Summer 2014
A Summer of Sport The Great Curriculum Debate What Should We Teach Our Children? Short Story Competition I Should've Married That Girl
Outstanding ISI Report Read the Summary Inside
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C O N T E N T S News & Events.........................................2
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From the Headmaster’s Desk..................8 Literature at Dulwich.............................10 The Student Services Centre.................12 Laser-Sharp Design................................13 Sports at Dulwich...................................14 Go MADD!..............................................17 To Be, or Not to Be.................................18 The Arts..................................................20 Student Artwork....................................21
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Graduates...............................................24 Behind the Scenes..................................26 Friends....................................................27 Connections............................................28 Snapshot.................................................30
Front Cover: Joris Coolen competing at the Rugby, Netball & Tennis Tournament. Contributors: Sarah Humphreys, Ingrid Van Ginkel, Kirstie Parker, David Mansfield, Anthony Heath, Gea Visscher, Cynthia Maclean, James Townsend, Sijia Chen, Kenny Hegarty and a host of fantastic students Editors: Mark Scott, Kasia Baran, Cynthia Maclean
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Legend Garden Campus, August 2006
Ten Years … and Counting T
his year is DCB’s tenth, and
was still under construction and the
at both campuses. Construction on our
we will be celebrating this
school operated from the Riviera site,
second dome should be complete by
landmark in many ways,
with small Early Years campuses in San-
the end of term, and the landscaping in
big and small. Watch this
litun and River Garden. Legend opened
front of the Legend building has had a
space for more information, but in the
in 2006, followed by our Sports Centre
complete makeover. The biggest change
meantime, join us for a brief look at how
in 2007. In 2009 we added another 5500
indoors is to the dining facilities, which
much we have changed.
square metres of space to Legend, fol-
have been expanded on the ground floor
lowed by our first dome in 2011 – the first
and have a distinctive new look.
Back in 2005, when first opened our
one built by an international school in
doors, we had about half as many staff
Beijing. August 2013 saw the opening of
These wonderful facilities provide an envi-
and students as we do today, and our
our third phase of construction, with the
ronment that allows our inspiring students
oldest students were in Year 9 – no
Wodehouse Theatre, more classrooms,
and dedicated staff to thrive. Thanks to
IGCSE or IB exams for anyone, and our
new libraries and an ice rink.
them, our tenth year promises, yet again, to be vibrant, crea-
biggest cohort were the Early Years children. Since then we have graduated five
This summer we didn’t rest. Both the
brilliant IB classes, and those Year 9s of
Legend and Riviera campuses now have
2005, along with some Year 8s from that
new air filtration systems, which will
era, are now university graduates.
significantly improve the quality
tive, and exciting.
of the indoor enviThe improvements to our facilities have
ronment
been astounding. In 2005, we didn’t even have a Legend Garden campus. Phase I
Legend Garden Campus, August 2013.
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Founder’s Day
Founder’s Day is the biggest event of the year, an outdoor festival of music, sports, art, fun and food involving the entire community of students, parents and staff members. Preparations started months in advance of the May 10th event, when the Beijing winter was still in full swing, and the notion of spending a day outdoors had not the slightest appeal. As we approached the day, hundreds of singers began practising their songs, English students honed their debate skills, parents planned their countries’ booths, teachers prepared their activities, and the operations teams anticipated and planned around a multitude of practical challenges.
O
their support.
ne week out from
supplies to parents and teachers’ tents.
Founder’s Day, the
Our rugby and netball teams once again
weather predictions were
defeated Harrow and were awarded
The last few hours of Founder’s Day
dire, but as the day grew
the Fraser White Cups. Several of our
are always focused on music. DJ and
closer the forecasts – at least some of
good-humoured teachers volunteered to
International Old Alleynian Jesse Des-
them - pushed the rain later and later. On
be targets in the “Sponge the Teacher”
covic returned to the DCB stage to treat
the morning of May 10th, it was still risky,
booth, while younger children enjoyed a
the audience to a display of his talents,
but we made the call and opted to stay
huge variety of crafts and activities. Our
and everyone enjoyed the ever-popular
outdoors.
student artists produced stunning crea-
Junior School and Senior School Dulwich
tions, and the auction of Junior School
Idol and Battle of the Bands competi-
artworks raised funds for charity.
tions. The orchestra finale included The
And what a brilliant day it was. The after-
Onedin Line, Beijing City Overture, and
noon kicked off with the international flag parade followed by the start of the music
All of this, of course, took place against a
Pirates of the Caribbean, and it was all
programme, which went on, almost with-
backdrop of a magnificent array of food
rounded off promptly at 9:00 pm with
out interruption, for six hours. Over 650
from six continents. Every year our par-
Pomp and Circumstance, which the
students from Early Years to Year 13 -
ents outdo themselves, not only donating
whole community was invited on stage to
nearly half our student body - took part in
items for their countries’ hampers (which
sing.
musical performances on stage. A small
are raffled off to raise funds) but also pro-
but enthusiastic group of English stu-
viding an amazing variety of traditional
dents debated the value of Shakespeare,
dishes from their countries. The biggest
while others were hard at work with the
challenge of the day is deciding what to
Operations team, delivering ice and
eat. Our parents deserve huge thanks for
The College Magazine (Beijing)
And the rain? It started at 9:02. Cynthia Maclean Head of External Relations
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Outstanding ISI Inspection Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) received a
‘The quality of the pupils’ achievements is excellent, reflecting the successful
very strong report from its first Independent
fulfillment of the school’s aims… Pupils listen attentively and take great pride in
Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection last
their work. They are supported by excellent teaching.’
spring. Sixteen of the twenty grades were ‘Excellent’ and the remaining four were ‘Good.’ ’The quality of links with parents, carers and guardians is excellent. The school ISI is approved by the UK Department for
maintains a highly constructive relationship with parents and pupils’ families
Education to inspect British international
in accordance with Dulwich aims. The overwhelming majority of parents who
schools and to evaluate whether they are
responded to the pre-inspection questionnaire indicated extremely high levels of
meeting quality standards and educating
satisfaction and an exceptional endorsement of all areas of the school’s aca-
pupils to a high standard. ISI inspected
demic, pastoral and extra-curricular provision.’
DCB in March 2014 and confirmed that our standards in all areas, compared to the best of the UK and the world, are indeed high.
’Early Years provision is excellent… staff enthusiasm and their exemplary
Commenting on the report, Mr David Mans-
adherence to the tenets of Early Years practice is reflected in high quality planning based on the children’s interests.’
field, Headmaster of DCB, said, “It is very inspiring to see, summarised in 20 pages, the heart of what we achieve at DCB. All pupils, parents and staff may be justifiably
’Throughout the Junior School, pupils show excellent attitudes to their
proud.”
studies and are always fully engaged in their work. They are well behaved, keen, intellectually curious and happy to share ideas.’
Mr Brian McDouall, Director of Schools at Dulwich College International, said, “We are very pleased with the outcome of the inspection. In my many years as a teacher
’In the Senior School, lessons have concise objectives and are very well
and headmaster, I do not think I have read
planned. Teaching makes full use of a range of excellent resources. Natural use
such a positive ISI report on a school and
of ICT places teaching points in context… Teachers exhibit strong concern
it gives us tremendous encouragement for
for the progress of their pupils, and create a climate of inquiry.’
everything we are doing throughout the group. It is a testament to the commitment of the teachers and staff at DCB to ensure the highest standards of learning in a happy
’The excellent work of the Friends of Dulwich Parents’ Association
environment.”
enhances the life of the school and the development of a truly international, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual community.’
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Magic and Mirrors Last spring, children in the Toddler class from the Little Riviera campus were excited about their new ‘Magic House’ – a huge triangular structure made of wood and mirrors, decorated with photos of all the children and labeled with their nationalities. The children spent a lot of time looking at the photos of themselves and their friends, and began developing an awareness of cultural diversity. Following the children’s interests, teachers extended their newly discovered awareness to a cooking activity, which produced American pancakes, Chinese dumplings and spring rolls, South African fruit kebabs and traditional Chinese Tang Yuan. Throughout the activity, the little chefs
skills and hand-eye coordination, they
density - “Miss Ingrid, this is so heavy
used lots of new words and phrases in
provided an opportunity to use new,
and sticky!” The Toddlers explored their
both English and Mandarin. The Toddlers
exciting equipment. Again, words such
senses through tasting, smelling and
took turns mixing flour, pouring milk,
as, ‘spinning,’ ‘spooning,’ and ‘measure’
feeling the ingredients.
rolling the sticky dough, rinsing and dry-
were introduced and used. The children
ing fruit, spooning ingredients and even
also learnt about health, hygiene and
The Toddlers were brilliant at sharing and
poking special sticks through the fruits to
safety issues, such as how to use kebab
taking turns throughout the activity and
“stick them all together like my fingers!”
sticks properly.
needless to say, had heaps of fun eating
The actions required during the activ-
The cooking activity also included maths.
ity not only developed their gross motor
Children learnt about quantity, size and
it all! Ingrid Van Ginkel Early Years Teacher
The Owl, the Pussycat and the Very Hungry Caterpillar In April, Early Years children celebrated
learning was based on children’s books
and started writing books themselves!
Book Week by coming to school dressed
and authors. Children in the Hares Class
The children in the Giraffe and Penguin
up as book, nursery rhyme and fairy
learned about length by measuring, in
Classes immersed themselves in rhym-
tale characters. There was a wonderful
centimeters, the trails left by snails from
ing books and have gone rhyme crazy!
assortment of characters, with plenty
the story Sharing a Shell. Children in the
of Harry Potters and princesses in
Elephant Class enjoyed stories about
Many amazing parent volunteers not
the classrooms as well as some more
castles, princes and knights while mak-
only came to read to the children during
unusual characters, such as the owl
ing their own castles and writing their
the week, but got into the spirit of dress-
from The Owl and the Pussycat and a
own books. The children from the Spider
ing up – I could have sworn that I saw a
fabulous Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Class came over to visit the Elephant
huge rabbit hopping over to the Eagles
Class to listen as these books were
Class, book in hand!
Over the week, much of the children’s The College Magazine (Beijing)
read to them; they were totally inspired
Sarah Humphreys, Head of Early Years
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Celebrating Jackie Chan’s Birthday A group of Junior School children had an unforgettable experience in April, participating in a concert celebrating the 60th birthday of Hong Kong action movie star Jackie Chan at the Beijing Workers’ Stadium. Our students, along with other 200 children, opened the Peace & Love & Friendship concert as they sang along with Jackie Chan to the tune of a Chinese song, Bu Zai Shi Qu. The birthday star greeted fans
A Polar Explorer at Dulwich
from all around the world in various languages, promoting world peace and anti-racism. All proceeds from the concert went toward charitable causes.
In late April, Junior and Senior School students had a
Our children were very excited
chance to enjoy presentations by a young polar explorer,
to be part of this huge event
Henry Evans, during his visit to DCB.
and sang beautifully.
Henry Evans is a 24 year old British marine biologist, polar explorer and science communicator who entered a national competition launched by the Daily Telegraph and run by the Royal Navy to select an individual to trek to the South Pole as part of the International Scott Centenary Expedition in 2012. After his selection, Henry Evans was launched into the world of media, giving live BBC television interviews and meeting David Attenborough, all while taking part in tough training for the polar expedition, which even included running fundraising marathons in a penguin costume! Since returning from Antarctica in January 2013, Henry
visited over 100 schools across the world, reaching out
Year 6 Digital Photography Workshop
to over 150,000 students. With his passion for explora-
In May, our Year 6 students used and learned about digital photography
tion and polar science, Henry is now inspiring a genera-
in Art and Design Technology classes. As an extension to this project,
tion and creating awareness of the importance of the
Junior School Art and DT teachers asked the company Luma Lu to come
Antarctic landscape to the progression of science and
in and work with the children. Luma Lu is a creative studio for the visual
our understanding of the future of our planet.
arts in Beijing, an interactive space for artists and professionals involved
has set up his own company, called Magnificent Ocean (www.magoce.com), which aims to inspire and educate others through its live, learn, laugh ethos. So far he has
in various art forms including animation production, installation art, He said, ‘I had the pleasure of visiting Dulwich College
exhibition design, photography and visual effects for film and TV. During
Beijing and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The
workshops our students were shown different ways to use a camera
students were incredibly engaging and the penguin cos-
and how all the complicated functions could be used to create amaz-
tume was a massive success!’ He hopes to return to our
ing effects in a photograph. The students also looked at ways to portray
school in the near future and inspire the students once
characters and emotions and to capture the essence of a story without
again, with the next visit focusing on marine biology and
the use of words. The impressive effects of their hard work have been
climate change.
exhibited all around the school.
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The Effervescent Chemistry Team
The Chemistry department at DCB has been buzzing with activity this year. Our links with the Royal Society of Chemistry are growing and last spring we had the pleasure of hosting Professors Martyn Poliakoff and Roy Johnston, who gave guest lectures at the College. Our students are always keen to listen and ask questions to get a solid understanding of the impact of science on society. The inaugural Beijing Top of the Bench Chemistry competition was also a highlight and showed the collaboration and practical skills of our students. Collaboration across year groups has been consistently on show through the year. It has been particularly good between our Year 12 and Year 10 students, who have worked together to carry out the Royal Society of Chemistry Global Experiment, establishing the Vitamin C content of different fruits. We published our results online and put DCB on the map! Our Year 12 students have continued to run ‘Fun with Science’ workshops with the Migrant Children’s Foundation, planning and delivering chemistry lessons to children who wouldn’t ordinarily have any practical experience of studying science. Kirstie Parker Head of Chemistry
Celebrating Top IB Results 2014
Students and teachers at Dulwich College Beijing are celebrating yet another exceptional set of IB results as the International Baccalaureate Organisation announced its May 2014 Diploma Programme results. Every member of the Class of 2014 was entered for the full IB Diploma and our pass rate was a stunning 100%. Unlike many IB schools around the world, we do not pre-select students for entry into the IB Diploma, but give all students the opportunity to enter this challenging programme. This year was no exception. The DCB average IB Diploma point score was 37.5 points, which is well above the world average of 29.81 points. A remarkable 36% of our students achieved scores of 40+ points, with three students - Jocelyn Chang, Jenny Xie and Guillaume Dideron - achieving perfect scores of 45. Only 150 students worldwide achieved this result. Mr David Mansfield, Headmaster of DCB, commented: “Another year of record breaking IB results is a testament to the hard work, commitment and talent of the 2014 cohort of students and their teachers. Well done to all - a stunning set of results continues to open doors to world best universities for our diploma students.”
The College Magazine (Beijing)
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From the Headmaster’s Desk
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The Great Curriculum Debate Have you ever stopped to think why we teach the particular curriculum we do?
A
t Dulwich, our international
should deliver has framed all the drives
context and the multi-
towards a national curriculum through-
cultural community that
out the 20th century. Is school’s primary
we enjoy provide us with a
purpose to prepare the future workforce
unique perspective.
through a vocational, functional education? Or is it to shape a national identity
tive citizens of the 21st century.
How much content should be delivered? Is there an underlying theory of knowledge? Today’s pool of knowledge is growing
There are a multitude of opinions on
by imparting a body of common cultural,
exponentially. Being an expert in any
what should be included in a great cur-
linguistic and historical knowledge? Or is
field is increasingly difficult and indeed
riculum. Here are a few areas we should
it perhaps to establish a society of free-
every field is narrowing as knowledge,
consider.
thinking, critically minded citizens who
or at least information, is increasingly
embrace liberal democratic values? It’s
specific and detailed. Knowledge has
probably a bit of all three and other aims
therefore got to be selected, interpreted
to boot. Certainly we see it as providing
and applied to be of use, and some
the basis for creating thinking and effec-
argue that gaining generic skills that can
What is the purpose of the curriculum? The question of what a school curriculum
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From the Headmaster’s Desk
be used to work with any knowledge
and coaching. Understanding, however,
to make them relevant to their world.
base is more important than collecting a
normally only comes through reflec-
The International Baccalaureate Diploma
head full of facts. However, we consider
tion and review of one’s own work, by
builds on this by offering six subjects,
it essential to possess a basic grasp of
discussing one’s knowledge in different
including English, Maths and a language,
core areas of material that make up the
contexts, by applying that knowledge in
as preparation for higher education
map of current knowledge. These are tra-
different ways and answering different
and beyond. The Extended Essay adds
ditionally (and helpfully) called subjects
questions, or by reviewing a large range
depth, the CAS programme variety and
and they provide the basis for further
of material. It often is aided by a growing
character development, and the Theory
investigation into any area of study.
self-awareness of one’s own strengths
of Knowledge, a wonderful course in
Some authorities – notably former British
and weaknesses in a particular subject.
thinking, draws together many of the
Education secretary Michael Gove and
It is much more difficult to tie down, but
ideas explained in this essay.
his favourite American theorist Professor
ultimately the aim of any curriculum is
E.D.Hirsch – argue that a core body of
to enhance understanding of the agreed
At Dulwich our curriculum ultimately rep-
knowledge is an entitlement. That is, it
areas of knowledge. One can know the
resents the liberal educational tradition
is necessary to understand the world in
dates and important facts of the Second
that is embraced by most UK independ-
which we all live.
World War, and have worked on perfect-
ent schools. Great education produces
ing the skills of writing a summary of
self-knowledge, and a grasp of great
What is the link between knowledge, skills and understanding?
events, but it takes longer to understand
thought, great literature, great culture,
why the war started and what factors led
great science and mathematics will
it to become a worldwide phenomenon.
inform that self-development. Yet whilst
and skills by observation; understand-
How is our curriculum shaped here at Dulwich?
our future growth, the debate over the
At Dulwich we follow the English National
continue to self-assess while developing
and interviews. In school, knowledge is
Curriculum – as determined by the advi-
a curriculum that evolves, capturing the
normally needed to develop skills such
sors to the British Government - and we
nuance and complexity of the interna-
as writing essays, answering questions,
encourage students to take up to ten
tional environment and reflecting the
playing a musical instrument, making
IGCSE subjects. In this way most major
students that it serves.
notes, speaking a language, dunking a
areas of knowledge are covered; this is
basketball, framing an argument, or eval-
essentially what is known as a liberal arts
uating importance. Skills are improved
based curriculum. It introduces students
by practice, good feedback, performance
to all key areas of knowledge and seeks
this framework can guide and structure
Knowledge can be assessed by tests ing is more complex but is evidenced
best by extended writing, presentations,
The College Magazine (Beijing)
details will remain. Meanwhile we will
David Mansfield Headmaster
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Literature at Dulwich To find out more about literature, how it’s taught at Dulwich and simply to learn a little more about the man himself, we caught up with Anthony Heath, the Head of English at Dulwich College Beijing. What is your name and job title at
others. I recently taught a class on
Dulwich?
1940s Iraqi poetry and afterwards stu-
Anthony Heath, Head of English
dents can empathise with a person of a different nationality, generation and
How does Dulwich teach English
background to their own. Literature
literature?
can be incredibly powerful.
Dulwich teaches an enhanced English National Curriculum. This means
Do you teach world literature?
that we teach according to the same
Yes, we have a very eclectic and
criteria as teachers all over the world
challenging syllabus across the year
at examination level but with subject
groups. In the last term I’ve taught an
matter adapted to our international set-
Egyptian novel, Arabic writing, Chinese
ting lower down the curriculum.
poetry, Word War I European poetry and a graphic novel about the Holo-
Do you emphasize the ‘canon’ of lit-
caust called Maus.
erature (all the tried and true stuff)? Design by Adrienne Chan
We do teach the ‘canon’ of literature
Do you encourage students to read
and it’s a fantastic challenge for our
outside of lessons?
teaching staff to transmit these lessons
Absolutely. Reading for pleasure is a
in a student friendly way.
fantastically enriching experience. I recently shared with a class an article
What methods or techniques would
about how reading fiction increases the
you say are the stand-out character-
ability of students to answer mathe-
istics of literature teaching at your
matical problems and this nicely sums
school?
up the rounded benefits provided by
The enthusiasm and passion of our
literature. It’s also the cheapest holiday
teachers is outstanding.
you can ever take: immerse yourself in a book today!
What’s the importance of literature? It’s a great way to help us understand
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This year the English department ran the Mini Sagas short story competition for students and teachers. The competition was judged by Year 12 Higher Level Literature students. The winner was Elvis Chan, of Year 7, with the charming piece printed below. Commendations go to the other entries included, as well as staff winner Mr Hegarty. A
long ago, the
A
of
Apart from the object’s curious physical prop-
were in constant fear.
erties, it also possesses the ability to affect
An eternal
overhung the lands. . But, a new
humans psychologically. Subjects viewing the hole enter a catatonic state after a period of
has risen.
time in proportion to the subject’s distance from it. The location has now been marked to protect
This battle will make history. A new The
has blossomed in the is fading away. The
of the
personnel while collecting tissue samples.
.
Brian Ma, Year 11
is fading away.
The prophecy has been fulfilled.
S A G
Spring has arrived. Elvis Chan, Year 7
A S I IN
M
d r o W 0 5
y r o St
n o i etit
p m Co
I knew I didn’t have long, the doc-
I simply can’t understand how this story is so confusingly logically understandably complicatedly responsibly mysteriously wonderfully fantastically terribly catastrophically devastatingly powerfully dramatically amazingly marvellously uniquely illogically greatly happily quietly beautifully prettily newly creatively imaginatively wrongly righteously rightly courageously fearfully fearlessly phenomenally effectively unstoppably lovingly enthusiastically simply short.
tor had warned me since childhood. We guessed at dates - it became a joke. I asked Felice to burn my words. She refused. I asked her to forget me. She laughed out loud. I should’ve married that girl. Mr Hegarty, Teacher
Bryan Lee, Year 7 The College Magazine (Beijing)
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Special Feature
The Student Services Centre
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iving overseas, moving
adjustment, language learning, and
assist and support Dulwich students in
frequently and settling into
future educational planning.
their personal and academic journey.
new communities can be a Dulwich College Beijing has a profes-
As an introduction to the Student Ser-
well their families; the experience can
sional team that welcomes students,
vices Centre, we invited parents from
be confusing and overwhelming, and
parents and teachers to come in and dis-
each of the schools to ask a question
may raise all kinds of questions about
cuss their questions and concerns. The
of Gea Visscher, our Head of Student
educational transition, social-emotional
team offers a range of services to further
Services.
Early Years
Junior School
Senior School
Young children acquire language naturally;
Effective reading is an important skill
Developing good organisational skills is an
they usually pick up a new language without
for a child’s academic achievement. By
essential ingredient for success in school
conscious learning provided they have expo-
modeling and encouraging leisure read-
and life. While some children are more
sure and positive encouragement. While
ing time at home parents can foster their
organised by nature, others need additional
research indicates that it is best to continue
child’s reading development.
assistance and coaching from their parents.
at home, there are many different ways to
Top Tips
Top Tips
support your child’s language acquisition.
• Be a good model. Read yourself and
• Be a good model; maintain an organ-
challenge for students as
“How can I support my young child in learning English?”
“ How can I help my child to improve his/her reading?”
“How do I get my child get organised for school?”
speaking your own language with your child
read often to your child. Top Tips • Organise play dates with native speakers. • Play fun word games. • Read short stories in English. • Watch English TV programmes together and then talk about them. (You can do this in your home language.) • Listen, sing and read English songs
• Establish a daily reading time, even if it is only 10 minutes per day. • Provide and encourage reading a variety of materials. • Develop the library habit.
ised household schedule with routines. • Establish age appropriate self-help skills and self-care chores. • Ensure your child’s room is in order with an appropriate filing cabinet, a bulletin board, shelves, a spacious
• Get help, give help and look for read-
desk, a clock, storage boxes, etc.
ing aids like audio books when your
• Support your child in keeping a daily
child struggles with reading.
and poems.
planner with a checklist and encourage preparation for the next day.
Most important; show interest in and And remember, for young children, keep
enthusiasm for your child’s reading. Be
Most important, be present without taking
it natural and fun!
engaged!
over, give praise and stay positive.
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Laser-Sharp Design Design Technology (DT) is offered as one of the GCSE choices open to Year 10 and 11 students at Dulwich. The two-year course is very demanding, as it requires students to manufacture a product prototype in the workshop and an extensive portfolio including research and analysis. In addition to producing a detailed plan of the manufacturing process, the student must take into account the industrial practices necessary for commercial mass-production of the prototype. We sat down with two Year 11 students, Serena Yoo and Jae Kim, to hear about products they designed and their thoughts about the course. How did you come up with the idea for your project? SY: I don’t have any younger sisters or brothers, but I really like children and decided to look at children’s toys. I went to my neighbour’s house and found out that their child had many toys but
a very cool way to bend plywood using laser cutting. I suddenly
didn’t like to clean up after playing with them. I was inspired
thought that I could possibly incorporate that idea in my final
by that and decided to make a mobile toy storage unit that will
design. Although it looked great as an idea and in my design, it
encourage children to clean up and make them feel interested at
was actually quite hard to make it work. I had to figure out the
the same time.
right size for the lasercut lines on the plywood, the right penetration power and speed for the laser cutter. I also had to make
JK: I thought it would be great to make a mod-
several slight alterations to my plan to maintain the shape of the
ern Chinese Tea Tray for my project because my
sides after bending them.
parents drink tea on a daily basis, so I could give it to them as a present.
What did you enjoy the most about process? JK: Even though it was a tough course, it was a
What was the most challenging part of the two year course?
very rewarding experience in the end. I was proud
SY: The most challenging part of the course was
of my final product, and even happier to see my
probably designing. Being creative and innova-
parents using my tea tray.
tive was really difficult. I had to draw several totally different designs that fit all the specifica-
SY: I really enjoyed showing my final product to
tions I made.
a group of Toddlers in our Early Years classes. I had to test and evaluate the product, so I showed
JK: While I was making the tea tray, the most
it to young children. They were very fascinated
challenging part of the manufacturing process
with it, and I was extremely pleased when watching them playing
was bending the sides. I had to come up with a
with it. I actually made a few changes after observing their inter-
few initial designs and choose the best one. When
actions with the toy. Who knows, if I have a chance to design in
I exhausted all my ideas, Mr Jauk, my DT teacher, showed me The College Magazine (Beijing)
the future, I may even design toys for children.
13
Sports DE T U R
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Seasonin
Summary A
s the curtain came down on
were in imperious form, going undefeated
The final big event of 2014 was the
another enthralling sports
to win Gold. The primary pupils should all
Sports Awards. It was a great evening
season at Dulwich College
be immensely proud of themselves, not
that gave coaches the opportunity to
Beijing, there was much to
just for their great success and team-
thank the pupils for all of their efforts
work, but also for being such welcoming
throughout the seasons. Mr Matt Kelly
hosts to the other schools.
was named Coach of the Year. He will
celebrate.
be sorely missed but we wish him all the
The month of May witnessed the Primary FOBISIA Games in Beijing. Dulwich
Next up in May was the Rugby, Netball
very best in his new adventure in Thai-
Beijing was joined by Dulwich Shanghai,
& Tennis tournament and again the
land. The Key Stage 3 Sportsman and
BISS Puxi, Shrewsbury Bangkok, British
pupils excelled. In the Rugby the U11
Sportswoman awards went to Ben Wong
School of Manila, Jerudong International
Boys came third and both the U13 and
and Akhina Gaches and the Key Stage
School of Brunei and BISS Vietnam.
U15 Boys made it to the finals but were
4/5 Awards went to Charlie Hua and to
The opening day of T-ball saw the Year
defeated by Dulwich Shanghai. The
Elena ‘Googie’ Reid.
6 Boys and Girls team finish in second
girls faced tough competition in Netball
place and the Year 4 team take Gold.
against the likes of the Australian School
Finally a huge thank you is due to all
of Hong Kong and Dulwich Shanghai.
the people who have given so much to
The second day was all action, start-
The U15 Girls finished third, U13 Girls
create another amazing year in Sport
ing with Athletics in the morning. The
fourth and U11 Girls in third place with
at Dulwich College Beijing. Without
Dulwich Beijing team finished in second
Dulwich Shanghai again winning the U15
the pupils, the parents, the behind-the-
place overall with some outstanding
and U13 finals. This was the first year for
scenes operations teams and, of course
performances in both track and field. In
the Tennis event and it was well attended
the coaches, none of this would have
the afternoon the swim team came close
with WAB, ISB and Harrow all in action
been possible.
to winning a trophy, but finished just off
against our DCB Tennis squad. A mas-
the podium despite some great individual
sive thank you must go to Mr Archer,
The PE team is already looking forward
performances.
Miss Bugden and Mrs Richards for all
to 2014-15 and another great year of
their dedication and hard work, which
Sport.
The Football tournament took place on the final day and the Year 6 Boys team
14
made this a fantastically well run event.
James Townsend Director of Sports www.dulwich-beijing.cn
Sports DE T U R
P O N S MU
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Rugby and Netball and Tennis! Oh My! Kung.
The annual Dulwich Rugby, Netball and
The sport was fiercely and fairly con-
Tennis tournament took place on the 30th
tested and Dulwich Beijing students
and 31st May and was a huge success.
acquitted themselves extremely well
Our Boys’ Rugby Teams at U13 and U15
Twelve schools, from Hong Kong, main-
indeed, both on and off the field of play.
levels did themselves proud, coming runners-up in the tournaments and giving
land China and Malaysia, participated. Supporters were out in force during the
Highlights included victory in the U13
the more experienced Dulwich Shanghai
two swelteringly hot days and Friends of
Boys’ Tennis Cup for Gabriel Spooner, in
sides a real shock in the final.
Dulwich were present with drinks, cakes
the U15 Girls’ Tennis Cup for Gloria Hui
and ice cream.
(who played in an older age group, too)
We’re already looking forward to next
and in the U11 Girls’ Tennis Cup for Skia
year.
A Community Tournament From Friday 17th to Sunday 19th of
- and competing in year groups across
Friends of Dulwich were as supportive
May, Dulwich College Beijing hosted the
Junior School.
as ever, manning the mobile coffee shop and providing refreshments and good
Junior School FOBISIA Games. The tournament saw over 252 competitors and
Whilst the sport was in action, a full cast
cheer to the travelling band of support-
250 supporters from schools all around
of supporters came to enjoy the day.
ers. Finally, the Junior School cheerlead-
Asia descend on Legend Garden. The
Early Years children came to spectate.
ers, not to be outdone by the players,
all round athletes were challenged in this
They enjoyed the sporting spectacle and
dazzled everyone with their vibrant
competition by taking part in four sports -
experienced for the first time the scale of
cheers and routines. A fantastic tourna-
Teeball, athletics, swimming and football
the sporting challenges that await them.
ment, indeed.
The College Magazine (Beijing)
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Sports DE T U R
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Junku Lee My name is Junku Lee. I’m 11 years old
I scored my first goal. The joy I felt
and come from Korea. I love all sports,
prompted me to want to get better and
but I especially love football. I started
made me practice continuously. It was
kicking a football when I was around 3
very tiring and much harder than I
years old. Football is a big part of my life.
thought it would be. One hour of training felt like five.
Who is your biggest sporting role model and why?
Despite my struggles, I didn’t give up and
My greatest sports role model is Park Ji
soon started improving. I always tried
Sung. He is an outstanding player and I’m
to play to the best of my abilities and
very proud of him. He had a dream - to be
believed in myself. The first time I was
a football player. That dream came true
picked to be a member of the school
was when I received the under 11 MVP
and he became the first Korean football
football team, I felt fantastic. So keep
trophy at the 2013 Sports Awards.
player to join Manchester United.
practising and never give up!
What is your best advice for budding
What is your greatest sporting
for the future?
athletes?
achievement so far?
I have dreamed of being an international
I can’t forget the triumph I felt when
My greatest sporting achievement so far
football player since I was 6 years old.
What is your greatest sporting dream
Superstars
This term has been seen some exceptional sporting performances at Dulwich College Beijing. Whilst no victory is possible without fantastic team spirit, in Superstars we celebrate some of the College’s top individual performers.
Christian Engberg My name is Christian Engberg. I’m half
What is your best advice for budding
Danish and half Chinese. I have been
athletes?
in Dulwich for around 6 years now and I
My advice is to just simply try your best.
really enjoy it here. I love football and it
Always try to do your best and help your
is my favourite sport.
teammates no matter what. I think team spirit is really important. I personally hate
Who is your biggest sporting role
the feeling when I know I haven’t done
model and why?
my best. In addition, practice as much as
My biggest sporting role model is Christian
you can and respect the advice of your
Eriksen because he is a fantastic football
coaches. Playing fairly is important too.
player. He plays for the Danish national team and also plays for Tottenham. He
What is your biggest sporting achieve-
was one of the reasons why I started to
ment so far?
What is your greatest sporting dream
play football. I remember every day when I
My biggest sporting achievement is proba-
for the future?
got home from school I would watch all the
bly at the very end of last year in the Sports
I would really like to be a professional foot-
skills, tricks and passes and it motivated
Awards. I was extremely happy as I got
baller and my biggest dream would be to
me to become a great football player. I
three trophies. I got MVP for football, MVP
play for the national team. I think it would
hope one day I can be just as good! He
for basketball and MVA for track and field. It
be amazing to stand on the pitch and play
helps the Danish football schools too!
felt amazing and I was extremely proud.
the beautiful game for your country.
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Charity P O N S MU
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Go
DE T U R
MADD!
Service to others plays an important role in the life of Dulwich College Beijing. This year’s MADD (Make a Difference Day) was a superb event and saw more than 500 students from Dulwich College paired up with 500 migrant children from across Beijing in collaboration with the Migrant Children’s Foundation. We are grateful to this year’s organisers for setting up such a brilliant day. We asked a student from each of the five houses to reflect on the day.
Alleyn
lous day for everyone. A big thank you to
This year during MAD day, Alleyn House
Mr Parekh and all the other teachers who
had the pleasure of working with the
helped organise this trip!
migrant children of the Little Swan
Silvia Shen, Year 10
School here at DCB. Throughout the
enjoy the stunning scenery. We soon noticed that the dazzling sunlight was starting to disappear on our way back down; instead, it was drizzling
Owens
and then the thunder arrived. After saying
We travelled to the Science Museum on a
goodbye to the students from the migrant
ranging from entertaining games in the
magical mystery tour via a long and wind-
school, a sudden downpour soaked all of
Dome to building paper bridges. Every
ing road. The Owens House students were
us. All the Dulwich students raced in from
Alleyn student contributed and worked
keen to help Mr Mower carry over 150
the rain and laughter rose in the air. After
unbelievably hard to make these children
packed lunches! We could only imagine
our fun race in the rain, we all ended
feel welcome in our community. Overall,
the fun we had in store. The migrant school
up falling asleep on the bus, but it was
it was not only rewarding, but it was truly
children were initially nervous, calling out, ‘I
definitely a memorable experience.
enjoyable and I hope that every Alleyn
want to hold your hand!’ However, we soon
student and teacher looks forward to
became friends and I’ve got a feeling that
working with these children again.
this is a day they will remember forever.
day, we split into groups and competed against Wodehouse in many challenges,
Michelle Zhou, Year 10
Johnson
Whilst other houses were hiking the Great
The spirit of MADD was epitomized by one
Jeewon Eom, Year 10
Wodehouse
For the whole day the buzz of excitement
little boy who stated, ‘When I get home and
followed us. We had prepared four activi-
think about this in the morning, I will always
ties that were great fun: bridge building,
remember yesterday.’
mat and chair race, cross-over and the
Wall and visiting the Science Museum,
John and Paul, Year 10
Johnson decided to get in touch with
egg drop. Bridge building was a chance for the migrant students to really expand their
Soong
creativity. The mat and chair race showed
It was a great day; the natural beauty of
us how quickly the migrant children could
the museum was buzzing with Dulwich
the outskirts of Beijing was ineffable; the
collaborate and make friends with their
and migrant school students striving to
mellifluous melody of birdsong filled the
teammates. Cross-over was chaos. The
complete impossibly hard worksheets
atmosphere with happiness. We were
children were all dodging and chasing. In
concerning the artefacts in the museum.
delighted to see the students from the
the end, they were all sweating but smiling,
Overall, the trip was a great experience
migrant school. We were getting more
which was very important. Egg drop was
for all students not only to discover Chi-
and more excited as we got closer to
the real challenge, particularly in terms of
nese heritage but also to bond with stu-
the Great Wall. We all met up with the
communication, but the results were good.
dents from different backgrounds. It was
students from the migrant school and got
Wodehouse claimed victory of course in
a wonderful leadership opportunity for the
into smaller groups. From this experience,
the competition against Alleyn! The migrant
amazing Year 10s. The events of the day
we have truly learnt that even a language
children left the school laughing and talk-
culminated in a massive rain shower that
barrier cannot stop us from being good
ing, a great contrast to the silence when
drenched us all on the way back to the
friends and working hard together. We
they entered at the start.
bus. Nevertheless, it was a really marvel-
all managed to climb the Great Wall and
Chinese culture by visiting the National Museum. For more than two hours,
The College Magazine (Beijing)
Fredric Kong, Year 7
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Arts DE T U R
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To Be, or Not to Be I
t’s a Saturday in late March, and
the father of his love interest, Ophelia,
The production also makes heavy use of
I’m sitting in the dark cocoon of the
and she commits suicide by drowning in
multimedia elements like projection and
Wodehouse Theatre at Dulwich
a river. The play culminates in a duel to
sound design to create a post-modern
College Beijing (DCB). Dozens
the death between Hamlet and Claudius,
feel.
of Year 7 to 10 students are gathered
causing the fall of Denmark. One scene features a play within a play
here for a “cue-to-cue” rehearsal led by Drama and English Teacher Kenneth
Hamlet is the second of two major plays
that Hamlet stages in front of the court to
Hegarty. After practicing parts of Hamlet
that DCB stages every year. Following
hint to Claudius that he knows who killed
separately for the past six or seven
a “no-cut” policy at the auditions, the
his father. “To capture the impression
weeks, the cast and crew are now
unprecedented cast size of around
that someone knows, we’ve done some
bringing it all together like a jigsaw
80 students demanded a massive
close-up work so the audience will see
puzzle.
feat of coordination. “You can’t do a
[Claudius’s] reactions,” says Hegarty.
production like this on your own,” says
“We do a visual trick where the ghost [of
Hamlet is arguably Shakespeare’s most
Hegarty. Behind the scenes, three IB
Hamlet’s father] appears in the audience
famous play. Sam Orlov, a Year 10
students help Hegarty work out music,
and another performer who’s dressed
student who plays Prince Hamlet, sums
lighting, and visual cues. Some of the
in exactly the same outfit appears on
it up rather nicely: “This story centers on
cast students also contributed costume
stage to give the idea that the ghost is
my father dying and me trying to get over
designs, music, and film work.
appearing in different sections of the room.”
the grief, but I never actually manage to. Everything’s breaking down; my mom’s
To pad out the scenes, Hegarty broke up
married to my uncle and my only friend
certain lines of dialogue and spread them
I speak with four DCB students: Sam
is Horatio. All my other friends – who I
between several actors. For example,
Orlov (age 15), and Andie Villegas, Alice
think are allies – have turned on me.”
most productions of Hamlet have only
Hawkins, and Endani Munyai (all 14).
Along the way, Hamlet accidentally kills
two gravediggers; DCB’s version has six.
Alice and Endani are from South Africa,
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Arts DE T U R
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Sam is from the UK, and Andie is from
holidays, and I just said ‘Listen mum,
– fair play to you. You’re doing such a
the Philippines.
we’re gonna do this.’ We recorded the
good job. And the confidence that you’ll
whole [script], I put it on my laptop and
take from this, it’s a life-long thing, isn’t
listened to it every night while reading it.”
it?” The students’ confidence is not the
Except for Endani, who wasn’t very
only thing to have changed as a result of
familiar with Shakespeare before DCB, all profess an intense admiration for the
“Now my greatest challenge is just know-
being in Hamlet; their relationship with
Bard’s works. Both Andie and Sam fell in
ing where to be,” he continues. “When I
the playwright has as well. “My love for
love with Shakespeare through Doctor
kill Polonius, I have to go from that side
Shakespeare has grown, if that’s at all
Who actor David Tennant, who played
of the stage [gestures to stage right], pick
possible,” says Andie. “They’re so beauti-
Hamlet in a BBC television adaptation,
up a sword, and go there [gestures to
ful, these words. Being in a production of
while Alice is a self-confessed “hopeless
stage left] while delivering a line, so it’s
my favourite Shakespeare play ever has
romantic” whose first exposure to
very technical. And I’ve never played a
made everything so much more personal
Shakespeare was Baz Luhrmann’s
part so big. It’s a challenge, but it’s a very
to me, so I love it.”“You can’t come up
Romeo and Juliet.The young actors
fun challenge. Now I’m like, ‘I can do
with the right words to explain,” says
frequently break into laughter, recount
this.’”Their teacher, Mr. Hegarty, smiles
Alice. “Because it’s so good!” replies
inside jokes, and talk over each other
as Sam is speaking. “That’s one of the
Andie. “What I also love about Shake-
in their eagerness. When asked about
absolute joys of working with students
speare is how it’s so infinitely relatable.
the most challenging aspect of Hamlet,
like this,” he says. “Sam is dyspraxic, but
Like ‘to be or not to be’ – it’s healthy for
Andie immediately answers “dying.”
these things are left at the door because
everybody to question their existence at
“[As Polonius], I’m supposed to yell out
the students enjoy being involved in
least once.”
my last line in great anguish and pain.
theater. To see the lengths that these
I never really did a dying scene before;
guys will go to learn lines, to think about
“I can’t wrap my head around [Shake-
the first time, I sounded so sarcastic.
character, and the confidence it brings
speare] being irrelevant because at the
As soon as I hit the floor, I thought
them – this is why we do performances
end of the day, our history is the his-
‘That’s not how you deliver that line.’”
every year.”He turns to Sam. “For
tory of the English language,” reflects
For Sam, the real struggle is offstage.
someone who’s got a moderate learn-
Alice. “That’s why Shakespeare will stick
“I’m dyspraxic [a disorder that affects
ing difficulty, learning the lines to Hamlet
around.”
movement, coordination, and cognitive skills], so learning a lot is hard. When I got the initial script, my first thought was ‘Oh Sam, you’re gonna have to learn so much.’ I went straight home
Sijia Chen (beijingkids magazine) This excerpt comes from an article published in the June 2014 issue of beijingkids magazineand is reprinted with their permission. You can find the full version at www.beijing-kids.com.
and highlighted everything. It was the The College Magazine (Beijing)
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Baroque to Basics
Yun/Hui Concert
On Friday 23rd May, Dulwich College Beijing was treated
Wodehouse Theatre was the place to be during Term 3, with amazing
to a performance by Justin Kim as part of his Baroque
music concerts and drama performances taking place almost every
to Basics tour of seven Dulwich Colleges across Asia.
week. This busy season concluded with a one-of-a-kind concert show-
A warm and appreciative audience was treated to the
casing three extraordinary young Dulwich talents– Amy Yun, John Hui
distinct blend of grace, power and beauty that is Justin
and Tony Yun – and featuring the Beijing Youth Orchestra (BYO).
Kim’s countertenor voice. Amy (Year 12) played Max Bruch’s Concerto Number 1 for Violin in The concert took us on a journey through the baroque
G minor. Amy played this challenging piece with a graceful depth of
period, beginning with Henry Purcell’s Music for a While
feeling. This was a beautiful start to the concert and Amy was magnifi-
and Evening Hymn by Zhou Zuquan on harpsichord.
cently supported by the BYO under the baton of Mr Shane O’Shea.
The musical journey then moved to Italy and the music
The audience was then treated to three compositions from John (Year
of Antonio Vivaldi. To
13), all performed by the BYO. The
conclude a wonderful
creativity and complexity of this
evening of baroque
young man’s music awed the audi-
music, Justin then
ence.
charmed the audience with three arias
The concert closed with the mar-
by Handel: Ombra
vellous Tony (Year 7), who played
Mai Fu and Crude
Frederic Chopin’s Piano Concerto
Furie Degl’orridi
No 2 and showed exactly why he is
Abissi from
featuring so highly in international
Serse and Ch’io
piano competitions. Tony is a rare
Parta from Parten-
talent, who plays with jaw-dropping
ope.
technical ability and an emotional depth that belies his years.
IB Theatre: From Dante’s Inferno to the First Dog in Space On the evenings of Tuesday 25th and
plays they created used a large number
first dog in space), and a naturalistic
Wednesday 26th March, the Year 13
of student performers, musicians and
biography based on the life of Frank
IB Theatre students offered an array of
tech support from other year groups (over
Sinatra.
thought-provoking and highly entertaining
50 students), many of whom had never
theatre pieces as part of their final unit:
performed on a stage before.
especially the IB student directors!
the Independent Project. The IB Theatre students spent eight weeks devising and
The work included an experimental
directing 20-minute performances from
theatre piece based on Dante’s Inferno,
their own chosen stimuli. The seven
a comedy based on the life of Laika (the
20
Well done to all students involved, but Kenny Hegarty, Teacher of Drama and English
www.dulwich-beijing.cn
Student Artwork DE T U R
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The College Magazine (Beijing)
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Student Artwork DE T U R
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P O N S MU
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www.dulwich-beijing.cn
Student Artwork DE T U R
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The College Magazine (Beijing)
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Graduates DE T U R
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The 2014
Graduation Speech At the graduation ceremony for the 2013-14 leavers, Pratcha Sananvatanont delivered a fantastic speech. to all those present. We have reprinted the speech in its entirety below. If you would like to view the speech, please go to our online video galleries, where you can see footage from the ceremony.
“
Friends, family, members of
how much time has passed, it looks the
that stem from their own raw, unadulter-
faculty and fellow graduates: I’d
same, smells the same, feels the same.
ated passion, even when some may not
like to thank you all for being
But what you realize is that the only thing
wish to hear it.
here today. I know that for
that has changed is you. I’d like to share with all of you one of my
some, this was an everyday drive down the roads of Shunyi; others, a much
I think what our time here at Dulwich has
own stories. It is one that happened to
longer trip. Regardless, thank you.
really changed about all of us is that it
me just this past year; one that most high
has turned us all into avid storytellers.
school students and many of the people
We tell stories with every performance
in this room would have experienced as
venue or a place that you’ve once stood
that we give onstage, every MUN confer-
they looked to take the next step and
before. I remember standing here not too
ence that we participate in, every football
pursue higher education. This is the story
long ago on this stage with my leather
or basketball game that we play and
of how I proposed to a girl.
jacket and over-sized wig singing John
every essay that we write.
It’s a funny thing about coming back to a
There I was at the end of Year 11 and
Travolta and hearing Jason tumble down the steps behind me. It’s funny that when
As I stand here, I see bold, creative and
just fresh out of my IGCSEs and still …
you go back to these places, no matter
distinct storytellers. Ones who tell stories
single. So I thought it was time for me
24
www.dulwich-beijing.cn
Graduates DE T U R
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to start thinking about getting married. I spent years searching for the perfect girl, scouring through all corners of the globe in the US, the UK, Australia, Korea, Hong Kong. And some I liked, but some I didn’t. Some were too nerdy, some partied too much and some didn’t allow me to have the freedom that I’d always wanted. But finally after all my searching I thought I’d found her. She was fun, smart, sexy, everything you could ever want in a woman. So, naturally, I decided to propose. I spent months carefully planning it out, looking to my parents and teachers for advice: what was I going to say to her and how was I going to say it? As the date approached I started to panic and worry. Was I good enough? I do well in school but is that all that she’s looking for? Is she looking for a man who can lead? Maybe I should have run for
I proposed to about 10 other target and
you’ve never felt before. I hope you meet
President of Interact before Tony did. Or
safety girls just in case she rejected me
people with a different point of view. I
maybe a man with compassion? Maybe
and they’re all begging me to marry them
hope you live a life that you’re proud of. If
I should have made cuter noises when
instead. So take that, Dream Girl, I didn’t
you find that you’re not, I hope you have
I was playing with the kids at New Hope
want to marry you anyway. In fact, the
the strength to start all over again.’
on the CAS trip. Will my parents approve
girl that I do end up marrying will prob-
of her? Was her name going to give me
ably bring out the best in me in ways that
With every decision that we make, right
the prestige and pedigree sought after
I could never have imagined.
or wrong, tell ourselves that it is merely a chapter, a section of our stories as a
by all the fine companies and institutions around the world? It felt like everything
Mom, Dad, just to put your minds at
whole. I hope, no matter where we are in
I’d done in my entire life would culminate
ease, I would like to reassure you that I
the future - whether we’re at university,
in this one significant moment - this one
didn’t actually propose to anyone.
taking a gap year or joining the Army - that we each find the most unique,
request. Finally the day arrived. I was pulsating and sweating through my shirt.
For those of you who know me, you’d
truthful and quirky components to our
I couldn’t see, I couldn’t breathe.
know that one of my favorite kinds of
own stories. I hope that one day we write
stories is told through movies. I’d like to
a story worth telling – one much bet-
And then it’s over. I’d handed her the
read a few lines from The Curious Case
ter than my metaphorical story about a
note. I’d laid it all down on the line and
of Benjamin Button: one of my favorite
proposal. And when that day comes and
there was nothing more I could do. She
films partly because of the story it tells
you feel like you’ve found the appropriate
turned and looked at me with her gor-
and partly because I one day hope to
components, give me a call or send me
geous eyes and said: mmm let me get
look as cool as Brad Pitt on a motorbike.
a Facebook message. Tell me your story, because I’ll be dying to hear it.
back to you in a few months. ‘It’s never too late, or too early, to be That pretty much sums up what applying
whoever you want to be. You can make
Congratulations to the Dulwich College
to university was like. And the worst thing
the best or the worst of it, I hope you
Beijing Class of 2014 and everyone who
was that chances were she was going to
make the best of it. I hope you see things
helped us get here. Thank you.
say no. But guess what I didn’t tell her,
that startle you. I hope you feel things
The College Magazine (Beijing)
”
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Behind the Scenes DE T U R
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Behind the Scenes A lot of activiy goes on behind the scenes to ensure that daily school operations run smoothly. Many individuals work very hard “backstage,” often unnoticed, to make sure that teachers can concentrate on teaching and students on learning. Today the College sits down with two of our support staff colleagues to find out about their jobs at Dulwich. Can you introduce yourself?
I assist with IB year internal and external exams
My name is Joanne Li and I work the in IB and
or tests, e.g., mocks, midterms, PSAT, SAT, ACT,
University Counselling departments. I work closely
and BMAT. It’s a busy role!
with Year 12 and Year 13 students and am very proud to have seen our graduating students go to
What do you normally do on the weekend?
many fantastic universities over the past few years.
I like experiencing new things when I am free, and have recently tried salsa dancing, snow-
What is your typical day at work like?
boarding and painting. I also love spending time
My role includes communication with parents, stu-
with family and friends.
dents and universities, data processing, and testing. Do you have an interesting story or memory I answer questions related to the IB and uni-
that you would like to share?
versity application processes from parents and
I am very lucky to be able to work in a caring and
students, solve their problems, give advice
friendly place such as Dulwich where there are
or direct them to the right person. I reply and
many hardworking, positive and supportive col-
contact universities to schedule potential visits,
leagues. I also enjoy working with our students
arrange workshops and presentations and talk to
who are sweet and polite. I can never forget trav-
university representatives when they are here. I
elling with about 10 of my colleagues to Dandong
assist counselors and the IB coordinator in pre-
a few years ago. We had so much fun on the way.
paring newsletters. I also work on transcripts for
Visiting the border of North Korea was the high-
school transfers. Last but not least are the tests.
light of the trip. We saw a totally different world.
Can you introduce yourself?
municated to them in a timely fashion, a reliable
My name is Sylvia Liu. I have been working at
person to help organise changes in their chil-
DCB since it opened.
dren’s arrangements, particularly at home time in order to avoid confusion, and being directed to
What is your typical day at work like?
the person who will be most able to help them.
I work as a campus administrator and PA to the Head of Junior School and need to know every-
The teachers also need my time and I try to
thing that goes on in the Junior School.
ensure that I am always there to provide them with the correct forms or answers they need. In
My role involves a lot of communication with the
my job it is essential to be a team player as I
teachers, TA’s, parents and other support staff at
have to communicate with many people to get
DCB. The ability to multi-task is essential!
my job done effectively.
For the children I need to be a welcoming figure
What do you normally do on the weekend?
who will support their needs and sort out their
During the school day I do not get any time to
problems on a day-to-day basis.
myself, so at the weekend I enjoy spending time with my son and husband. I also enjoy window-
Parents rely on correct information being com-
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shopping, and regularly indulge in retail therapy! www.dulwich-beijing.cn
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Careers Advice at Dulwich College London
P O N S MU
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London
Dulwich College London is fortunate to
institutions in London for familiarisation
Britain’s oldest public art gallery. Twenty-
have an extensive network of alumni and
visits or work experience placements.
six guests from a variety of financial sectors spoke with over 70 current pupils
current and former parents who kindly help our Careers Department provide
Recently Dulwich London has organ-
individually and in small groups, discuss-
opportunities and advice for our students
ised networking events allowing older
ing their work, passing on advice and
on future career choices. This network
students interested in a particular field
directing boys to further opportunities.
has been built up over many years and
of work to meet contacts of the College
Before the event many of the students
now comprises several hundred people
already working in that sector. Earlier in
had undertaken networking training run
with whom the Careers Service main-
the school year Dulwich put on success-
by the Careers Department, giving them
tains contact. The College’s proximity
ful events focusing on the law and media,
skills and confidence to make the most
to Central London makes it easy for
and in late April, aspiring young finan-
of the event. As one guest commented
guest speakers to come and talk to sixth
ciers had the chance to meet finance
afterwards, “They were very engaged,
formers about particular careers and for
professionals in the inspiring location
asked intelligent questions and are a real
our students to travel to companies and
of the Dulwich Picture Gallery, which is
credit to the school.”
Seoul Black Belts Twenty students in Junior School at
outstanding result. The basics of taekwondo
Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquar-
Dulwich College Seoul attend the Taek-
teach the spirit of helping each other. The
ters) and acquired black belts.
wondo Club led by Master Jason. DC
boys’ patient work together assured that
Seoul is proud to announce that in June
each one of them passed their test at the
2014 all the Year 6 students in the Club acquired their black belts and first dan.
Congratulations to all the boys!
Seoul
The black belt in taekwondo has nine ranks. Each rank is called a dan, beginning at the first dan and advancing all the way through to the ninth. To attain the first dan a student must train continuously for one year. Mastering the second dan requires two years of work, and so on. It took one or two years of diligence and hard work for these boys to achieve this
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Suzhou
Suzhou TV Channel 1 came to the hospital to film the presentation in the hope that other people would see this story and be inspired to help this little girl with donations toward the cost of her treatment. Friends of Dulwich will keep in touch with Jia-Jia and her family to check on her
Suzhou Charity
progress. Headmaster John Todd said, “It is wonderful to see the efforts of our school community being put to such a worthwhile cause and we hope Jia-Jia will make a full recovery.”
In May, representatives from the Suzhou
aspect of Founder’s Day. This year the
Friends of Dulwich, along with Headmas-
Friends of Dulwich chose to support
Jia Jia’s mother shared her sentiments:
ter John Todd, visited the Suzhou Chil-
Jia-Jia, a 2 year old girl from Xiangshui
“It’s really hard for us to describe our
dren’s Hospital to present 100,000RMB
County who was diagnosed with leuke-
mood. It’s a huge donation. I don’t really
to help pay for a little girl’s medical
mia last September. After unsuccessful
know how to express my appreciation for
treatment. The money was raised at the
chemotherapy she has now had a stem
the generous and selfless support. What
International Day and Founder’s Day
cell transplant. Her family sold everything
we can say is that Jiajia is a very lucky
Celebration, one of the biggest events in
they had to raise 200,000RMB for her
girl and many thanks for what you have
the College calendar.
first treatment and now need to raise
done for us. We can see hope now
another 125,000RMB to cover the costs
because of your help.”
Fundraising for charity is an important
of her continued treatment.
Women Changing China Symposium
Shanghai
On the 19th of March four Dulwich Shang-
success. Journalist Yuan Li also offered
the increasing availability of education is
hai students, along with their University
eye-opening views on how technological
causing the disparity between the educa-
Counsellor, Miss Victoria, made their way
advancements have helped the younger
tion of men and women to fade. Esteemed
to the Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel to attend
generation of women: with the help of
photographer Danwen Xing spoke of the
the Women Changing China Symposium
social media and online portals, young
importance of breaking down notions that
hosted by Barnard College in partnership
women have easily accessible media to
women do not belong in certain lines of
with Columbia University. Divided into three
express their own views and read others’
work, especially technological fields. The
panels - Extraordinary Leaders, Insight
opinions. New media grants young women
genuine passion with which these women
into Business and Finance, and Voices in
access to information they previously could
spoke made their words resonate.
Education, Media and the Arts - the sympo-
not obtain, which is an important step
sium offered networking opportunities and
forward to achieving gender equality.
China.
To conclude, Deborah Spar, President of Barnard College, pointed out that although
information from current women leaders in Another panel boasted highly-accom-
all the panelists were phenomenal,
plished women in the fields of art, edu-
imperfection is always acceptable; no one
Jiang Pei Zhen, Song Bing, Yun Li Lou and
cation and media. Tracey Trench, a
person, male or female, can do everything
Yuan Li, successful figures in the corporate
renowned Hollywood film producer and the
and it is okay to fail sometimes and be lost.
world, emphasised the need for women
only Westerner on the panels, spoke pro-
Her words were particularly motivating –
to help each other by reinvesting their
foundly about how women are now, finally,
and comforting - to the young people in the
talents and skills back into society. They
beginning to write the stories that are
audience, many of whom were still in the
advise women to work toward learning and
making it to film. Julia Huang, a pioneer of
process of making life decisions them-
empowering themselves to build their own
online learning in China, discussed how
selves.
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Junior School FOBISIA Games From Friday 17th to Sunday the 19th of May, Dulwich College Beijing hosted the Junior School FOBISIA Games. The tournament saw over 252 competitors and 250 supporters from schools all around Asia descend on Legend Garden.
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Rugby, Netball & Tennis The annual Rugby, Netball & Tennis tournament saw fierce competition during a Beijing heat wave, as shown by these fantastic pictures.
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Early Years Performances In June both Legend Garden and Riviera Parents were treated to fantastic performances from Key Stage 1 students. ‘Up, Up and Away’ and ‘Ballooning Around the World’ dazzled parents and teachers alike.
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