Definition of Learning
Good learning is a meaningful experience where students enjoy making connections between new and existing knowledge, skills and understanding. Students are engaged, challenged and are able to reflect independently and collaboratively on their progress.
DULWICH COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL
One Family of Schools
Dulwich College International (DCI) is a mutually supportive group of schools providing the highest quality education.
• We share core practice, but enjoy our regional differences.
• We draw on each other’s energies and skills, sharing resources and ideas.
• We celebrate success in one college across the whole family.
Dulwich College Management International (DCMI), based in Singapore, leads the DCI group.
In essence, each college must uphold the seven key principles defined in the Dulwich College in London (DCL) Operating Document:
1. To provide appropriate academic challenge that enables each student to realise his or her potential.
2. To provide an environment that promotes a good work ethos and encourages all students to acquire an independent and critical approach to learning.
3. To provide a wide range of sporting, musical and dramatic opportunities and co-curricular activities through which students can develop a breadth of interests and learn to work co-operatively.
4. To create a caring, supportive and well-ordered community which encourages personal development where students from a wide variety of cultural and social backgrounds can feel secure and equally valued.
5. To be selective in its admissions to ensure that students are capable of thriving among the high academic standards of the college and of reaching their academic potential.
6. To aim to achieve public examination grades for students that will be sufficiently high for them to gain entrance to leading universities of their choice throughout the world.
7. To be managed financially and administratively in a prudent manner, taking due account of all stakeholders’, including the interests of DCL, DCMI, their respective direct and indirect subsidiaries, investors, parents, students, staff and the community.
Our Vision and Purpose
To create the best schools in the world so our students make a positive difference. Our vision and purpose are supported by three clear pillars that govern our decisions and actions.
Our Strategic Pillars
Our schools, founded in 2003 by parents who wanted the best for their children, have always and will continue to put our students first. We use the strength of our network to continue to pioneer and innovate in all aspects of the organisation - from curricula and educational spaces to events and technology.
Our Strategic Purpose is reflected in our motto, Detur Pons Mundo, which translates as ‘Building Bridges to the World’. (Exhortando, which is found in our crest is a liberal translation into Latin of ‘Inspire’.)
But foremost in all our decisions and actions is the credo Students Come First
Individual College Philosophy and Objectives
In consultation with its community, each college develops its own statement of Philosophy and Objectives which are ratified by the Board of Management. These must embody the Mission and Vision, beginning with the phrase “Because students come first.”
The DCI DNA
The DCI Steering Group has determined core practice that must run through all of our schools to ensure that we maintain a common feel across the family without restricting individuality.
The Head of the College, who sits on the Steering Group, has responsibility for upholding the decisions of the Steering Group, conveying decisions and developments and assuring staff support and engagement.
Curriculum
1. Programmes of Study
Nursery and Reception
Year 1 to Year 6
Year 7 to Year 9
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum
Mandarin 3 to 4 times per week
English National Curriculum
Korean Studies
Mandarin taught 3 times per week
English National Curriculum
Compulsory Mandarin
Year 10 and Year 11 (I)GCSE
- Compulsory subjects include: English, English Literature, Humanities, Mathematics and European Languages - Co-ordinated Science
Year 12 and Year 13 IB Diploma Programme - Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and Extended Essay - Extended essay drafted with feedback by end of Year 12
All schools to have policies to address mother tongue provision and support for those children who would benefit from access to a Dulwich education, but whose level of English is insufficient. In this context, compulsory means for all students except those who have an individual educational need.
2. Assessment and Reporting of Study
Nursery and Reception
Year 1 to Year 6
Year 7 to Year 9
SeeSaw Online Portfolio of Learning
Reading, writing, and mathematics reported against UK national norms where applicable as: support required; developing; as expected; above expected; and significantly above expected
SeeSaw Online Portfolio of Learning for Year 1 to Year 3
Google Classroom for Year 4 to Year 6
Reading, writing, and mathematics reported against UK national norms where applicable as: support required; developing; as expected; above expected; and significantly above expected
Year 10 and Year 11 (I)GCSE Grades
Year 12 and Year 13 IB Grades
3. Target Setting and Tracking
Nursery and Reception EYFS Profile
Year 1 to Year 2 UK National Curriculum for Key Stage 1
Year 3 to Year 6 PTE, PTM and CAT4
Year 7 to Year 9 MidYis
Year 10 and Year 11 Yellis
Year 12 and Year 13 Alis
4. Co-curricular Programmes
• All staff engaged with no stated maximum expectation
• Student leadership promoted within all the programmes
• Strong sport and performance programme
• Opportunities for academic extension, including debate and entrepreneurship
• No filler activities - all programmes to have defined focus and outcome
• Year 6 Award offered
• Duke of Edinburgh Award for 14 to 18 year olds
5. University Counselling
All schools:
• Adopt Maia as a university counselling solution
• Implement the Dulwich College Success Plan, introducing careers education in Year 7 and individual university support from Year 10
• All schools support the DCI Counselling Policies including those related to: student transcripts; school profiles; teacher training; student and parent support; letters of recommendation; university and college applications; preparation for SAT and ACT
• Support university fairs and visits to the school
Culture
1. Code of Conduct
All schools adopt and promote the DCI Code of Conduct. Dulwich College Seoul also follows and promotes the Community Values.
2. Celebration and Events
All schools to hold and/or celebrate:
• Speech Day
• Founder’s Day
• Graduation Ceremonies
• Lunar New Year
• Christmas
• Remembrance Day
• Weekly Assemblies
• New Families Orientation Day
Dulwich College Seoul also holds/celebrates:
• Music, Art, Dance and Drama (MADD) for Year 5 and Year 6
• Model United Nations (MUN) for Year 5 and Year 6
3. DCI Events
All schools to support, where applicable:
• The Dulwich Games
• The Dulwich Festival of Music
• The Diversity programme
• Cross school staff meetings
• Other group-wide events as they are agreed
4. Student Leadership
All schools will:
• Appoint school prefects led by Head and Deputy Head Students
• Promote student leadership wherever possible through such avenues as: the Student Council; the House System; Sports Leadership; Community Service; the Performing Arts; Debate; Model United Nations (MUN)
• Operate the Dulwich Challenge
• Offer the International Award
5. House System
All schools to develop a House system to promote:
• Healthy competition
• The development of leadership
• A sense of belonging
6. Alumni Development and Relations
All schools will:
• Promote the DCL and DCI Alumni network (OA and IOA)
• Harvest e-mail addresses and university destinations from students who are leaving for collation at DCMI
• Encourage graduating students to assist those following them in university admissions and ultimately in the world of work
• Invite alumni back to campus
• Hold and promote regional alumni events
7. Uniform
• All students will wear the DCI uniform with agreed regional variations where this is indicated by climate
• Student Leadership Team to wear prefects' blazers on public occasions
1. Recruitment
All schools will:
• Advertise all posts, except Head of College and Director of Business Administration, in the Careers section of the Dulwich College International website − https://www.dulwich. org/careers/find-your-career
• Supply a list of vacancies to DCMI in a timely fashion for circulation to all schools
• Implement the DCI Recruitment policies, including the Safe Recruitment Policy
• Support the movement of staff between schools in a timely fashion
2. Professional Learning and Development
All schools will:
• Apply the DCI Teaching and Leadership Standards for performance management
• Adhere to the DCI Professional Learning Policy
• Engage with the Dulwich Lab in matters relating to curriculum Research & Development; action research and other areas of professional learning
• Share professional learning opportunities with other schools
3. Quality Assurance
All schools will promote quality assurance and continual improvement through:
• The use of the DCI Self-Evaluation Framework or a robust alternative agreed with the Director of Schools
• The development and implementation of three year College Development Plans
4. Inspection, Accreditation and Membership
Where at all possible, all schools seek:
• Examination Centre Status from:
- CIE
- Edexcel
- SAT - ACT
• Accreditation from:
- Council of International Schools (CIS)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- National Center for Curriculum Study and Textbook Development (NCCT)China only
- IBO (international Colleges only)
- Outstanding Inspection report from: UK Independent Schools Inspectorate
- Membership of: Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC)
Systems
1. Policy Framework
All schools will implement the DCI Policy Framework and associated policies and procedures. These are defined as:
• DCI directed
• DCI headlined and individual school developed
• DCI required with individual school interpretation
• Individual to a particular school, not universally required
2. Safeguarding
All schools must implement the DCI Safeguarding Framework and associated policies and practice to the letter. There must be zero deviation from this.
3. IT Connectivity and Shared Database Practice
All schools will implement the DCI IT Policy & Governance Framework and associated policies and procedures.
The commitments include but are not limited to:
• Compliance with the Dulwich data and network security policies when accessing Dulwich intellectual property, or any information through the Dulwich network
• Putting Dulwich IT equipment or devices to appropriate use and ensuring their protection from loss or damage
• Using the Dulwich standard software or solution where one is designated
4. Admissions and Communications & Marketing: Customer Service Standards
All schools will:
• Use the DCI provider to survey students, parents and staff, and base action planning on the outcomes
• Keep accurate and consistent data for all students through enquiry, testing, enrolment and departure
• Provide College-wide communications in languages appropriate to the local community
• Maintain websites and parent portals to DCI standards of design, copy and content
• Use social media engagement in line with Group guidelines
• Promote the highest levels of customer service amongst all staff
Welcome from the Head of College
Staff List 2024-25
Our Pillars and Guiding Statements
Why We Do What We Do
The Dulwich Family of Schools
College Governance
Academic Structure
Communication
Arriving at and Departing from School
Bus Transportation
The Curriculum
WorldWise Living and Enrichment
Dulwich College Seoul Success Programme
Additional Educational Needs (AEN)
Items to Bring to School
Structure of the Day
Assemblies
Homework
The Senior School Library
Activities: ECAs and Enrichment
Assessment and Reporting
Academic Honesty
Safeguarding and Pastoral Care
The House System
Uniform Policy
College Procedures and Policies
Meal Services
School Medical Policy
Beyond the Classroom
Parental Support
Friends of Dulwich Volunteering
Gifts Policy
School Year Calendar 2024-25
Dulwich College Seoul Parent Glossary
Welcome from the Head of College
Dear Parents and Guardians,
A warm welcome to you all!
It is my greatest pleasure to welcome you to the Dulwich family as the new Head of College this year.
With everything competing for your attention daily, I can appreciate how it may sometimes be hard to keep up with our school’s policies, curriculum, activities, programmes and calendar. That’s why we’ve created this handbook to serve as a reference guide for all your needs.
This handbook includes everything from our vision, mission and philosophy that drive our work, to the more day-to-day aspects such as programmes, activities and the academic calendar. In the handbook, you will find the policies your children are expected to follow at school; a brief introduction to our curriculum and information on the many services that we provide.
We will be sending you more information throughout the year, including more detailed information regarding the curriculum to be studied by your children in their respective year groups.
While the handbook is comprehensive and covers the most frequently asked questions, we are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. One of our foundational beliefs is that Students Come First, and we are always open to your suggestions on how to improve their experience.
I look forward to connecting with you, and working with you, to help your children grow as global citizens and make their learning experience as personalised, meaningful, safe and fun as possible.
Kind regards,
Alison Derbyshire Head of College alison.derbyshire@dulwich-seoul.kr
Staff List 2024-25
Head of College Alison Derbyshire
Head of Senior School
Head of Primary School
Senior School Leadership Team (SSLT)
Head of Senior School
Academic Deputy Head of Senior School
Pastoral Deputy Head of Senior School
Suzy Pugh
Jane Smith
Assistant Head of Senior School - IB Coordinator and Philosophy
Form Tutors
7D
7C
7S
8D
8C
8S
8L
9D
9C
9S
10D
10C
10S
11D
11C
11S
IBD
IBC
IBK
IBO
IBR
Suzy Pugh
Gareth Wright
Rebecca Gardner
Emma Chamberlain
Germán Zea
Olivia Chan
Robert Wise
Jennifer Birch
Robert Nowak
Michael Donkin
Francis Ventham
Ffiona Wilkinson
Zowie Heap
Ryan Pettitt
Jinhua Zou
Eloïse Boinot
Joseph Mellows
Carlo Contrino
Catherine Robinson
Jack Denning
Darragh Cotter
Patrick Fitzgibbon
John Allen
Lauren McShannon
Jack Watling
Senior School Subject & Specialist Teachers
Art and Design
Counselling
Computer Science
Drama
English
European Languages
Humanities
Korean
Learning Support
Learning Technologies
Library
Mandarin
Jane Chang - Head of Department
Younjin Seo
Heather Song - Art Technician
Joseph Dekens - Lead Counsellor
Genevieve Kung - Socio-Emotional Counsellor
Gareth Thomas
Catherine Robinson
Matthew Readman - Head of Department
Miyoung Kim - Drama Teaching Assistant/Auditorium Technician
Francis Ventham - Head of Department
Olivia Chan (Film)
Darragh Cotter
Áine Staunton
George Welsby
Ffiona Wilkinson
Robert Wise (Spanish) - Head of Department
Eloïse Boinot (French and Spanish)
Lucy Haley (Geography) - Head of Department
Michael Donkin (Economics)
Joseph Mellows (Economics)
Rebecca Gardner (Geography)
Suzy Pugh (Geography)
John Allen (History)
Carlo Contrino (Psychology)
Mikyung Cho - Korean Language and Literature
Jude Lee - Korean Teacher and Mother Tongue Coordinator
David Gormley - Head of Student Support Services/Designated
Safeguarding Lead
Lynsey Gogin - Lead Special Educational Needs (SEN) Coordinator/ Global Citizenship and Sustainability Lead
Benjie Blum - English as Additional Language (EAL) Teacher
Joanna Jeon - Additional Educational Needs (AEN) Support
Gareth Thomas - Director of Technology
Timothy Appleton - Librarian
Ying Wen - Head of Department
Ynes Chan
Melody Dong
Rebecca Li
Jiannan Lu
Mingchin Wu
Jinhua Zou
Mathematics
Music
Outdoor Education and ECAs
Physical Education and Games
Patrick Fitzgibbon - Head of Department
Emma Chamberlain
Jack Denning
Zowie Heap
Jiyeon Im
Ademola Okeowo
Mark Knights - Director of Music
Barnaby Hollingotn
Cindy Kim
Nara Lee - Music Administrator
Mark Lovett - Head of Department
Jiyeong Lee - Administrator with Trips, ECAs and Examinations Support
Peter Poulton - Director of Sport
Jennifer Birch
Jun Huang - Swimming Coach
Youngjin Kim
Robert Nowak
Daniel Wild
Saturday Programme
Science
Theory of Knowledge (ToK)
University and Career Counselling (UCC)
Martin Bushell - Manager and KAIAC Coordinator
Lauren McShannon (Chemistry) - Head of Department
Gemma Fullagar (Biology)
Germán Zea (Biology and ESS)
Jack Watling (Chemistry)
Ryan Pettitt (Physics)
Gareth Wright (Physics)
Isabel Jeong (Lead Science Technician)
Mia Kwon (Science Technician)
Emma Chamberlain
Darragh Cotter
Gareth Wright
Paul Sweet - Director of University Counselling
Joanne Kim - University Counsellor
Mia Kim - Senior School Administrative Assistant (IB, UCC and WAN)
Director of Business Administration (DBA)
Executive Assistant to DBA/Translator
Director of Admissions
Acting Admissions Supervisor
Admissions Assistant
Admissions Assistant
Director of Communications & Marketing
External Relations & Compliance Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Executive (Website)
Marketing Executive (Design)
Executive Assistant to Head of College/Reception Manager
Primary School Administrator
Senior School Administrator
Reception/School Administrator
Reception/School Administrator
Facility Manager
Facility Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Handyman
Gardener
Pool Manager
Finance Manager
GL Accountant
Finance Accountant
AP Accountant
AR Accountant
Finance Assistant
HR Manager
HR Data Coordinator
HR C&B Coordinator
HRM Officer
IT Manager
IT Data Specialist
IT Technician
IT Project Management/Helpdesk Supervisor
IT Helpdesk Coordinator
Operations Manager
Operational Services Supervisor
Head Nurse
Shop Administrator
School Bus Supervisor
School Bus Assistant
Operations Assistant
Part-Time Nurse (AM)
Part-Time Nurse (PM)
Paul Smith
Kay Jensen
Helen Kim
Hyejoo Chung
Yuki Choi
Eugene Kim
Namju Cho
Steve Kim
Samuel Wigginton
Joanne Kim
TBC
Helen Chung
Carolee Kang
Suji Choi
Haisol Choi
Cindy Shin
James Kang
Dylan Ham
Andy Choi
Logan Lee
Hiyoung Shin
Taearm Sun
Michelle Yang
Molly Oh
Linus Rogulla Oh
Cindy Choi
Taylor Lee
Sun Lee
CJ Kim
Jenah Nam
Megan Jung
Kate Seo
Roy Park
Jina Jeong
MK Jung
Maria Oh
Jenny Kim
Benjamin Lee
Harry Hwang
Christine Kim
Bella Kim
Sally Kong
Olivia Kim
Hyejung Lee
Angela Ko
Jean Yoo
Our Pillars and Guiding Statements
At Dulwich College Seoul, Students Come First. Together, we strive to be the Kindest School in the Universe. We are proud of our Dulwich heritage and, as One Family of Schools, we celebrate our connection with the Dulwich College International family. We move forwards, with a Pioneering Spirit, encouraging our students to Build Bridges to the World.
Students Come First
Kindest School in the Universe
One Family of Schools
Pioneering Spirit
Building Bridges to the World
These statements reflect how we achieve these:
1. We provide a safe and stimulating environment. “We feel safe, have lots of fun and interesting lessons, and feel valued at school.”
2. We allow every individual to realise their full potential. “We are encouraged to work hard and enjoy learning new things to become the best we can.”
3. We promote the development of the whole child through a holistic approach to learning. “We are given opportunities to experience lots of activities and learn through everything we do.”
4. We recognise that meaningful learning involves taking risks.
“We like trying out new things and know that learning can sometimes be challenging.”
5. We prepare children to live in an ever-changing world.
“We learn to question and develop our ideas so we are prepared for change.”
6. We emphasise the benefits of working together.
“We learn to collaborate in a team to achieve success.”
7. We celebrate diversity in our local and international community. “We enjoy meeting different people, sharing ideas and serving in our local and international communities.”
8. We encourage respect for the environment.
“We look after the world we live in and understand how we can make a difference.”
9. We develop compassionate, caring individuals with respect for themselves and others. “We respect ourselves and others, act with integrity, honesty and fairness in all that we do.”
Community Shared Values
At Dulwich College Seoul we expect all members of the community to:
• Act in a manner that puts the interests of students first. In particular, all safeguarding guidance must be followed.
• Set a positive example for students by modelling respectful and fair behaviour.
• Communicate in an honest, polite and civil manner.
• Respect the privacy and rights of others. Individuals (students, staff and parents) should never be subject to gossip in public or private communication groups.
• Complaints about an individual should be raised directly with a member of the College Leadership Team.
Why We Do What We Do
We are pleased to share the larger context of why we do what we do. These statements are tailored to DCSL’s unique needs and circumstances and work in conjunction with DCI’s vision and mission that is group-wide.
Our Vision
An inspirational statement that describes where the organisation wants a community, or the world, to be as a result of its services; a look into an organisation’s future or what its overarching direction is; gets at “the why,” the aspirational “end-state.”
Students, parents and staff will build a more just, equitable and sustainable world.
Our Mission
An action-oriented statement declaring the purpose an organisation serves to its audience; a roadmap for the company’s vision statement; gets at “the what.”
To inspire students to grow as global citizens who make a positive difference in the world.
Our Values
Values are the fundamental beliefs of an organisation. These guiding principles dictate behaviour and can help people understand the difference between right and wrong.
We strive to be the kindest school in the universe
We aspire to diversity, equity and inclusion
Excellence Kindness Sustainability Diversity Community
We value academic excellence and helping students reach their potential.
We are committed to the 17 UN SDGs We are the hub of our students, staff and parents.
The Dulwich Family of Schools
Dulwich College in London
Dulwich College in London (DCL) is an academically selective independent boys’ school, situated in Dulwich Village, southeast London. DCL is renowned for its academic excellence, sporting prowess and a vibrant tradition in the fields of music, performing arts and debating. Each year 10-15% of DCL’s graduating students gain entry to Oxford, Cambridge and the Ivy League universities of North America.
DCL was founded by Edward Alleyn, a famous Elizabethan and Jacobean actor, with letters patent from King James I on 21 June 1619. Edward Alleyn’s vision was to establish a charitable and educational foundation, referred to as Alleyn’s College of God’s Gift, to educate 12 poor students between the ages of 6 and 18.
Over the past 400 years DCL has grown in size and reputation to become one of the UK’s leading independent schools. A Dulwich education has benefited many famous people from the spheres of exploration, politics, business, entertainment, literature, medicine, sport and the arts.
DCL has always stood at the developmental forefront of English independent schools and has pioneered the drive into the international education market. This forward-thinking vision is fuelled by a genuine desire to spread the benefits of the Dulwich Curriculum and, through exposure to other educational cultures, to improve the existing offering. DCL wants to establish the Dulwich name as a symbol of UK Education globalisation; an international institution with global educational goals that benefits local recipients.
Dulwich College in Asia and Beyond
In August 2003, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong (DCPD) opened as a kindergarten (Toddler, Nursery and Reception - age 2 to age 5) with 3 classes. The following August 2004 Year 1 to Year 9 opened in a brand new purpose-built campus; by which time the school roll had grown to over 500 students. It now has approximately 1,600 students from age 2 to age 18, with over forty different nationalities represented in our diverse student body.
Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) opened in August 2005. It also has classes from age 3 to age 18. DCB’s enrolment currently stands at over 1,570 students.
Dulwich College Suzhou (DCSZ) opened its doors in August 2007 and currently has an enrolment of approximately 1,000 students. DCSZ started at the Primary and early Secondary levels and expanded to provide classes up to Year 13 from August 2012.
Dulwich College (Singapore) (DCSG) opened in 2014 with 884 students, with 1,320 on the roll in 2015 rising to 1,680 in 2016. This will be the biggest college with a final target roll of 2,500 students.
Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi (DCPX) is the youngest member of the family. Opened in 2016, the College has classes from age 2 to age 18.
The success and consequent dramatic growth of the Dulwich College schools in Asia have demonstrated the ability and flexibility of the Dulwich College International team to put in place the necessary structures and resources to deliver an extremely high-end educational offering. It has particular expertise in providing the administrative and back office systems required to support a rapidly expanding school enrolment.
Building on this success, Education in Motion (EiM) has over the past two decades set up the Dulwich College International schools and has expanded its educational reach beyond Asia, fostering a diverse portfolio of institutions that share its commitment to excellence. Our family of schools and brands now includes: Dulwich College International High School, Dehong Beijing, Dehong Shanghai, Dehong Xi'an, Green School Bali, Hochalpines Institut Ftan (Swiss International School and Sports Academy), Ignite: Switzerland, Sherfield School in the UK, and Wo Hui Mandarin (Educational Technology Company).
College Governance
Dulwich Colleges outside the United Kingdom are operated by Dulwich College International (DCI) in partnership with Dulwich College in London. DCI serves the Colleges in areas such as facilities and building management, financing, operational support and government relations.
DCI has developed a comprehensive school leadership system that provides individual schools with sufficient independence and autonomy, while at the same time, implementing a coherent accountability structure that ensures adherence to the Dulwich College philosophy and standards.
Advisory Board
The Advisory Board offers scrutiny and support to the leadership team. This Board, which consists of members of DCI, the Head of College and the Director of Business Administration meets approximately 4 times a year, and also incorporates a number of subcommittees in crucial areas of College operations (such as Finance, Human Resources, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Facilities, Health and Safety, Procurement and Communications & Marketing.
The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is entrusted with the oversight of the College’s reputation within the community. The Board of Trustees reviews parent and student feedback on school performance and is a forum to make recommendations to the DCI Board. The Board of Trustees is made up of parents, independent and honorary members, Dulwich College in London representatives and DCI representatives, the Head of College and Director of Business Administration.
School Accreditation
To provide an external guarantee of quality, the College works in partnership with the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This ensures an ongoing process of rigorous selfevaluation and continuing school improvement. CIS and WASC are two of the world’s leading educational accreditation agencies and their Standards for Accreditation are designed to guarantee that a school is offering an international education of high quality. The whole CIS/WASC accreditation process takes around 2 years and culminates in a Team Visit. Our College was successful in obtaining CIS/WASC accreditation in May 2014.
Dulwich College Seoul is an IB World School authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
The College is a member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA). All of the leading British international schools in the region are members of FOBISIA, which provides excellent opportunities for staff development and student participation in academic, sporting, musical and artistic events.
Academic Structure
College Leadership Team (CLT)
The College Leadership team is comprised of the Head of College, Head of Primary School, Head of Senior School, Director of Business Administration (Bursar), Director of Admissions and Director of Communications & Marketing. Individual staff may also be invited to attend meetings which take place weekly.
Senior School Leadership Team (SSLT)
The Senior School Leadership Team is composed of the Head of Senior School, Academic Deputy Head, Pastoral Deputy Head and Assistant Head.
Dulwich College Seoul Schools
The College currently consists of a Primary School from Nursery to Year 6 (ages 3 to 11) and Senior School from Year 7 to Year 13 (ages 11 to 18).
The Primary School is divided into two sections:
• The DUCKS Department consists of the Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes. The Nursery, Reception and Year 1 classes are also referred to as DUCKS 1 and Year 2 as DUCKS 2.
• The Junior School is made up of the Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 age groups.
The Senior School consists of the Year 7 to Year 13 age groups. These are also referred to as:
• Middle School (Year 7 to Year 9)
• High School (Year 10 to Year 13)
Students take International GCSE (IGCSE) and GCSE courses in Year 10 and Year 11 and follow the IB Diploma Programme in Year 12 and Year 13.
Internationalism at Dulwich College Seoul: A Working Definition
Internationalism at Dulwich College Seoul is about educating students to think and act with a critical global perspective. We celebrate the cultural diversity of our school community, whilst acknowledging that we are a British school in Korea. As a school community, we are committed to supporting students, families and staff, drawn from the international context of living, working and studying in Seoul.
In practice, this means that the school:
• Considers the individual cultural needs that families have and supports these during the induction process with particular focus on the student
• Promotes a curriculum and provides enrichment activities that make reference to, and encourage understanding and respect for a wide range of cultural practices and beliefs drawn from the host country and the wider world
• Promotes training and understanding amongst staff of the cultural differences and practices of the community they serve
• Audits annually the way it supports and promotes internationalism and consults the school community during this process
• Respects and develops community links and offers curriculum time to Korean Culture.
Communication
We intend communication to be as smooth as possible so that parents feel that they are a vital part of a learning partnership, no matter how far away from school they might be. We actively encourage and welcome parents to contact us as soon as possible if they have any queries or concerns related to their child or the College.
Visiting the College
Parents are asked to show their College ID with a red lanyard on entering the College. All other visitors will be asked to report to the Security Desk at the main entrance, where they will be asked to read our safeguarding guidance before being issued a visitor’s ID and green lanyard. Volunteers are issued a pink lanyard.
Parents and visitors wait in the Reception area until they are collected by a member of staff or escorted directly to their appointment by a security guard. No parent or adult should be moving through the school without a member of the school’s staff accompanying them.
School Reception and Office
The school Reception Desk is situated in the main entrance foyer of the College. The desk will be manned throughout the day (from 8am to 5pm) with extra staff present during the busy times at the beginning and end of the school day.
The Reception Desk should be the main point of contact for anyone coming to the College. School forms and notices can be collected and deposited at this point. Any parent requiring further assistance will be referred to the Head of School’s administrator.
The school offices can be contacted between the hours of 8am and 5pm from Monday to Friday. During the school holidays, the Office has restricted opening hours.
The Reception Manager will refer parents to the relevant member of the Administration Staff or Academic Staff. The following staff are located in the school office - Director of Business Administration, Finance, Communications & Marketing, Admissions, HR, Operations, Transport and Procurement.
The school Reception can be contacted by the following methods:
Telephone: (+82 2) 3015 8500 | Fax: (+82 2) 501 9748 | E-mail: reception@dulwich-seoul.kr
Executive Assistant to Head of College
The Executive Assistant to the Head of College is located on the ground floor outside the office of the Head of College. This area can be accessed from the foyer.
Who to Contact?
Routine academic or pastoral enquiries should be sent directly to your child’s Tutor via email. The Tutor acts as the main point of contact between the home, student and subject teachers. All initial enquires will be dealt with by your child’s Tutor. Depending on the nature of the enquiry, Tutors may forward enquiries to other teachers, the Senior School Leadership Team, or if appropriate, to the Head of Senior School.
The Senior School Administrator can be contacted on: ss.admin@dulwich-seoul.kr
Making an Appointment with a Tutor
You can contact your child’s Tutor via e-mail using the following address code: tutor’s forename + dot + last name + @dulwich-seoul.kr
For example: Suzy Pugh suzanne.pugh@dulwich-seoul.kr
All school e-mail addresses can be found in the iSAMS Parent Portal of the College website.
School Reports
Academic progress is reported to parents through a combination of reports and Parent Teacher conferences. All written reports are made available to parents via the iSAMS Parent Portal on the school website. Instructions for accessing them are sent out at the beginning of the year and before each report is published. They can be read online or downloaded as a PDF. Further details on reporting are given in a later section. The iSAMS Parent Portal is password protected. Instructions for accessing reports are shared when they are published.
Weekly e-updates
The e-update consists of a message from the Head of College, a whole school section, sections by the Head of Senior School and Head of Primary School, as well as a section about our volunteer parent group, Friends of Dulwich (FoD). It is archived weekly and available on the iSAMS Parent Portal.
College Website
We post all relevant notices, the academic calendar, newsletter and other relevant information about the school’s curriculum, policies, uniform, staffing and administration on the Dulwich College Seoul
website. Most of this information is found in the iSAMS Parent Portal which can be accessed by entering your child’s Student Key number found on the tuition fee invoice.
Please visit our website at: https://seoul.dulwich.org
Social Media Channels
The College runs several social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. We encourage parents to follow these accounts to learn more about their children’s learning in school. Links to our accounts can be found below and at the footer of our website.
Instagram Accounts
• Dulwich College Seoul: @dulwichcollegeseoul
• Head of Senior School Instagram: @suzanne_pugh_dulwichseoul
• Head of Primary School Instagram: @jane_smith_dulwich_seoul
• Adventurous Journey: @dcsl.adventure
• Alumni: @dcsl.alumni
• Friends of Dulwich (FoD): @dcsl.fod
• Meals: @dcsl.meals
• Sport: @dcsl.sport
Other Social Media Accounts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dulwichcollegeseoul
• LinkedIn: https://kr.linkedin.com/school/dulwich-college-seoul
• YouTube: https://shorturl.at/8iWiK
iSAMS Parent Portal
The iSAMS Parent Portal is a one-stop repository of useful information and links for parents of enrolled students. Parents are provided with a log-in ID and password to these pages on admission, and the portal can be accessed from the front page of the school website.
The first section of the iSAMS Parent Portal presents:
• Weekly e-update
• Archived e-updates and Dulwich Haru newsletter
• Information and forms - labelled folders of useful documentation
• Safeguarding Policy
• Your child-related information (e.g. School Reports)
• School calendar - Week Ahead
• Parent Handbook
• Curriculum information
• Class list
• Student ID card (Senior School only)
• Parent contact directory
• Staff directory
Dulwich Talks
On a regular basis, the College presents/hosts a thought leadership series called Dulwich Talks. Modelled after Ted Talks, these talks consist of informative, educational highlights led by outside speakers to engage and communicate with our community of parents and students over a broad range of topics, including innovation, the environment, social issues and education.
Please see the weekly e-updates and our social media channels for details of upcoming events.
College Magazine ‘The College Seoul’
Our full colour publication, The College Seoul, is published in Term 1 and Term 2 displaying pictures and articles about the many events that take place at Dulwich College Seoul and our other Colleges. A hard copy of this publication will be given to the students to take home.
School Yearbook
This is a colourful and informative review of the school year and is published at the end of June. Each student in the College receives a copy.
Curriculum Overviews
Each subject department produces a curriculum overview which is available via the Parent Portal. These are also emailed to parents at the beginning of each academic year. The overview summarises the content and skills that students will learn as well as referring to other areas such as extended homework, projects, educational visits and tests/exams.
Student Planners
All Senior School students are issued with a planner. It is the student’s responsibility to record homework in the planner, with the deadline for completion. This is monitored at school, and it is important that it is checked at home. However, the primary responsibility lies with the student and this is an important part of managing the transition to more independent learning in the Senior School.
Student Language of Communication
Students at Dulwich College Seoul are able to speak a wide range of languages other than English. Linguistic diversity is an enriching element in the life of the school but it can also be a source of division. English is the language that we all speak − the language of inclusion − and for this reason we must encourage all students, at all times, to speak in English, both in the classroom and around school.
College Admissions Procedures
All initial enquiries about the College’s admissions procedure, or the subsequent application process, should be addressed to the Admissions Department.
Withdrawal Form
If a student is going to leave the school, please inform the school as soon as possible. You may collect a Student Withdrawal Form from the Admissions Department or can request that it be sent to you by fax or e-mail. Completion of this form is an essential part of the process of withdrawing a student. Please remember that if sufficient notice of withdrawal is not given, in accordance with the Terms and Conditions signed on entry, parents will have to pay a late notice penalty.
Student Recommendation Letters and Transcripts
In the event of a child relocating to a new school or applying for additional academic programmes such as summer schools, references and recommendations may be requested from the Registrar. Please complete DCSL Student’s Document Request ( https://dulwichseoul.kissflow.com/public/ Process/Pf64439c7f-aa3a-47ba-8a6f-385a1131672c) to request teacher’s reference for your child. Our Admissions Staff will then manage the completion of the forms with the relevant Dulwich College Seoul staff member.
Please note that the College requires a minimum of five working days to prepare these documents. In addition, the College will send these documents directly to the requesting institution and parents will be billed accordingly to cover the courier charge for this service.
High School transcripts for students who have left the College and are applying for higher education should be requested from the Registrar and these will be sent directly to the student’s current school’s college counsellor. A transcript includes the last reporting period for which the student was in attendance at the College.
Arriving at and Departing from School
Senior School
The school day starts at 8.10am with registration and first lesson at 8.20am. The College premises will not be open to students and parents until 8am each morning (apart from a 7.45am opening on the first day of the year). Your child should arrive at school between 8am and 8.10am via the main College entrance. The students then go to their lockers to prepare their learning materials for the day.
Please remind your child that at the end of the day it is their job to remember to take things home (e.g. homework, letters, PE kit and musical instruments).
Students are dismissed from their class at 3:30pm, or if they are attending an after-school activity, 4:30pm or later. Students leave the campus independently. Those taking the bus should proceed to the bus collection area, where they will be registered before departure.
In the Senior School, students are not allowed to leave the campus during the school day without permission from an adult and completing the Early Departure Form.
The same procedures apply after extra-curricular activities which finish at 4.30pm or later.
Parents and other nominated adults are still welcome to collect their children from school and should wear their IDs when entering the College premises.
Parents and guardians will be provided with up to 3 IDs per family on receipt of the relevant photographs for free. Additional and/or replacement cards will be provided at a cost.
Late Arrivals and Collections
Students who arrive after 8.10am should obtain a late pass from the Reception/School Administrator, which will then be handed by the student to their first subject teacher of the day. The Reception/School Administrator will ensure that the students’ name is entered into the register.
Any students who have not been collected by 4pm, or 5pm on activity days, should go to the school office and ask the Reception/School Administrator to contact their parents. No student should deliberately be left at school after 5pm unless they are part of an organised school activity. If you know you will be significantly late to collect your child, please call the school office to inform them.
Changes in Collection Routines
It is vital that parents inform the school office in writing or via email if there are to be any changes to the normal collection routine. This is particularly important for bus children who will not ride the bus on a particular day, or wish to catch an earlier or later bus. Please inform the Bus Team of such changes by 12 noon for the afternoon trips.
Parents who change their transport arrangements late in the day inevitably cause delays to the whole bus system and this should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Bus Transportation
The school provides a comprehensive bus service through a local bus company. We aim to provide calm, safe and enjoyable journeys for all students to and from school.
Please note the following:
• Routes: School bus routes and stops are determined based on the requirements of those using the service, and may vary from year to year in order to provide convenient pick up points and shorter travel times for students.
• Seats: Seating is assigned on a first-come first-served basis and the bus fee must be paid in advance.
• Moving house: If a family moves house during the course of the year, please inform the Bus Department as soon as possible, so that whenever possible we are able to offer your child a seat on the bus route serving your new residence. However we may not be able to provide a service to residential complexes far from school and outside established school bus routes. Before moving to a new home, please check that we service that area if you are in any doubt.
• Registers: All students will be signed on and off the bus for each journey by the Bus Monitor so that an accurate register is kept of bus use.
• Lateness: In order to provide an efficient service, the buses are not able to wait for late students in the morning or late parents/carers in the afternoons. Please always be on time for the bus in the morning and to collect children in the afternoons. Students not collected on time will travel back to school with the bus to be collected by parents there.
• Safety: The safety of the students is of paramount importance to us. To this end, all our buses are equipped with seat belts, CCTV (inside and out), clear rules, mobile phones and first aid kits. A Bus Monitor travels on each bus to ensure that the students remain in their seats with their seat belts fastened and that the rules are followed. Parents will be given a number for the child’s bus.
• Buses out of normal school hours: We are unable, at this time, to offer early or late buses for students taking part in early morning sports training or rehearsals or sport fixtures later than regular after-school activities.
• Delays: If the bus is significantly delayed by traffic or other unexpected causes, the Bus Monitor will notify parents directly by phone. We ask for your understanding and patience should your child’s bus be delayed in traffic en route.
• Good manners: Parents and carers are asked to be patient and polite towards all our bus staff who work hard to provide a quality service.
• Suggestions for improvements: Any questions or feedback regarding our service should go to Sally Kong, our School Bus Supervisor, at sally.kong@dulwich-seoul.kr
Making Changes to Bus Arrangements
• Planned changes: Please use the link on the iSAMS Parent Portal to make routine changes by 12 noon at the latest on the first day of the new schedule.
• Urgent situations or emergencies after 12 noon: Please call Sally Kong to make any unforeseen change caused by a family emergency or urgent situation. Parents who make frequent last minute changes will be contacted by the school as each unscheduled, last minute change causes delays to our service and inconvenience to staff, other parents and children.
• Early morning changes: If your child is ill and does not need to take the school bus, please contact the bus driver or Monitor directly using the number supplied.
Bus Behaviour
Students are expected to observe the same standard of behaviour on the bus as in the classroom. They are expected to respect the bus driver and Monitor, and to observe the following rules, which are posted in each bus:
• Normal school rules apply while students are travelling to and from school.
• Students are responsible for arriving at their bus on time at the end of the day. If they are not at the bus by 3.40pm/4.40pm the bus will leave without them.
• Students are responsible for informing the Reception/School Administrator, before 12 noon, if there are any changes to their travel arrangements that day.
• Students must remain seated while they are travelling to and from school.
• Once students have boarded their bus they must remain on it until it reaches their destination.
• Students should not drop litter inside or outside the bus.
• Students should speak in a quiet tone of voice and use acceptable language.
• There should be no rough play while waiting for, or on leaving, the bus.
• Eating or drinking on the bus is not permitted.
• Students should be courteous to the bus driver and bus monitor and follow their instructions.
• Students should report inappropriate behaviour to the Bus Monitor and school staff.
Inappropriate behaviour by any student on the bus is unacceptable and if repeated, will result in the suspension and/or denial of the bus service with no fee refund.
All students will be signed on and off the bus for each journey. In order to provide an efficient service, the buses are not able to wait for late students in the morning.
If you know in advance that you child will not ride the bus, please inform the school Bus Office by calling 02-3015-8563 or e-mailing: buses@dulwich-seoul.kr
In the case of early morning absences, please call your child’s bus driver or Monitor directly.
The Curriculum
The Dulwich College Seoul curriculum provides a rich blend of academic, physical, social, artistic and cultural learning opportunities. It aims to inspire students both now and for their future lives. We want our students to enjoy their learning and the challenge it provides.
The Senior School curriculum is rooted in subject disciplines. From Year 7 through to the IB Diploma Programme, students study a broad range of specialist subjects from the broad areas of literature, languages, mathematics, sciences, humanities and the arts. This breadth is maintained throughout the school, though students from Year 10 can shape their options to allow a greater concentration on the subjects that most interest them.
The curriculum extends well beyond the classroom including Enrichment opportunities, extra-curricular clubs, outdoor education and trips.
The curriculum is reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis to ensure that it is providing an appropriate level of challenge for all students, takes into account the most recent research on teaching and learning and supports our mission to help students seize the possibilities of tomorrow.
Two Core Outcomes
The long-term retention of valuable knowledge, concepts and skills. The ability to transfer what has been retained into different contexts and situations.
IB Diploma Programme
(Year 12 and Year 13)
The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The programme has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.
IB Diploma Programme students must choose one subject from each of the six groups (1 to 6), ensuring breadth of knowledge and understanding in their best language, additional language(s), the social sciences, the experimental sciences and mathematics. In Group 6, Students must choose either an arts subject or a second subject from Group 3 or Group 4.
IBDP subjects can be taken at higher level or standard level. At least three and not more than four subjects are taken at higher level (240 teaching hours), while the other subjects are taken at standard level (150 teaching hours).
Subjects currently offered at Dulwich College Seoul are:
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Studies in Language and Literature Language Acquisition Individuals & Societies
• Chinese Language and Literature
• English Language and Literature
• Korean Literature
• School-Supported Self-Taught (SSST)
Group 4
• Mandarin
• French
• Spanish
Group 5
• Economics
• Geography
• History
• Psychology
Group 6 Sciences Mathematics The Arts
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Environmental Systems and Societies
• Physics
• Mathematics:
- Analysis and Approaches
- Application and Interpretation
• Film
• Music
• Theatre
• Visual Arts
• Additional Subject from Group 3
• Additional Subject from Group 4
To enhance disciplinary and interdisciplinary learning and challenge students to apply their knowledge and skills, the IB Diploma Programme features three core elements.
• The Extended Essay asks students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the IBDP subjects they are studying.
• Theory of Knowledge (ToK) develops a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic disciplines. In this course on critical thinking, students inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction.
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) enhances students’ personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning in a range of student-chosen activities. The three strands are:
Creativity which encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking; Activity which seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity; Service with the community offers a vehicle for new learning with academic value.
IB Certificate Programme
The full IB Diploma Programme is not always suitable for every student. In some cases, students may opt, or be advised, to study individual courses rather than attempting to fulfil all the Diploma requirements. In this case, students receive IB Certificates for the courses they take to final examination. Similarly, any Diploma Programme student who does not meet the requirements, having taken final examinations will receive IB Certificates.
Dulwich Diploma
All students who fulfil the school requirements either through the IB Diploma or Certificate Programme, will be awarded a Dulwich High School Diploma on graduation. The College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
International GCSE and GCSE Programme (Year 10 and Year 11)
The academic curriculum in Year 10 and Year 11 is based on the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (International GCSE) and General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). At Dulwich College Seoul, we offer a full programme of International GCSEs and GCSEs that provides an excellent foundation for students moving on to the IB Diploma Programme.
All students take a core of:
• English and English Literature
• Mathematics
• Sciences
Some students may take English as a Second Language if this is more appropriate to their level. Many of our students will take Mathematics and Additional Mathematics, leading to two International GCSEs. Coordinated Science covers all three natural sciences and counts for two International GCSE qualifications.
In addition to the core, students will select additional subjects from:
• Triple Science
• Korean (First and Foreign Language)
• Mandarin
• Spanish
• Economics
• Geography
• History
• Computer Science
• Art
• Drama
• Music
• Physical Education
Students must include at least one Humanities subject and are strongly advised to choose one additional language in their programme.
The International GCSE and GCSE are externally assessed and moderated, allowing students and parents to have an externally verified set of grades at the end of Year 11. The content of International GCSE and GCSE courses provides an excellent foundation for IB Diploma Programme courses.
In addition to the International GCSE programme, the curriculum in Year 10 and Year 11 includes:
• Physical Education (core)
• Co-curricular Activities, including Service
• WorldWise Living: Wellbeing, Personal, Social, Health and Economic education
• Enrichment
Year 7 to Year 9
In Year 7 to Year 9, students study a broad range of subjects. In addition to these compulsory subjects, mathematics, English, humanities, sciences, performing and creative arts and physical education, students must choose an additional foreign language.
Mandarin
Mandarin is compulsory from Year 7 to Year 9, building on the Mandarin programme in the Primary School. The students are divided into two tracks of learning which are based on their existing ability. This ensures that each student joins the course best suited to their needs:
1. Pre-Heritage and Heritage students are those who are native or near-native speakers and use the language in their daily lives.
• Pre-Heritage - the course for learners who have mastered basic oral communication within the language and are now ready to further develop reading and writing skills. Students will build an appreciation of Chinese literature and China’s cultural heritage.
• Heritage - the course for students who have successfully mastered the skills from the PreHeritage group. It provides opportunities to practise the skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening and responding whilst using a more developed and enriched vocabulary. It will focus on summarising and analysing more challenging texts and writing for a specific purpose. Students will continue to build on their understanding and appreciation of China and its cultural heritage.
2. Non-Heritage students are those who are beginning or continuing to learn Mandarin as a foreign language. However, students from any background who have achieved high levels of proficiency in the language are eligible to join the Pre-Heritage and Heritage group.
In any one year group, there are up to three separate classes operating to ensure that the language is studied at the correct level. The actual number of ability groups is dependent on the number of students in each year group.
Modern Foreign Language (MFL): French and Spanish
The Modern Foreign Language (MFL) curriculum is designed to support students with little or no previous experience of the language. The subject is therefore not suitable for native and fluent speakers. Students who choose MFL will continue with it until the end of Year 9.
Korean
Korean students may select Korean as a first or foreign language. Those students who take it will be expected to continue through to the end of Year 9.
For many of our Korean-speaking students, this provides a pathway to develop proficiency and confidence in their mother tongue, not just in speaking but in reading and writing Korean formally.
For our foreign language students, it offers an opportunity to learn Korean language and culture.
Visual and Performing Arts
Our commitment to a comprehensive arts programme enhances lifelong skills. Art, Music and Drama are integral parts of the academic curriculum throughout the Senior School. Older students are encouraged to pursue IGCSE and IB in arts subjects. The vibrant arts culture includes professional practitioners, performances and events, enriching both co-curricular and academic aspects of school life.
Additionally, students can access paid private instrumental lessons through the ‘Enriching the Curriculum’ programme.
Physical Education (PE)
Physical education is a compulsory element of the curriculum. All students are expected to participate. If your child is unable to do PE, they will require a letter explaining the reasons for their absence from the lesson.
Use of Sporting Facilities
In PE lessons, certain standards of dress, movement, care of equipment and general attitudes towards the PE environment are required from all students. Many extra-curricular activities also involve the use of the College Gym and other PE areas and equipment.
• Students must change out of PE clothing at the end of each PE lesson.
• Students must take off their watches, earrings and other jewellery. Ear studs that cannot be removed should be taped.
The following standards should be maintained at all times during PE lessons:
• No student may take part in lessons or activities without the correct PE kit, including hats where appropriate.
• Students must treat the equipment with care and respect.
• Equipment will be counted out and counted back by the teacher, who will then ensure that all items are returned to the storage.
• Students may only carry equipment under the supervision of the teacher.
• No food or drink is allowed inside the College Gym. Drinking water is provided.
Sports Events
The College hosts a number of sporting events and fixtures. Each year, all Senior School students participate in sports days, and all students are expected to join these important events unless they are unwell. Each term, the Senior School students compete in House team competitions. The College is an active member of KAIAC and FOBISIA, competing in sporting fixtures against local and international schools − home, away and overseas − throughout the year for our representative teams. Team kits are provided, and students will need to ensure they have the correct footwear.
Please see the iSAMS sports calendar and schedule for more details.
Swimming
Swimming is an important part of the school curriculum. It is excellent for general fitness and body control. It is also a skill that could save a life. As a compulsory element of the curriculum, all students are expected to participate. Students should bring their own towel, swim hat, goggles and costume. Safety is of paramount importance. Therefore, we ensure that all classes are supervised by trained PE teachers and lifeguards. If your child is unable to take part in a lesson, they will require a letter from their parents explaining the reasons for their absence.
WorldWise Living and Enrichment
The WorldWise and Enrichment curriculum gives our students the confidence to make the most of their own potential and overcome the problems that they will encounter during their life journey. It also teaches them how to develop a healthy and safe lifestyle. Our students are also taught to value good relationships with others and respect differences between people, be they ethnic, social, religious or cultural, of gender or disability. In the Senior School, this is delivered through the WorldWise Living Programme.
Dulwich College Seoul Success Programme
The Success Programme ensures that students are thinking about their future and getting the appropriate advice and support at each stage of the school from entering in Year 7 to moving on to Higher Education in Year 13.
It is designed to assist students towards making the right decisions about Higher Education and ensuring they reach their best fit college or university. The Pastoral Team and University and Career Counselling (UCC) Team integrate the Success Programme into the WorldWise Living curriculum, supplemented by talks, visits and more direct group and individual meetings.
University and Career Counselling (UCC)
The Dulwich College Success Programme ensures that all students have access to counselling throughout their time in the school. From Year 11, students and parents will have much more regular interviews with the counsellors to begin identifying pathways to college and to ensure that IB Diploma Programme subject choices best support the ambitions of students. Through Year 12 and Year 13, students are guided through each necessary step to help them research, make choices and apply to universities and colleges around the world.
THE ROADMAP TO UNIVERSITY
• University counselling workshops
• Individual meetings with college counsellor
• Take leadership roles
• Attend university fairs and visits
• Continue preparing for standard tests and visiting universities
• Begin building university list based on personal criteria
• Ask teachers for letters of recommendation
• Create a resume
• Prepare draft personal statement
• Participate in an internship or summer school programmes
• Visit universities
• Targeted university counselling workshops
• Finalise university list
• Submit personal statement
• Complete individual applications
• Take specific university tests and prepare
• Interview preparations
• Make final university choices
• Transition to university workshops
MAINTAIN GOOD RESULTS TAKE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PARTICIPATE IN VARIOUS ECA ACTIVITIES CONNECT WITH UCC
• Explore and experiment with interests
• Goal setting
• Research university and career options
• Attend university fairs and visits
• Choose IB Diploma courses to align with future career
• Transition to IB Diploma
• Take PSAT
• Identify core interests
• Goal setting
• Explore careers
• Choose IGCSE pathways
• Improve study skills
• Attend university fairs and visits
• Discover strengths
• Identify possible careers
• Transition to Senior School
• Start career conversations
• Goal setting
• Explore and experiment with interests
• Introduction to MAIA
School grades count on transcript!
Additional Educational Needs (AEN)
Dulwich College Seoul welcomes a great diversity of students, many of whom have different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds and some of whom have specific learning needs. We believe that such diversity enriches our school community.
Additional Educational Needs is the umbrella term we use for:
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) - for students whose first language is not English.
• Learning Support (LS) - for students who need temporary Learning Support or have longer term Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND).
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
We provide withdrawal EAL classes (Extra English) for students in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 who need extra support in English. Assessment takes place during the application and admission process. Students requiring Extra English are withdrawn from Mandarin lessons and are taught by specialist EAL teachers in small groups. Students are regularly assessed to judge whether they can work without EAL support at their year level. Students exiting Extra English join Mandarin lessons.
Students in Year 10, Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13 do not attend withdrawal Extra English classes. They do, however, receive ongoing EAL assessment, monitoring and support. The EAL team works closely with other teachers to aid and support their learning across the curriculum.
The aims of EAL support are to:
• Provide students with the English skills required to meet their academic and social needs
• Enable students to use English in a wide range of activities
• Facilitate the rapid integration of new students into the school community
• Ensure students are comfortable in an English speaking environment and are confident enough to become risk takers in the learning process.
Learning Support (LS) and Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND)
Our Learning Support Team offers a system of support across the school, which is flexible and caters for the individual needs of identified students. Learning support may take place within the classroom or in the Learning Support Room through individual or small group lessons.
Support may include:
• Consultation and advice regarding appropriate strategies to meet specific learning needs
• Working collaboratively with teachers and families to develop Individual Student Profiles (ISPs)
• Developing resources to support students’ learning needs
• Supporting the needs of students who are deemed gifted and talented in one or more subject areas and require further challenge and enrichment in their learning.
We are unable to offer special educational services, such as psychotherapy, speech therapy and physical or occupational therapy, and cannot admit students with severe learning, language or behavioural needs.
In some cases, significant learning needs are not apparent on entry to the school. If students are subsequently identified with learning, language or behavioural needs, the school will actively seek to provide additional support for these students. However, we may have to review their placement in the school in light of our ability to meet their needs, and will make recommendations for alternate schooling options if required.
Items to Bring to School
All students will need a school bag for their belongings, which are available to purchase in the College Shop. A water-proof bag or wallet is also required for carrying their school books.
Senior School students require a pencil case with the following items:
• Standard and coloured pencils
• Pens
• Pencil sharpener
• Eraser
• Glue stick
• Ruler (30cm), compasses and protractor
• Scientific Calculator
- Casio fx-85ES calculator or its equivalent model for Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 students
- Year 10 and Year 11 students will be advised of what calculator to buy at the start of the academic year in August
- Year 12 and Year 13 students require a Graphical Display Calculator (GDC), and the Maths Department will give advice on make and model
• Water bottle (students can fill this at school)
• Apron for art (aprons are provided, but students may bring their own)
• Combination padlock for the locker.
Senior School students are asked to bring their personal laptops to school, but they remain the sole responsibility of the student and must be stored away in lockers when not being used by the student.
Senior School students are allowed to bring mobile phones to school if they wish, but they must be safely stored in the student’s locker and not be used during the school day at any time. They will be confiscated if they are seen by a member of staff.
A bilingual electronic dictionary is permitted, although teachers will encourage these to be used sparingly.
Money should only be sent if requested by a teacher. In this instance it should be sent in a clearly labelled envelope addressed to the Tutor. It is not advised to send large amounts of money to school via the students.
Structure of the Day
The Senior School day begins at 8.10am and ends at 3.30pm. The day is divided into 6 lessons which last 60 minutes each. There is short break in the morning of 20 minutes and 50 minutes lunch break. Students eat lunch in the Dining Hall. Students in Year 12 and Year 13 have the option of leaving the College campus at lunchtime. Your child’s timetable can be accessed via iSAMS.
Senior School - Structure of the Day
8.10am Registration
8.20am - 9.20am Lesson 1
9.20am - 10.20am Lesson 2
10.20am - 10.40am Morning Break
10.40am - 11.40am Lesson 3
11.40am - 12.40pm Lesson 4
12.40pm - 1.30pm Lunch Break
1.30pm - 2.30pm Lesson 5
2.30pm - 3.30pm Lesson 6
3.30pm - 4.30pm ECAs (Optional)
Assemblies
Assemblies are important occasions on which the whole school comes together. We hold Assemblies in the Senior School each week. They include contributions from students and teachers and are an opportunity to celebrate success, unpack our values and showcase student talents throughout the year. Some Assemblies are dedicated to House events and competitions.
Homework
Homework is an integral part of student learning. It enables students to consolidate, practise and develop the skills they have learnt in class in order to prepare them for subsequent lessons. Subjects have different homework types and each class teacher will explain the expectations and process.
As part of our educational ethos, we want our students develop a balanced life and this is taken into account in our homework allocation. It is often counter-productive for students to attend additional classes or have tuition outside of school, if this prevents them from giving their school work sufficient attention or leads them to be too tired to work efficiently in the classroom the following day. In such cases, we will inform the parents of our concerns.
Students should spend:
• Around 90 minutes on homework in Year 7 to Year 9, for a total of 7.5 hours per week.
• This expectation will increase to 120 minutes in Year 10 and Year 11.
• IB students should be completing around 3 hours of study per day with an additional 3 hours on the weekend, adding up to around 18 hours per week. This should be divided into around 6 hours work on SL subjects and 10 hours work on HL subjects with time left over for work on Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and Extended Essay.
Failure to complete homework without due cause is dealt with under the Behaviour Management Policy. Students will be given a chance to make up the work but, if they do not complete it, or if there is a further occasion within the same half-term, a subject detention may be given. In these cases, the Head of Department will email parents to make them aware of the situation.
Repeated misconduct will be referred to the Pastoral Head with an appropriate consequence. Parents will be informed and may be invited into school for a discussion.
ICT Code of Conduct
Use of technology is an integral part of the learning experience of students at the College.
When using any ICT resources in the College all students and parents must sign and abide by the College’s Acceptable Use Policy, the main points of which are summarized below:
1. All students should treat the computer systems and services with due care and seek to maintain them in the best condition possible.
2. Hardware should not be attached to any part of the school network without prior consultation with the IT Manager.
3. The services provided by the school network should not be used to gain access to illegal or other materials that may be deemed unsuitable for a school environment.
4. All use of electronic communication should uphold the school’s high moral and ethical standards. No material may be transmitted that would bring the school’s name into disrepute.
5. All school computers are subject to the Dulwich College Seoul ICT Policy. Personal machines should not be used for running personal network applications on the school network, without prior consent from the IT Manager.
6. Hardware should only be modified or removed after consultation with the IT Manager.
7. Software should not be installed onto a school computer without prior consultation with the IT Manager.
8. Students should not disclose their passwords to other children.
Students should be aware that the network is monitored and that inappropriate items, excessive files or traffic will be investigated. Dulwich College Seoul has installed screening and monitoring systems that will block any unsuitable content from the school computers and report any misuse to the Head of School.
Purpose
Many students’ lives today are filled with media that gives them mobile access to information and resources twenty-four-seven. Outside school, students are free to pursue their interest in their own way and at their own pace. The opportunities are limitless, borderless, and instantaneous. In an effort to put students at the centre and empower them to take control of their own learning, the College will allow students to use personal technology devices. Students wishing to participate must follow the responsibilities stated in the BYOD Acceptable Use Policy as well as the following guidelines.
Device Types
For the purpose of this program, the word “device” means a privately owned wireless and/or portable electronic piece of equipment that includes laptops, netbooks and tablets or slates (A tablet or slate must come with a physical keyboard which the device may be connected to - on-screen keyboard is not considered sufficient).
The device needs to be able to access the following software:
• Microsoft 365 Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Teams and OneDrive
At this current time, cell phones (Smart phone, iPhone, Android, or other phone with similar capabilities) are not deemed appropriate.
Guidelines
1. Any student who wishes to use a personally owned electronic device within the bounds of the College campus must ensure that they and one of their parents/guardians read the Acceptable Use Policy and sign and date this agreement.
2. The student takes full responsibility for his or her device and keeps it with himself or herself at all times or locked away. Whilst the College provides lockable lockers, it is not responsible for the security of the device.
3. The student is responsible for the proper care of their personal device, including any costs of repair, replacement or any modifications needed to use the device at school.
4. The College reserves the right to inspect a student’s personal device if there is reason to believe that the student has violated College policies, BYOD Acceptable Use Policy, administrative procedures, school rules or has engaged in other misconduct while using their personal device.
5. Violations of any College policies, administrative procedures or school rules involving a student’s personally owned device may result in the loss of use of the device in school and/or disciplinary action.
6. The student complies with teachers’ request to shut down the computer or close the screen or put the device away.
7. Personal devices shall be charged prior to bringing it to school and shall be capable of running off its own battery while at school.
8. The student may not use the devices to record, transmit or post photos or video of a person or persons on campus unless directed to do so and under supervision from a teacher. Nor can any images or video recorded at school be transmitted or posted at any time without the express permission of a teacher.
9. The student should only use their device to access relevant files, programmes and/or applications.
10. The student will use the assigned wireless network. Use of 3G and 4G wireless connections is not allowed.
All students must abide by the above Agreement and BYOD Acceptable Use Policy and Guidelines. Any violation of the above may result in the loss of network access and/or BYOD privileges as well as other disciplinary action.
The Senior School Library
The Library is accessible on Mondays from 8am to 3.45pm and on Tuesdays to Fridays from 8am to 4.30pm. The Librarian or the Library Assistant is able to give advice and help to students, parents and teachers. They supervise the use of the Library at lunchtimes and during extra-curricular activities. The Library caters for all Senior School students and it is a busy, well-used facility. The regular borrowing of books is strongly encouraged.
Borrowing Privileges
Students may borrow four books at a time, for up to two weeks. Parents may borrow one book at a time, for up to one week.
All books may be renewed. We do not charge fines for overdue books. Overdue notices from the Library will be sent twice by email directly to parents. These overdue notices will inform parents that resources are already overdue.
If overdue resources are not returned within one month after the second notice, they will be invoiced and parents will have to pay for the charged amount.
The school will credit the amount paid on the parents’ account if lost resources are found within six weeks after they have been invoiced.
Activities: ECAs and Enrichment
Senior School Activities take place throughout the week after school, on the weekend.
ECAs (Extra-Curricular Activities) take place after 3.30pm and at the weekends. ECAs are voluntary arts groups, clubs, adventurous activities and sports squads, in which we hope all students will participate.
The schedule describing all ECAs and Enrichment activities available will be shared early in the term with students and parents. Generally, students will change activities each term to achieve a balance of interests.
Activities outside the classroom are a vital part of College life, and all students are expected to participate. Each term, students are able to choose from a range of activities that take place after school, at lunchtimes, including Music Concert Band, Model United Nations, Robotics and Debating, amongst many others. Community service opportunities are also available to all students.
Each term, students will work with their Tutor to ensure they have a balanced range of Enrichment activities. Tutors help students plan their activities and to live a full and balanced life both in and out of school. Students reflect on their activities at regular intervals, evaluating their experiences with reference to the IB Diploma Programme CAS Learning Outcomes which are:
There is evidence students have:
Tried themselves out in new ways
Shown commitment and resilience
Descriptor
Students have undertaken new challenges, adopted new roles or developed a new skill.
Students have shown active commitment to an activity over a period of at least a term. Students have encountered setbacks or challenges and persevered.
Identified their strengths and areas for growth
Worked collaboratively
Planned and initiated activities
Helped to improve the lives of others
Engaged with issues of global significance (for Year 10 and above)
Students reflect on their experiences and see themselves as individuals with various skills and abilities, of which some are more developed than others.
Students have worked with others and can discuss the benefits and challenges of collaboration.
Students have taken an activity from an initial idea, through the planning stages, to implementation and evaluation (at least once per Key Stage).
Students have helped others either in their school community, the wider community or globally. They have reached out and engaged beyond their immediate friends and family.
Students have engaged with global issues and demonstrated an ability to address from global, national and local perspective.
Students are not expected to meet every objective each year but they should have evidence for all categories by the end of Year 9, Year 11 and Year 13. The outcomes are based on the IB Diploma Programme CAS Learning Outcomes and therefore students become accustomed to the CAS philosophy and processes before beginning the Diploma Programme.
Specific afternoons will be used for school squad training and in order to ensure quality training for our College teams. These sessions may finish after 4.45pm or later, in which case parents will need to provide transport home for their child. Sports fixtures will usually take place on Fridays and Saturdays, but this is subject to change.
We also have additional paid activities (e.g. instrumental lessons, swimming, etc.) on different afternoons during the week and weekends.
Students sign up online for activities at the beginning of the first term or at the end of the first and second terms to select their activity choices. Students will then be allocated to activities and final activity details will be returned to the students and parents via the students’ Tutors. Details of starting dates will be issued to the students at the start of term.
Individual Music Lessons
We have a team of visiting instrumental teachers who offer individual tuition on the following instruments: piano, cello, violin, clarinet, classic guitar, flute, trumpet, saxophone, singing and drums.
We are also fortunate to be able to offer private lessons in Music Theory, a necessary area of study for the higher ABRSM instrumental exams and further musical study.
Lessons are 30 minutes, with two lessons being given each week. Lessons are taken during the school day:
• Students in the Primary School come out of regular classes to take these lessons, with instrumental lessons being rotated each week so students will only miss the same class time every 3 to 4 weeks.
• Students in Year 7 and above have lessons arranged during breaks, lunchtimes or after school where possible. However, these fixed time slots are limited. If a fixed time is unavailable students will have lessons on a rotating basis during academic lessons.
Students must have their own instruments to practice at home. They must also bring their own instrument to lessons, excluding piano and drums as we will provide the necessary instruments during lesson time.
Students and parents are notified of their music lesson schedule at the start of each term. Lessons missed in certain circumstances and with good notice will be rearranged in advance or ‘made up’ afterwards, up to a maximum of 4 per term.
All private instrumental students are given a practice diary to keep a record of their progress and for communication with parents. Each term there is a concert at which students learning an instrument have the opportunity to perform after consultation with their instrumental teacher.
A message goes to all parents in the preceding term asking for registrations for lessons. Payment is made in advance for the term.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Nara Lee, Music Administrator at nara.lee@dulwich-seoul.kr.
Assessment and Reporting
Assessment
Assessment of student response is fundamental to good learning and teaching. Assessment takes place both formally and informally. Most assessment is formative which means that judgements are being made about the quality of a student’s response which can then be used to shape and improve the student’s competence and future performance. Fundamental to good formative assessment is clear communication of learning objectives and success criteria not just in descriptive form but by providing examples to students of what mastery looks like. Students must know what is expected of them and become increasingly skilled at evaluating their own work and measuring against a clearly communicated standard.
Formative assessment must lead to high quality feedback. Information about how successful a student is and what they can do to improve is communicated regularly both orally and in writing.
The school also recognises the importance of summative assessment. There is a school examination week for Year 10 and Year 12 in Term 3. In addition, subject departments will assess students periodically at the end of a unit of work to summarise the student’s achievement.
Reporting
We report formally on student progress to parents and students throughout the year through a combination of written reports and conferences. Throughout the year, we make individual feedback on student work available to parents.
Grading
Grades appear on published reports three times a year. Students receive separate grades for each subject.
• In Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9, students are graded with a descriptor.
• In Year 10 and Year 11, students are graded on a scale from A* to G or 9 to 1 (for Art, French, History and Spanish). This is the grading system for International GCSE and GCSE.
• In Year 12 and Year 13, students are graded on a scale from 7 to 1 with 7 being the highest. This is the grading system for the IB Diploma Programme.
Year 7, Year 8, and Year
9
Year 10 and Year 11 (for Art, French, History and Spanish) Years 12 and Year 13
From Year 10 to Year 13 when students are working towards public examinations, students are given a report grade and a tracking grade. The tracking grade indicates what grade the student is ‘on track’ for at the end of the course, based on their current performance and potential. The tracking grade is the grade that will appear on transcripts for college and university applications.
Approaches to Learning
Throughout the Senior School, we support students in developing their Approaches to Learning: Communication Skills, Self-Management Skills, Social Skills, Thinking Skills and Research Skills. Approaches to Learning skills provide a solid foundation for learning independently and with others. They can be learnt and taught, improved with practice, and developed incrementally.
Approaches to Learning are graded with a descriptor.
Significantly above expectations
Above expectations
Meeting expectations
Developing Support required
Senior School Assessment and Reporting Calendar 2024-25
Thurs 22
Whole School Parent Information Evening (Meet Tutor)
8
Thurs 22 Whole School Parent Information Evening (Meet Tutor)
Thurs 22 Whole School Parent Information Evening (Meet Tutor)
Thurs 22 Whole School Parent Information Evening (Meet Tutor)
Thurs 22 Whole School Parent Information Evening (Meet Tutor)
Thurs 22 Whole School Parent Information Evening (Meet Tutor)
Thurs 22 Whole School Parent Information Evening (Meet Tutor)
Wed 13
PTSC #1 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Wed 13
PTSC #1 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Thurs 12 Grade Report Published
Wed 13
PTSC #1 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Thurs 12
Grade Report Published
Mon 23 − Fri 27
UCC Family #2
Wed 13
PTSC #1 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Thurs 12 Grade Report Published
Thurs 12 Grade Report Published
Wed 13
PTSC #1 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Thurs 12 Grade Report Published
Mon 6 − Fri 17 Year 11 Mock Exams
Wed 13
PTSC #1 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Thurs 12 Grade Report Published
Wed 13
PTSC #1 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Thurs 12 Grade Report Published
Mon 6 − Fri 17 Year 13 Mock Exams
Wed 19
PTSC #1 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Wed 19
PTSC #1 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Thurs 27 Grade Report Published
Thurs 26 Full Written Report Published
Wed 19
PTSC #2 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Thurs 27 Grade Report Published Thurs 26 Full Written Report Published
Wed 19
PTSC #1 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Thurs 27 Grade Report Published Thurs 26 Full Written Report
Thurs 27 Grade Report Published
Wed 5 Mock Exam Certificate Published
Wed 19
PTSC #2 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Wed 19
PTSC #1 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Thurs 27 Full Written Report Published Study Leave
Mon 26 - Fri 30 End of Year Checkpoint Assessments
Thurs 26 Full Written Report Published
Wed 5 Mock Exam Certificate Published
Wed 19
PTSC #1 8am − 5.30pm Face-to-face and online
Thurs 27 Grade Report Published
Thurs 27 Full Written Report Published Fri 18 Study Leave Begins
Mon 26 -Fri 30 End of Year Exams
Mon 2 − Fri 6 Student-Teacher Conversations & UCC Family #1
Thurs 26 Full Written Report Published
Academic Honesty
In keeping with the values of our Code of Conduct, we expect all our students to act with honesty and integrity in completing their academic work. As a school, we support students in this by ensuring they have developed a strong awareness of what it means to be academically honest and that they acquire the practical skills such as citing sources and referencing that can help them stay honest.
Academic misconduct most commonly involves plagiarism of the words, work or ideas of another, collusion (sharing your work with another which they then claim as their own) and misconduct in examinations or tests.
The full College Academic Honesty Policy may be obtained from the website and it should be read in conjunction with the Behaviour Management Policy. Cases of academic misconduct are taken very seriously. In cases involving assessments by an external body such as International GCSE and the IB Diploma Programme, academic misconduct can lead to the decision to withhold an award from a student. Before involvement in any public examinations or assessments, students and parents are fully briefed on regulations by the Examinations Officer and the IB Diploma Coordinator.
All students are required to read and sign the Academic Honesty agreement at the beginning of each academic year.
Safeguarding and Pastoral Care
Our goal for all students is that they discover, develop and fulfil their potential both academically and personally. Strong pastoral structures support students in this process. Although rules and sanctions are in place, our emphasis is on supporting and guiding students to become caring, principled individuals who act at all times with a strong sense of integrity.
The pastoral structures in the school help:
• Students set appropriately challenging academic goals
• Maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all students
• Provide opportunities for student involvement, commitment and responsibility
• Maintain regular communication among teachers and parents
• Provide personal development programmes that focus on problem solving, conflict resolution, self-esteem, shared responsibility, and respect for the rights of others
• Provide a fair and consistently enforced system of rewards and sanctions.
The Tutor System
Every student in the Senior School belongs to a Tutor group. Students go to their Tutor room every morning for registration. The Tutor’s role is to have the overview of the student both academically and pastorally.
The Tutor is the first point of contact for parents and will be the main point of contact should any staff have concerns about a student. The Tutor has access to all information recorded on iSAMS Parent Portal by members of staff about the students in their Tutor group. They will spend time speaking to students individually about their progress in the school. If students have questions or concerns about any aspect of school life, the Tutor is the person they will ordinarily speak to first.
Learning to Live Together
We all have a role to play in ensuring that our school community is a place where everyone feels safe, valued and welcome. To guide students, we have a simple Code of Conduct:
• Be kind and caring
• Be honest and trustworthy
• Be courteous - good manners are important!
• Welcome others and seek to include them
• Treat others as you would wish to be treated
• Take responsibility for your own speech and actions
• Seek opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others and your community.
Anti-Bullying Policy
Dulwich College Seoul values above all else the physical, emotional and moral well-being of our students. Any form of bullying, whether verbal, mental, by text, on the Internet or physical is not tolerated. All incidents of bullying are immediately investigated and are dealt with in line with the procedures outlined above. Further details can be obtained from our ‘Anti-Bullying’ policy posted at the iSAMS Parent Portal.
Safeguarding
The most important aspect of any school is to ensure the well-being and safety of our students. Dulwich College Seoul demands high standards in this respect and provides a nurturing and protective environment which allows our students to maximise all aspects of their learning potential. The concept of safeguarding is comprised of three main strands:
• Background checks on all staff working at the College
• Child protection policies
• Provision of safe and healthy facilities.
Schools should remain constantly vigilant in all the above areas and be regularly monitoring and updating its policies. Therefore, the Dulwich College International schools receive external audits and ongoing staff training in these areas.
All staff working at Dulwich College Seoul, and long-term volunteers, are required to have a rigorous set of background checks before they can work in the school. For foreign nationals this includes identity checks (passport), original copies of their academic qualifications and criminal record checks from their current country of residence and their home country. If they are British nationals, or are working in the UK, we use Dulwich College London to obtain the Enhanced (with lists) Check from the Disclosure and Barring Service for each teacher. This is the highest level criminal record check available in the UK for adults working with young people.
Before this process starts, we obviously conduct interviews, obtain at least two professional/character references and follow this up with a phone reference to a teacher’s current Principal or Head of College.
Our local staff undergo a similar series of checks. We also require references and criminal record checks for our contracted security, catering, cleaning and bus staff.
Our Safeguarding Framework outlines the procedures that the school uses to safeguard our students from any psychological or physical abuse/ill treatment either at school or elsewhere in the community. The policy is a detailed document which includes advice on how to recognise children at risk and the procedures to follow if there are any suspected concerns regarding their safety.
Regarding the physical environment, the College has regular health and safety ‘walkabouts’ to check that the school site remains safe. Our Operations team respond swiftly to any required repairs and are proactive in spotting any potential problems. The Nurse is also involved in this process by maintaining up-to-date records of any illnesses or injuries happening on the site which are regularly checked by our Director of Business Administration.
The College has a Safeguarding working party which reviews all the above areas, particularly Child Protection. The Designated Senior Person who leads this committee is David Gormley (david.gormley@ dulwich-seoul.kr), who works closely with the Head of College and staff to provide the best levels of safety for our students.
Any parents who have a child protection concern are welcome to contact Gormley directly in complete confidence. In his absence, the Deputy Designated Senior Person, Suzy Pugh (suzanne.pugh@dulwichseoul.kr) or the Head of College, can be contacted.
Please read the full Safeguarding Framework which is in the iSAMS Parent Portal on the College website, as well as the notices at the College entrances. These explain how the College encourages all staff, parents and visitors to report any safeguarding concerns that they may have.
Social Areas and Out of Bounds
When not in lessons, Senior School students have access to the break out areas on the fourth and fifth floors, the Senior School Library, the fifth floor roof garden and the rooftop basketball court.
The following areas are out of bounds to students unless accompanied by an adult:
• Parking area behind the Gymnasium and any other car parking areas
• Second floor veranda
• Lift
• Nursery and Reception playground or school field for Year 1 to Year 6 students
• Any space beyond fenced or gated areas within the perimeter walls
• Any areas outside of the College boundaries
• The School Coffee Shop.
Students should not leave the school site without permission during the school day and must wait until they are dismissed by the staff to their parents or another designated adult during this time. Students should not leave the building during the day without ensuring Reception is aware of when they leave. This is very important in case of a fire alarm. Year 12 and Year 13 students are allowed to leave the site at lunchtime but must sign out at Reception.
School Expectations
In the Classroom
Students must have respect for the school as a place of learning; they should behave in such a way as to make it as easy as possible for every student to learn and for every teacher to teach. Specifically, this means:
• Arrive promptly to all lessons
• Line-up in a quiet, orderly manner outside the classroom until invited to enter by the classroom teacher
• Be prepared for learning with all books and equipment to complete the lesson
• Display courtesy and respect for the teaching and learning of others
• Complete work to the best of their ability
• Adhere to all deadlines for completion of work
• Pack away all books and materials when told to do so
• Leave the room when told to do so by the classroom teacher
• Obey teacher instructions on the use of electronic devices during lessons
• Approach a teacher as soon as possible if you need further support or help
• Following any absence, make up missed work as soon as possible
• Adhere to the school’s Academic Honesty Policy.
Around School
• Uniform must be worn correctly at all times. Students are expected to wear the correct uniform at all times, whilst inside the school buildings and when representing Dulwich College Seoul
• Always seek to include rather than exclude others; this includes communicating throughout the school day in our common language which is English
• Ensure the use of electronic devices is in accordance with the school’s Acceptable Use Policy
• Uphold the Code of Conduct at all times
• Move around school quietly, safely and with consideration for others
• Students must respect the environment and fabric of the school
• To support the safe and timely flow of pedestrian traffic, students will walk on the left-hand side of corridors and stairways
• Eating is only permitted inside the cafeteria, the common areas or outside
• Chewing gum is not permitted in school
• Bags, books and other items must be safely stored in a locker. Items left on the floor, on top of lockers or elsewhere will be removed to lost property.
Actions that can cause harm
As the safety of all is our highest priority, the following actions will be taken very seriously and could lead to temporary or permanent exclusion from the school:
• The use or possession of drugs, alcohol, solvents or tobacco is strictly forbidden. They should not be brought into school for any reason
• Bullying or physical aggression towards another student or member of staff is never acceptable
• Use of the Internet inappropriately to access violent, pornographic, prejudicial or inciteful material
• Use of the Internet to spread malicious gossip or for the purposes of harassment or bullying
• The following items are not allowed in school at any time:
- Matches or lighters
- Knives or any other type of weapon
- Explosive devices
- Pornography
- Any racist, sexist or prejudiced material of any kind
- Music or videos where the age limit is older than the possessor.
The House System
Students and teaching staff are allocated to one of four Houses. Houses provide an affiliation for students which runs vertically across the school; in House events and activities, students come together across the year groups.
The Houses are an integral part of College life and:
• Are a focus for school competition
• Allow classroom rewards in all areas of the curriculum
• Provide a source of collegiality
• Develop group identity and a sense of belonging
• Offer an opportunity for the older students to lead and mentor the younger ones.
At Dulwich College Seoul, we seek to reward positive behaviour and good work with a system of House points. Points are tallied each week and are counted towards the end-of-year House Cup. Throughout the year, there are House events and competitions which also contribute to the House Points total. These include sports events but also House Quiz, House Debating, House Performance and others. Whatever their talents and interests, all students should have the opportunity to represent their House at some point during the year. The House with the most Merits at the end of the year wins the Senior School House Cup.
The House system is a student leadership opportunity. Led by the Head of Houses, the student House Leaders create, plan and deliver House events, lead assemblies and motivate and form a sense of belonging.
The four Houses are named for four individuals who are associated with our Dulwich heritage, or our Korean home and who, through their actions exemplify some of the key Dulwich character traits.
They are:
Alleyn
named after Edward Alleyn, who founded Dulwich College London on 21 June 1619, with letters patent from King James I: a splendid document with the Great Seal of England. Alleyn, who lived from 1566 to 1626, was an actor and an entrepreneur in the world of Elizabethan and Jacobean entertainment, a colourful and famous figure of his day. He was called ‘inimitable’ and ‘the best of actors’ by his contemporaries. Alleyn tried to retire in 1598, only to be requested to return to the stage by Queen Elizabeth herself. He finally retired in 1604 and founded Dulwich College London, so beginning the Dulwich journey.
House colour: Purple
Shackleton
named after Sir Ernest Shackleton. He was born in 1874 and was educated at Dulwich College London. He became one of Britain’s greatest explorers and, in all his journeys, he never lost a man, achieving great fame when he tried to cross the South Polar continent from sea to sea. In 1915, his ship, Endurance, was crushed in the ice, so he led his men to Elephant Island, leaving them to shelter under two lifeboats before sailing to South Georgia in a small open boat. He returned by ship to save his comrades, having survived at sea for over two weeks in dreadful conditions. He died of a heart attack in South Georgia in 1922.
House colour: Green
Seacole
named after Mary Seacole, otherwise known as Mary Jane Grant. Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1805, she is best known for her involvement in the Crimean War. After traveling to London as a volunteer nurse, she asked to be sent as an army assistant to Crimea, but was not included in Florence Nightingale’s party. Instead of giving up, she borrowed money to make the 6,500 km journey on her own. This resolution in the face of adversity is what helped Mary Seacole make such a lasting impression in history. She had dedicated her life to helping wounded soldiers, and today she is honoured for her bravery and medical skills.
House colour: Blue
Sejong
named after Sejong the Great, the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. During his reign, he helped advance scientific technology, such as creating a farmer’s handbook to improve his kingdom’s agriculture. In addition, he had a great literary influence - his many personal writings, such as Songs of Flying Dragons, are still famous to this day. One of his most famous legacies is the creation of the ‘Hangeul’ - the native phonetic alphabet system for the Korean language. The widespread influence of his reign left a deep impression on the rest of Korea’s history.
House colour: Red
Uniform Policy
Looking smart is important at Dulwich College Seoul. We encourage the children to take pride in their appearance and have high expectations and standards. All students at Dulwich College Seoul are required to wear the school uniform. There is a different uniform for warm and cold weather, and students should adhere to seasonal requirements. A common Dulwich College International school uniform code has now been agreed across all of our schools in Asia. Details of the uniform and pictures have been posted in the iSAMS Parent Portal of the College website.
You can help us by ensuring that the children have the correct school uniform from the College Shop and checking that fashion items do not creep in, particularly undergarments such as t-shirts and leggings which can be seen over the school uniform. If in doubt, please ask your child’s teacher.
Shoes have caused some anxiety for both parents and the school. We have to insist for reasons of health and safety, that the children wear appropriate shoes for school. This means heels, sling backs or wedged shoes. Again, please ask if you require clarification.
Senior School students will be expected to wear the Best Dress Uniform, including the blazer, on selected days, regardless of the season.
Please be sure that all items are clearly marked with the student’s name.
Any consistent or blatant disregard of the Uniform Policy will result in the student receiving sanctions, including being sent home.
General Appearance
• Students must wear their lanyard whilst on the College campus.
• Clothing and general appearance must be clean and presentable.
• Shirts and blouses must be tucked into shorts, trousers or skirts/skorts.
• School shoes must be plain black. Shoes, boots or sneakers must be fully black with no coloured soles, laces, strips, tongue, etc.
• Hair must be clean, neat and presentable. Long hair should be tied back for lunch, sports and science.
• Students must not wear jewellery apart from a watch, a small necklace of a religious nature and stud earrings. Stud earrings should not be worn on PE days. If they cannot be removed, they will be covered with tape.
• If students choose to wear make-up, it should be professional and natural; this includes nail polish, false nails and nail extensions. The only exceptions are for a show or performance or when taking part in a Drama lesson where stage make-up is required.
• During the hotter months, students are encouraged to wear a cap/hat for outdoor activities.
Year 7 to Year 11 Uniform Expectations
Year 7 to Year 11 Daily and Best Dress Uniform
Summer Winter/Best Dress Uniform
Tartan kilt, tartan skort, grey trousers or grey shorts
White short-sleeved shirt
Senior School tie
(Optional in very hot temperatures)
School sweater, cardigan or blazer (School blazer - Friday assembly and formal occasions)
Tartan kilt, tartan skort or grey trousers
White long-sleeved shirt
Senior School tie
School sweater, cardigan or blazer (School blazer - Friday assembly and formal occasions)
Grey socks Grey socks, tights or knee-length socks
Black polished shoes, boots or trainers
Navy or hair-coloured hair accessories
Lanyard to be worn at all times
Black polished shoes, boots or trainers
Navy or hair-coloured hair accessories
Lanyard to be worn at all times
‘Hoodies’ (including Dulwich College Seoul branded trip hoodies) should not be worn as school uniform. If cold, students should wear their shirt with a College jumper/cardigan and/or the blazer.
Please note the times of specialist lessons and remind your child to pack the appropriate kit for each day at school. We encourage all students to take care of their own personal possessions. Your support at home is greatly appreciated.
There are optional Non-Uniform Days throughout the year. The dates are published in the calendar and in the weekly e-updates. On these days, the students are allowed to wear their own clothes if they make a small donation to charity; we recommend approximately KRW 2,000 - 3,000.
Non-Uniform Days are not fancy dress days. Students may be casually dressed but they should be smart in appearance. Rules regarding make-up and jewellery remain in force on these days.
On fixture days, players may wear their varsity jackets instead of the school blazer.
Are You Dressed for Success?
Sweater / school blazer
*School blazer - Friday assembly and formal occasions
Black polished shoes / boots / trainers
White shirt
*Navy or hair-coloured hair accessories
Stud earrings only
Senior School tie
Lanyard
Sweater / cardigan / school blazer
*School blazerFriday assembly and formal occasions
Black polished shoes / boots / trainers
Grey tights / knee-length socks
Suitable black sneakers - Completely black
Unsuitable sneakers - Coloured details and not completely black
Suitable black school shoes - Completely black
Unsuitable school shoes - Coloured details/lights and not completely black
IB Student Dress Code
The IB Student Dress Code follows a basic rule of dressing in a professional manner. Although students in Year 12 and Year 13 are not required to wear school uniform, their dress should be smart and appropriate for a working environment. Choice must represent the highest levels of hygiene and cleanliness. As a general rule, students should be dressed so that they could welcome guests to the school or attend a formal interview. Where Year 12 and Year 13 students’ attire falls below these standards, they may be asked to leave school and change.
All IB students must wear a lanyard whilst on the College campus.
Professional Dress Expectations
• Smart formal trousers, skirt or dress of professional length and cut.
• A variety of tops and colours are acceptable, including smart shirts, blouses, v-neck sweaters, cardigans and jackets; provided necklines are appropriate and discreet; shoulders and midriff are covered; and the fabric is not sheer.
• Clean formal shoes/boots (no casual sandals, flip-flops, UGG-type boots or non-black trainers). They must be of uniform colour − no white areas around the side/base.
• One pair of earrings is permitted.
• Make-up and hairstyles should be professional, whether through colour, style or length.
• All IB students must wear a smart jacket for formal occasions and assemblies.
Attire That Is Not Acceptable
• No jeans, combat trousers, leggings, sportswear, cords or shorts.
• No casual t-shirts, halter-neck, backless or bra tops.
• Inappropriately short skirts or shorts.
• Clothing that is revealing or excessively tight.
• Clothing that has distasteful images or words.
• Clothing that is styled to explicitly advertise brands or products; clothing with logos or slogans should be discreet and not likely to cause offence.
• No casual sandals, flip-flops, bare feet or training shoes; not multi-coloured.
• Underwear/undergarments should not be visible either through clothing or due to inadequate coverage by outerwear.
Are You Dressed for Success?
Shirt, blouse or smart top
Formal jacket
*Optional:
V-neck sweater / cardigan
PE and House Uniforms
The PE uniform consists of a tracksuit (top and bottom), a PE shirt and shorts. This should be worn for all PE lessons in Year 7 to Year 11. A school hat is a recommended addition to the PE uniform.
Year 12 and Year 13 students may wear their own dark-coloured sports kit for these activities.
It is recommended that students have more than one set of PE uniforms as they are likely to be wearing them several times during the school week.
The House uniform consists of a T-shirt and shorts in the House colours. Senior School students are required to wear House uniforms for all House events and competitions.
Marking of Items Brought to School
It is essential that important items, especially those likely to be misplaced or lost, are marked with your child’s name and Student Key (this identification number can be found on the invoice for school fees). All clothing, including hats, footwear, sports gear, swimming kits, kit bags and school bags, should be marked.
The College Lost & Found accumulates an enormous amount of unlabelled items every year and while most items end up being donated to charity, we strongly advise parents to ensure all items are labelled properly.
Sun Safety
For the safety of your child we strongly encourage the students to wear sun hats and to either bring sunscreen to be applied at school or apply it at home before coming to school during hot weather.
Neatly tied back hair
*Navy or hair-coloured hair accessories [ WINTER ]
College Procedures and Policies
Attendance
The school year is 181 days long. The teaching days are full and intensive. It is therefore important for attendance to be as near to 100% as possible. We would ask for your support in trying to achieve this.
Should your son or daughter be unable to attend classes, please call the school and send a sick note or medical certificate (for absences of more than 3 days) when your child returns to school. If your child is ill, we understand that you must keep him or her at home. A child with a high temperature, diarrhoea or sickness should not be at school and should stay at home for at least 24 hours after the symptoms have disappeared. In practice, this means that children who go home early from school due to the above illnesses should not return the next day.
If there is another special reason why your son or daughter needs to be absent from school, please submit your request in writing, with as much notice as possible, to the Tutor, who will refer this to the Head of Senior School. Please clearly state the reason for the request.
At Dulwich College Seoul, we teach until the very end of term. It is not in your son or daughter’s interest to try to cut short the term.
Punctuality
Arriving late at school is unsettling for all children and staff. Please ensure that your child arrives in plenty of time for the beginning of the school day. Students arriving after registration will be marked as late. Please help your child to be on time.
If your child arrives late, they will be given a ‘late pass’ by a member of our Administration Staff at the Reception Desk. Please co-operate with these procedures to ensure that our daily attendance records are accurately maintained for health and safety purposes.
Leaving School Before the End of the School Day
Students who need to leave school before the end of the school day must check out with the Reception/ School Administrator, who will ensure they are collected by a responsible adult or have permission (sent by email or conveyed via a phone call to the Reception) to leave unattended.
Students must present a signed Early Departure Form to security if they are leaving school early. Forms can be collected from Reception or the Senior School office.
Nut Allergies
Dulwich College Seoul is a nut-free campus. Parents must take this into account when bringing in any food for morning snacks, lunches and theme days, as there are children at Dulwich College Seoul who have potentially fatal reactions to nuts. All cakes or sweets must first be sent to the Nurse so that she can check for the presence of nuts.
We kindly ask that parents do not send cakes or cookies for distribution among classmates to celebrate birthdays.
Emergency Communication
Should exceptionally severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances make it unsafe for the children to attend classes, information will be posted on the website and parents will be notified by text and email.
Lost Property
All unnamed items are kept in the lost property baskets just outside the College Lobby. Unclaimed lost property is only kept for one month. After this date all unclaimed property will be donated to charity, although any items with a Dulwich crest, if in good condition, will be stored for inclusion in a second hand uniform sale. Items not suitable for sale will be donated to charities.
Insurance
Students are encouraged to be responsible for all their personal possessions. The College does not insure the personal property of students and if parents are concerned it is recommended that they ensure such effects are covered by their own insurance policies.
Meal Services
Parents may choose to provide a mid-morning snack and packed lunch for their children, if they wish. Alternatively, they will be given the option to purchase lunch from the College’s caterers. A form will be sent before the beginning of each term to all parents regarding the provision available at school. Parents wishing to avail of the catering provision must complete the form, return it to the school office and remit the amount due to the catering company before the start of term. Students in Year 12 and Year 13 may opt in for lunch on any given day. They can purchase a lunch ticket from the Canteen.
Lunch
The College caterers, Quadra, provide healthy and nutritious food to the students with several choices which take account of the diverse range of religious and ethnic backgrounds of our students. A NutFree Policy is followed in all our catering provision. It is very important that parents inform us if their child suffers from any allergies and let us know of any special dietary requirements in advance. The school will try its best to meet the student’s needs, but will inform parents if we are unable to meet these requests.
The Senior School students eat in the main Dining Hall under the supervision of the teachers. The students choose their own food and are welcome to return for seconds.
Parents who pay for school lunches will be sent a menu at the start of each term. The menu works on a three-week rotational basis. A TV screen outside of the Dining Hall also shows the children what is available on each day. Parents may also view the menu daily on Instagram (@dcsl.meals).
Through our curriculum, we encourage the students to choose a healthy, balanced diet. If you have any special concerns regarding your child’s eating habits, please let the Tutor know so that the lunch duty staff can be informed where applicable.
If students are going on educational visits and will be away from school at lunch time, a packed lunch will be provided if parents have availed themselves of school catering.
Packed Lunches and Snacks
We support parents in providing a healthy option for our students’ snacks and lunches at school. Therefore, any packed lunches or snacks brought from home should not include sweets, chocolate, biscuits, fizzy drinks and other similar items.
School Medical Policy
The school places exceptional importance on the health of our students, and it is the responsibility of all members of the school community, parents and teachers alike, to keep the children healthy. If we find that a child has an illness or condition that will affect the health of his/her classmates, we will notify the parents to take the child home from school immediately.
The following Medical Policy must be strictly observed:
• A child must not be sent to school if he/she has any signs of fever or sickness. A student must be free of symptoms for 24 hours before returning to school.
• For the sake of everyone’s health, children with heavy coughs or runny noses must not be sent to school even if they are not feverish.
• If a child has been ill, please keep him/her at home until he/she is able to fully participate in all school activities. Weather permitting, all children will go outside during playtime, and children recovering from illness will not be kept indoors. Children who are too sick to play outside are not well enough to be in school and in contact with the other children.
• Children must not be sent to school if they have any signs of conjunctivitis (symptoms include pink eye, puss in eye, red, swollen or itchy eyes), as it is highly contagious. They may only return to school after the full course of treatment has been completed and their eyes are completely clear. If diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis, your child may attend school as normal but must be cautious to wash hands regularly and keep their hands away from their eyes.
• Children requiring medication for an illness should remain at home until the illness is cured. When they are essentially well, but must continue with a day or two of treatment, the medication may be sent to school. In these cases, it is very important that you inform the College Nurse of the precise details and provide her with the medicine. The Nurse will then arrange for the correct doses to be given to the student. On no account must medicine be held by a student or carried elsewhere in the College. Medicine for children travelling by bus should be given to the Bus Monitor in a plastic bag with the child’s name, as well as details of dosage, frequency and other relevant details.
• Children must not be sent to school if they are ill with chicken pox, and they may not return to school until the sores have healed and scabs have fallen off.
• You must notify the school immediately if your child has head lice. He/she must be treated with proper medicated shampoo and be completely free of both lice and eggs before returning to school. The College will undertake periodical checks of all children and parents will be notified in advance. Parents will be informed if lice or eggs are found in their child’s hair.
• The school will not administer any form of oral medicine without first checking with parents.
• Parents will be notified by phone if a child has had any injury to the head and a form will be sent home with the child.
• In case of injury requiring urgent medical treatment, the child’s parents will be informed immediately and he/she will be taken to the nearest international medical facility.
• Please be sure to keep vaccinations up to date.
• All children entering the school are expected to have medical insurance coverage. Fees for a student’s medical treatment are to be paid by the parent. The school will not assume medical expenses.
College Nurse
The College Nurse’s Office is staffed throughout the school day. If there is any cause for concern regarding a student’s health, a report is sent to the parent or guardian. If a student has to be taken to hospital, the College Nurse will inform the parent or guardian immediately. Please note that the Nurse’s Office is located on the 1st floor of the College building next to the school offices.
Medical Records
Before starting at Dulwich College Seoul, parents should provide the College with full details of their child’s medical history by completing the medical section on the College’s Application Form. The treatment and absence records for both the students and staff are monitored by the Nurse, and the Bursar, to see if there is any evidence of a concern that may require further investigation (i.e. repeated occurrence of a particular illness or accident).
Parents should let the Nurse know of any change to a student’s medical records as soon as possible. At re-enrolment towards the end of each school year parents are requested to complete a Medical Records Update Form to ensure our records are accurate at the start of a new school year.
Inhaler Policy
• Only Ventolin inhalers can be carried by students outside the Nurse’s Office.
• Ventolin inhalers can only be held by students of Year 3 age and above.
• For children younger than Year 3, the inhalers will be kept by the teacher in a secure place in the classroom. In such cases, please ensure that you hand them directly to the teacher.
• Under no circumstances are steroid inhalers, or any other kind of inhaler apart from the above, to be held by students on their person. If your child requires such an inhaler, please hand them to the Nurse along with the prescription detailing their use.
Elevator (Lift) Passes
All elevator (lift) passes are issued by the College Nurse to students who are unable to use the stairs due to illness or injury.
Temporary Lift Pass
A parent may write a note to be given to the Nurse requesting a lift pass for their child. A lift pass will be given for a maximum of 3 days. The note should include the date, reason for request (illness, injury and other relevant details) and duration (1-3 days) and be signed by parent or guardian. It will be necessary for a physician to write a note if the condition persists beyond 3 days.
Long-Term Lift Pass
This pass will only be issued upon the request of the student’s physician. Physician notes requesting lift passes will be granted for the stated time period. Physician notes must include, the date, reason for the request (injury, illness and other relevant details) and duration the pass is needed and be signed by the physician.
The student with a lift pass may have one student only accompanying him/her in the lift to assist.
Weather: Restricted Access to Outside Activities
The students have restricted access to the outside in the following conditions:
• Rain (other than very fine drizzle)
• Widespread ice
• Temperatures below minus 10 °C
• Intense heat (37.8 °C / 100 °F plus)
• Thunderstorms
Students may also be kept inside if it is deemed too wet to effectively enjoy the outdoor areas. If the temperature is between -5 and -10 °C, the children may have a shortened time outdoors during their breaks or be given a choice as to whether they would like to go out.
Air Pollution
The College monitors our surrounding environment to ensure we take all reasonable precautions to keep the children safe at school. The Seoul Metropolitan Government provides an air pollution forecast service and guidance on required action when levels of PM 10 or PM 2.5 reach particular levels. Our closest monitoring station is at the end of our road.
We access air quality data from: https://cleanair.seoul.go.kr/airquality/localAvg
The daily pollution index is displayed, using coloured icons, on the screen in the foyer. The Air Pollution Policy is posted on the iSAMS Parent Portal.
Beyond the Classroom
At Dulwich College Seoul, we believe in the importance of experiential learning. Educational visits and trips provide students with opportunities to challenge themselves in new environments, strengthen bonds with peers, build self-confidence and develop collaborative and problem-solving skills.
Trip Preparation and Conduct
Before any trip or educational visit, there will be student and parent information meetings to ask questions and receive detailed information. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings.
Students must sign the Code of Conduct before going on trips. The behaviour expectations for educational trips and visits, including those related to the acceptable use of technology, are the same as when in school.
Adventurous Journeys
Dulwich Adventure is our programme of outdoor education, ensuring all students have the opportunity to develop their independence and skills in increasingly challenging environments around Asia. During the year, students undertake a series of training expeditions to help prepare them for their Adventurous Journeys.
Curriculum Module
The programme targets key learning objectives structured around six modules that increase in complexity and/or demand as learners progress through the school. An overview of each module aim is detailed below:
Aims to promote environmental awareness, management and conservation understanding. Aims to prepare the understanding required to plan independent exploration of progressively challenging environments.
Aims to explore the physiological and psychological demands of taking part in outdoor and adventurous activities.
Aims to nurture leadership potential and develop skill sets that promote team cohesion.
Aims to promote safe practice, equipping learners with dynamic strategies to effectively solve problems and issues concerning risk management.
Aims to develop the practical skills required to function safely and independently across a breadth of outdoor environments.
The costs of annual Dulwich Adventure Journeys are included in school fees.
Adventurous Journeys Schedule 2024-25
Year Group
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Location Dates Theme
Seoul, Korea TBC Safe enjoyment
Seoul, Korea TBC Curiosity
Chuncheon, Korea 21 - 23 May 2025 Safe enjoyment
Central Korea 2 - 5 June 2025 Team roles
Central Korea 2 - 6 September 2025 Problem solving
Jeju, Korea 26 - 30 May 2025 Leadership
Seoraksan, Korea 2 - 6 September 2024 Empathy
Taipei, Taiwan 13 - 17 January 2025 Problem solving
Minuaki, Japan 6 - 10 January 2025 Team roles
Year 10 Mongolia 2 - 7 September 2024 Problem solving
Year 11
Year 12
Namhae, Korea 2 - 6 September 2024 Team roles
Cebu, Philippines 6 - 10 January 2025 Service
Other Educational Trips
In addition to Adventurous Journeys, there are numerous trips throughout the year linked to subjects such as Drama, and activities such as Model United Nations, Maths and Music competitions. These trips provide valuable learning experiences that complement the school curriculum.
For optional, non-curriculum trips are paid by parents. Please note that the College does not profit from trip costs, and all teacher costs for trips and educational visits are met by the College.
Parental Support
What can parents do to support their child at Dulwich College Seoul?
Simple things like showing an interest and being encouraging can make a big difference to how young people feel about school. It can give them the confidence to try out new skills and ideas and learn from mistakes without feeling discouraged.
Parents can:
• Show an interest in their child’s work
• Talk about the school day
• Check the Student Planner
• Attend parent-teacher meetings
• Discuss homework tasks with their child
• Help students organise their time and paperwork
• Make sure students attend school on a regular basis
• Find a quiet place for students to study in the home environment
• Ensure children get enough sleep each night and eat a healthy diet
Friends of Dulwich Volunteering
Friends of Dulwich (FoD)
Dulwich is very much a community school and the involvement of parents is an integral part of our school life. The Friends of Dulwich (FoD) play an active role in our community.
The objective of the FoD is to sustain and support the College, in particular by:
• Strengthening the links between the College and the local community
• Assisting the College by providing voluntary help and advice
• Enhancing and enriching the life of the students at the College
The FoD welcomes all parents to join and offer many opportunities for families to become actively involved in the school with other members of the College community. The FoD meets every month during term time to discuss events within the school. The FoD also invites interested parents to become involved in various committees or to support class activities and events. The FoD also hosts a monthly coffee morning open to all parents. Please look out for the invitations on our weekly e-updates’ FoD section.
The FoD is run by an Executive Committee. This comprises of a Chairperson, Deputy Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, School Representatives and additional representatives as required.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the FoD is held every year before which a ballot is held to elect a new Executive Committee, which takes over at the end of the AGM.
Senior School Parent Representatives
The Senior School has Parent Representatives for each year group. They are a valuable link between the school and parent body and meet regularly with the Head of Senior School to discuss a wide range of issues. We encourage parents to get involved in the community and volunteer to become a parent representative.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Parents may also volunteer at Dulwich College Seoul through the FoD supporting school event, the Library, Lost Property, Used Uniform Sales, Used Book Sales, Nutrition Committee, Trips Supervision, Careers Fairs and as Sports/Music/Drama Supporters.
Work in the Community
Dulwich College Seoul is most fortunate to be located in a vibrant, progressive city such as Seoul and greatly appreciates being part of the local community in the districts of Banpo-dong and Seocho-gu. We enjoy being involved in local community events which help forge links with nearby schools, local government and community groups.
The College is also involved in providing support for individuals, charities and organisations that will benefit greatly from our help. This programme of community action service will be expanded in the coming year and we will be involving our students, staff and parents in several projects where we can make a positive contribution to the lives of others. Please do look out for further information about the projects, including details of how parents can become involved in these community initiatives.
Gifts Policy
Whilst we are all very touched by the generosity of the parents, Dulwich College Seoul has strict regulations to which we must adhere.
Gifts and Gratuities
Employees of the schools of the Dulwich College International group may not accept personal gifts (an item) or gratuities (a free benefit, such as a meal or a ticket) from parents or suppliers. This is because the integrity of professional relationships and decision-making may be questioned if gifts or gratuities have been received, and it may also be against the law.
Parents are informed of the College’s policy through the Parent Handbook, weekly e-updates and the Gifts Policy, which can be found on the iSAMS Parent Portal. In the event of being offered a gift or gratuity, all employees should refuse politely by citing the College policy.
Any violation of this policy may lead to disciplinary action and may be against Korean law.
SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR 2024-2025
SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR 2024-25
12 - 16 August: All Staff Planning (5 Days)
15 August: Independence Day
16 August: New Families Orientation Day
19 August: First Day of School Year
16 - 18 September: Chuseok (Harvest Moon) Holiday
17 September: Chuseok
19 - 20 October: Autumn Break
3 October: National Foundation Day
9 October: Hangeul (Korean Alphabet)
Proclamation Day
17 October: CIS/WASC Professional Learning Day (School Holiday)
8 November: EiM Professional Learning Day (School Holiday)
13 December: Last Day of Term 1
16 December - 3 January: Winter Holiday
25 December: Christmas Day
1 January: New Year's Day
6 January: First Day of Term 2
27 January: School Holiday
28 - 30 January: Seollal (Lunar New Year) Holiday
29 January: Seollal
Assemblies
Dulwich College Seoul Parent Glossary
Senior School Assemblies: for students to attend each week.
Whole College Assemblies: all parents are welcome to attend our special assemblies which occur at the end of term or for special events typically in the Gym (e.g. Chuseok, Christmas, Lunar New Year, End of Year).
Dulwich Talks
An event for Dulwich College Seoul community led by teachers or thought leaders in their respective spaces making a global impact in the world. A topic of educational interest to parents is presented with opportunities for Q&A afterwards. All welcome.
Founder’s Day - May / early June
A celebration of our community held on a Saturday around May or early June. All welcome.
Graduation - May
An end of school celebration for all students in Year 13. All parents of graduating students are welcome.
New Parents Coffee Morning - 3x at the start of each new term
A social event on the first Friday of each term to welcome new parents and to introduce key staff members across the College and Friends of Dulwich. New parents and Class Reps all welcome.
Open House - throughout the year
All current parents are invited to visit a range of lessons during the morning session across the Senior School and Primary School. Refreshments served. All welcome.
Parent Information Evening - once at the start of year
A brief but broad introduction to the curriculum, the Class Teacher/Form Tutor and specialist subject teachers at the start of a school year. Not intended for extended conversation about individual students but for relationship building in preparation of more in-depth and personal conversations. All welcome.
Parent Representatives Meeting - throughout the year
Parent Representatives are the conduit for the parent community and College. The representatives collate parents’ thoughts and are invited to an open meeting where the Head of College and Heads of School give feedback on the previous meeting and invite further views on general matters of school organisation and practice.
Parent Teacher Student Conference (PTSC)
Extended individual conversations with subject teachers about your child occur at various times throughout the year, typically twice per year for each year group. The schedule for these meetings is distributed at the start of the year and included in the school calendar. These conversations can be conducted both face-to-face and online. All parents are welcome to attend these specific year group sessions.
Parent Workshop - around 6x during the year
An interactive roundtable training event designed to explore an academic or pastoral school topic with parents. Occasionally by invitation but generally all welcome.
Pre-Educational Visit Meeting - before every Residential trip
A meeting for parents to learn more about an upcoming Residential trip that has been planned for the students. All overnight educational visits will have a pre-meeting scheduled. All welcome.
Productions/Theme Days/Concerts/Performances/Matches - throughout the year
An event by/for a group of students which parents are welcome to attend as audience members and occasionally participants. When seating is limited, these events may be ticketed.
Remembrance - on or close to 11 November
A solemn observance of remembrance for those who have been affected by war.
Key Terms
Here is an explanation of a few terms used in the handbook:
CLT - College Leadership Team consisting of the Head of College, Head of Primary School, Head of Senior School, Director of Business Administration, Director of Admissions and Director of Communications & Marketing
DCI - Dulwich College International
DCSL - Dulwich College Seoul
DUCKS 1 - The collective term for our Nursery, Reception and Year 1 classes
DUCKS 2 - The alternative name for Year 2 classes
ECAs - Extra-Curricular Clubs and Activities that take place mostly after school
EiM - Education in Motion, our parent company group
Enrichment - Obligatory activities that students need to seek balance from the Arts, Physical Activity and Service areas in their final two years (IB Diploma Programme)
Formative Assessment - The immediate feedback given to students on how to improve their learning (i.e. marking, verbal comments, etc.)
Foundation Stage - The collective term for the Nursery and Reception age range; also sometimes called EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)
IBDP - International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is the basis of our Year 12 and Year 13 curriculum
ICT - Information and Communication Technology (mostly to do with computers and other devices and their safe and effective use)
Junior School - The collective term for children in Year 3 to Year 6 (also Key Stage 2 - see as follows)
Key Stage 1 (KS1) - The collective term for the Year 1 and Year 2 age range
Key Stage 2 (KS2) - The collective term for the Year 3 to Year 6 age range (Junior School)
Key Stage 3 (KS3) - The collective term for the Year 7 to Year 9 age range (the first years of Secondary School education)
Key Stage 4 (KS4) - The collective term for the Year 10 to Year 11 age range (the International GCSE exam years)
Literacy - An alternative subject name for English
MADD - Music, Art, Dance and Drama
Numeracy - An alternative name for mathematics
PE - Physical education. Includes swimming, athletics, team games, gymnastics and dance.
PTSC - Parent Teacher Student Conferences or Consultations during which parents can discuss their child’s progress, achievements and next steps for learning
SSLT - Senior School Leadership Team, composed of the Head of Senior School, Academic Deputy Head, Pastoral Deputy Head and two Assistant Heads
Summative AssessmentTests undertaken to assess the current level of a student’s understanding (i.e. reading, spelling, mathematics or SAT tests)
Transcript - A document that lists a student’s academic record, including courses taken and grades achieved. It serves as an official record of a student’s educational achievements. For Year 10 students and above, the tracking grade is recorded on transcripts.
Residentials - Overnight adventure trips for Year 2 to Year 13