Parents as Partners
“No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship.” — Dr. James Comer, Yale Child Study Center.
At Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, we recognise that strong and intentional partnerships between school and home are essential to supporting the holistic development of every child. This belief is deeply embedded in our approach to wellbeing, as guided by the EiM Student Wellbeing Framework, which emphasises the interconnectedness of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Central to this framework is the understanding that families play a pivotal role in shaping students’ experiences and outcomes, and that a strong, collaborative relationship between parents and school enhances every aspect of a child's development.
Research consistently supports the view that when parents are actively engaged in school life, students demonstrate better academic performance, increased motivation, stronger social skills, and higher levels of wellbeing. The work of Epstein (2001) and more recent studies underline the positive impact of school-family partnerships on student outcomes, particularly when these relationships are built on mutual respect, open communication, and shared goals. At Dulwich Puxi, we are committed to nurturing these connections through a wide range of meaningful opportunities for parent engagement.
We offer regular, age-appropriate workshops on topics such as Managing Your Child’s Behaviour at Home, Supporting Students with Exam Stress, How to Talk to Your Children About Puberty, and Putting Effective Safeguarding for Digital Safety in Place. These sessions are designed to provide practical strategies while also fostering dialogue and shared understanding between home and school.
Beyond workshops, our approach to partnership includes ongoing touchpoints such as Parent-Teacher Conferences, curriculum information evenings, and frequent opportunities to provide feedback. We also actively involve families in the life of the school through community celebrations, cultural festivals, House events, performances, and charity initiatives—creating a vibrant and inclusive school culture where families feel a deep sense of belonging.
These connections are not incidental; they are foundational. By building strong relationships with parents, we are better able to support each child’s unique needs and potential. Our goal is to ensure that every child is not only academically successful but also emotionally secure, socially connected, and physically healthy—and that their parents feel empowered and supported as partners in that journey.
We aim to provide meaningful parent education opportunities that support parents. If you would like to request a workshop on a particular topic, please reach out to Natasha Dennis (Whole College Director of Student Services and CPO).
