DULWICH COLLEGE

Detur Gloria Soli Deo

Let glory be given to God
alone

Dulwich College is an academically selective independent boys’ school in south London set in a 70-acre campus, only 12 minutes by train from central London. It is led by Dr Joe Spence, the Master.

Dulwich has a distinguished tradition of inspired teaching and genuine scholarship in the classroom and beyond with an array of lectures, visiting speakers, curriculum enrichment and symposia; the GCSE and A level results are outstanding.  

Pupils from the College join the most competitive of universities across the word, including Oxford and Cambridge in the UK, and Yale and Berkeley in the USA, and thereafter enter all the major professions with a high number choosing to work in engineering, the health services and the law. Many of its students go on to engage in entrepreneurial, technological, cybernetic and innovative enterprises too, and Dulwich also has a reputation for producing fine actors, musicians, sportsmen and writers.

Pupils who are boarders frequently describe their Boarding House as a ‘home from home’ and their welfare is assured by Housemasters and Tutors with a level of commitment which places them genuinely ‘in loco parentis’.

The boarding community comprises over 20 nationalities who enjoy excellent facilities, including extensive sporting opportunities. Weekend activities include House trips, which might include, for example, The Design Museum, a Mid-Autumn festival celebration, go-karting and paintball, and pupils also have time to relax, recharge their batteries, socialise and study in a calm and caring environment.

BOARDING

ACADEMIC

ADMISSIONS

NAMES OF YEAR GROUPS

LEAVERS' DESTINATIONS

SPECIALIST PROGRAMMES

ACADEMIC

In addition to our core responsibility to guide pupils through the qualifications they need for beyond Dulwich, we look to encourage Alleynians to be diligent, capable, self-motivated and collaborative learners who are able to read broadly, research accurately and communicate clearly. Dulwich pupils are characterised by their enthusiasm for learning, an ability to embrace opportunities beyond the curriculum, think creatively, and are able to work diligently; understanding that performance does not come purely from natural talent, but as much by hard work and commitment. 

Our broad and balanced academic curriculum reflects these aims with its emphasis on the development of independent, creative thinking based on practical knowledge and conceptual understanding. We provide a secure yet challenging environment, which encourages participation, curiosity and enquiry. You will see this philosophy being adopted from the youngest of our pupils to those that are about to leave the senior school.

Through a broad range of activities, academic, sporting and co-curricular we enable pupils to become confident, courteous and responsible individuals at ease with themselves and ready for the challenges of the world.

In addition to core A Level subjects, all students in the Remove (Year 12) follow a programme of Advanced Electives. These are bespoke, ten-week courses designed by teachers at Dulwich College, James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) and Sydenham High School which inspire a genuine love of learning beyond exam curricula. The Advanced Electives provide Dulwich students the opportunity to learn together with Year 12s from JAGS and Sydenham High School in a manner which replicates the seminar-style, independent learning of universities and tertiary education

 

The Advanced Electives form a core part of the free learning ethos at Dulwich. We believe in preparing students for 21st century life by developing courses that are truly interdisciplinary, that straddle boundaries between academic, practical and emotional intelligence and which encourage students to think independently.

In addition to the A level and Advanced Elective courses, students take two Liberal Studies courses in each of the Remove (Year 12) and Year 13. These courses are designed to give breadth to students’ academic experience, to pique their curiosity, and to allow them to explore areas of knowledge which either complement examined courses or cover topics in unrelated areas which may interest them.

The skills and knowledge developed in both Liberal Studies and Advanced Electives courses will be used by pupils to help them complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or to plan and write an internally assessed essay of 2000 words. These are key components of our Dulwich Diploma, which recognises the academic and co-curricular aspects of a Dulwich education, and is awarded to pupils when they leave the College.

From Music concerts and choirs, Drama productions, Year 10 Collaboration Day, Liberal Studies and Advanced Electives classes, there are many opportunities for pupils at Dulwich College to learn together with pupils from JAGS.

The Learning Support Department helps and support to pupils who are able to access an academic curriculum, but who may need extra help to fulfil their potential. We celebrate and respect neurological differences (neurodiversity). We are experienced in supporting pupils with diagnosed learning differences including Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC); however, not all the pupils we support have a diagnosis.

 

The Senior School Learning Support Department consists of the Head of Learning Support and a Deputy, two Learning Support Teachers and an Administrator, who work with pupils in Years 7 to 13. Our support for pupils with a variety of Learning Support needs includes those on EHC plans, details of which are available on request. We assist pupils in many different ways including developing reading comprehension and spelling skills, personal organisation, study and revision strategies, and social skills. The department works closely with form tutors, subject teachers and Heads of Year, providing advice on appropriate classroom strategies and delivering professional training on special educational needs.

The College has around 60 boarders per year, for whom English is an additional language, and who arrive in London with little experience of education in the UK. The majority of these pupils arrive in Year 12, but there are some who start in Years 7 to 10.

 

The aim of the EAL department is to support these pupils in their language acquisition and communicative competence so that they are confident in speaking and writing English. There are two EAL teachers in the department who teach most pupils in one-to-one sessions, which enable us to form close and supportive working relationships and where lessons are tailored to suit individual needs. Other pupils work in small groups, but all lessons focus on developing accuracy in speaking and writing, as well as developing listening and reading skills.

All new pupils are expected to complete an EAL Diploma which encourages and requires them to participate in various co-curricular activities, such as giving a speech to a Society, representing their Day House in a Sport or Music competition or visiting famous landmarks in London.  The Diploma will be assessed at the end of each new pupil’s first year, and the idea behind it is to support and encourage new EAL pupils’ wider involvement in the broad range of opportunities on offer at Dulwich College.

Boys who arrive in Year 12, who do not have an English language qualification, will be prepared for IELTS and boys who arrive in Years 7-10 will be given general language support to help them access the whole curriculum and develop competence and fluency.

CO-CURRICULAR

While the classroom remains central to life at Dulwich College, we see co-curricular activities as vital to a rounded education.

The energy and variety in our co-curriculum programme is such that every boy is sure to find something to inspire him. In fact, if there is interest in an activity not currently available we will do everything in our power to make it available. The Dulwich College Union of Societies has over 60 Societies and Clubs, many of which are run by pupils and include the Football Debating Society, the Engineers’ Society, BioMed Society and Francophone Society. Quirky societies include the Dismantling Society, the Read, Cake, Debate Club and the Yu-Gi-Oh! Club.

Music, sport and drama all play an integral part in the boys’ lives, both within the curriculum and beyond. Dulwich also has a long tradition of Scouting and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) with boys taking part in weekly activities as well as a large number of expeditions and adventure activities outside the College. Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award has become increasingly popular in recent years along with charitable fundraising and other ways of serving the community.

Our guiding principle is that every boy should find himself and be who he wants to be. The ever- changing and expanding list of clubs and societies within the College is proof of the success of that policy.

INTERESTING FACTS

There are 89 different ties awarded by the Societies and Clubs in the College and they are worn with pride.
The Wodehouse Library houses a reproduction of P.G. Wodehouse’s study.

Adventure and Integrity are demonstrated most vividly by one of our most famous Old Alleynians, Sir Ernest Shackleton. It was in the James Caird, a 23 foot whaler, that he and five companions made the epic open boat voyage of 800 miles (1,300 km) from Elephant Island, 500 miles (800 km) south of Cape Horn, to South Georgia during the Antarctic winter of 1916. It is fitting that the James Caird now rests in Dulwich College as a permanent celebration of one our most illustrious alumni and of the values for which we stand.

The papers of Philip Henslowe and his step son in-law Edward Alleyn at Dulwich College constitute the world’s single largest archive of records on English theatres and drama in the age of Marlowe, Shakespeare, Jonson, Middleton and their contemporaries.

Kenza Wilkes OA (12-17) had the opportunity to interview former US President Bill Clinton in front of 300 friends as part of the 120th Anniversary of the Rhodes Scholarship. Kenza Wilks was finishing his BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics with Chinese Language at King’s College London when he found out that he has been selected as Bermuda’s Rhodes Scholar for 2021. The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully-funded postgraduate award which enables more than 100 talented young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.

WHAT'S NEW

At Dulwich College, service engagement and social responsibility are deeply ingrained in our ethos. Each year, we organize a remarkable event, Service Day, that brings together the entire school community in an effort to make a positive impact in our local community. This years’ Service Day saw over 800 pupils from various year groups participating in 39 different locations.

The Dulwich Olympiad 2024 will mark respectively the 10th and 20th anniversaries of Dulwich College Singapore and Dulwich College International through a celebration of art, drama, dance, music and sport (principally athletics and swimming). Pupils from Dulwich College (from particular year groups), will travel to Singapore and participate in workshops and events in preparation for performances and competitions throughout the week – culminating in a closing ceremony. In addition, there will be a series of cultural and social activities before, during and after the Olympiad.

ABOUT THE HEAD

ALUMNI

DULWICH COLLEGE

Detur Gloria Soli Deo

Let glory be given to God
alone

Dulwich College is an academically selective independent boys’ school in south London set in a 70-acre campus, only 12 minutes by train from central London. It is led by Dr Joe Spence, the Master.

Dulwich has a distinguished tradition of inspired teaching and genuine scholarship in the classroom and beyond with an array of lectures, visiting speakers, curriculum enrichment and symposia; the GCSE and A level results are outstanding.  

Pupils from the College join the most competitive of universities across the word, including Oxford and Cambridge in the UK, and Yale and Berkeley in the USA, and thereafter enter all the major professions with a high number choosing to work in engineering, the health services and the law. Many of its students go on to engage in entrepreneurial, technological, cybernetic and innovative enterprises too, and Dulwich also has a reputation for producing fine actors, musicians, sportsmen and writers.

Pupils who are boarders frequently describe their Boarding House as a ‘home from home’ and their welfare is assured by Housemasters and Tutors with a level of commitment which places them genuinely ‘in loco parentis’.

The boarding community comprises over 20 nationalities who enjoy excellent facilities, including extensive sporting opportunities. Weekend activities include House trips, which might include, for example, The Design Museum, a Mid-Autumn festival celebration, go-karting and paintball, and pupils also have time to relax, recharge their batteries, socialise and study in a calm and caring environment.

BOARDING

ACADEMIC

ADMISSIONS

NAMES OF YEAR GROUPS

LEAVERS' DESTINATIONS

SPECIALIST PROGRAMMES

ACADEMIC

In addition to our core  responsibility to guide pupils through the qualifications they need for beyond Dulwich, we look to encourage Alleynians to be diligent, capable, self motivated and collaborative learners who are able to read broadly, research accurately and communicate clearly. Dulwich pupils are characterised by their enthusiasm for learning, an ability to embrace opportunities beyond the curriculum, think creatively, and are able to work diligently; understanding that performance does not come purely from natural talent, but as much by hard work and commitment. 

Our broad and balanced academic curriculum reflects these aims with its emphasis on the development of independent, creative thinking based on practical knowledge and conceptual understanding. We provide a secure yet challenging environment, which encourages participation, curiosity and enquiry. You will see this philosophy being adopted from the  youngest of our pupils to those that are about to leave the senior school.

Through a broad range of activities, academic, sporting and co-curricular we enable pupils to become confident, courteous and responsible individuals at ease with themselves and ready for the challenges of the world.

In addition to core A Level subjects, all students in the Remove (Year 12) follow a programme of Advanced Electives. These are bespoke, ten-week courses designed by teachers at Dulwich College, James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) and Sydenham High School which inspire a genuine love of learning beyond exam curricula. The Advanced Electives provide Dulwich students the opportunity to learn together with Year 12s from JAGS and Sydenham High School in a manner which replicates the seminar-style, independent learning of universities and tertiary education

The Advanced Electives form a core part of the free learning ethos at Dulwich. We believe in preparing students for 21st century life by developing courses that are truly interdisciplinary, that straddle boundaries between academic, practical and emotional intelligence and which encourage students to think independently.

In addition to the A level and Advanced Elective courses, students take two Liberal Studies courses in each of the Remove (Year 12) and Year 13. These courses are designed to give breadth to students’ academic experience, to pique their curiosity, and to allow them to explore areas of knowledge which either complement examined courses or cover topics in unrelated areas which may interest them.

The skills and knowledge developed in both Liberal Studies and Advanced Electives courses will be used by pupils to help them complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or to plan and write an internally assessed essay of 2000 words. These are key components of our Dulwich Diploma, which recognises the academic and co-curricular aspects of a Dulwich education, and is awarded to pupils when they leave the College.

From Music concerts and choirs, Drama productions, Year 10 Collaboration Day, Liberal Studies and Advanced Electives classes, there are many opportunities for pupils at Dulwich College to learn together with pupils from JAGS.

The Learning Support Department helps and support to pupils who are able to access an academic curriculum, but who may need extra help to fulfil their potential. We celebrate and respect neurological differences (neurodiversity). We are experienced in supporting pupils with diagnosed learning differences including Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC); however, not all the pupils we support have a diagnosis.

The Senior School Learning Support Department consists of the Head of Learning Support and a Deputy, two Learning Support Teachers and an Administrator, who work with pupils in Years 7 to 13. Our support for pupils with a variety of Learning Support needs includes those on EHC plans, details of which are available on request. We assist pupils in many different ways including developing reading comprehension and spelling skills, personal organisation, study and revision strategies, and social skills. The department works closely with form tutors, subject teachers and Heads of Year, providing advice on appropriate classroom strategies and delivering professional training on special educational needs.

The Learning Support Department helps and support to pupils who are able to access an academic curriculum, but who may need extra help to fulfil their potential. We celebrate and respect neurological differences (neurodiversity). We are experienced in supporting pupils with diagnosed learning differences including Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC); however, not all the pupils we support have a diagnosis.

The Senior School Learning Support Department consists of the Head of Learning Support and a Deputy, two Learning Support Teachers and an Administrator, who work with pupils in Years 7 to 13. Our support for pupils with a variety of Learning Support needs includes those on EHC plans, details of which are available on request. We assist pupils in many different ways including developing reading comprehension and spelling skills, personal organisation, study and revision strategies, and social skills. The department works closely with form tutors, subject teachers and Heads of Year, providing advice on appropriate classroom strategies and delivering professional training on special educational needs.

CO-CURRICULAR

While the classroom remains central to life at Dulwich College, we see co-curricular activities as vital to a rounded education.

The energy and variety in our co-curriculum programme is such that every boy is sure to find something to inspire him. In fact, if there is interest in an activity not currently available we will do everything in our power to make it available. The Dulwich College Union of Societies has over 60 Societies and Clubs, many of which are run by pupils and include the Football Debating Society, the Engineers’ Society, BioMed Society and Francophone Society. Quirky societies include the Dismantling Society, the Read, Cake, Debate Club and the Yu-Gi-Oh! Club.

Music, sport and drama all play an integral part in the boys’ lives, both within the curriculum and beyond. Dulwich also has a long tradition of Scouting and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) with boys taking part in weekly activities as well as a large number of expeditions and adventure activities outside the College. Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award has become increasingly popular in recent years along with charitable fundraising and other ways of serving the community.

Our guiding principle is that every boy should find himself and be who he wants to be. The ever- changing and expanding list of clubs and societies within the College is proof of the success of that policy.

INTERESTING FACTS

There are 89 different ties awarded by the Societies and Clubs in the College and they are worn with pride. The Wodehouse Library houses a reproduction of P.G. Wodehouse’s study.

Adventure and Integrity are demonstrated most vividly by one of our most famous Old Alleynians, Sir Ernest Shackleton. It was in the James Caird, a 23 foot whaler, that he and five companions made the epic open boat voyage of 800 miles (1,300 km) from Elephant Island, 500 miles (800 km) south of Cape Horn, to South Georgia during the Antarctic winter of 1916. It is fitting that the James Caird now rests in Dulwich College as a permanent celebration of one our most illustrious alumni and of the values for which we stand.

The papers of Philip Henslowe and his step son-in-law Edward Alleyn at Dulwich College constitute the world’s single largest archive of records on English theatres and drama in the age of Marlowe, Shakespeare, Jonson, Middleton and their contemporaries.

Kenza Wilkes OA (12-17) had the opportunity to interview former US President Bill Clinton in front of 300 friends as part of the 120th Anniversary of the Rhodes Scholarship. Kenza Wilks was finishing his BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics with Chinese Language at King’s College London when he found out that he has been selected as Bermuda’s Rhodes Scholar for 2021. The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully-funded postgraduate award which enables more than 100 talented young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.

WHAT'S NEW

At Dulwich College, service engagement and social responsibility are deeply ingrained in our ethos. Each year, we organize a remarkable event, Service Day, that brings together the entire school community in an effort to make a positive impact in our local community. This years’ Service Day saw over 800 pupils from various year groups participating in 39 different locations.

The Dulwich Olympiad 2024 will mark respectively the 10th and 20th anniversaries of Dulwich College Singapore and Dulwich College International through a celebration of art, drama, dance, music and sport (principally athletics and swimming). Pupils from Dulwich College (from particular year groups), will travel to Singapore and participate in workshops and events in preparation for performances and competitions throughout the week – culminating in a closing ceremony. In addition, there will be a series of cultural and social activities before, during and after the Olympiad.

ABOUT THE HEAD

ALUMNI

GALLERY