Exploring Beyond the Dwight London Classroom: From Local Parks to the UN

Fifteen of our Diploma students have just returned from their week-long trip to the Netherlands, part of Dwight London’s long-standing annual participation in a very special event: the Model United Nations (MUN). The MUN conference in the Hague is an authentic simulation of UN meetings, covering the same topics and using the same debating rules.

These conferences are a fantastic opportunity for our students to deeply delve into the perspective of their assigned country — in Dwight London’s case, France — learning their current policies, economic status and military capabilities, all to help them best debate the topic raised for that year’s convention. It’s a hands-on learning experience that perfectly aligns with the IB’s global mindset.

They’re not just debating issues; they’re connecting with and understanding students from around the world. “Surrounded by nearly three thousand new people, we quickly made new friends from every corner of the world,” says Ben, Year 12. “It gave us the chance to learn about and discuss how diplomacy and justice systems can try to prevent war. The week taught us about who we are as students and how we can change the world.”

Our mission to expand learning beyond the classroom starts with our littlest cubs in the Little Lions Nursery. Even as young as two-years-old, the Little Lions embark on brave adventures in their local community. Their weekly Forest School sessions take them to nearby parks and around the neighbourhood. This year, they met a dog in a cute jumper, a park worker on a tractor, and a kind gardener who shared the last apple from his tree. And they’re even able to take in big city life, hopping on the London Underground to learn about public transport.

Whether representing a nation on an international stage or exploring the local community with wide-eyed wonder, each experience is crafted to foster a deep understanding of our interconnected world. These experiences are not just about acquiring knowledge; they are about shaping global citizens who are ready to engage, understand, and contribute to the world in meaningful ways.

END OF AN ERA: MATT PARKER RETIRES

After 18 years at Dwight, our much-loved Junior School Principal Matt Parkin will be retiring this year. When he started, the iPhone had barely rolled off the production line, Crocs were cool, and our current Diploma class was just being born!

He leaves us in safe hands with our incoming Principal, Helen Enisuoh, who joins us from the excellent Norfolk House School, where she has been Senior Deputy Head for 5 years.

“During the interview process,” says Helen, “It was meeting the students that excited me the most. They had a confidence, curiosity and love of learning that was infectious. I am overjoyed to become part of your school.”