School Heritage
Our Academic Heritage
At Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, we believe that every student no matter their age has the right to access the sharpest minds, past and present, in order to receive the very best of teaching and learning. Our curriculum embraces all mediums of communication from around the world, exposing students to global views; thoughts, ideas and knowledge from which they develop their own international mindset. It is our belief that by doing this, our students not only learn about the world around them, but as they develop, they will have a greater ability to transform it in the future.
Our curriculum is academically rigorous. Dulwich students are in the business of learning and there is an expectation that they will rise to this challenge with discipline and good grace. We expect students to have exemplary manners and uphold our College values at all times; Aim High and Work Hard. Be kind and respectful. Make a difference.
We encourage healthy competition. We expect all students to ‘have a go’ and do their best. And we do this whilst always upholding the values of empathy, compassion and kindness. We expect our students to use their privilege for good.
At Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, the education of the whole child is critical and our curriculum offers daily routines and opportunities to ensure that students of every age are able to develop socially and emotionally well. Whether they are serving each other food during our family-style lunches in the College restaurant, or participating in our student led agencies, like the Student Council. We believe it is our responsibility to nurture and support students’ voices at all ages, as they are the hearts and minds of our College.
Our Links to London
Our links to Dulwich College, founded in 1619, are strong, and we collaborate closely with the other schools in the network to encourage an international outlook and create an extended community where academic ability is fostered, creativity is valued, and diversity is celebrated.
We are proud to share a common heritage with all the schools in the DCI network, and equally value the traditions, unique to our school, that we have created since we opened.
Our Traditions
A school's traditions build the sense of community and at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi our traditions celebrate 400 years of excellence and tradition from Dulwich College. They form part of our culture and are firmly embedded in all that we do.
The House Sorting Ceremony
Four hundred years of history come alive every year at the College with the annual House Sorting Ceremony. New students are invited onto the stage of the Alleyn Theatre, where they must try on the Dulwich Hat, which then announces which of our four Houses (Song, Moussa, Yung or Shackleton) they will join. Students relish their involvement in our House system and it is a vibrant part of school life for all students in Years 1 and above. Termly, students of the same House rally together to compete in athletics, swimming and creative collaboration challenges against the other Houses. Not only is it a spirited part of school life, but it is also wonderful to see students of all ages bond together. Read more on our Houses below.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Each December the College community gathers beside the Christmas tree for the traditional countdown to the lighting of the tree. The school's choir and orchestra perform traditional carols and seasonal ensembles while families enjoy Christmas food and treats. It is a wonderful event, bringing the school community together and reminding us all of the important bond of family.
Pastoral Care and the House System
The system of pastoral care is highly developed at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi.
Our class teachers and form tutors are responsible not only for every student’s academic development, but also for ensuring they receive the pastoral support they need. Our school has a pastoral support team for students at all levels, and all of them follow a Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) course appropriate to their age and coordinated across the year groups.
Our House system is an integral part of the College pastoral care structure. Many international school students experience a great deal of change in their lives. As their parents move from country to country, they make new friends and adapt to different cultures and school systems. We ensure that children are welcomed into the Dulwich community, that we know them well and that they are supported during their time at the College.
The House system builds s sense of community within the student body and helps to develop students' leadership skills. House Captains and students are responsible for helping to organise House activities, which normally take the form of friendly competitions.
Our Four Houses
On arriving at our school, students and staff are allocated to one of four Houses (link to sort hat ceremony above) , where they will remain during their time with us. Our Houses are named after inspirational and accomplished people: Sameera Moussa, Ernest Shackleton, Soong Qingling, and Yung Wing.
Moussa
Named for Sameera Moussa (1897 – c. 1939). Sameera Moussa was the first female Egyptian nuclear physicist, and throughout her life she paved the way for female scientists, while making great contributions to the fields of x-ray technology and nuclear medicine. Moussa dedicated her life to making nuclear treatment accessible by all and volunteered at many hospitals to help treat cancer patients. She consistently and strongly advocated for the peaceful use of nuclear technology. In 1953, a year after her tragic death in a car accident, the Egyptian Army honored her and she was awarded the Order of Merit for Science and Art, First Class.
Shackleton
Named for Ernest Shackleton (1874 – 1922). Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton was born in Ireland, graduated from Dulwich College and is hailed as one of the greatest explorers of the 20th century. Known for his great leadership and perseverance, Shackleton led a Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1915 that met disaster when his ship, the Endurance, became trapped in the polar ice. Shackleton led his men to shelter and then sailed out in a small open boat (now on display at Dulwich College London) to seek help. He returned and rescued his crew, all of whom survived the ordeal.
Song
Named for Song Qingling (1893-1981). Song Qingling held several prominent positions, representing the Chinese Government in her travels abroad in the early 1950s. She demonstrated an unswerving commitment to human rights and the elimination of poverty. She was Honorary President of the All China Women’s Federation and formed the China Welfare Institute, dedicated to the welfare of children. She was named Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China in 1981, making her the first female president of an Asian country.
Yung
Named for Yung Wing (1828 – 1912). When Yung Wing, also known as Rong Hong(容闳), graduated from Yale University in 1854, he became the first Chinese student ever to graduate from an American university. Born in Zhuhai, Yung Wing is commonly known as the "forefather of the modernisation of China", and his greatest achievement was to persuade the imperial Qing Court to permit the "Chinese Educational Mission".
