A Guide to Dulwich College Seoul
https://seoul.dulwich.org
Welcome to Dulwich College Seoul!
We invite you to learn and explore how we provide the best learning experience for our students and inspire them to grow as global citizens who make a positive difference in the world.
This e-brochure provides an overview of who we are, our values, our leadership, our holistic approach to education, and our close-knit and warm community.
I hope it gives you a sense of the breadth of learning experiences that we provide our students and empower them to succeed at the university of their choice and in life.
I look forward to embarking on this journey with you to provide the most fulfilling and meaningful experience for our students!
Warm regards,
Alison Derbyshire, Head of College
About Dulwich College Seoul
Dulwich College Seoul was the fourth to join the Dulwich College International (DCI) family of schools, opening its doors in 2010. The College is made up of 720+ students from age 3 to age 18, with over forty different nationalities represented in our diverse student body. Our links to Dulwich College, founded in 1619, are strong, and we collaborate closely with the other schools in the network to encourage an international outlook and create an extended community where academic ability is fostered, creativity is valued, and diversity is celebrated. We are proud to share a common heritage with all the schools in the DCI network, and equally value the traditions, unique to our school, that we have created since we opened.
https://seoul.dulwich.org
We are located in Banpo, Seocho District, at the heart of Seoul and just a short walk from the Han River. This central location provides families with convenient access and a vibrant urban environment, while also offering a green riverside setting for outdoor activities.
Basic Information
• Student population: 720+
• Number of nationalities: 47+
• Student age range: 3-18
• School hours: Starts at 8~8.15am and ends at 3.30pm (Most ECAs end at 4.30pm. Buses leaving after ECAs are available.)
Student Come First
Kindest School in the Universe
One Family of Schools
Pioneering Spirit
Building Bridges to the World
https://seoul.dulwich.org
https://seoul.dulwich.org
https://seoul.dulwich.org
Curriculum Highlights
• Early Years (DUCKS, Nursery–Year 2): Our British international kindergarten in Seoul caters to early years students from Nursery to Year 2 (ages 3 to 7) and provides a happy and purposeful introduction to learning. At DUCKS, we provide a nurturing and dynamic learning environment that goes beyond traditional education, ensuring your child receives the best possible start to their academic journey. DUCKS: International Kindergarten for Ages 3 to 7 | Dulwich College Seoul
• Junior School (Years 3–6): Junior School students at our international elementary school in Korea engage in topic-based learning, a cross-curricular approach that integrates different subject matter under an umbrella topic or area of interest. Students have dedicated English and Mathematics lessons and specialist teachers for Mandarin, Physical Education, Art, Design Technology and Music. Where possible, the learning in these subjects is also linked to the current topic. We offer a stimulating creative curriculum giving students greater autonomy over time, allowing them to take greater responsibility for their learning. Regular assessment tracks student progress to ensure all children achieve to the best of their abilities. International Junior School in Korea for Ages 7 to 11 | Dulwich College Seoul
• Senior School (Years 7–13): Our programme of study allows students to maintain breadth as well as depth, based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales, leading up to the IGCSE syllabus and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), an internationally recognised programme. This structured pathway ensures a smooth transition, providing middle and high school
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students with collaborative learning experiences and opportunities for in-depth research into areas of interest. International Senior School in Korea for Ages 11 to 18 | Dulwich College Seoul
• Language Learning: Learning Mandarin has been an important part of the curriculum ever since Dulwich College International opened its first school in Shanghai in 2003 The richness and diversity of our college communities is such that the full spectrum of linguistic ability in Mandarin is found within our student body. Our students range from complete beginners to those with fully age-appropriate native-language literacy skills. To meet the learning needs of each student, the Dulwich Mandarin curriculum employs three pathways: Mandarin A: Chinese as a Native Language, Mandarin B: Mandarin as a Second Language and Mandarin C: Mandarin as a Foreign Language. Learn Chinese: Mandarin Curriculum | Dulwich College Seoul
Class size
Nursery/Reception Student-adult ratio 8:1
Years 1~3: 22 students per class; 1 classroom teacher, 1 teaching assistant
Years 4: 22~24 students per class; 1 classroom teacher, 2 teaching assistants for 3 classes
Years 5~6: 22~24 students per class; 1 classroom teacher, 1 teaching assistant for 3 classes
Years 7~11: 22~24 students per class; 1 subject teacher
Years 12~13: 16 students per class; 1 subject teacher
While the College expects to maintain student levels below the maximum, it reserves the right to increase the student numbers per class under special circumstances.
STEAM, Arts, Sports and Beyond the Classroom
At Dulwich College Seoul, we believe that learning happens inside and outside the classroom. We provide a wide range of co-curricular activities for students to make the best of their school years and provide them with opportunities to excel in areas such as sports and the performing arts. We also offer adventure trips and encourage students to take part in service projects or join community groups, which broaden their experience and promote a sense of social responsibility.
1. STEAM – We provide opportunities for pitching ideas, robotics, coding, graphic design, film, digital, and virtual reality learning experiences. Students can engage in entrepreneurship and real-world problem solving. STEAM / SE21 | Dulwich College Seoul
2. Visual & Performing Arts – Dulwich College’s founder, Edward Alleyn, was a renowned Shakespearean actor of his time and firmly established our appreciation for and promotion of the arts, including fine arts, music, drama and dance. Visual and Performing Arts | Dulwich College Seoul
3. Sports – Engagement in sports not only aids our students’ physical development, improving their coordination and developing their skills in a variety of sports, but also helps them to learn how to be part of a team. Research also points to the role that regular physical exercise plays in enhancing social, emotional and organisational skills. Students from our schools compete against others across the DCI family of schools in the Dulwich Games each year. Our students also participate in a number of prestigious sporting events with other international schools from around Asia and have the
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opportunity to travel with their teams to compete. We host a number of sporting competitions each year through our membership in regional school associations. Sports in International Schools | Dulwich College Seoul
4. Extra-Curricular Activities – We offer a host of after-school extra-curricular activities (ECAs) to help students explore and hone their interests such as baking, chess, camping, football, running, community service, photography, yoga or jewelry-making, to name a few. The range of activities changes each term and we offer an average of 50 different types of activities for students to choose from. Buses leaving after ECAs are available. Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities | Dulwich College Seoul
5. Ignite: Switzerland – This is termly 12-week programme for the curious, passionate, and brave – exclusive to Dulwich students. This exciting opportunity gives Year 9 students an exceptional experience of indoor and outdoor learning. Through the new challenges they encounter, they will discover their best selves. They will be leading their own expedition into the world of learning, finding new ways to reflect on the world and themselves in an awe-inspiring natural environment. Ignite: Switzerland is a transformative experience that will be the highlight of a student’s time at Dulwich. Ignite Residential Programme | Unique Education Experience | Dulwich College Seoul
6. Worldwise Events - Worldwise Events are hands-on collaborative learning experiences for members of the Dulwich community combining theory and real-world application to foster meaningful, long-lasting connections across our schools and colleges. low further understanding of their world and their ability to make an impact while developing socio emotional competencies and preparing for life beyond school. Worldwise Events | Dulwich College Seoul
7. Adventurous Journeys Programme – We encourage our students to challenge themselves outside of their comfort zone by taking part in field trips to domestic and international destinations, experiencing different cultures in a learning environment that the classroom cannot always provide. Our trips foster leadership and essential life skills and help create lasting memories that strengthen bonds among our students.
https://seoul.dulwich.org
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
Kindest School in the Universe: All children have the right to be safe at school and to feel that they are part of a caring community, which has their best interests at heart. Children and young people need to be given the opportunity to learn from their errors, with the help of sensitive adults, so that they become more self-aware, responsible and principled people.
Students Come First: The behaviour policy and systems we have in place ensure our students understand what is expected of them and why. The systems promote good choices and help create a learning environment and relationships where all children feel secure and confident enough to perform to the best of their ability and take risks in their learning.
Building Bridges to the World: Dulwich College Seoul is committed to diversity in its student body and staff. Dulwich College Seoul does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, colour, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, nationality or ethnic origin in the admission process and future care of our students, nor in the recruitment, employment, promotion and retirement of its staff.
Uniform
All students are required to wear the school uniform, except those in the IB Diploma Programme (Year 12- Year 13), who are required to wear business attire. Being smart is important at Dulwich College Seoul. We encourage students to take pride in their appearance and have high expectations and standards. There is a different uniform for warm and cold weather, and students should adhere to seasonal requirements. Dulwich College Seoul Uniform
Lunch
Parents may purchase a mid-morning snack and cafeteria lunch from the College’s caterers. The caterers provide nutritious food with a daily choice of an Asian or Western menu, which take account of the diverse range of religious and ethnic backgrounds of our students. We provide tours of our kitchen facilities where our caterers speak to the time and care put into developing our menus. Parents are invited to taste a cafeteria meal alongside the students at the end. Alternatively, parents may pack a snack and lunch for their children to bring to school.
Parents must inform the College Nurse and the caterers of any food allergies upon enrolling. The College caterers may be able to provide alternative meal plans for certain allergies. Dulwich College Seoul enforces a strict nut-free policy throughout the school. Parents are welcome to provide a midmorning snack and packed lunch for their children. Students eat their packed lunches in the Dining Hall with all the other students. School Admissions | Dulwich College Seoul
Houses
On arriving at our school, students and staff are allocated to one of four Houses, where they will remain during their time with us. Our Houses are named after inspirational and accomplished people: Edward Alleyn, Mary Seacole, Sejong the Great, and Ernest Shackleton Our House system is an
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integral part of the College pastoral care structure Seoul International School Heritage | Dulwich College Seoul
Safeguarding
Because we put students first in all that we do, safeguarding and child protection are of paramount importance in all Dulwich College International schools. As a world-class organisation with a strong moral purpose, we make certain that every step is taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of each child in our care.
Dulwich College International has developed an extensive Safeguarding Policy and training programme, which is regularly reviewed and updated. All new staff members at our school are subject to our safer recruitment procedures. Our students have age-appropriate lessons in safeguarding and our schools undergo annual safeguarding audits. Safeguarding is also a critical component of our accreditations. Safeguarding | Dulwich College Seoul
Caring Community
The Friends of Dulwich (FoD) is a volunteer parent association that plays an integral part in the Dulwich College Seoul community. All parents or legal guardians of any student enrolled at Dulwich College Seoul are automatically members. FoD's efforts are facilitated by a core group of parent volunteers from across DUCKS, Junior, and Senior schools, who dedicate their time and talents to various management and support roles. Its mission is to build and strengthen the Dulwich College Seoul community through various initiatives. These include community-building programmes, fundraising events, charity commitments, social functions, and more.
Parents are also encouraged to act as Class Parent Representatives and represent the parents’ voices to the College. Parents are always welcome to participate in workshops to support their children’s learning and social activities such as the Welcome Picnic, FoD’s monthly coffee morning, Dulwich Talks featuring thought leaders of the day and our biggest event of the year, Founder’s Day.
If you are new to the Dulwich College Seoul community, FoD is here to welcome your family and help you settle into life at the school and in Seoul. Friends of Dulwich | Dulwich College Seoul
https://seoul.dulwich.org
Facilities
Our campus is thoughtfully designed to support holistic student development, featuring:
• Outdoor sports field, futsal astro court
• Indoor gymnasium, swimming pool
• Theatre, performance spaces
• Dedicated music suites, libraries, learning resource centres
• Science laboratories
• Cookery facilities, Art & Design area
• Wireless-enabled learning with tablet and laptop
Explore pictures or take a virtual tour
https://seoul.dulwich.org
Admissions Process
1. Eligibility: Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria. Please click the list of Application Checklist Documents to check the eligibility documents required.
2. Enquiry Submission: Start by submitting an enquiry, and our team will guide you through the next steps.
3. Visit Campus or have consultation: If you wish, we would be delighted to arrange either a campus tour or an online consultation, during which we can discuss admissions matters in a personalised way.
4. Summit Application Form: We accept applications throughout the year. To determine which Year Group to apply for, please refer to our student age placement guide. As a general rule, students should have reached the age indicated in the table before 1 September of the year of application.
4. Assessment Procedures:
• DUCKS (Nursery–Year 2): Overseas students applying to DUCKS (Nursery - Year 2) are required to provide a Confidential Observation Report (provided by the College to be completed by their class teacher). Non-overseas students will be invited to class for an observation.
• Years 3–12: Students applying for Year 3 to Year 12 are required to take the Cognitive Ability Test (CAT4) consisting of verbal, quantitative, spatial and non-verbal assessments. There is also a written English Assessment. Our Academic team will review test results and previous school records, and in many cases, applicants will be interviewed. Students who are found to require English as an Additional Language support will have additional assessments to further evaluate readiness to access the curriculum.
5. Review: Results will be processed within one week of evaluation, on condition that all application documents have been submitted.
6. Learning Support: We enrol students whom we know we can support to ensure they are set up for success. We enrol students with learning challenges when the information available indicates that the student’s learning needs could be met by the services we provide.
Our team will consult with students and parents to conduct all necessary assessments and review copies of all previous reports and records. We request that parents provide all information available to enable our Admissions Committee to make an accurate decision about learning support services and admission.
7. English as an Additional Language (EAL): At Dulwich College Seoul, we appreciate the cultural diversity that non-native English speakers bring to our school and we are able to support a percentage of students who are non-native English speakers. Applicants who speak languages other than English should be able to demonstrate age- appropriate academic proficiency in their native tongue. Our admissions team may request that students be assessed on their ability to handle the academic challenges of English before an admissions decision is made.
8. Priority Considerations: We do have a waiting list for most year groups. Priority may be given to a child of a full-time faculty member, a sibling of a currently enrolled student, a sibling of a new student, a qualified student transferring from another Dulwich College, a returning student and a qualified child of an OA or IOA, as stated on our website.
Academic Calendar
To view term dates, holiday breaks, and key school events, please consult our School Calendar
Chat
with our Parents
We have a group of amazing parents who are available to offer you advice and answer questions covering a diverse range of topics. Our parents know first-hand the importance of choosing the right school and are well placed to help you decide whether Dulwich College Seoul is the right school for your family.
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If you want to have a phone call, online meeting consultation and/or school tour, please contact our Admissions team with questions about the application process by calling +82 (2) 3015-8517 or emailing admissions@dulwich-seoul.kr
Dulwich College Seoul
6 Sinbanpo-ro 15-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea 06504 +82 (2) 3015-8500 admissions@dulwich-seoul.kr
https://seoul.dulwich.org
