Dulwich College Seoul - Parent Handbook (Primary School) 2024-25

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

The Curriculum

The Timetable

Home Learning

Specialist Subject Teaching

Competitive Opportunities and Leadership

Specialist Resources and Facilities

Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs)

Assessment and Reporting

Educational Day Trips and Dulwich Adventure

Parental Support and Useful Websites

Safeguarding and the Pastoral System

The House System

Student Council and Other Student Groups

Uniform Policy

College Procedures and Policies

Items to Bring to School

Individual Music Lessons

Meal Services

Bus Transportation

School Medical Policy

Getting Involved: Friends of Dulwich and Parent Reps

Gifts Policy

School Year Calendar 2024-25

Dulwich College Seoul Parent Glossary

Key

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

Head of Primary School

Head of Senior School

Primary Leadership Team (PLT)

Head of Primary School

Deputy Head of Primary (Academic)

Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral)

DUCKS 1 Leader

DUCKS Pastoral Middle Leadership Team (PMLT)

Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral)

DUCKS 1 Leader

DUCKS 2 Leader

Alison Derbyshire

Jane Smith

Suzy Pugh

Jane Smith

Jim Harvey

Maggie Goddard

Nina Burrows

Maggie Goddard

Nina Burrows

Vanessa Wilson

Junior School Pastoral Middle Leadership Team (PMLT)

Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral)

Year 3 Leader

Year 4 Leader

Year 5 Leader

Year 6 Leader

Maggie Goddard

Louisa Ramsden

Jenny Wayte

Matthew Spencer

Chris Bonnet

Primary School Curriculum Middle Leadership Team (CMLT)

Deputy Head of Primary (Academic)

Primary Subject Leader - English

Primary Subject Leader - Mathematics

Primary Subject Leader - Integrated Curriculum

Educational Technology Integrator

Classroom Teaching Staff

DUCKS 1

Nursery (Pelicans)

Reception (Herons)

Reception (Swans)

Year 1B (Cranes)

Year 1L (Eagles)

DUCKS 2

Year 2A (Sandpipers)

Year 2K (Woodpeckers)

Year 2W (Kingfishers)

Junior School

Year 3P

Year 3R

Year 3S

Year 4G

Year 4R

Year 4W

Year 5C

Year 5M

Year 5S

Year 6B

Year 6T

Year 6V

Hannah Sharp

Lara Small

Gemma Varley

Nina Burrows

Hosana Lee

Annabelle Ambrose

Mark Kelly

Vanessa Wilson

Dorothee Park

Louisa Ramsden

Lauren Short

Marcus Gomersall

Phoebe Rowbottom

Jenny Wayte

Claire Caunce

Chris Morgan

Matthew Spencer

Chris Bonnet

Euan Thomson

Emma Ventham

James Harvey

Mark Kelly

Phoebe Rowbottom

Cindy Neo

Marcus Gomersall

Emma Ventham

Kristy Bryan

Emma Wang

Min Kim, Jennifer Yoon, Kate Yu

Minhee Jung

Amy Choi

Jessica Wang

Deepa Tanwani

Ann Cha

June Kim

Karen Kim

Eunjoo Lee

Jihyun Han

Leah Moon

Lucy Lee

Leah Lee

Art and Design

Counselling

Cover Teacher

Drama

Global Citizenship and Sustainability

Korean

Learning Support

Learning Technologies

Library

Mandarin

Music

Outdoor Education and ECAs

Physical Education and Games

Jane Chang - Head of Department

Younjin Seo

Heather Song - Art Technician

Joseph Dekens - Lead Counsellor

Genevieve Kung - Socio-Emotional Counsellor

Cindy Neo

Matthew Readman - Head of Department

Miyoung Kim - Drama Teaching Assistant/Auditorium Technician

Lara Small

Jude Lee - Korean Teacher/Mother Tongue Coordinator

David Gormley - Head of Student Support Services/Designated

Safeguarding Lead

Lynsey Gogin - Lead Special Educational Needs (SEN) Coordinator

Mirae Lee - English as Additional Language (EAL) Teacher

Mary Ann Campos - SEN Teacher

Leah Moon - EAL Support

Jeonghyun Hwang - SEN/EAL Teaching Assistant

Gareth Thomas - Director of Technology

Kristy Bryan - Educational Technology Integrator

Jason Burrows - Librarian

Cindy Neo - Library Assistant

Ying Wen - Head of Department

Ynes Chan

Melody Dong

Rebecca Li

Jiannan Lu

Mingchin Wu

Jinhua Zou

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

Martin Bushell - Manager and KAIAC Coordinator

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 (DCI) 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)

Meetings take place twice a week. Membership 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.

Primary Leadership Team (PLT)

Meetings take place twice a week. Membership comprises of the Head of Primary School, Deputy Head of Primary (Academic), Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral) and DUCKS 1 Leader. Individual staff may also be invited to attend.

Primary Middle Leadership Teams (MLT)

The Primary Leadership Team is supported by the Primary Middle Leadership Teams (MLT). The MLT comprises Year Leaders and Subject Leaders.

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 our communication to be as effective 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 red lanyard on entering the College.

Parent volunteers sign in and wear a pink lanyard.

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. They will then be asked to wait in this area until they are collected by a member of staff or escorted directly to their appointment by a security guard.

Parents visiting the school during the day are also asked to report to the Reception Desk and wait in this area until they are collected by a member of staff or escorted directly to their appointment by a security guard. No parent 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 will also arrange parental appointments with the teaching staff, and can be contacted by the following methods:

Telephone: (+82 2) 3015 8500 | Fax: (+82 2) 501 9748 | E-mail: reception@dulwich-seoul.kr

Community members are asked to always be polite and respectful when engaging with our Administration Staff.

Executive Assistant to Head of College

The Executive Assistant to the Head of College, Helen Chung, is located on the ground floor outside the office of the Head of College. This area can be accessed from the foyer.

Primary School Administrator

The Primary School Administrator, Carolee Kang, is located in the office of the Head of Primary School, on the second floor opposite the Year 5 classrooms. For appointments with the Head of Primary School, please email: ps.admin@dulwich-seoul.kr

Who to Contact?

Routine academic and pastoral enquiries should be forwarded to your child’s teacher. Teachers should not be approached whilst a class is in session, but are available at the beginning and end of the school day (unless running an ECA or attending a meeting) for short conversations with parents. However, if you wish to discuss any issue in more depth, please make an appointment in advance by email.

Making an Appointment with a Teacher

To make an appointment with a class or specialist teacher, either contact the Primary School Administrator or send an e-mail to your child’s teacher using the following address code:

teacher’s forename + dot + last name + @dulwich-seoul.kr

For example:

Jane Smith

jane.smith@dulwich-seoul.kr

Vanessa Wilson vanessa.wilson@dulwich-seoul.kr

All school e-mail addresses can be found in the iSAMS Parent Portal of the College website.

Parents are reminded not to contact our Teaching Assistants about academic or pastoral matters. All questions regarding children’s school experience should be sent to the class teacher.

Staff will answer emails within 24 hours during the working week/term.

Each Friday, a review of the week is emailed to parents in individual Year Groups (i.e. the Year 6 Week Ahead is sent to all Year 6 parents). The Week Ahead provides:

• Review of the week’s learning

• A look into the following week

• Reminders about special events

• Other messages from the teacher

Weekly e-updates

The e-update consists of a message from the Head of College, a whole school section, sections by the Head of Primary School and Head of Senior School, as well as a section about our volunteer parent group, Friends of Dulwich (FoD). All parents are strongly encouraged to read the Primary School section each week. 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. Over the coming year we hope to continue to improve the amount of electronic communication between the school and home.

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 on the next page and at the footer of our website.

Instagram Accounts

• Dulwich College Seoul: @dulwichcollegeseoul

• Head of Primary School Instagram: @jane_smith_dulwich_seoul

• Head of Senior School Instagram: @suzanne_pugh_dulwichseoul

• Adventurous Journey: @dcsl.adventure

• Alumni: @dcsl.alumni

• Friends of Dulwich (FoD): @dcsl.fod

• Meals: @dcsl.meals

• Sport: @dcsl.sport

• 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

• Year 5 and Year 6 tablet programme

• Parent contact directory

• Staff directory

Primary Parent Workshops including Dulwich Talks

On a weekly basis, the Primary School hosts a parent workshop. These 60-minute sessions aim to help parents stay up-to-date with Primary School practice, learn about our curriculum and pastoral care, as well as assist with common parenting dilemmas and issues, such as healthy eating, screen time and friendships. These are normally in-person on campus. Some are recorded to share later unless they are very practical in nature.

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.

This is a colourful and informative review of the school year and is published at the end of June. It is given to all students at the College as a souvenir of their year.

Curriculum Information for Each Year Group

For information about out curriculum and programmes,, parents should refer to the following:

1. “Meet the Teacher” at the start of the academic year where staff introduce themselves and our programme − This includes information on general expectation, timetables, homework, specialist lessons and how to find out more information.

2. Each year group from DUCKS 1 to Year 6 produces a termly curriculum overview for parents, which includes information about specific events in each class. In the Week Ahead email from your child’s Year Leader each Friday, information on this week’s and the following week’s learning is shared to help you keep up-to-date with your child’s learning.

3. Child's Home Learning Journal − Reading, writing, maths and social/emotional expectations.

4. Parent Handbook - This booklet.

5. Contact the Class Teacher for further information by email.

School Reports

Parents with children in DUCKS 1 to Year 6 receive two comprehensive school reports, one at the end of the first term (December) and one at the end of the school year (June). These cover all aspects of your child’s involvement and learning at school.

We also use online learning programmes, SeeSaw (DUCKS to Year 3) and Teams (Year 4 to Year 6), to report on and communicate your child’s learning during the school year. These portals also allow your child to reflect and comment on their own progress and development too.

Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs)

Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs) are held three times a year across the Primary School. In October, March/April and June, Year 5 and Year 6 students are invited to participate in these meetings from the outset and, in Term 2, are expected to lead the conversation. The purpose of these PTC meetings is to discuss your child’s well-being and academic progress. While we hope communication will not be limited solely to PTCs, these meetings provide a more formal opportunity for you to discuss your child’s progress with teachers. Additional meetings with your child’s teachers can be arranged at any time during the year by appointment.

"Celebrations of Learning"

These take place three times per year for each year group for parents. Children show their learning through art work, science experiments and presentations. 60 minutes in durations.

Home-School Communication

It is important that parents and teachers build excellent, open lines of communication. Much of the communication is done through email by the class teacher. Details about upcoming events and homework are conveyed through Friday’s ‘Week Ahead’ emails. In the same way, we also encourage parents to communicate with us face to face or by email. We aim to answer queries fully and promptly.

For more important messages, please send an e-mail or make a telephone call to the Reception/School Administrator, who will ensure that it is passed onto the correct member of staff. However, changes to bus arrangements should be made through the SchoolsBuddy before 12 noon on the day in question.

Home Learning Journal

Each children receives a Home Learning Journal in which they record their daily reading. The Home Learning Journal should come to school every day in your child's Book Bag.

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 planning 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 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.

References for Applications to Other Schools

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.

Arriving at and Departing from School

START OF THE DAY

DUCKS 1 (Nursery, Reception and Year 1) and DUCKS 2 (Year 2)

DUCKS students and their carers should arrive at school via the side entrance (DUCKS entrance with a yellow door).

The school day in DUCKS begins at 8am when parents may bring their children to the classroom, help them settle into their routines, share their children’s recent learning, and chat with the teacher and teaching assistant.

Parents must stay with their children until 8.15am, after which time, our staff supervise the children. Children arriving on the school buses will be supervised from their time of arrival at the College. All DUCKS children should be in class by 8.15am.

Year 3 to Year 6

Your child should arrive at school after 8am and before 8.15am via the front entrance by the main Reception Desk.

The school day starts at 8.15am for the Year 3 to Year 6 age groups. The wider College premises will not be open to students and parents until 8am each morning. The exception is students who have early morning sports or swim training.

If they do arrive before this time, they will need to wait quietly in the main Reception foyer until playground duty staff arrive at 8am. Parents will be contacted if their child frequently arrives before 8am. Children arriving on the school buses will be supervised from their time of arrival at the College.

• Year 3 and Year 4 students: Upon arrival at 8am - 8.10am, children in Year 3 and Year 4 should go directly to the playground. At 8.10am a whistle is blown in the playground and the students should line up at their designated places in the playground. The teachers will collect their classes and take them to register and start lessons. In cases of bad weather, all children should go directly to their classrooms where they will be supervised by the classroom staff.

• Year 5 and Year 6 students: Older Junior School students may optionally choose to go outside to play or go straight up to the classroom in the morning after 8am. In class, they will read quietly, catch up on unfinished work or prep for lessons.

END OF THE DAY

Buses

DUCKS students travelling home by bus will be escorted to their bus meeting point where they are handed over to their Bus Monitor.

Junior School students make their own way to their bus meeting point where they will be registered by their Bus Monitor.

Students may bring a small snack to eat while they wait at 3.30pm (for their ECAs or bus).

Collection by a Carer

All parents or carers must have their parent/carer ID (red lanyard) with them to collect a student.

If we are in anyway unsure about a person sent to collect a child, we will call parents to verify.

• DUCKS: Parents collect their child from the classroom from 3.30pm at the side entrance until dismissal. Please do not disturb the children's learning while waiting. Parents or carers who disturb learning or distract students will be asked to wait outside.

• Junior School students being collected by a carer: Year 3 to Year 6 students will meet their carer outside the main entrance between 3.20pm and 3.30pm, while waiting with a teacher or teaching assistant (TA). Parents must ensure that the class teacher or TA knows they have collected their child. If we are in any way unsure who has collected a student, we will call the child’s parents for clarification.

• Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 travelling home alone: With prior written permission from a parent, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 children may walk, cycle or skateboard home if they live in the College’s immediate neighbourhood. Students cycling or skateboarding to/from home are expected to do so safely with a helmet on. Please contact a Reception Administrator for the relevant form. Year 5 and Year 6 students may leave to use public transportation.

• Senior School siblings accompanying Junior School siblings: With prior written permission, Senior School siblings may take their Junior School siblings home on foot or public transportation if they live in the College neighbourhood or beyond. Please contact a Reception Administrator for the relevant form. “Junior” includes Year 3 to Year 6 students.

ECAs After School

Nursery and Reception children do not have ECAs as their school day is already active and involved.

Year 1 and Year 2 students are escorted to their ECAs and then to their bus collection point by staff.

Junior School students will make their own way to their ECAs and then to their bus collection point after their ECAs.

Students being collected by a parent or carer after ECAs will follow the same procedure as above.

Start and End of Day Gentle Reminders

• Parents will be provided with up to 3 free photo IDs per family on receipt of the relevant photographs. Additional and/or replacement ID cards will be provided at a cost.

• The IDs for ex-employees of families must be handed to a Reception Administrator at the end of the nanny or drivers’ employment.

• On leaving Dulwich College Seoul, all family IDs must be handed back to the Reception Administrator.

• Primary School students may not use taxis alone to leave the College unless permission of the Head of School was given.

• Please remind your son or daughter that at the end of the day it is his or her responsibility to take belongings such as homework, letters, PE kit and musical instruments home.

• Please check your child’s red book bag and school bag each night to ensure that you receive all relevant communications from the school.

• Children may play outside after being collected and fully supervised by an adult at 3.30pm or 4.30pm. Students, who are badly behaved or who interrupt sports sessions, will be asked to leave the campus with their parent/carer. Please note there is no teacher supervision in the playground after 3.30pm and so parents are fully responsible for their child’s safety and behaviour.

Late Arrivals and Late Pick Up

Students who arrive after 8.15am should fill in the late register and obtain a Late Pass from the Receptionist, which can then be handed by the student or parent to the class teacher. The Reception Administrator will ensure that the child’s name is entered into the register. “Late” children are recorded and the parents of children who are frequently late for school will be contacted by the Head of Primary School.

We do realise that parents may occasionally be delayed in collecting their children due to unforeseen events. Any children who have not been collected by 3.45pm, or 4.45pm on ECA days, will be asked to wait in the College Reception lobby area by the school’s main entrance.

The school office will call the parents of children who have not been collected by 4pm (or 4.55pm after activities). Children may not play outside without adult supervision while waiting.

Parents or carers who are frequently late to collect their children will be contacted by the Head of Primary School.

Changes in Collection Routines

• Collection from school: It is vital that parents inform the class teacher or Reception Administrator by email if there are to be any changes to the normal collection routine (i.e. if another person, other than those with the College ID is to pick-up your child). If you have car pool arrangements on a regular basis with other parents, one letter at the beginning of term notifying us of the arrangements will suffice.

For security, we will always ring you first where there is any doubt concerning the collection of your child.

• Changes to bus arrangements: Any changes to bus arrangements must be completed via the SchoolsBuddy before 12 noon on the day in question. A phone call or email to staff is not required.

Emergency Changes

If there is a family emergency in the late afternoon, which requires a one-off change to the child’s bus arrangements, please call the Bus Office directly. Please note that parents who change their transport arrangements late in the day will cause inevitable delays to the whole bus system and this should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Parents who make frequent last minute changes will be contacted by the school.

The Curriculum

Our curriculum provides a rich blend of academic, physical, social, artistic and cultural learning opportunities. We hope to encourage all students to strive for excellence, to demonstrate resilience, to show empathy to the needs and differences of others and to enjoy their learning.

Dulwich College has developed a context relevant version of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and the National Curriculum of England. We have maintained the skills, learning objectives and assessment rigour of the British frameworks but have developed a curriculum that is unique, and which is particularly relevant to our student body and the Asian environment in which we live. There is an increasing emphasis on an inquiry approach in Integrated Curriculum.

In the Primary School, the majority of the students’ learning is provided by the class teachers and covers the subject areas set out as follows:

Home Learning Journals

Your child's Home Learning Journal contains a great deal of academic and pastoral information to help families learn more about the children's school experience.

Nursery and Reception Curriculum

Children in the Nursery and Reception classes follow the England’s EYFS Framework. The EYFS sets out age-related learning and development expectations that our children follow, from birth to five years old.

The structure of the EYFS Framework:

The Prime Areas

• Communication and language: Speaking, listening, observing confidently. Enjoying stories, drama and make-believe.

• Physical development: Fine motor and gross motor development for full-body strength, control and confidence.

• Personal, social and emotional development: Being confident in oneself, making friends and sharing and working with others.

The Specific Areas

• English: Early reading, writing, phonics skills and story-making confidence.

• Mathematics: Early numbers, shapes and measuring skills, knowledge and confidence.

• Understanding the world: Early social studies and science development. Internationalism and “Who am I?”.

• Expressive Arts and Design: Confidence and skills in art, design, pretend play and storytelling.

1. There is time allocated for small group, adult-led sessions, where the focus is on learning through practical activities. These daily short lessons typically focus on maths and pre-reading/writing skills.

2. Children’s learning also takes place during ‘continuous provision’ sessions which is student- initiated free play with adults there to support and extend children’s ideas and vocabulary.

3. The students also have a number of specialist lessons, including phonics, music, PE, singing, library and swimming. For more information, please see the ‘Early Years Foundation Stage Policy’.

• Phonics/early reading: 4 times per week.

• PE and swimming: 3 times per week.

• Library: Each week.

• Music/singing: 3 times per week.

• Mandarin: 3 times per week

• Early maths: 4 times per week.

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (Year 1 - Year 6)

The Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 curriculum is taught using a child-centred, cross-curricular approach to learning, which makes links between different curriculum subjects and deepens children’s understanding by providing broad opportunities to enhance learning.

The subjects taught by the class teachers in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 are as follows:

• English: Reading, writing, spelling/phonics, handwriting, speaking and listening well.

• Mathematics: Number, measurement, shape, problem-solving and data.

• Integrated Curriculum (History, Geography, Science): An inquiry-based approach where individual disciplines merge to create topics such as India (Year 4) and Space (Year 5).

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Developing safe, well-informed skills for using devices and the Internet effectively and creatively to enhance learning.

• Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE): Learning about ourselves and others as we grow and develop. Our JIGSAW programme includes learning about healthy relationships, contributing to our community, eating well and caring for ourselves, puberty and change as we grow.

English: Phonics in DUCKS 1

DUCKS 1 and DUCKS 2

Approx. four sessions per week

We use a combination of phonics games and the 'Read Write Inc. (RWI)' scheme to teach phonics for early reading/writing. This phonics-based programme teaches children the common and alternative phonemes used in the English language according to British pronunciation. This system provides children with the most direct route to reading and writing with confidence and enjoyment. Children are given appropriate opportunities in small ability groups to practise the skills they have learnt including reading texts, developing vocabulary, spelling and writing increasingly more complex texts independently. DUCKS children are taught to form their letters using a cursive style. Some children in Year 3 learn with RWI in Term 1 if their phonics skills are still developing towards 'Age Related Expectations (ARE)'.

Year 3 - Year 6

Five sessions per week or equivalent

At Dulwich College Seoul, we provide our students with a range of experiences in order for them to develop their reading and writing of the English language. Students are regularly given opportunities to write creatively across a range of genres, allowing them to develop the ability to adapt the style of their writing to suit a particular purpose or audience. This allows students to develop their own ‘voice’ within a piece of writing and make conscious decisions to engage their reader. We also acknowledge the importance of teaching spelling, handwriting, punctuation and grammar explicitly, following objectives from the English National Curriculum, in order to provide students with the tools to fully express their ideas. We foster a culture of self-reflection, working to empower students to take ownership of their learning, by collaboratively analysing their writing, acknowledging their progress and being aware of areas which they need to develop.

We aim to encourage and foster a love of reading among all students at Dulwich College Seoul. Primary School students have scheduled class visits to the Library once a week and our Junior School students complete a Home Learning Journal to record and celebrate their learning.

DUCKS students enjoy quality picture books with their teacher and English work often stems from the plot, characters and settings of these stories. Children may write their own version of the story, dramatise parts of the plot or consider characters in greater depth. The books become a wonderful stimulus for the children’s own creativity.

In Junior School, year groups also have a termly "focus book", which they explore together as a class and use as a stimulus for their own writing, in addition to a range of relevant non-fiction works. From this, students can work together to understand a text, discuss an author’s choices and analyse specific vocabulary choices. Junior School students also have weekly Guided Reading sessions, in which they work in small groups, with appropriate adult-support, to collaboratively read and discuss a number of texts focusing on the core skills of: summarising, clarifying, predicting and questioning.

Pyramid

Punctuation

English: Speaking & Listening

We believe in the importance of a holistic English curriculum which aims to develop students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in equal measure, as well as providing links to other subjects, as we acknowledge that English is a core thread running through the Dulwich College Seoul curriculum. In all year groups, this is taught as a cross curricular skill.

Within English lessons, speaking and listening opportunities are regularly planned, such as drama, debating and discussions. This not only allows children to hear language but also enables them to verbalise linguistic structures, develop their vocabulary and enhance their confidence when speaking in front of an audience. We provide regular opportunities for students to express their ideas verbally to others, such as through group discussions, show-and-tell, poetry recitals, formal debating and presentations of their own work.

Inquiry Hub (Library)

DUCKS 1 - Year 6

One session per week

Each class has a dedicated lesson timetabled in our Primary School Inquiry Hub where they have the opportunity to borrow books each week to read for enjoyment. Children use this session to read stories, write book reviews in their Reading Passport and change/borrow books. Class teachers will hear individual readers, discuss books or read stories to their class in this time. The Inquiry Hub Librarian also works with students across the age- range and teaches library and research skills from Year 3.

The Library is open and supervised at break and lunch times when Junior School children can choose to visit as per a simple rota. Students are welcome to change books as often as they like. We also encourage parents to borrow books from both the Primary and Senior School Libraries.

Mathematics

Year 1 - Year 6

Approx. five sessions per week or equivalent

Our aim in mathematics is to embed understanding and improve long-term retention of concepts and facts. We support this aims by applying the ‘Interleaving and Spaced Practice’ approach when delivering our maths curriculum. Spacing out a subject area in mathematics has been proven to be more effective in embedding understanding, recalling facts (in the long term) and increasing students’ ability to differentiate between different problem types. Interleaving is a positive consequence of spacing, allowing us to deliver up to five different subject areas in one week.

In DUCKS and Year 3, students stay with their class teacher for maths but will work on differentiated activities in small groups to offer the right level of support and/or stretch. Older Junior School students are set into soft maths groups and may have a different maths teacher. This is to ensure all our young mathematicians receive the support and stretch they need to be skilled and confident in maths while making good progress all year. Students may move into different maths groups as the year progresses and as maths topics change.

Integrated Curriculum (IC)

Year 1 - Year 6

Approx. three sessions per week or equivalent

The aim of IC is to provide for all students an integrated topic-based approach, with an emphasis on creating links between the knowledge, skills and understanding in Geography, History and Science, as well as aspects of our PSHE and Computing curriculum. As a result, units of study or lessons are planned around a variety of learning objectives from the different subjects in response to students’ needs and interests, all based on a "Big Question", which the students’ help shape. Our aim to develop students’ knowledge, skills and understanding in creative and interesting ways which also take into account what students want to learn about. The integrated approach also has a strong focus on our higher order learning skills that we take from the IB Learner Profile. Wherever possible we use our Korean context to enhance children’s learning. Field trips are normally linked to the IC topic the classes are working on. For example, a temple visit in Year 5 is linked their work on 'The Silk Road' and the Year 2’s visit the botanical gardens as part of their IC topic on plants.

Please note that the below table refers to last academic year − an updated version will be available by September 2025.

Long Term Overview Conceptual Understanding in Integrated Curriculum (IC)

Year Group Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

DUCKS 1 Belonging Who are we?

Concepts - Connections - Celebrations

DUCKS 2

Where in the world do we belong?

Concepts - Identity - Relationships - Geography: oceans, continents, physical/ human features

Book: The Lonely Beast

What is it made of and why? Great Fire of London

- Sustainability - Function - Properties

Book: The Egg Box Dragon

Diversity & Culture What inspires us? Investigation What do we want to find out?

- Patterns - Explorations

How do we create a community?

- Collaboration - Rights - Responsibilities

- Community They made a difference: Sejong, Seacole, Shackleton, Alleyn

Book: The Saddest King

- Environment - Prediction

How are living things connected?

- Change - Survival

- Interdependence

- Habitat & survival links

Book: Wild

Year 3

Concepts

Year 4

Concepts

Year 5

Concepts

Should children have rights?

- Belonging

- Community

- Education (historical perspective of children's rights)

- Perspective - Change - Responsibility

Why do people move?

- Migration - Push and pull factors

- Borders - Causation

Could we become extinct? (How do habitat and adaptation impact survival?)

- Adaptation

- Habitat

- Survival - Climate change - Causation

Year 6

Concepts

Why do animals move around the planet?

- Migration

- Land use

- Habitat

- Adaptation

- Causation

- Responsibility

How does conflict affect our lives?

- Conflict - Impact - Causation - Reflection

- Power

- Protest

- Rights

- Impact

Who, what, where, how and why ... is science?

- Function - Form

- Connection

- Causation

Who is in charge? Can design save our future?

- Innovation - Design - Impact - Sustainability

How do ancient civilisations affect our lives today? How did the age of exploration shape the world?

- Civilisations

- Artefacts

- Significance

- Change

How have leaders changed our world?

- Causation

- Consequences - Change - Responsibility

- Empire

- Trade

- Colonisation

- Equity

- Connection

What makes a country?

- Function

- Identity - Connections

Computing

DUCKS 1 - Year 6

Approx. one session per week or equivalent

Computing is one of the fastest moving sectors of our everyday life with new skills required and new technologies being developed all the time. At Dulwich College Seoul, we strive to give our students the computing skills, confidence and knowledge needed to succeed in a modern society.

Teachers use technology to engage students, improving and enhancing their existing schemes of learning and avoid substitution of more traditional skills.

Digital Literacy is integrated into the curriculum with teachers presenting basic computer skills in email, the Internet, document creation, and E-Safety. We use a range of robotics, coding and programming tools to improve computational thinking skills and to assist in the development of cross-curricular projects and exploration.

To facilitate the provision of their learning, DUCKS 1 and 2 children use iPads to share learning via a learning platform, and all students in Year 5 and Year 6 bring a tablet to school. We are working to provide a shared device for every 3 students in the Primary School. We also invest in a variety of web subscriptions, allowing students to develop a range of skills both inside and outside the College using (where possible) one user name and password combination.

DUCKS 1 - Year 6

Approx. one session per week

PSHE education is a school subject through which students develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, and prepare for life and work in the modern world. Evidence shows that well-delivered PSHE programmes have an impact on both academic and nonacademic outcomes for children.

Our programme of study for PSHE aims to develop skills and attributes such as resilience, self-esteem, risk-management, team-working and critical thinking in the context of learning grouped into three core themes: health and well-being, relationships and living in the wider world (including economic well-being and aspects of careers education). The content and focus of sessions is shaped by student needs and interest, as well as our Korean context. The IB Learner Profile’s dispositions are often themes of our PSHE work with students as well.

Puberty and Sex Education

Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 are taught about the changes that happen during puberty. These lessons are in mixed sex groups led by teachers. Students have lots of opportunities to ask questions and obtain facts. By Year 5 and 6, topics include: hormonal changes, periods and how to manage them, wet dreams, growth spurts, voice changes, body hair, friends and healthy relationships.

Year 6 also learn about human development before and after birth, including how an egg is fertilised and how humans are born. This programme compliments the sex relationships education programme students will encounter in Year 7 and beyond.

These lessons are considered compulsory for all students. A parent workshop is offered for Junior School students’ parents to help them develop these important conversations at home too.

Parents are encouraged to engage with their children in these pre-teen years about puberty, healthy relationships and other topics.

The Timetable

The Primary School Timetable is built around the daily routines noted later in this booklet. The duration of each lesson varies according to the subjects taught and the age of the children. A timetable will be sent home with your child during the first week of school. It is important to note that the timetable responds to the children’s needs and class-based lesson times will vary according to the current learning objectives.

Please note the days 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, rather than depend on parents or house help. Your support at home with your child’s growing independence is greatly appreciated and will help them enormously as they grow.

DUCKS 1 (Nursery, Reception and Year 1) Daily Schedule

Time

DUCKS 1 Daily Schedule

8am - 8.15am Soft drop off at side entrance and registration in classroom

8.20am - 9.20am Morning sessions

9.40am - 11.40am Morning sessions

11.40am - 12.40pm Lunchtime in Dining Hall with staff / outdoor playtime

12.40pm - 3.30pm Afternoon sessions

3.30pm End of school day and dismissal from side entrance (ECAs for Year 1 only)

Nursery and Reception Orientation (Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 August)

The first two days of the academic year (Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 August) are orientation and settling-in days for the Nursery and Reception children. The parents are asked to come to school with their children by 8.15am and stay with them, if necessary, until 9.30am. They should then return and collect their children after lunch at 1pm. This will allow the children and parents to meet their teachers and familiarise themselves with their surroundings. Please note that Nursery children should not ride on the school buses for the first two days of term unless this is an absolute necessity. In such a case, please inform the school of these circumstances.

On Wednesday 21 August, the Nursery and Reception children will start their full day programme (8am to 3.30pm). If children are having difficulty settling, parents may still remain in the unit until staff feel they may leave.

The Year 1 children will start their normal programme from the first day of term (Monday 19 August) and Reception are permitted to ride the school buses, although it is recommended that parents also bring their children to school for the first few days until they feel settled.

To help your DUCKS 1 child settle quickly and comfortably into school:

• Take photos of the classroom and chat about these at home

• Borrow books from the Library about starting school to read at home

• Celebrate your child’s successes at school

• Have a small ‘transition toy’ in your child’s bag which goes to school and back home again each day

• After a week or so set up a ‘play date’ with one other child (of your child’s choosing) at your home

• Make sure your child gets lots of sleep − starting a new class tiring work

• Be on time for school and for pick up every day − it is unsettling for children to be late or feel left behind.

DUCKS 2 (Year 2) - Year 3 Daily Schedule

Time

DUCKS 2 to Year 3 Daily Schedule

8am - 8.10am Arrival and outside play

8.15am Registration

8.20am - 10am Classes

10am - 10.20am Break (outside)

10.20am - 11.40am Classes

11.40am - 12.10pm Lunchtime

12.10pm - 12.40pm Break

12.40pm - 3.30pm Classes

3.30pm End of school day and dismissal

3.30pm - 4.30pm ECAs (late ECAs may end at 5pm - 5.30pm)

Year 4 - Year 6 Daily Schedule

Time

Year 4 to Year 6 Daily Schedule

8am - 8.10am Arrival and outside play

8.15am Registration

8.20am - 10.20am Classes

10.20am - 10.40am Break (outside)

10.40am - 11.40am Classes

11.40am - 12.10pm Break

12.10pm - 12.40pm Lunchtime

12.40pm - 3.30pm Classes

3.30pm End of school day and dismissal

3.30pm - 4.30pm ECAs (late ECAs may end at 5pm - 5.30pm)

The first day of term (Monday 19 August) will be a normal school day for the remainder of our students (Reception - Year 6). Please note that specialist lessons will start on Wednesday afternoon.

It is strongly recommended that parents of children who are new to the school deliver and collect their children on the first day of term, allowing them to meet the teacher and see the location of their child’s class.

Assemblies

The Primary School assemblies are held on Mondays (for Year 1 and Year 2) and Fridays (for Year 3 to Year 6). They vary in nature and can focus on an aspect of the IB Learner Profile, an environmental event, special events, festivals, recent news, a moral story or a class presentation (class assembly - Year 1, Year 3 and Year 5), in which each student has the opportunity to share something they have been learning through the medium of song, dance, drama, poetry or speech.

• House events also take place during assembly times.

• Parents are often invited to attend if their child is performing.

• A list of assembly dates will be published regularly in the College weekly e-updates. This will allow you to schedule your commitments in advance.

• There are also less formal Key Stage and House assemblies that are regularly held throughout the year.

• When not at assembly, students have Personal Social Health & Economic Education (PSHE) using our JIGSAW programme with their teacher in class.

Home Learning

Primary School Home Learning

At Dulwich College Seoul, we want ‘Home Learning’ to be relevant and engaging for students. It is an opportunity for students to build upon knowledge and skills they have been developing in school. We also cultivate students to become ‘Balanced’ individuals ensuring they, “understand the importance of balancing different aspects of their lives; intellectual, physical, and emotional to achieve well-being for themselves and others.” - [IB Learner Profile 2019]

Home learning is a great opportunity for children to be in control of their learning; having opportunities to pick what they want to learn about and how they are going to complete or present a task. This focus on student “agency” aims to engage and inspire students.

Where possible teachers will set home learning tasks that can be completed independently and that require little parental supervision. Parents can assist with organisation but should not be completing content for their child. If the child or parent thinks the home learning task is taking too long they should inform the class teacher.

As part of our educational ethos, we want our students to develop a balanced life and this is taken into account in our home learning 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 learn efficiently in the classroom the following day. In such cases, we will inform the parents of our concerns.

Home Learning Journals

All Primary Students are given a Home Learning Journal that they must bring to school every day in their red book bag. The Journal should be signed each night by a parent/guardian to confirm the children's reading and other homework has been done. Teachers will check and sign the Journal once a week. The Journal contains a great deal of information about our academic and pastoral programmes that parents should make themselves familiar with.

Helping Students with Homework

• Set a time and place each day for home learning tasks, get into a good routine.

• Older students need a desk or table and chair with pens and other materials. Homework should not be completed in a car, bus or on a sofa.

• Switch off all devices and provide a quiet environment.

• Help the child start and plan the task out as needed.

• Set a time limit for task completion for procrastinators and end the homework session promptly. Send the homework back to school ‘as is’ to talk to the teacher about.

• If tasks take a long time, stop and let the teacher know.

• Never do the work for the child − it is important he or she always takes personal responsibility.

• Help your child see the links between school/home learning and the real world.

Home Learning in Nursery and Reception

Read Write Inc. (RWI) reading scheme book will be sent home for reading practice as the year progresses. Parents are asked to read a picture book to their child every day to increase their child’s vocabulary, attention span and love of books and reading. This 15 - 20 minute daily routine helps children’s cognitive development greatly; those who are read to regularly have many of the important foundations for strong progress across reading and literacy in the coming years.

Children will also take home other reading and Library books, and these are chosen by the child for enjoyment and interest, usually during their Library lesson. Library books can be changed as often as needed; we recommend students and parents visit the Library and change books more than once per week.

Home Learning in Year 1 & Year 2

All children in Year 1 and Year 2 will take reading books home. Sharing books at home is a vital aspect of a child’s reading development and children will be given a book to practise during the week that assists them with their reading progress. The instructional Read Write Inc. (RWI) reading books are changed on a weekly basis and meet the needs of each child. Reviews of learning are sent home to support the children with the sounds they are being taught in their RWI lessons.

Children will also take home other reading and Library books and these are chosen for enjoyment and interest, usually during their Library lesson. Library books can be changed as often as needed; we recommend students and parents to visit the Library and change books more than once per week. We strongly recommend that all parents support each child’s linguistic and cognitive development by reading story/picture books on a daily basis at home in any language.

In Year 1 and Year 2, children will be given a home learning task each week in addition to their reading books. This should be a largely practical task and could be related to any curriculum area.

Maths Apps: As the children settle into Year 2, teachers will assign them some maths facts to practise at home using maths apps such as Times Table Rock Stars and Numbots. Year 1 and Year 2 Mandarin as a Second Language group will also be set some Mandarin home learning.

Sometimes children will become enthused by a particular topic and may do extra work or research at home. They should have the opportunity to share and celebrate this with their teacher and class where appropriate.

The homework will be sent home in the Homework Book and also will be communicated to parents by email, usually with the ‘Week Ahead’.

Level

Year 1

Year 2

• Reading - 15 minutes

• Reading - 15 minutes

• Maths Apps* - 10 minutes

• 1 x Home learning task - approx. 20 minutes

• 1 x Home learning task - approx. 20 minutes

• 1 x Mandarin task - approx. 10 minutes

* Note: Some teachers will combine English and Integrated Curriculum Home Learning.

In Junior School, the homework becomes more formalised and is based on the framework used by other Dulwich College International schools. Homework will be built into the planned curriculum and suited to the individual needs of the child. It is used to follow up the learning in the classroom to consolidate and extend the children’s learning in all areas of the curriculum. Sometimes a child may be enthused by a topic and wish to do extra work, or research something at home; they should have the opportunity to share and celebrate this with their teacher and class where appropriate.

All tasks will be differentiated to suit the different needs of various children but all students should spend roughly the same amount of time on their home learning tasks. Home learning should increasingly promote independent study and research skills.

Homework is communicated through a "Week Ahead" email from the class teacher. In Year 4 to Year 6, information will also often be outlined in Teams. Homework is usually set for 4 days a week but reading is expected to be done every day, including weekends.

It is important to establish a consistent routine for homework so that children can begin to plan their week around their other commitments.

Please see below the homework guidelines for each year group.

Year 3

• Reading - 20 minutes

• Music instrumental practice - 10 minutes (as needed by the individual)

Year 4

• Reading - 30 minutes

• Music instrumental practice - 10 minutes (as needed by the individual)

• English, Mathematics and Integrated Curriculum - 20 minutes per week

• Mandarin - 30 minutes per week

• English, Mathematics and Integrated Curriculum - 25 minutes per week

• Mandarin - 30 minutes per week

Year 5

• Reading - 30 minutes

• Music instrumental practice: 10 minutes (as needed by the individual)

Year 6

• Reading - 30 minutes

• Music instrumental practice: 10 minutes (as needed by the individual)

• English, Mathematics and Integrated Curriculum - 25 minutes per week

• Mandarin - 30 minutes per week

• English, Mathematics and Integrated Curriculum - 30 minutes per week

• Mandarin - 30 minutes per week

The homework schedule will start in the week beginning Monday 29 August, although initially this will be an adapted programme.

Hagwon or Extra Lessons

Dulwich College Seoul doesn't recommend or require students to have extra lessons outside of the school day. Well rested students who engage in our programme with full parental support will make good progress. Student progress is not accelerated by external "Hagwons" and can be determinant to students' rest, sleep, concentration in school and well being, with little to no impact on standardised assessment.

Specialist Subject Teaching

In order to fully enhance the students’ learning opportunities, Dulwich College Seoul firmly believes that all children should receive specialist teaching from an early age.

Although Nursery and Reception classes are primarily taught by their class teachers, the children do have weekly specialist lessons in PE, Mandarin and music.

Specialist teachers are employed in the following areas for Year 1 to Year 6:

• Art and Design - Year 2 to Year 6

• Korean Studies - Year 1 to Year 6

• Mandarin - All

• Music - All

• Physical education (PE with swimming) - All

The specialist teachers consult with the class teachers to ensure that their subject complements the topics being taught in the home classroom.

Art and Design

Year 2 - Year 6 (one session per week)

At Dulwich College Seoul, we endeavour to inspire creativity and imagination through our Art and Design curriculum, giving students the opportunity to express their thoughts and emotions in a range of mediums. They explore visual, tactile and sensory qualities of materials and processes. We focus on developing skills and a knowledge of art and design and famous artists and designers. Year 2 to Year 6 utilise a dedicated specialist Art and Design studio and teacher who works in partnership with class teachers in a thematic cross-curricular approach. Year 1 and Year 2 have dedicated creative break out areas outside their classrooms and their art sessions are integrated into class lessons.

Student leadership opportunities: Little Picassos

Year Group

DUCKS 2

Mark Making & Sound Musical Instrument Design (Art and Music Collaboration)

Topic Overview in Art and Design 2024-25

Home (DCSL Village Project)

Prop Design (Art and Drama Collaboration) Weaving

Monet’s Water Lilies (Living Things)

Printmaking Experiments (Fruits and Veggies)

Concepts Colour, Shape, Form (3D), Sound Community, Colour, Shape Materials, Texture Famous Artists, Painting Shape, Pattern, Printing

Year 3

Korean Masks and Sculptural Pots (Chuseok Art / Community)

Concepts Art and Culture, Colour, Pattern

Year 4

Bird Migration - Swoop Flying Minpin Birds

Van Gogh’s Starry Night Recycled Paper Tube Animal

Famous Artists, Recycled Art, 2D/3D

Art Activist - The Art Of Rebellion Street Art - Graffiti Art

Concepts Texture, Colour, Shape, Form, 2D/3D Art Quiz, Game Art, Colour, 2D

Year 5

Digital Art - Photo Manipulation Contemporary Artists

Han River Painting - Jeong Seon Korean Folk Art - Munjado

Concepts Adaptation / Survival, Digital Art Art and Culture, 2D, Materials

Year 6

Mixed Media Art - Conflict Picasso / Braque

Concepts Famous Artists, 2D Paper Collage, Photo Montage

Bright Ideas - Marcel Duchamp Readymade Art

Creative Ideas and Solutions, 2D/3D, Famous Artists

Klimt’s Magical Tree Rousseau Jungle

Famous Artists, Installation Art

Stencil Printing Paper-rod Sculpture

Pattern, Colour, 2D/3D, Sustainable Art

Korean Artefacts Shadow and Metal Art

Artefacts / Connection, Experiment, 2D/3D

Architectural Possibilities Habitat Design

Perspectives, Form (3D Assemblage), Materials

(Subject to change without notice as students’ interests develop and other opportunities arise.)

Korean Studies

Year 1 - Year 6 (one session per week)

It is very important that our children appreciate the culture, history and traditions of Korea as either their host or home country. The weekly Korean Studies lesson will give all children an understanding of key points of interest, such as an appreciation of Korean history and culture, costumes, cooking, current affairs, festivals and famous people. Wherever possible, we seek to link all our learning to a Korean context so that the children are active learners with hands-on experience.

Student leadership opportunities: Mother Tongue Lunch Club

Nursery and Reception (three sessions integrated into continuous provision) Year 1 - Year 6 (three sessions per week)

The Dulwich Mandarin curriculum aims to empower students with language skills and intercultural awareness so that they are able to confidently interact with Mandarin speakers. We actively create links between Dulwich Mandarin classrooms and the community in which students live in, so students have opportunities to apply their learning in real-life contexts.

At Dulwich College Seoul, we offer Chinese as a Native Language (CNL), Mandarin as a Second Language (MSL) and Mandarin as a Foreign Language (MFL), allocation to which is based on the individual student’s prior language proficiency, so that each child joins the course best suited to their needs.

1. Chinese as a Native Language (CNL)

Students in this pathway acquired Chinese as their first language at home and/or in schools where Mandarin was the language of instruction. Their home environment is typically Chinese speaking. Within this pathway, the classroom language used by both teacher and students is Mandarin. The focus for students is to develop further their skills of analysis and evaluation using a variety of Chinese literary texts, and to develop their practical and creative writing skills. Students in this pathway are strongly encouraged to read sufficient Chinese books, magazines and newspapers to reinforce their ability to understand different literary forms.

2. Mandarin as

a

Second Language (MSL)

This pathway is for heritage students who have been living out of China (or other areas where Chinese is used as an official language) or non-heritage students who have been living in China for a long time and have a good grasp of spoken Mandarin. These students are able to carry out communication tasks that are age-appropriate, but may not be fully functional in their literacy skills. The focus then is to develop their reading and writing skills and confidence, so that they are able to understand and analyse increasingly complex written and spoken materials and assess subtleties of the language in a wide range of forms and styles.

3. Mandarin as a Foreign Language (MFL)

This pathway is for non-native/non-heritage students.

Children in Nursery and Reception are encouraged to develop their speaking confidence and spoken English before learning another language at school, but, as a gradual introduction to Mandarin, they receive Mandarin lessons every week with the Mandarin teachers.

Students in Year 1 and Year 2 are encouraged to develop their speaking and listening skills. Students will develop their enjoyment and skills in speaking and listening through learning Chinese songs, rhymes and stories. Students will be introduced to recognise some simple Chinese characters and phrases so that they have a solid foundation for their future study in Mandarin.

Students in Year 3 to Year 6 learn Mandarin through Dulwich College’s Wo Hui Mandarin platform which will build bridges between the Chinese and non-Chinese worlds by making the Mandarin Chinese language accessible, enjoyable and rewarding. The students will use flipped, scaffolded and snowballed strategies through the Wo Hui platform to study new words, characters and sentence patterns.

Music

Nursery and Reception (two music sessions per week)

Year 1 - Year 6 (two music sessions per week, one singing lesson per week)

Music is taught to children throughout the school by our specialist teachers. The children have two lessons per week, including singing sessions.

• Children will learn rhymes and songs from different cultures, celebrating the international nature of our community and our Korean context.

• They will be given the opportunity to play and listen to a variety of instruments, including those from the Asian region.

• The children will compose and perform their own compositions, individually, in pairs, in groups and as a class.

• Classes will also listen and comment on musical performances from a variety of eras, cultures and styles.

• Singing is also a fundamental part of the music curriculum, and the classes spend time learning new material and rehearsing for assemblies and other performances.

The music lessons encourage the children to develop confidence, teamwork and learning within a creative environment. The children will be able to showcase their musical talents throughout the year in a series of concerts, performances and assemblies.

Student leadership opportunities: Little Mozarts

Junior School Instrumental Programme

Starting in Year 3, Junior School students at Dulwich College Seoul begin learning an instrument in a group environment. Each student in Year 3 to Year 6 will have the use of a school instrument on which to learn. This is a fantastic opportunity which will enable your child to experience the joy of music making throughout his or her school career, whether it be on the recorder, string instrument or wind instrument. All groups will perform for their parents and peers throughout the year.

The students of Year 3 will learn the descant (soprano) recorder in the weekly music classes. They will be taught the rudiments of music as well as the technique of playing the recorder. In Year 4, the children will have a chance to play the violin or the cello for one year. If your child already plays one of the string instruments on offer, they will be given first priority on the other instrument which is taught in the class. Students in Year 5 and Year 6 have the wonderful opportunity to learn a wind or brass instrument of their choice. They may choose from a variety of instruments provided by the school and the class will be orientated around the Wind Band approach. Unlike string instruments, wind instruments do not usually come in smaller sizes and guidance will be given on which instruments are the most suitable for your child.

Physical Education (PE)

DUCKS (two 40-minute sessions per week, plus 40 minutes of swimming) Junior School (two 60-minute sessions per week, including swimming on rotation)

Vision: Our aim is to empower students to engage in lifelong physical activity.

Mission: Through opportunities and experiences, students will develop the skills to cooperate with others, take part in a range of physical activities and develop the knowledge needed to become physically literate.

The aim of the physical education programme is to enable students to become physically literate individuals who appreciate and understand the value of physical education and its relationship to a healthy, active lifestyle. This will be done through various learning opportunities in a wide range of different activities. Students will become aware of movement as a creative medium connected to communication, expression and aesthetic appreciation. Students will also develop the motor skills necessary to participate successfully in a variety of physical activities.

Assessment in Physical Education

Students will be assessed in physical education using the “Head, Heart, Hands” model. Physical education is the perfect vehicle through which to develop the crucial skills and attributes required for the modern world. Effective delivery of the curriculum will ensure that children develop into thinking physical beings (Head) and doing physical beings (Hands) which impact on the behavioural change (Heart) to equip them for lifelong participation.

Student Expectations

Students will be expected to come to lessons prepared with all the correct equipment to be successful. This includes approaching lessons with a positive attitude and willingness to cooperate in activities in a range of increasingly challenging situations with an open mind.

Participation in Lessons

If children are unable to take part in a Swimming or PE lesson, we require a note from parents to outline why. If a child is unable to take part in Swimming and PE lessons for more than 1 week, we require a note from a medical doctor explaining the reason and providing information regarding the estimated length of time of non-participation.

DUCKS Curriculum (Nursery to Year 2)

• Throwing/Catching

• Running/Jumping

• Bats and Rackets

• Body Movement

• Team Games

• Ball Skills

• Swimming

DUCKS Assessment Levels • ++ Well above expected

+ Above expected

Expected

Developing

Support needed

DUCKS Assessment

Students will be assessed on the following:

At Dulwich College Seoul, we promote a ‘sport for all’ ethos. Through our PE curriculum and sports programme, we encourage and expect all children to participate, develop their skills and gain enjoyment from the activities and lessons taught. The programme comprises Games, Athletics, Dance, Gymnastics and Swimming.

• Children learn how to think in different ways and make decisions in response to creative, competitive and challenging activities.

• They learn how to plan, perform and evaluate actions and ideas, and reflect on their performances to improve the quality of their work.

• Children learn about their responsibilities both as an individual and as a member of a group or team, promoting positive attitudes towards a healthy and active lifestyle.

• PE lessons use the IB Learner Profile to help students be their ‘best selves’.

All students must wear the correct kit for PE, which should be named and be taken home the same day for washing. Please refer to the Uniform Policy section of this handbook for further information.

Students in DUCKS (Nursery to Year 2) should wear their kit to school on the days they have PE. Year 3 to Year 6 students may wear their PE kit to school if their lesson is prior to morning break. They will need to bring their school uniform to school to change into after the lesson.

All students should bring a filled water bottle to lessons.

Expectations

During PE lessons:

• Students must take off their watches, earrings and other jewellery. Earring and studs that cannot be removed will be taped.

• No student may take part in lessons or activities without the correct PE kit, including hats when appropriate.

• Students must treat 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 store.

• Students may only carry equipment under the supervision of the teacher.

• No food or drink is allowed inside the Gym. Drinking water is provided.

Physical education (including swimming) is a compulsory element of the curriculum. All children are expected to participate. If your child is unable to do PE, they will require a letter or email to be sent explaining the reasons, with a doctor's note for more than two absences.

Sports Events

Each year there are Sports Days for the DUCKS and Junior School students. All children are expected to join these important events. Parents are normally invited to watch and cheer on their children. Each term, the DUCKS and Junior School children also compete in House competitions.

Sports Teams

In addition, in Junior School, we provide the opportunity for students to represent the school at interschool events and sporting fixtures against local and international schools − home, away and overseas. These are held throughout the year for our representative teams.

Swimming

Nursery - Year 6 (one session per week)

Swimming is an important part of the College's PE 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 in all swimming lessons and relevant events. The lessons will be taught across the three terms.

Students should bring their own towel, swim cap, goggles and one-piece swimming 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 or email to be sent from their parents explaining the reasons. Students who have Plantar’s Warts/Verrucas must have them completely covered before walking around the pool area.

For class lessons, we use the "Swim Englands" swimming programme and awards. Students work towards a series of comprehensive swimming standards to achieve awards which are given out at assemblies.

The school has a competitive swim squad and a development squad, as well as opportunities to swim after school, as part of the extra-curricular programme. All squad swimmers are expected to compete for the College as requested by staff.

Swim Squads and Swimming Lessons

Swimming is an integral part of our sports programme and we offer a number of opportunities for swimmers of all levels, over and above what is offered through the PE curriculum. All children interested in becoming a part of the school swim squad must attend an initial trial.

We are fortunate to have a very talented team of swimming teachers and instructors, led by ex-Chinese National team swimmer and experienced swim teacher, Jun Huang ( jun.huang@dulwich-seoul.kr). For further details, please contact her directly.

Private swim lessons are led by independent swim coaches in the pool from 4.30pm.

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 for students from Year 1 to Year 6 who need extra support in English. Assessment takes place during the application and admission process. Students requiring extra EAL support are withdrawn from Mandarin lessons and are taught by specialist EAL teachers in small groups. Students may also receive EAL support within other lessons. The EAL team works closely with other teachers to aid and support learning across the curriculum.

The aims of EAL 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

Students are regularly assessed to judge whether they can work without EAL support at their year level. EAL tuition is reduced or discontinued when these levels are reached. Students will continue to be monitored closely by class teachers to ensure that their level of achievement is maintained. Students exiting EAL join Mandarin lessons.

The Use of English

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, unless to support a point of learning or if communication with an upset child will be hampered.

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. In these instances, we ask parents to have their child assessed by a specialist and we have access to the report to help us plan provision, where possible. 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.

Competitive Opportunities and Leadership

Sport

We provide opportunities for students to represent the school at inter-school events against local and international schools − home, away and overseas when possible.

These often include:

FOBISIA Swimming Year 5 & Year 6

FOBISIA Primary Games: Phuket (Swimming, Athletics, T Ball and Football) Year 5 & Year 6

Suzhou Football U11 Teams

House competitions and local international schools' friendly matches and tournaments are played throughout the year.

Dulwich Games Year 5 & Year 6 (online or in person)

There is also a full competitive swim schedule.

Local Competitive Swim Meets

Year 3 - Year 6

Academic

We provide opportunities for children interested in participating in local and international competitions when possible.

These normally include:

FOBISIA Creative Writing Year 3 - Year 6

FOBISIA Language Perfect Year 5 & Year 6

FOBISIA Maths Year 5 & Year 6

FOBISIA Poetry Competition Year 3 - Year 6

UK Maths Challenge Year 5 & Year 6

Other Opportunities

Battle of the Books Year 4 - Year 6

Dulwich Eco-Sustainability Camp Year 3

Primary Model United Nations (MUN) Year 5 & Year 6

Performance Leadership

We are proud of our students’ development in the performing arts and provide a number of opportunities to participate in during the year.

These normally include:

Art Competitions

Year 1 - Year 6

Autumn Festival & Spring Festival

Year 1, Year 3 and Year 5

Class Assemblies

Year 1, Year 3 and Year 5

Public Speaking

Year 3 - Year 6

Poetry Recital

Year 3 - Year 6

MADD Festival: Music, Art, Dance and Drama

Year 5 & Year 6

Music Recitals and Concerts: Choir and Instrumental

Year 1 - Year 6

Year Group Productions

DUCKS 1, Year 2, Year 4 and Year 6

Leadership Opportunities in the Primary School:

Primary Student Council

Year 1 - Year 6 (elected by peers)

House Captains

Year 6 Students only

Leadership ECAs

Primary Charity Leaders

Primary Eco Sustainability

Primary Junior Librarians

Primary Little Mozarts

Primary Little Picasso

Primary Playground Prefects

Primary Transition Troops

Specialist Resources and Facilities

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Primary School Tech Hub (2nd Floor)

All Primary School classrooms have an interactive white board or smart/interactive TV. Classes will use the laptop trolleys to ensure that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is used to support all subjects across the curriculum. Computers are also available for research in the Library and Art Studio, and desktops are placed in the DUCKS classrooms.

Year 5 and Year 6

We run a 1-to-1 iPad/tablet programme for Year 5 and Year 6 students. All students are expected to bring an Apple iPad or approved Android tablet to school every day fully charged. This device will be a learning device (not social device) for the sole use of that child. Parents are provided with guidance on the purchase, care and set up of these devices for our upper Junior School students. Only school approved software and apps are permitted on these devices. Year 5 and Year 6 are taught about internet safety and online etiquette, and sign a user agreement at the start of the year. Parent workshops are organised each term for interested parents.

DUCKS to Year 4

Banks of iPads and laptops are available for DUCKS to Year 4 classes. Staff book these from the ICT Department. DUCKS classes also have desktops in learning areas for children to practise basic mouse and keyboard skills while using approved games.

When using any ICT resources, students must follow the ICT Code of Conduct:

1. Students should treat the computers, cameras, equipment and iPads with due care and seek to maintain them in the best condition possible.

2. 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.

3. All use of electronic communication should be in line with the College’s Code of Conduct.

4. Students cannot install software without prior consultation with the IT Manager.

5. Students should not disclose their passwords to others.

Students and their families should be aware that the Dulwich College Seoul 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 College. All students will be asked to sign and adhere to the IT Acceptable Use Policy.

Primary School Library / Inquiry Hub (1st Floor)

The Primary School Library is open during school hours to students, and to parents on Monday to Friday from 8am to 8.30am and on Tuesdays from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. It is situated on the 1st floor of the College. The Primary School Librarian, Jason Burrows, or the Library Assistant, Cindy Neo, advise and help students, parents and teachers and supervise the Library areas. The Librarian and his Assistant works with students across the age-range and teaches library and research skills from Year 3. Library staff also run the Primary School Library’s student leadership group, the ‘Junior Librarians’ which is open to any Junior School students interested in books and reading.

Classes come to the Library weekly and the regular borrowing of books is strongly encouraged. Students are welcome to change books more often than their weekly visit.

Borrowing Privileges

• Children in DUCKS may borrow 2 books at a time for up to one week (1 fiction title and 1 non-fiction is ideal).

• Junior School students may borrow 2 books at a time for up to two weeks (2 fiction and 1 nonfiction or vice versa)

• Mature Year 6 readers are also able to access material from the Key Stage 3 section of the Senior School Library with parental permission.

• Parents may borrow 2 books at a time for up to two weeks.

• Books may be renewed once, unless another student has booked it.

• Returning book out of Library hours: please do so via the returns box by the entrance to school.

Parents are welcome to use the Library with their children after school hours, apart from when there are Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) in the Library. Parents are fully responsible for their children during these times and students may not be left unsupervised by carers in the Library. The Library opens regularly on a Saturday. The schedule is published on the school calendar.

Overdue Books

Overdue notices from the Library will be sent twice by email directly to parents. 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.

Other areas

Kitchens (1st Floor in DUCKS 1 and Lower Atrium by Uniform Shop)

Designed for DUCKS and Junior School students. Used by all classes for cookery lessons linked to IC topics and ECAs.

MPR (1st Floor)

Multi-Purpose Room used for Parent Workshops, as a bus collection point after school, for wet/poor air day break-time activities and ECAs.

Gym (1st Floor)

Used by all classes for PE lessons and for several ECAs and Rotation classes. End of term assemblies and special assemblies are held here using the stage.

Swimming Pool (2nd Floor)

25m competition pool for general swimming lessons and before and after school training year-round. Swimming lessons are available by appointment after school and on Saturdays. The splash pool is used by DUCKS 1 students until they become water confident and graduate to the main pool.

Rope Course (3rd Floor above Swimming Pool)

Specialist low rope course for team building and confidence building activities. Used for prep lessons before Adventure Residentials and for ECAs and Rotation classes.

Science Labs (3rd Floor)

Used by Year 5 and Year 6 students for some science classes and for special lessons for younger children.

Drama Studio (4th Floor)

Used for ECAs where drama is scheduled.

Auditorium (4th Floor)

Used for Dulwich Talks and larger parent workshops, DUCKS and Junior School assemblies, school productions, musicals, recitals and concerts, as well as ECAs. Larger events use the Gym.

Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs)

The Extra-Curricular Activity (ECA) Programme for Year 1 and above is a vital part of College life and all students are strongly encouraged to join in.

Children in Year 1 may apply to join Korean Language, Swimming and Ballet after school. As children move into Year 2, and are able to cope with and enjoy a longer school day, the range of activities on offer increases. We encourage parents to carefully consider the needs of their DUCKS child and if they are able to manage a longer day at this stage. In Junior School, a wide variety of activities are on offer throughout the week. Mondays have fewer ECAs scheduled this year as that is the afternoon when Primary School staff have their regular faculty meetings and training sessions.

In addition to our core enrichment programme, children in Year 1 apply to join Korean Language, ECA Sign-up: Communication will be sent out to parents regarding sign-up for ECAs at the beginning of the first term and at the end of the first and second terms. Places in all ECAs are limited, and we cannot guarantee your child a place in an activity on a particular day. Places are assigned randomly by computer, with priority given to those who place an activity as their 1st choice. For further details please refer to the ECA guide.

Creative Pursuits STEM Well-being Physical Adventure Leadership

• Being balanced when making selections: we strongly encourage students to pick a range of ECAs to develop existing skills as well as new ones. Students should seek to make choices in creative, sports and adventure hobbies to develop a well-balanced skill set. We do not advise that children have an ECA every day after school as students also benefit from free, unstructured time with peers and family.

• Late finishing ECAs: In order to provide quality preparation for our different music ensembles, orchestra, drama groups and school sports team, ECA sessions may finish at 5pm or 5.30pm, in which case parents will need to provide transport home for their children or make alternative arrangements.

• ECA buses: School buses are provided for those with ECAs which finish at 4.30pm, in addition to the regular buses at 3.30pm. Unfortunately, due to the low percentage of students with ECAs and training until 5pm - 5.30pm, it is not possible to offer further later buses at this time.

• Paid ECAs: While we try to provide as many complimentary ECAs ("clubs") as possible, we do also have a range of additional paid activities, such as specialist instrumental, dance, ballet, swimming and football lessons, which are available on different afternoons during the week and on weekends.

• ECA start and end dates: Please check the College calendar for sign up dates, start dates and end dates for each term.

• Primary School ECA Coordinator: Please contact the Primary School ECA Coordinator, Mark Lovett at mark.lovett@dulwich-seoul.kr or eca@dulwich-seoul.kr or jiyeong.lee@dulwich-seoul.kr for any inquiries regarding ECAs.

• Hagwon collection: We do not provide opportunities for Hagwon buses to collect students from the College.

Assessment and Reporting

‘… the term assessment refers to all those activities undertaken by the teacher, and by their students in assessing themselves, which provide information to be used as feedback to modify the teaching and learning activities in which they are engaged.’ (Black & William, 1998)

At Dulwich College Seoul, we believe in using our assessments to raise learning standards and expectations throughout the school and to enable every child to fulfil their potential.

• Assessment is firmly embedded into our practice and is both summative and formative.

• Assessment of learning (summative assessment) provides a snapshot of what has been learnt.

• Assessment for learning (formative assessment), such as marking of work and questioning, informs the next stage of learning. It also involves students in the process of self-improvement, selfassessment and peer assessment.

• Assessment procedures are ongoing and inclusive.

All of the above information is readily available to parents and can be discussed through scheduled appointments or during the Parent Teacher Consultations (PTCs).

At Dulwich College Seoul, in addition to marking children’s daily work and talking through their strengths and targets, we use the following assessments in the Primary School to inform our teaching and expectations of students:

• On entry to the College, all Junior School students take the CAT4 online assessment so we can gauge the student’s maths, reading, verbal and problem solving capabilities and place them in the correct ability groups when they start at Dulwich College Seoul.

• In Term 1, all Year 3 and Year 5 students take the CAT4 online assessment (if they haven’t already done so for entry into Year 3 and Year 5). This comprehensive assessment ensures we have a full understanding of a child’s ability and potential in order to plan provision and check expectations.

• In Term 2, all Year 2 to Year 6 students sit the PASS. This online assessment which stands for “Pupil Attitudes to Self and School” helps us spot children who are struggling with self-esteem, friendships, enjoyment of learning and being part of our community.

• Each year in May, Year 3 to Year 6 sit online progress assessments in mathematics (PTM) and English (PTE). These standardized scores are reported to parents in the Term 3 report and help staff track children’s development as they progress through the school.

• End of unit assessments for maths, Mandarin and other lessons to check children are making the best progress possible and to help us plan their next steps.

• Writing assessments: Three times per year the children’s writing (normally a short story) is formally assessed by a team of teachers and next steps for the individual and group are planned.

Reporting to Parents

Across the Primary School, reports are issued at the end of the first and third terms. The reports assess a child’s attainment against a series of key learning objectives in the different subjects and provide a general summary of the student’s personal and social development. Individual student targets are included to highlight key areas for improvement. Please discuss the reports with your child to help support their learning at home.

The results from a short standardised assessment in English (PTE) and mathematics (PTM) are also included in the Term 3 reports for Year 3 to Year 6. Children complete a self-evaluation for their final report, reflecting on their effort, enjoyment and progress using the IB Learner Profile. This provides an interesting insight into their perception of their achievement at school. A summary of each child’s attendance is included on the reports.

Parent Teacher Consultations (PTCs) are offered three times per year − September/October, March and June. These 15-minute appointments are with classroom teachers and specialist staff.

Educational Day Trips and Dulwich Adventure

Taking the students into the community to help them make links between classroom learning and the real world is an essential part of any programme. Over the course of the school year, teachers will arrange field trips to enrich the students’ education and life experience.

You will be notified of these educational trips before they take place and be asked to give permission for the trip. Students will be expected to wear school uniform on all field trips unless advised otherwise.

Adult/child ratios are an important part of the risk assessment process when going on trips, and teachers may request parent help when organising a trip to ensure these ratios are met.

We ask that parents attend a ‘one-off’ 60-minute basic safeguarding session at school if they wish to help on trips. Talk to your class teacher if you would like to assist in this way.

Field trips in and around Seoul are varied and curriculum focused. Costs are covered by school fees.

This year, they may include a visit to the following places:

• Seoul Forest for a picnic and nature study

• An ice park for sledging

• An art centre to learn about Korean culture

• The Transport Museum

• A mosque and temple

• A local mountain for hiking

Residential trips are organised for Year 2 to Year 6. Year 1 has an extended adventure day in our locality. The trips are a very important part of our curriculum and are seen as a ‘rite of passage’ by students. The cost of the residential trips is built into the school fees and each trip builds on the last, giving students a range of experiences through which to build confidence and practical outdoor skills. We anticipate that all students will attend their residential trip. Our programme feeds into the Senior School programme where children visit further afield, for example Japan, China and Borneo, when this becomes possible.

This year’s residentials:

• Year 1: One day adventure with camping skills, hiking, biking and team building

• Year 2: Sleep-over at school with swimming, ropes course and biking

• Year 3: Three-day two-night multi-activity adventure in central Korea

• Year 4: Four-day three-night multi-activity adventure in central Korea

• Year 5: Five-day four-night multi-activity adventure in central Korea

• Year 6: Five-day four-night multi-activity adventure on Jeju Island

Preparing for an Adventure Residential Trip

Year 2 and Year 3 students would benefit greatly from being able to fully master the following independently before their residential trip. We would assume all Year 4 - Year 6 students are confident with these skills already:

• Ride a bike (no stabilizers, 2 wheels)

• Sleep over without parent or sibling

• Shower and wash properly unaided

• Pack their own dufflebag or case

• Fold their own clothes

• Roll up a sleeping mat and sleeping bag

• Apply sunscreen and bug spray

• Use a knife to slice vegetables

• Make a simple sandwich

• Help cook noodles and pasta

• Make a cup of tea or hot chocolate safely

Optional trips will be offered to Junior School students this year. These will include skiing and other adventure options. More details to be circulated during the year.

Parental Support and Useful Websites

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:

• Make sure children attend school so that attendance is above 95% and as close to 100% as possible

• Ensure children are on time for school every day

• Read to your child every day

• Show an obvious, genuine interest in their child’s work

• Recognise their child’s effort and hard work, not just attainment

• Ask about their child’s school day and listen well to understand

• Build strong, positive lines of communication with their child’s teacher

• Attend parent-teacher meetings (Parent-Teacher Conferences - PTCs)

• Attend our weekly parent workshops

• Discuss homework tasks with their child and help the child feel successful

• Help the child reflect, review and learn from poor learning and behaviour choices

• Help students organise their time and find balance between work and play

• Find a quiet place in the home for children to study

• Nurture and encourage interests beyond the class curriculum and screen time

• Ensure their children have enough sleep each night (9 to 12 hours) and eat a healthy diet.

Useful websites for parents

BBC Bitesize

• https://www.bbc.com/bitesize

Lots of fun online resources for DUCKS to Year 6 students to help with maths and English learning.

Common Sense Media and Parent Zone

• https://www.commonsensemedia.org

• https://parentzone.org.uk

These sites contain a great deal of information for parents on suitable movies, video games and TV shows for children as they grow. Advice on screen time and helping children have a balanced view of the Internet is also given.

Parenting Websites

• https://raisingchildren.net.au

• https://parentingscience.com

• https://supernanny.co.uk

Safeguarding and the Pastoral System

Kindest School in the Universe: All children have the right to be safe at school and to feel that they are part of a caring community, which has their best interests at heart. Children and young people need to be given the opportunity to learn from their errors, with the help of sensitive adults, so that they become more self-aware, responsible and principled people.

Students Come First: The behaviour policy and systems we have in place ensure our students understand what is expected of them and why. The systems promote good choices and help create a learning environment and relationships where all children feel secure and confident enough to perform to the best of their ability and take risks in their learning.

Building Bridges to the World: Dulwich College Seoul is committed to diversity in its student body and staff. Dulwich College Seoul does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, colour, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, nationality or ethnic origin in the admission process and future care of our students, nor in the recruitment, employment, promotion and retirement of its staff.

Our Aims

• To ensure that the Primary School at Dulwich College Seoul is a happy, safe and purposeful environment, where all children feel secure and have respect for themselves and for others

• To reinforce good student choices and discourage poor choices which negatively impact the student, others and/or the school or wider environment

• Use the IB Learner Profile (IBLP) as a positive focus for student learning and development across all areas of school life

• To involve parents in supporting their child’s choices through being positive role models and helping students learn from their poor choices.

Community Responsibility

We believe that supporting our children’s learning so that they become responsible, principled and caring young people is a community-wide responsibility with staff, parents and children working together to ensure that Dulwich College Seoul is a happy, safe and productive place for all.

Teachers and the Primary Leadership Team (PLT) should:

• Establish and maintain a cohesive, supportive classroom, year group and school community

• Encourage and manage appropriate behaviour choices in line with the IBLP, positively and respectfully, using appropriate language

• Recognise and celebrate children’s attempts and successes in following the IBLP

• Be exemplary role models for positive behaviours and lifelong learning

• Apply appropriate sanctions carefully and in line with Dulwich College Seoul policy

• Communicate frequently and sensitively with parents to help them support their children appropriately.

Parents should:

• Be informed of their child’s behaviour through clear and sensitive communication with the class teacher, Year Leader or a member of the Primary Leadership Team

• Be made aware of our policies and practice in order to have a clear understanding of our expectations for children’s behaviour and decision-making, and the procedures that we use to manage and support it in school

• Support the College and their child with the decisions we make regarding children’s behaviour

• Inform school of circumstances which may affect their child’s behaviour and/or well-being

• Refrain from contacting other parents or other people’s children regarding a student’s behaviour. This includes social media messages, phone calls or face to face conversations. Such contact can offend and upset other families as the College manages all disagreements and incidents privately with families. Parents who are contacted by other families in this way, should inform the Head of Primary School immediately. (Refer to the Community Shared Values on page 21).

Children should:

• Strive to follow the 10 dispositions within the IBLP and any activity specific Codes of Conducts at Dulwich College Seoul

• Try to learn from their mistakes to become more principled, caring and reflective

• Support other children’s learning in following the IBLP

• Report situations in which they feel they have or another person has been poorly treated, or where the environment or campus has been harmed (upstanders).

IB Learner Profile (IBLP)

We use the IB Learner Profile throughout the College in both Primary School and Senior School. This consistent approach to instilling these core values throughout school life at Dulwich College Seoul will help develop well-rounded and engaged global citizens.

The IB Learner Profile represents ten attributes valued by school communities around the world. We believe these attributes can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.

Students at Dulwich College Seoul strive to be:

• Inquirers

• Knowledgeable

• Thinkers

• Communicators

• Principled

• Open-minded

• Caring

• Risk-takers

• Balanced

• Reflective

The IBLP will be developed through PSHE lessons; assemblies and House events; class lessons and IC topics which may take a disposition as a theme; and when students are using SeeSaw to reflect and communicate on their learning. For more on how the Learner Profile works at Dulwich College Seoul please see our ‘Primary Behaviour Management Policy’.

Specific Behaviour Expectations for the Community

While not necessarily displayed as rules, we have the expectation that all community members will:

• Have a smart appearance

• Walk around the school building

• Use English as the language of communication, friendship and community building

• Use the right side of stairwells and corridors

• Hold doors open for others

• Greet all others politely

• Use a quiet voice indoors

• Wait your turn in queues and conversations

• Tidy up after yourself

• Care for our school environment

• Use resources, such as water, food and paper sensibly

• Use please and thank you often

• Never hurt another person with words or actions.

At Dulwich College Seoul, we find the following behaviour unacceptable on campus, online, on trips, at any point when a child is representing the school or has targeted another Dulwich College Seoul community member:

• Bullying, including cyber-bullying - persistent, repeated unkindness in any form which targets an individual or group

• Intentionally or persistently excluding others by using languages other than English

• Lying or another dishonest acts

• Physical abuse including hitting, spitting, biting, pinching, throwing or pushing

• Verbal abuse including rudeness, swearing, name calling or sexual harassment in any language

• Disrespectful behaviour including inappropriate touching, taking disrespectful images/audio or moving others’ belongings

• Accessing and/or sharing inappropriate material including violent or sexual images or words

• Vandalism or theft of school or others’ property

• Hurting an animal or other living organism

• Consumption or sharing of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or an indecent images of any sort

• Encouraging other students to participate in any of the above activities.

In these instances, a student may be removed from the class, isolated and in some cases, parents called to take the child home. In extreme cases, the College may exclude or expel the child.

Dulwich College Seoul values above all else the physical, emotional and moral well-being of our students. Any form of bullying, whether verbal, emotional, by text or image, 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 in our policies. Further details can be obtained from our Anti-Bullying Policy.

Students’ Cell Phones and Smart Watches:

Students are asked not to bring cell phones and smart watches onto campus. They can be distracted from learning and cause friendship issues.

Cell phones and smart watches on Primary School overnight trips are strictly prohibited (including FOBISIA events, EiM MADD Festival, year group residentials and any other overnight stay). This is due to the child protection risk that is associated with children having unsupervised access to the internet and being able to see a photo or video in a hotel room or tent where other children may be dressing or sleeping.

When discovered, the phone or device will be removed from the child’s possession by our staff, and all recordings will be checked by PLT. Parents will be contacted to collect the phone from the Head of Primary School. Disciplinary actions will be followed as per the Primary School Behaviour Management Policy. The student’s participation in future overnight trips will not be guaranteed.

Many thanks to all families for their support of our students’ health and wellbeing.

Reconciliation and Restorative Justice

We see relationships as central to a happy and healthy school community. We aim to use a simplified restorative approach with children after disagreements and/or with those who make poor choices towards others which result in more significant emotional impact or any physical injury at all. Individual parents are informed of more serious or repeated issues as needed. Parents are not required to contact each other regarding issues involving their children or others’ children. Parents who make unwanted or inappropriate contact with other families regarding issues at school will be contacted by the Head of Primary School to ask that they cease doing so and allow the College to manage the situation.

We:

• Talk through the issue with the child so that decision-making can be identified and analysed

• Help the child understand their own and others’ motivations and feelings

• Help the child see the impact of their decisions and actions

• Provide a Refection Sheet which is completed by the child to capture his/her thoughts and staff comments. This is shared with parents who comment, sign and return the form to school

• Provide an opportunity for students to hear how each felt

• Encourage students to apologise and forgive others

• The incident of poor decision-making is set aside and a fresh start made by the child, with staff and parental support.

As part of students’ education at Dulwich College Seoul, we focus on the following to help all children grow and develop:

• JIGSAW: Our new PSHE Programme used for all Primary School students.

• Assemblies: Learning how to be a healthy, helpful citizen and community member; learning about the IB Learner Profile through stories, others’ experiences and current events; and sharing our own ideas and reflections to help others grow.

• PANTS lessons: To help children respect themselves and others, understand about ‘safe touch’ and know what to do if they feel uncomfortable with another person’s attention or touching. Please view the following website for further information (https://www.nspcc.org.uk ).

We will be teaching our pupils the NSPCC's Underwear Rule, using the 'PANTS' acrostic, which is like a green cross code for staying safe from sexual abuse. PANTS stand for: Privates are private, Always remember your body belongs to you, No means no, Talk about secrets that upset you, Speak up, someone can help.

The lessons will introduce a range of ideas, all delivered in a way that is fully age appropriate.

These include:

- "appropriate" and "inappropriate" touching

- your child's right to say no to things that can make them feel upset or uncomfortable

- naming parts of the body

- who your child can turn to if they ever feel upset or worried.

• PSHE lessons: Developing a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world; healthy friendships and healthy habits; and how to contribute to making the world a better place for all.

• House events: Teamwork, collaboration and learning how to win and lose in a balanced way.

• CircleTime: Discussing and exploring difficult issues and concepts to help students become more reflective and critical in their thinking and better communicators.

• Leadership opportunities: Learning how to work with others, sometimes leading and sometimes letting others take the lead, to achieve common goals.

• Zones of Regulation framework: We aim to provide individuals with tools and strategies to recognise and manage their emotions and alertness levels effectively. By identifying the zone they are in and using appropriate strategies, individuals can learn to self-regulate and make choices that help them stay or move to the Green Zone, where optimal learning and social interactions occur.

Safeguarding at Dulwich College Seoul

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. We take our duty of care very seriously; our safeguarding measures are comprehensive and include the following:

• Strict recruitment procedures for all staff including detailed background checks

• Child protection policies which detail regular staff training and clear procedures for all aspects of policy

• Regular parent and student education on PANTS (NSPCC UK initiative related to child protection), general safeguarding for families, and child development and well-being

• Strong ties with local government and support agencies linked to child welfare

• Internal DCI and external audits of policy and procedure

• Provision of safe and healthy facilities with regular health and safety ‘walkabouts’, with prompt remedial actions taken as needed.

Our Safeguarding Framework outlines the procedures that the school uses to safeguard our students from any psychological or physical abuse and/or 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.

The Pastoral Team in the Primary School

Your child’s class teacher is the students’ and parents’ first port of call for any worries or questions about pastoral care.

• Maggie Goddard, Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral): Leads the Primary pastoral programme and works with and supports children who have had more serious, repeated behaviour or conduct issues. Runs the assembly programme including PANTS.

• Joseph Dekens, Lead Counsellor & Genevieve Kung, Socio-Emotional Counsellor: Support children with the development of life skills such as making and maintaining healthy friendships, coping with change or stress and anger management. May see students once or for a short number of sessions. Available to parents who would like to talk through specific parenting issues.

• David Gormley, College Head of Student Support Services and Designated Safeguarding Lead (Child Protection Officer - CPO): Supports and advises the Pastoral Team and families with more serious issues. Community link with local agencies. Advises parents who have worries about their child’s academic barrier or long-term development.

The College has a Safeguarding Committee, 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.

Maggie Goddard | Primary School Deputy CPO Room 305A maggie.goddard@dulwich-seoul.kr

Joseph Dekens | Lead Counsellor Room 508 joseph.dekens@dulwich-seoul.kr

Genevieve Kung | Socio-Emotional Counsellor Room 508 genevieve.kung@dulwich-seoul.kr

David Gormley | Child Protection Officer (CPO) Room 412 david.gormley@dulwich-seoul.kr

Any parents who have a child protection concern are asked to contact David Gormley directly, in complete confidence. In his absence, the Deputy CPO, Maggie Goddard (maggie.goddard@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 that the College expects all staff, parents and visitors to report any safeguarding concerns that they may have and how to do so.

The House System

Students are allocated to one of four Houses and, once allocated, will stay in that House throughout their time at the school. Siblings are placed in the same House. Each House has a nominated staff House leader. The Primary School has eight House Captains (HCs) from Year 6. All Year 6 students are invited to put themselves forward for election as a House Captain at the start of Term 1. House elections take place early in Term 1. House Captains when elected by their House are in post for one academic year.

The Houses are an integral part of College life and:

• Are a focus for gentle, good humoured school competition

• Allow classroom rewards and recognition in all areas of the curriculum and school life

• Reinforce the IB Learner Profile through their decisions and conduct

• 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 efforts with a system of House Points. The House Captains will collect the House Points (HPs) each week in Year 1 to Year 6, which are counted towards the end-of-year House Cup. Points are also awarded for our regular House competitions which include sports, tug of war, academic competitions and others. The House with the most points at the end of the year wins the House Cup.

Recognition of students’ efforts each term:

• 25 HPs - Bronze HP certificate is awarded to the individual student in class

• 50 HPs - Silver HP certificate is awarded to the individual student in class

• 100 HPs - Gold HP certificate is awarded in assembly

• 200 HPs - Platinum HP certificate is awarded in assembly

All members of the teaching staff, with the exception of the Heads of School, are allocated to a House.

The four Houses 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

Head of House: Daniel Wild

IB Learner Profile link: Communicator

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

Head of House: Joseph Dekens

IB Learner Profile link: Risk-taker

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

Head of House: Chris Morgan

IB Learner Profile link: Caring

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

Head of House: Jason Burrows

IB Learner Profile link: Knowledgeable

Student Council and Other Student Groups

The Primary School has a Student Council (SC) which is open to all Year 1 to Year 6 students. One Student Council Rep per class is elected by each class via a secret ballot. The Student Council Rep is in post for a period of one term. The Student Council meets weekly to discuss ways of improving our school for all students. Suggestion Boxes are placed in each classroom and the Student Council Reps are responsible for discretely using these and other methods to gather class members’ requests and questions and representing these impartially at Student Council meetings.

Past successes have included adding more playground games, tweaking the lunch menu, introducing class pets and organising social events for students including the very popular Halloween Disco and movie nights.

Voluntary Leadership Opportunities

The following student leadership groups run on a voluntary basis. Students who are interested should see the staff member leading the group. Most of the following organisations meet as part of an ECA to which all members are expected to attend for the whole school year.

• Charity Committee: Year 3 to Year 6 students who wish to help raise money and collect resources for worthy causes in Korea and beyond.

• Eco-Warriors: Year 1 to Year 6 students who want to do more to help our school become greener and less of a threat to the planet.

• Junior Librarians: Year 4 to Year 6 students who love books and reading. These students assist with shelving, ordering and displaying new titles in the Primary Library, and encourage the reading habits of others.

• Little Mozarts: Year 5 and Year 6 students who are very musical and interested in developing further musically. These students assist with College music events, often acting as the MCs and helping with important logistics for special events, as well as playing music in events.

• Little Picassos: Year 3 to Year 6 students with a keen interest in art and who wish to help beautify our school and contribute to events by creating posters and programmes.

• Transition Troops: Year 3 to Year 6 students who welcome new children into Dulwich College Seoul and help other transition out of our school.

Uniform Policy

Sharp as a Tack

Looking smart is important at Dulwich College Seoul. We encourage all children to take a pride in their appearance and have high expectations and standards for their personal presentation.

All students at Dulwich College Seoul are required to wear our school uniform. There is a different uniform for the warm spring and summer months, and for our cold autumn and winter weather; all students are expected to adhere to the seasonal requirements.

The Best Dressed uniform (blazer) is worn in the Junior School every Friday.

You can help by ensuring that your children have the correct school uniform from the College Shop and checking that fashion items do not creep in, particularly undergarments in the winter such as t-shirts and leggings which can be seen over the school uniform. If in doubt, please ask your child’s teacher.

FoD had regular used uniform sales which are good value.

DUCKS – Black sneakers

Junior School – Black sneakers or black school shoes

For reasons of health and safety, children are expected to wear appropriate shoes for school. This means no colourful trainers, heels, sling backs or wedged shoes. Again, please ask if you require clarification. Shoes or sneakers must be fully black with no coloured soles, laces, strips, tongue, etc. No lights, sparkles or flashes are permitted at all.

Footwear for School

Year Group Footwear from August 2022 Notes

Junior School Black sneakers with Velcro fastenings or laces OR Polishable black school shoes

DUCKS Black sneakers with Velcro fastenings Daily uniform shoes and sneakers must be entirely black with no coloured bands, sparkles, coloured soles or motifs. Flashing lights in footwear are not permitted. Junior School students who choose shoes with laces need to know how to tie their laces securely.

All Primary School Students PE sneakers of any brand or colour OR

Students may wear their black daily uniform sneakers for PE lessons.

Daily Uniform Footwear - Examples

1. Sneakers for DUCKS and Junior School

PE sneakers must be sports shoes that give proper support to the foot. Vans, Keds and other fashion shoes are not appropriate. Sneakers with flashing lights are not permitted at Dulwich College Seoul.

Suitable black sneakers for DUCKS and Juniors Daily Uniform - Completely black

Unsuitable sneakers for DUCKS and Juniors Daily Uniform - Boots, coloured details and not completely black

2. Black School Shoes for Junior School (may be worn instead of black sneakers)

Suitable black school shoes for Junior School Daily Uniform - Completely black

Unsuitable school shoes for Junior School Daily Uniform (Year 3 to Year 6)

- Boots, coloured details/lights and not completely black

PE and ECAs Sneakers:

Suitable sneakers for PE/ECAs from August 2022 (DUCKS and Junior School) as they are made for sports and so provide the needed support for active children’s feet

Unsuitable sneakers for PE/ECAs - As they have flashing lights/sounds, high tops/boots and/or are fashion shoes which provide little/no support for the foot

General Appearance

• Clothing must be clean, presentable and correctly sized and fitted on the child.

• Shirts and blouses must be tucked into shorts, trousers or skirts/skorts.

• Sun hats should be worn outside according to seasonal requirements, with the exception of sports activities when this is not practical. No hat, no play.

• Students may wear sports shoes or winter boots to come to school or at breaks but must change back into school shoes on arrival at their classroom.

• Hair must be clean, neat and presentable. Long hair which touches the shoulder or below is to be tied back when in school. Hairstyles and haircuts must not attract attention or comment. Hair colour should be natural looking, and accessories should be navy.

• Students may not wear jewellery, and this includes friendship bracelets or charity bands. Exceptions are simple, inexpensive watches, small necklaces of a religious significance to the wearer which are worn under clothing, and simple stud earrings (one per ear lobe). Stud earrings should not be worn on PE days. If they cannot be removed, they will need to be covered with tape. No other piercings are permitted. Expensive watches and fitness bands are strongly discouraged. Apple watches or similar devices are not permitted in the Primary School.

• Students must not wear any make-up, which includes nail polish, or hair beads and glitter strands. The only exceptions are for a show, performance or special Mufti Day.

• Coat hooks are provided beside classrooms for the storage of winter coats and mats are provided for boots during class time.

PE Classes

• Long hair must be tied back for PE and Sport lessons.

• Watches for all PE lessons unless the teacher give permission to wear.

• Dangling earrings are not allowed. Stud earrings must be removed or tapped during PE lessons.

• It is strongly recommended that all PE kits are named.

• Water bottles are considered part of the PE kit and should be brought to all lessons.

Dulwich College Seoul Primary School Uniform

DUCKS (Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) Daily Uniform

Summer Winter

Short-sleeved light blue polo shirt

Navy shorts

Navy socks

Black sneakers

Navy sweater or cardigan with crest

Sun hat

Junior School (Year 3 to Year 6) Daily Uniform

Long-sleeved light blue polo shirt

Navy trousers

Navy socks

Black sneakers

Navy sweater or cardigan with crest

Summer Winter/Best Dress Uniform

Navy blazer (at least every Friday)

Tartan skort or navy shorts (on/above the knee)

Short-sleeved white blouse or shirt

Red tie, neatly knotted

Navy socks

Black sneakers or shoes

Navy sweater or cardigan with crest

Navy hair accessories

Sun hat

Navy blazer (at least every Friday)

Tartan skort or navy trousers

Long-sleeved white blouse or shirt

Red tie, neatly knotted

Navy tights/navy knee-length socks

Black sneakers or shoes

Navy sweater or cardigan with crest

Navy hair accessories

Polo shirts, blouses and shirts are essentially long-sleeved in the winter and short-sleeved in the summer. However, they may be interchanged as the weather dictates.

You may wish to purchase some items such as shoes, thermal tights, socks, black belts, thermal underwear and hair coloured hair accessories in your home country.

The PE uniform consists of a tracksuit (top and bottom), PE shirt and shorts.

A Dulwich College Seoul hat/cap is also available for purchase, and they are available in different styles.

Please note that it does not have to be purchased from Dulwich College Seoul. These are examples that are sold at the College and the equivalent is expected if purchased outside of the College.

PE Uniform

Summer

Winter

Athletic Shoes (any colour permitted) Water Bottle (with student’s name on it)

Hat for Outdoor PE

The House PE kit consists of a t-shirt and shorts in their House colours. The House PE kit is not compulsory in the Nursery and Reception.

The House PE kit is to be worn on scheduled House events and Sports Days throughout the year. It is also an excellent supplement to the PE uniform as each class has two PE lessons a week.

Non-Uniform Days: Mufti Days

From time to time, we have optional Non-Uniform Days, usually 1 - 2 times per term. The dates are published in the calendar and in the weekly College Newsletter. On these Fridays, students are allowed to wear their own home clothes or another fun outfit within an agreed theme, such as a book character. We encourage a small donation to charity; we recommend approximately KRW 1,000 - KRW 3,000.

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 class. All clothing, including hats, footwear, sports gear, swimming kits, kit bags and school bags should be clearly named.

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 children we operate a ‘No Hat, No Play’ policy, according to seasonal requirements. We ask that students wear caps or sun hats and either bring sunscreen to be applied at school or apply it at home before coming to school during hot weather. Students not wearing a hat in the summer will need to play in the shaded areas of the playgrounds.

House PE Kit

Alleyn Seacole Shackleton Sejong

College Procedures and Policies

Attendance

The school year is 181 days long. The teaching days are full and intensive. We have noted that students with attendance below 90% do not make the same good progress as students with attendance between 95-100%. 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 child be unable to attend classes due to illness, 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.

Obviously if your child is ill, you must keep him/ her at home. A child with a temperature, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and/or an unexplained rash must 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 are sent home early from school due to an above illnesses should not return the next day. Students with COVID-19 symptoms should be tested.

If there is another special reason why your child needs to be absent from school, please submit your request in writing, with as much notice as possible, to the Head of School via the class teacher. 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 child’s interest to cut short the term. We ask that all non-essential travel and vacations happen in school holidays and so do not impact children’s days at school.

Unexplained absence is followed up with parents by phone. Please note that the College is obliged to report second day unexplained absence to local authorities if parents cannot be contacted.

The College will contact parents whose children’s attendance is close to or below 90% for any given period. Final school reports each June note a child’s rate of attendance across the school year.

Birthdays at Dulwich College Seoul

Children’s birthdays are celebrated in class with an established year group ritual or tradition. Birthday or leavers' cakes, cupcakes or party bags are not permitted to be sent in by families.

DUCKS parents who wish to bake a cake for students who have a birthday in a particular month, should contact the Year Leader to make arrangements to book the DUCKS Kitchen and organise students to assist in baking and decorating the cake to share with the class.

Please be discrete if handing out birthday invitations at school, unless all in the class are invited.

Students with a birthday on a school day may ring the lunch bell if they would like to.

At the end of each month, children who have just celebrated their birthday have the opportunity to go down the Dulwich Drop.

Dogs on Campus

Pet dogs or any other pet from home are not permitted on campus, unless requested by a teacher for a special day, such as Pet Day in Year 1.

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 social media, and parents will be notified by text and email. Parents are asked to ensure the College is given new or updated contact details for parents and carers as they occur.

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. Expensive watches, jewellery, mobile phones, musical instruments, fitness trackers and the likes are not to be brought to school by Primary School students. Year 5 and Year 6 are expected to look after their tablet and store it safely when not in use.

Lost Property

All unclaimed, lost items are kept in the Lost Property baskets just outside the main lobby. Named items are returned to students once every week or so. Unclaimed lost property is only kept for one term. 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 the FoD second-hand uniform sale. Items not suitable for sale will be destroyed. Parents are advised to check the Lost Property regularly for their children’s belongings.

Nut Allergies

Dulwich College Seoul is a nut-free campus. Parents must take this into account when sending in any food for snacks and lunches as there are children at Dulwich College Seoul who have potentially fatal reactions to nuts. The nut ban includes peanuts, nut oils, nut milks, powdered and sliced nuts, walnuts, peanut butter, chocolate nut spreads, trail mixes, pecans and all other nut products. Parents should be particularly careful with cereal bar and breakfast bars many of which contain nut pieces or nut oil.

Punctuality

Be principled: Being on time is an important life skill and is a common courtesy towards others.

Arriving late at school is unsettling for all children who may feel at a disadvantage after missing registration and the start of a lesson. Please ensure that your child arrives in plenty of time for the beginning of the school day.

Registration Time

• 8.15am - for all Primary School students

Children arriving after this time will be marked as late. If your child arrives late they will be given a ‘late pass’ by a member of our Support 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.

The parents of students who have a habit of being late will be contacted by the school with an urgent request to remedy that situation. Many thanks for your understanding.

School Pets

We have a small number of adopted school pets which students care for. Families who wish to borrow a pet for the weekend or holidays, should contact the Primary School office.

Smoking

Dulwich College Seoul is a non-smoking school; smoking, vaping or chewing tobacco is not permitted in any area of the campus, inside or outside.

Items to Bring to School

All students need to bring the following every day:

• School bag or backpack

• Home Learning Journal (provided by Dulwich College Seoul)

• Red Reading Bag (provided by Dulwich College Seoul) - DUCKS to Year 5

• Water bottle (for water only; no tea, milk or juice is permitted)

• Sun hat in spring, summer, and early autumn

Students in Year 2 and above require a pencil case with the following items:

• Standard writing and coloured drawing pencils

• Pens (for our Junior School students once granted a pen license for neat, joined cursive penmanship)

• Pencil sharpener

• Eraser

• Glue stick

• Ruler (30cm)

Children in DUCKS 1 are provided with all school materials.

Money

Students should avoid bringing unnecessary valuable items to school. Money should only be sent with students if requested by a teacher. In this instance it should be sent in a clearly labelled envelope. It is not advised to send large amounts of money to school via the students.

Toys and Games

Students should not bring any toys or games to school without approval from a teacher. Students are not allowed to use mobile phones or other devices in the school. A bilingual electronic dictionary is permitted, although teachers will encourage these to be used sparingly.

Individual Music Lessons

We have a team of visiting instrumental music teachers who offer one-to-one tuition on a wide range of wind, brass, string and percussion instruments as well as voice.

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 long and 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 practise at home as daily practice is essential

for good progress. They must also bring their own instruments to lessons, excluding piano and drums which we will provide.

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 afterwards, up to a maximum of 4 per term.

All private music lesson students are signed up for a programme called "Practice Pal", which teachers can update with lesson notes and recordings. Students and teachers also use this programme to schedule each lesson.

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.

Meal Services

Our school lunches and snack service offer families a convenient way to ensure their child a good hot lunch each day and a nutritious morning snack (and afternoon snack for Nursery and Reception). Approximately around 90% of Primary School students have a school lunch.

Our kitchen staff prepare snacks and lunches on site so all meals are piping hot and fresh for our students and staff to enjoy. The menu includes quality local and regional dishes to offer students both a taste of local home cooking and global dishes each day.

A double salad/fruit bar ensures students have fruit and at least three salad vegetables to choose from, in addition to those on the hot servers.

Parents may choose to provide a mid-morning snack and/or a hot school lunch for their children if they wish. A form will be sent before the beginning of each term to all parents regarding this provision available at school. Parents wishing to apply for snacks/lunches for their children should submit the form and remit the amount due to the catering company before the start of term.

In DUCKS and Junior School, the teaching staff will be provided with a list of children who are eligible for school lunches and snacks.

Dulwich College Seoul Meals Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcsl.meals

Eating Independently

All DUCKS children are expected to fully feed themselves with a fork/spoon at snack/lunch. Dulwich College Seoul staff do not feed children but encourage good meals to be eaten independently by our students.

Mid-Morning Snacks

Our healthy snacks are provided to the children at or around morning break. In the Nursery and Reception classes, the children are free to take their snack as they wish from 9.30am to 11am. In all other classes, snack will be provided between 9.15am and 9.40am.

Afternoon Snacks

Quadra offers an afternoon snack for Nursery and Reception. Students may also bring and eat their own quick snack at 2.30pm.

Year 1 to Year 6 may bring a quick snack to consume before the 3.30pm buses or ECAs.

The College caterers, Quadra, provide healthy, nutritious food to the children with a daily choice of an local or global style menu which take into account the diverse range of religious and ethnic backgrounds of our students.

• Vegetarian or Halal options are available at each meal.

• A Nut-Free Policy is followed in all our catering provision.

• Dishes containing seafood, pork and sesame seeds are clearly marked on the server, as are any fish dishes that could, in an unlikely event, contain fish bones.

• It is very important that parents inform us if their child suffers from any allergies and let us know of any special dietary requirements as well in advance.

• The school will try its best to meet the children’s needs but will inform parents if we are unable to meet these requests.

DUCKS have lunch in the main Dining Hall during the first sitting which starts at 11.40am. They sit together by Year group with their class teachers and develop independence by choosing their own food. Children are welcome to return for seconds if they wish and are encouraged to eat well by staff.

Year 3 to Year 6 also eat in the main Dining Hall in their Year group again with their teachers and TAs. They start lunch at the second sitting from 12.10pm onwards. The older students also choose their own food and are welcome to return for seconds.

Menu

Menu is sent out at the beginning of each month. The menu works on a three-week rotational basis. A TV screen outside of the Dining Hall also shows the children what is available each day. Parents may also view the menu daily on Instagram (@dcsl.meals). Fresh drinking water and two salad/fruit bars are always available.

Extra Time to Enjoy Lunch

Should a child need extra time to finish their lunch, they should ask the staff on duty – this is always given.

Parent Questions

If you have any special concerns regarding your child’s eating habits, please let the class teacher know so that the lunch duty staff can be informed where applicable.

School Trips

If children are going on a school trip and will be away from school at snack time and/or lunchtime, a snack and/or packed lunch will be provided by Quadra if parents have signed up for lunches and/or snacks. Otherwise, students will bring their own packed lunch and snack.

Clean Plate Heroes

We encourage all in our community to avoid wasting food, by taking just what they intend to eat and by trying to eat al they chose to take. In this way, the environment damage caused can be minimised.

Eat a Rainbow

Teachers and TAs encourage children to choose a healthy, balanced diet each day using our easy to use “Eat a Rainbow” initiative which encourages our community to choose several different colours of food to eat, for example, white rice, orange carrots, yellow chicken, green broccoli and a red apple. Students who feel they have eaten a rainbow as part of their school lunch or packed lunch take a special sticker.

Packed Lunches and Snacks

Packed lunches or snacks brought from home should not include sweets, chocolate, sugary biscuits, fizzy drinks and other similar items.

In the interests of reducing waste at Dulwich College Seoul, we ask that all food and drink items come in reusable containers.

Improving Our Service

General feedback is periodically sought from the whole parent body via Parent Reps, Student Councils and staff. Parents with particular questions should contact their Head of School or Class Rep.

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 home 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 SchoolsBuddy 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 (02-3015-8563) 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 Best Bus Behaviour Rules, which are posted in each bus and which the students are made aware of at assemblies:

If a child makes poor behaviour choices on the daily school bus service, the following actions will be taken:

• 1st time: Warn the child(ren) firmly that their behaviour is not acceptable. If it involves other children, they are brought together to discuss the situation, if safe and practical to do so. The acceptable way of behaving is described and the children are warned that they will be monitored very carefully. The issue is recorded on the bus monitor sheet and passed to Sally Kong, who will inform the Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral).

• 2nd time: If the poor behaviour recurs or swear words in any language have been reported, then the child will be placed in a specific seat on the bus. The issue will be recorded on the bus monitor sheet and passed to Sally Kong, who will inform the Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral). Parents are informed.

• 3rd time: If the unacceptable behaviour continues, or there is a serious instance of misbehaviour, the bus monitor will fill in a Bus Incident Sheet and pass it to Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral) for action. The child completes a Reflection Sheet and parents are invited in to discuss the bus behaviour of the child.

• 4th time: If the unacceptable behaviour continues, or there is a serious instance of misbehaviour or violence, the bus monitor will fill in a Bus Incident Sheet and pass it to Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral) for action. Parents are informed and the child receives a temporary ban from the buses for 1-5 school days. The length of the ban is to be decided by the Head of Primary School based on the child’s age and the exact nature of the behaviour issue.

• 5th time: The Bus Incident Sheet is completed and the child is excluded from the bus service for the rest of that academic year.

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.

College Nurse

The College Nurse’s Office is manned throughout the school day (8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday during term time) by one or more trained nursing staff. Our staff are well trained bilingual school nursing staff who receive regular training updates. The Nurse’s Office is located on the 1st floor of the College building next to the school offices.

The following Medical Policy must be strictly observed:

• If we find that a child has an illness or condition that requires rest at home or that will affect the health of his/her classmates, we will notify the parents to take the child home from school immediately. Parents are requested to collect Primary aged children within one hour of being notified. The child should remain at home for a minimum of 24 hours.

• A child must not be sent to school if he/ she has any signs of fever, nausea, vomiting, an unexplained, contagious rash or skin condition or diarrhea. 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 and/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, swim or do PE 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 with a doctor’s note but must be cautious to wash hands regularly and keep his/her hands away from his/her eyes.

• Children requiring medication for an illness should remain at home until well. 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 at the right time. On no account may medicine be held by a student. 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.

• Parents must notify the school immediately if their child has head lice. He/she must be

treated with proper medicated shampoo and lice comb and be completely free of both live and dead lice and/or eggs before returning to school. The College will undertake periodical checks of all children. Parents will be informed if lice or eggs are found in their child’s hair. Students with evidence of lice and/or eggs will be sent home to be treated.

• The school will not administer any form of oral medicine without first checking with parents.

• Parents must inform the Head of Primary School and Nurse if their child has been prescribed any medication by an Educational Psychologist, Psychiatrist or other medical professional to help with the child’s mental health and well-being or for a behavioural or sleep issue.

• Parents will be notified by phone if their child has sustained an injury to the head or face, and a notification form will be sent home with the child. Parents should seek further medical attention if they see any signs or symptoms of concussion or their child appears unwell in any way in the days after even a minor injury to the head, face or neck.

• In case of injury requiring urgent medical treatment, the child’s parents will be informed immediately and the child will be taken to the nearest international medical facility by Dulwich College Seoul staff.

• Please be sure to keep your children’s 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.

• If parents have any concerns about their child’s health or well-being, a medical professional’s advice should always be sought promptly.

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. It is essential that parents give full and detailed descriptions of children’s previous medical issues, operations, treatments and any significant tests that have been done or that are planned.

Similarly, parents should let the Nurse know of any change to a student’s medical profile or treatment as soon as possible. At re-enrolment towards the end of each school year, parents are asked to complete a Medical Records Update Form to ensure our records are accurate at the start of a new school year.

The treatment and absence records for students are monitored by the Nurse. If there are any concerning patterns of illness of accidents, then these are passed onto the College safeguarding lead and/or the Bursar for further investigation.

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. DUCKS students are always accompanied by an adult when using the lift.

Weather: Restricted Access to Outside Activities

The students have restricted or reduced 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

In these instances, children may have a shortened time outdoors during their breaks or be given a choice as to whether they would like to go out, depending on conditions and their age. The Head of Primary School makes the final decision on outdoor times.

For air quality related restrictions, please see Air Pollution Policy below.

Our Response to Poor Air Quality

External Air Quality

We monitor the outdoor air quality in real time (via a monitoring station very close to school) and this information is displayed around school in the form of easy-to-understand coloured symbols so that the community can see and understand quickly. Staff have this information on their school

devices too. The College's Air Pollution Response can be found on the Parent Portal.

The most common scenario on poor air days is that DUCKS or all students stay indoors at breaks and lunchtime where we know the air is cleaner. On poorer air days some/all outdoor PE and trips may be cancelled (depending on the severity of the pollution). Indoor trips (such as Receptions' to the aquarium on Thursday) go ahead.

Inside the Classrooms and Indoor Spaces

All classrooms and teaching spaces have air filtration systems built into the ceiling which run all day and all year. We also have stand-alone air purifiers in offices. We monitor real-time the air quality classroom by classroom, and email advice to staff on poor air days before school starts in the morning and just before lunch so that we know if playtimes are in/outside and if outdoor activity can go ahead.

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 DUCKS children, the inhalers will be kept by the teacher in a secure place in the classroom. In such cases, parents should hand the inhaler 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.

Getting Involved: Friends of Dulwich and Parent Reps

Friends of Dulwich (FoD)

Dulwich is very much a community school and the involvement of parents is an integral part of 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.

Parent Representatives

Each class is represented by a Parent Representative.

The primary function of the Parent Rep is to facilitate communication between class teachers and parents in relation to volunteering for school trips or other special events. The Parent Reps also facilitate social interaction among families in a class or particular year group. Parent Representatives refer parents with a very specific question or concern to the particular member of staff if assistance is required. Email is used by the Reps to communicate with all class parents.

Parent Reps meet with the Head of Primary School very regularly to give the College feedback and to seek answers to parent queries. It is also an opportunity for the Head of Primary School to seek parental opinion and feedback on specific matters. These meeting are most useful to the Primary School and the work of the Reps is greatly appreciated.

An outline of the Rep role is available from Jane Smith, Head of Primary School. The Head of Primary School calls for volunteers to be Reps at the start of each academic year. Those interested in the role should contact Jane Smith.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Parents may also volunteer at Dulwich College Seoul through the FoD supporting school events, hearing children read, assisting in the Library and Lost Property, setting up a snacks table at International Day, sharing your country’s customs with classes at assemblies, managing our Used Uniform Sales and Used Book Sales, volunteering for trips supervision and/or cooking classes, speaking at careers fairs or as sports, music and/or drama supporters.

Please contact your child’s class teacher or the Head of Primary School if you would like to volunteer. All volunteers have a 60-minute safeguarding training session, which includes details of how to work with other peoples’ children.

Work in the Community

Dulwich College Seoul is most fortunate to be located in a vibrant, progressive city 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 us forge meaningful 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 and service will be expanded in the coming years 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.

Parents wishing to show appreciation of a member of staff are invited to email that staff member or send a simple letter or card of thanks.

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 September: 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

Dulwich College Seoul Parent Glossary

Assemblies

Primary Assemblies: For students and to which parents are invited to attend if their child is performing. Whole College Assemblies: All parents are often able 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).

Celebration of Learning

A morning or afternoon event in a year group for students to share an aspect of their learning with their parents. This may include planting seeds (DUCKS 1), making rockets (Year 2), making dioramas (Year 3) and sharing presentations on space (Year 5) or animal adaptations (Year 6). Advertised to parents by Year Leaders two weeks in advance in the Week Ahead.

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 with music, food vendors, stalls and children’s entertainments held on a Saturday around May or early June. All 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 Primary School and Senior School. Refreshments served. All welcome.

Parent Information Evening or "Meet the Teacher" - once at the start of year

A 45-minute introduction to the year group curriculum, key staff and general expectations at the start of a school year. An opportunity to meet other parents and to ask questions about the class and year group. All parents welcome.

Parent Rep Meetings - monthly with Head of Primary School

An opportunity for the Head of Primary School to meet with Class Reps to hear general suggestions and collect feedback from parents in particular classes. Ideas are shared by Primary Leadership Team for Primary School’s future development and Reps’ thoughts collected. All Parent Reps welcome.

Parent-Teacher Conference (PTC) - 3x during the year

Private meetings in late afternoon or early evening with subject teachers about your child’s academic and pastoral progress and development. Appointments made with staff two weeks in advance.

Pre-Educational Visit Meeting - before every residential trip

A 45-minute meeting for parents to learn more about an upcoming residential (overnight) trip that has been planned for their children. Packing lists, schedules and drop off and pick up arrangements will be reviewed. Typically after school. All welcome.

Primary Parent Workshops - weekly throughout the year

An interactive workshop or training event designed to explore an academic or pastoral school topic with parents. Occasionally by invitation but generally all parents welcome.

Productions, Theme Days, Concerts, Performances and 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.

Student-led Conference (SLC) - Year 5 and Year 6: replaces one PTC

Meeting between parents, student and class teacher. Student has planned the content of the meeting and shares a personal review of his/her own learning and development across the IB Learner Profile and academic areas.

Year 6 Graduation - June

An end of year celebration for Year 6 students. Students and parents are notified of awards in advance. By invitation. All Year 6 families welcome.

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

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)

IB Learner Profile (IBLP)Ten disposition which we aim to help children develop as they grow. Includes caring, balanced, inquirer, communicator and more

IC - Integrated Curriculum. Science, History and Geography interlinked to create a topic for students to study using an enquiry based approach

(e.g. Space - Year 5, Ancient EgyptYear 3, Explorers - Year 1)

ICT - Information and Communication Technology (mostly to do with computers and other devices and their safe and effective use)

JIGSAW - The PSHE Programme we use in Primary School

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

MLT - Middle Leadership Team, an academic leadership group in Dulwich College Seoul, consisting of the relevant Heads and Deputy Heads of School, Year Leaders and Primary School Subject Leaders

Numeracy - An alternative name for mathematics

PANTS - The NSPCC Programme (UK) which we use to help children stay safe

PE - Physical education. Includes swimming, athletics, team games, gymnastics and dance

PLT - Primary Leadership Team, consisting of the Head of Primary School, Deputy Head of Primary (Academic), Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral) and DUCKS 1 Leader

PSHE - Personal, Social, and Health Education

PTC - Parent-Teacher Conference or Consultation during which parents can discuss their child’s progress, achievements and next steps for learning

PTE - The English online assessment that all Year 3 to Year 6 take

PTM - As above for mathematics

Summative Assessment - Tests undertaken to assess the current level of a student’s understanding (i.e. reading, spelling, mathematics or SAT tests)

Residentials - Overnight adventure trips for Year 2 to Year 13