Embracing Tradition: Which House Do You Represent?

At Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, we want everyone in our community to do well; to want to do well.  Aiming high and working hard, being kind and respectful, and making a difference together are guaranteed values that pave the road to success.

Two events that exemplify these core values are the House Sorting Ceremony and the House Banquet.

For our new Primary School students, the Sorting Hat's magical touch at the House Sorting Ceremony marks the start of a special journey. This enchanting moment is when they are sorted into one of our four Houses. Each House bears the name of an inspirational figure – Song, Yung, Moussa, and Shackleton.

We asked Lynn, a new Primary School student, about her experience with the Sorting Hat. “I was really nervous but also very excited when the Sorting Hat chose Song House for me. The stage was so big, and there were lots of colourful lights.”

Lynn pointed at her red tie and told us about her thoughts on her placement “Song House is red, and I love red, so I'm really happy to be in that house. I think Song House has the best chance of winning the House Cup, and many of my new friends are in this house. But I also have lots of friends in the other houses, and I'm excited to compete in the next House competition."

This event is more than just a fun ceremony; it's a rite of passage where lifelong bonds are forged and essential life lessons are learned.

In the Senior School, we celebrate the welcoming of new students with a House Banquet. Each House Captain welcomes their newest member into the fold during this ceremony.

Our House Captains lead the way, fostering House pride and the Dulwich spirit among their peers. The House Captain of Yung House imparted wise words on House Banquet Day, welcoming their new students into the fold. “Congratulations on becoming the newest members of our house! I am delighted and excited about working as a team starting today. Your remarkable skills will be a great addition to our house”.

Houses at Dulwich are more than a group; they are inspired by great leaders and infused with long-standing traditions. Ana said in her welcome speech, “Yung Wing, a pioneering Chinese American who became the first Chinese student to earn a degree from an American university. He went on to become a diplomat, writer, and advocate. The story of Yung Wing is proof of the importance of education and of knowing other cultures.

The Dulwich Colege Puxi is made of many different groups that cohesively come together as a community. Ana encapsulated it by saying, “let's work together to build a safe and accepting community where everyone can thrive. Embracing our differences will help us all grow. And let's make an effort to have a positive influence on our community.”

The House Banquet, eagerly anticipated by Senior School students, is a time to celebrate their House identity. It's a stage for students to create lasting memories with House members.

Now, let's meet our four remarkable Houses:

• Song House: Named after Song Qingling, who stood up for the Chinese commoners and who was respected and loved by allmregardless of gender or age. Song House embodies the qualities of leadership and perseverance.
• Yung House: Named for Yung Wing, an inspiring man who broke boundaries by being the first Chinese person to graduate from an American university. Yung House is synonymous with creativity and artistic expression.
• Moussa House: Named after pioneering female scientist and advocate for peace, Sameera Moussa. Moussa House represents inclusivity, embracing the diversity of our community.
• Shackleton House: Named after the great British Antarctic explorer and Dulwich College alumni Ernest Shackleton. Shackleton House echoes the adventurous spirit of exploration and courage.

These Houses are not just symbols; they embody our commitment to holistic education and student well-being. They are a part of the foundation upon which we build our students' futures.

As we embark on a new year filled with House events and opportunities for living out our school values, remember that you are part of something extraordinary – a community that lives out its values, which are rooted in tradition.