violin Recital
We are proud to announce that our talented IB Music student, Aiden, will be holding his first solo violin recital on Sunday, 14 April, at 3pm. Aiden has been diligently preparing for this event, composing his own unique pieces that blend violin and Korean traditional music styles, creating a genre he calls “K-classic.”
This recital is an excellent opportunity for current and prospective IGCSE and IB Music students and their parents to witness the culmination of Aiden’s hard work and dedication. Due to limited seating (100 seats available), please RSVP to kimhelena@hotmail.com to reserve your spot.
Come and support Aiden as he showcases his musical talents and original compositions!
Celebrate Your Child’s Achievements with Us
We love to share and celebrate the successes of our students within our Dulwich College Seoul community. If your child has recently achieved something special, be it in academics, sports, arts, or any other area, we would be thrilled to hear about it. Please send details of their achievements to marketing@dulwich-seoul.kr (along with images if you have them) so our community can join in the celebration. Your stories inspire us all and highlight the diverse talents of our students. Let’s shine a spotlight on their hard work and accomplishments!
Dulwich Ducklings
Re-enrolment for 2024/25 Academic Year
Please note that we have made some changes to our re-enrolment process for the next academic year 2024/2025 commencing on 19 August 2024. We are defaulting to re-enrolment UNLESS a parent opts out to submit a withdrawal form to notify they’re leaving. As such, no action is required on your part IF you are returning next academic year and we will assume you are re-enrolling your child/ren. However, you MUST submit a withdrawal form by the deadline IF you are leaving.
2024/25 Terms and Conditions
Please find the Terms and Conditions for 2024/25 academic year. We have some updates for your careful reading. Your payment for the new school year/term will be recorded as your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
If your child is leaving
If your child is leaving DCSL and NOT returning in August 2024, please submit the DCSL Withdrawal Form here by Sunday 31 March 2024.
- Your date of official notice for withdrawal will be the submission date of this form.
- This form is valid only for the child above. If you have more than one child at the College, please fill out a form for each child separately.
- If you have any difficulties submitting the form before the deadline, please email re-enrolment@dulwich-seoul.kr as early as possible before the deadline.
- Cancellation of submitted withdrawals after the deadline may not guarantee your child’s place in the new academic year depending on the waitlist situation of the Year Group.
- Please note that a withdrawal form submitted after the deadline of Sunday 31 March 2024 will result in your losing the deposit without exception. You may refer to our school’s Terms and Conditions or contact us (re-enrolment@dulwich-seoul.kr, 02-3015-8502) if you have any questions.
For questions about the general withdrawal process, please contact us at Re-enrolment@dulwich-seoul.kr or 02-3015-8502.
If your child will continue to be enrolled If you child is staying at DCSL, no action is required. However, if you would like to update your information for Parent Contact, Bus, Payment Term, Company Payer, please complete this Information Update for Re-enrolling Families form by Sunday 31 March. This form is strictly optional.
Details of tuition fees for the next academic year will be made available through the usual channels, such as the College website.
Thank you so much.
Dulwich College Seoul Admissions
Dulwich College Seoul Uniform Drive
Has Your Child Outgrown Their Summer Uniform? Join the Friends of Dulwich (FoD) this spring in our Uniform Drive. Donate your child’s gently-used summer uniforms and make a meaningful impact.
Why Participate in the Uniform Drive?
- Support Sustainability: Extend the life of school uniforms, promoting environmental stewardship.
- Benefit Our Families: Provide access to affordable uniforms for the Dulwich community.
- Strengthen Our Community: Enhance the sense of unity and support within our school.
Donation Guidelines:
- What to Donate: Clean, gently-used summer uniforms.
- Where to Drop Off: B1 Donation Bin
Let’s come together to support our community and environment. Every donation makes a difference!
Friends of Dulwich
Class of 2024 University Acceptances: A Global Showcase of Excellence
Discover the full array of prestigious universities worldwide that our Class of 2024 has been accepted into, showcasing the diverse talents and global potential of our students.
Australia
Monash University
Canada
McMaster University
Concordia University
McGill University
McMaster University
Queen’s University
Simon Fraser University
University of Ottawa
University of Waterloo
Western University
Hong Kong
City University of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The University of Hong Kong
Korea
Mason Korea – George Mason University
Stony Brook University – SUNY Korea
New Zealand
The University of Auckland
United Kingdom
Goldsmiths, University of London
King’s College London
Loughborough University
MetFilm School London
Royal Holloway, University of London
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Manchester
The University of Sheffield
The University of Warwick
University of Bath
University of Bristol
University of Cambridge
University of Exeter
University of Hertfordshire
University of Kent
University of Lincoln
University of Southampton
University of Winchester
University of York
United States
Boston University
Columbia University in the City of New York
Loyola Marymount University
Otis College of Art and Design
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Michigan State University
The New School, Parsons School of Design
New York University (NYU)
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
School of Visual Arts (SVA)
Suffolk University
Tufts University
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Chicago
University of Florida
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
University of Oregon
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Dulwich College Seoul Guidelines for Drop-off and Pick-up
We kindly ask that our community adhere to the following guidelines to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, parents and staff.
Dos:
- Follow Staff Directions: Adhere to the instructions of our traffic control staff wearing reflective vests for safety and efficiency.
- Quick and Efficient Drop-off/Pick-up: Limit your stop to the time needed for children to enter or exit the vehicle. Avoid getting out of your car and use the underground car park if you need to stop for more than a minute.
- Prioritize Pedestrians: Always give pedestrians, especially children, the right of way when crossing the street. Drive slowly with caution and be prepared to stop.
- Respect Traffic Rules: Obey all traffic signs and road markings. Do not make illegal turns or ignore yellow lines.
- Help Drivers to Focus: Place your pet at a safe distance from the driver as it could be dangerous if the pet makes any sudden moves.
- Use Alternative Spots for Call Taxis: Avoid rush hour and arrange for pickup away from the school’s main entrance as taxis waiting for passengers often disrupt traffic.
- Be Courteous: Treat other parents, staff, and students with kindness and respect.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Block Traffic: Avoid double parking or stopping in a way that obstructs traffic flow.
- Don’t Use Your Phone: Refrain from using your mobile phone while in the school zone.
- Don’t Park Illegally: Do not park on or near pedestrian crossings and do not leave your car unattended at any time. Fines will be charged by traffic police.
- Don’t Rush: Avoid speeding and hurried maneuvers in the school zone.
- No Hagwon Shuttles Allowed: Hagwon (private academies) shuttle buses are not allowed to stop and pick up students in front of the school. Refrain from having students be picked up by Hagwon shuttles from school.
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!
From the Nurse Team:
If your child requires medication for an illness during school hours, please refer to the school medication policy outlined below.
[Medication Policy]
- Children requiring medication for an illness should stay at home until they have fully recovered. If your child is essentially well but needs to continue with a day or two of treatment, the medication may be sent to school. In such cases, it is crucial that you provide us with precise details and the following documents:
- Complete the ‘Medication Permission Slip’ (to be filled out by the parent): download it from the parent portal.
- Provide a doctor’s prescription or send a picture of the pharmacy envelope.
- Send the documents to the nurse’s office (via email or in person).
- Please inform the class teacher by email, and your child will be directed to the nurse’s office to take the medicine.
- Medication handover: Under no circumstances should students carry medicine on campus, including on the school bus. Therefore, kindly hand over any medicine directly to the nurse’s office or to the bus monitor along with the required documents.
For any queries, please contact us at Nurse@dulwich-seoul.kr or call 02.3015.8520.