Whole School

WISE Conference hosted by Dulwich College Seoul is a Huge Success 

We had promised it would be no ordinary conference and thanks to our 140-strong delegates from all over the world, the second annual Women in International Schools Empowerment (WISE) Conference we had the pleasure to host was a resounding success.  

Dulwich Seoul won the right to host WISE25 after the inaugural WISE Conference at the British School Manila in 2024. Jane Smith and Suzy Pugh, Dulwich’s Heads of School, wrote the DCSL proposal on the flight back from the conference, sure in the knowledge that the 3-day event would be perfect for the ambitious international school teaching communities across Korea. Confirmation that WISE25 would be in Seoul came soon afterwards from the WISE Team, who were impressed with the scope of the planned DCSL-hosted conference, the diversity of workshops and speakers, and the ambitious engagements.  

“The conference couldn’t have gone better for our aspiring leaders,” said Jane Smith, Head of Primary School, one of the co-chairs of the hosting committee. “It was amazing to hear all the rich conversations happening throughout the entire weekend between current and future school managers, Heads and CEOs.” 

The conference featured six (6) stellar keynote speakers who spoke about everything from making networking work for you and turning challenges into career assets, to a powerful story about a young girl’s escape from North Korea and wrapping up the 3-day extravaganza with a decidedly local flavor – K-drama and K-pop (that supports mental health). 

“The positive energy in the room conference  was palpable,” said Suzy Pugh, Head of Senior School, the other co-chair of the hosting committee. “It was clear women leaders don’t often get these kinds of spaces to gather, share and connect and this conference filled that need.” 

The conference offered a vast array of workshop topics – offering up to 99 different options throughout the weekend including repeats to ensure delegates wouldn’t miss the great lineup. Workshops covered everything from international school finance, negotiations with a former climate change negotiator-turned-Irish Ambassador to Korea, how to ace your interview, change management, fostering a sense of belonging for marginaised groups in communities, understanding gender dysphoria in youth, “safer recruitment” advice, rethinking school marketing and storytelling, menopause, and many more. 

Head of College Alison Derbyshire supported the conference throughout, and said one particular session that comes to mind was the negotiation session where participants got to role play, with the aim of both parties coming out of it as a win-win. “Being in that situation was a great learning experience,” she said. Furthermore, “Dulwich College Seoul is proud to support a gathering of female educators leaders and provide ways of further elevating their leadership journey.”  

Some of the conference presenters offered 1-1 coaching sessions that were extremely popular, while other delegates took time to get a foot massage or make new professional connections in between sessions.  

Wellbeing and self-care are important tenets of our college and once again, we made sure the conference provided plenty of opportunities for delegates to get out of their comfort zone to try something new while connecting with other delegates. We had perfume 101 sessions, kimchi pancake-making sessions, makgeolli (rice wine) tasting sessions, running by the river, learning about gym equipment to stay healthy, yoga, fan-painting for those wanting to harness their artistic side, and many other sessions. 

The WISE25 Gala on Saturday evening was a glitzy, fun affair, where delegates donned their best party looks and enjoyed a delicious buffet spread with a wonderful view of the Han River. Photo booths and the amazing DJ added to the festive mood. 

On Sunday, the conference opened a Marketplace with local vendors – many of them female small business owners – to support local businesses and offer some one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts for our traveling guests. 

The conference wrapped up with a panel of all the keynote speakers reflecting on some takeaways and actions we’d like delegates to take when they go home. Then the moment everyone had been waiting for… raffle prizes time!  

We would like to thank our generous sponsors, without whom this wonderful conference would not have been possible. They include Teacher Horizons, Edsidera, SPC, Nespresso, Cathay Pacific, Boksoondoga, Encompass Safeguarding, ISS, and msb. Thanks to them, we gave out wonderful raffle prizes including tumblers, chocolates, a Nespresso coffee machine, and the grand prize of 2 Cathay Pacific tickets to Hong Kong. We especially appreciate SPC, who provided Dunkin Wonders donuts for breakfast on two days. SPC, Cathay Pacific, and Nestle are all DCSL parent sponsors. 

Thank you to all the delegates for joining us and actively engaging in our sessions and with each other. Last but not least, a huge thank you to all the staff volunteers and staff at the College who worked tirelessly for months to make this conference as successful as it was. 

We are still buzzing with energy from the conversations, learnings and connections forged during these magical three days. We are looking forward to staying connected and keeping the conversations going. Hope to see you all at WISE26 Jakarta next year! 

School Photos Update 

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all parents for ensuring your children looked their absolute best for our annual school photographs this week. The College was abuzz with pristine uniforms, neat hair, and bright smiles as our photographer, Family Day Studio, captured these precious moments. 

Our students truly shone during their individual and class/form group sessions. We anticipate the photographs will be ready to order in approximately two weeks. You will receive an email with clear instructions on how to view and purchase these special mementos. 

Please note that Year 6 photographs will be taken on Friday, 21 March, as these students were away on their Adventurous Journey to Hong Kong during this week’s sessions. Additionally, we will be organizing make-up photo sessions on the same day for any students who missed their scheduled photo opportunity this week. If your child needs a make-up session, please contact your child’s class teacher or form tutor to ensure they are added to this list. 

While there is no obligation to buy, these professional photographs often become treasured keepsakes that can be easily shared with family members abroad. 

MyDulwich Parent Platform: Now Open to All Parents! 

We are delighted to announce that our new MyDulwich platform is now available to all parents. Initially launched as a beta test with a select group, we’re now opening access to our entire parent community. 

What is MyDulwich? 

MyDulwich is designed to streamline communication and personalise your child’s learning experience, bringing together timetables, school news, event updates, and more—all in one convenient location. 

How to Access MyDulwich 

1. Log In:  

• Visit https://portal-dcsl.dulwich.org/login/ 

• Use your existing iSAMS credentials to sign in. If you have forgotten your details, click “Forgotten Your Details?” at the bottom right of the login window and follow the instructions. 

2. Explore the Platform:  

• Browse key features like the consolidated calendar, bulletins, and essential resources. 

Ongoing Development 

While MyDulwich is now available to everyone, please note that we are still actively developing the platform. You may encounter some sections that are incomplete or experience occasional bugs. We appreciate your patience and feedback as we continue to enhance the system. 

Need Help? Visit Our “Genius Bar” Drop-in Sessions 

To help you explore MyDulwich firsthand, we are running “Genius Bar” drop-in sessions in our school foyer throughout March. Our staff will be on hand to walk you through the platform’s key features, answer your questions, and show you how to make the most of its capabilities. 

Share Your Feedback 

Your input is valuable as we continue to refine the platform. If you encounter any issues or have suggestions for improvement, please let us know through our Beta Test Feedback Form. 

We look forward to seeing you at one of the upcoming Genius Bar sessions and hope you find MyDulwich to be a valuable addition to your connection with our school community. 

Warm regards, 
The Communications Team 
Dulwich College Seoul 

Re-enrolment for 2025/26 Academic Year

We are defaulting to re-enrolment UNLESS a parent opts out to submit a withdrawal form to notify they’re leaving. As such, no action is required on your part IF you are returning next academic year, and we will assume you are re-enrolling your child/ren. However, you MUST submit a withdrawal form by the deadline IF you are leaving.

2025/26 Terms and Conditions

Please find the Terms and Conditions for 2025-26 academic year. Your payment for the new school year/term will be recorded as your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

If your child is leaving

If your child is leaving DCSL and NOT returning in August 2025, please submit the DCSL Withdrawal Form here by Monday, 31 March 2025. Detail information including your child’s School Code was sent to you on Monday, 24 February.

• Your date of official notice for withdrawal will be the submission date of this form.
• If you have more than one child at the College, please fill out a form for each child separately.
• If you have any difficulties submitting the form before the deadline, please email Re-enrolment@dulwich-seoul.kr as early as possible before the deadline.
• Cancellation of submitted withdrawals after the deadline may not guarantee your child’s place in the new academic year depending on the waitlist situation of the Year Group.  
• Please note that a withdrawal form submitted after the deadline of Monday, 31 March 2025 will result in your losing the deposit without exception.

For questions about the general withdrawal process, please contact us at Re-enrolment@dulwich-seoul.kr or 02-3015-8502.

If your child will continue to be enrolled 

If you child is staying at DCSL, no action is required. However, if you would like to update your information for Parent Contact, Bus, Payment Term, Company Payer, please complete this Information Update for Re-enrolling Families form by Monday 31 March. This form is strictly optional.

Details of tuition fees for the next academic year will be made available through the usual channels, such as the College website.

Thank you so much.

Dulwich College Seoul Admissions

Strengthening Ties with NA Member Cho Eun-hee of Seocho-gu 

Our Head of College Alison Derbyshire recently had the pleasure of visiting our long-term supporter who represents our district, the Honorable National Assembly member Cho Eun-hee. NA member Cho was not only instrumental in the establishment of our College back in 2010 as a Vice-Mayor at Seoul Metropolitan Government working to attract foreign direct investment, but she is also an avid supporter who has visited our campus and attended school events several times during her tenure as a two-term Seocho-gu Governor. 

Last April, she attended our FDI Policy Roundtable reception at the British Ambassador’s residence in support of recognising the role foreign schools play in attracting – and retaining top global talent. It was an honour seeing NA member Cho again, where she reiterated her commitment and support for the College and we discussed how we may collaborate and strengthen our partnerships as we continue expanding our contribution to the local community. 

We relayed our commitment to supporting local Seocho-gu district initiatives, including SMOE’s international joint class program where our Year 4 students met with their peers from the Elementary School Affiliated with Seoul National University of Education. After a few online meets and greets, followed by a campus visit, about 40 Year 4 students from Dulwich and SNUE Elementary School jointly visited the British Embassy, which sits on historical grounds. The students were greeted by Deputy Ambassador Gareth Weir and learned about British history, culture and the country’s long friendship with South Korea. 

NA member Cho was pleased to learn that we are exploring to continue the joint class program with other local schools including Gyeseong Elementary and Sinbanpo Middle School, to name a few.  

We also shared the importance of community service as part of our school values and how our students had provided homework support at the Seorae Global Village Center and also packaged and delivered side dishes for the Banpo Elderly Center.  

We expressed our support for NA member Cho’s educational initiatives, including bringing a new high school to the Jamwon area. Should there be any interest, we offered to share our knowledge on the IB curriculum and provide any other support needed to further enhance the district’s educational environment. 

We explored organizing joint musical performances and exchanges with local partners to build community. NA member Cho invited us to consider collaborating with the Seocho Cultural Foundation on a joint artistic project with neighboring schools in the future. The Seocho Cultural Foundation is a beautiful space that seats up to 900 that NA member Cho established during her tenure as Seocho-gu Governor. 

The two female pioneers – each serving as the first ever Head of College at Dulwich and first Vice Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan Government (and any local government back in 2010) – shared a common bond and milestone for a more inclusive world.  

Ms Derbyshire invited NA member Cho to our biggest event of the year, Founder’s Day, in June, where we will announce our 15th anniversary celebrations that will continue throughout the year. The two leaders agreed to strengthen their ties and committed to continuing the partnership to build the local community.  

Social Coffee Morning & Used Book/Uniform Sale

Dulwich College Seoul’s 15th Anniversary Logo

& Slogan Contest

As we celebrate 15 years of excellence at Dulwich College Seoul, we invite students, alumni, and parents to take part in a special Logo & Slogan Contest to mark this milestone. This is a unique opportunity to showcase creativity while contributing to a commemorative design that reflects our school’s journey, values, and community spirit.

What Are We Looking For?

The logo must incorporate the number 15, the school crest, and an original design that aligns with our anniversary theme, “Inspiring Connections & Community”. The accompanying slogan should be short, memorable, and meaningful. Submissions can be hand-drawn or digital (PDF, JPG, PNG formats accepted).

Key Dates

• Submission Deadline: 5 March 2025
• Winner Announcement: 25 March 2025

The 15th Anniversary Planning Committee, in consultation with the College Leadership Team, will evaluate designs based on creativity, alignment with our brand and theme, and flexibility for use in various anniversary events.

How to Submit

Entries can be emailed to marketing@dulwich-seoul.kr with the participant’s full name and status (student, alumni, or parent). Hard copies can also be submitted to the Marketing Office (Room 223).

We encourage our school community to take part in this exciting initiative. Be creative and help shape our anniversary celebration!

No Summer School This Year – Alternative Programmes Available 

As we undertake extensive facilities work on campus this summer, we will not be offering a Summer School programme. However, we are pleased to share two exciting external options for families looking to enrich their children’s holiday experience: 

HIF International Summer Adventure Camp 2025 (ages 10-16) 
13–26 July (Core Camp) | 26–31 July (Optional Cultural Extension) 
Hosted at HIF School in the beautiful Engadine Valley in Switzerland, this camp offers language immersion, STEM workshops, cultural exploration, and adventure activities—all supported by a 1:9 staff-to-student ratio. Families will handle their own travel arrangements, and an optional chaperone service may be offered depending on interest. To learn more or register, please contact camp@eimglobal.com. 

Register now by clicking on this link.  

Green Camp Bali provides a range of immersive, nature-focused experiences—from short family retreats to youth camps, and summer programmes. Each one emphasises sustainability, intercultural learning, and hands-on exploration in a unique setting. To learn more about specific camp options, dates, and enrolment, please visit the Green Camp Bali website. 

We hope these alternatives will provide your children with fulfilling educational and cultural experiences this summer. If you have any questions, please contact us in the school office. Thank you for your understanding and support as we improve our facilities for an even better Dulwich experience. 

Call for Volunteers: Global Citizenship Day

We are thrilled to announce that Global Citizenship Day will take place on Wednesday, 23 April, and we invite parents to take part in this celebration of our wonderfully diverse community. We have 46 countries represented at Dulwich College Seoul, and we would love to see as many as possible showcased at the event. Volunteers will set up a stall representing their home country, complete with snacks, decorations, and any other items that capture the essence of your culture. To register your interest in participating, please click here. This event will be held during the school day, and we welcome all parents who are eager to share their unique heritage with our students and staff.

MyDulwich: A New Gateway to Your Child’s Learning Journey

MyDulwich is our new, streamlined parent portal set to replace the current iSAMS Parent Portal in March 2025. Developed in response to parent feedback and adopted across the Dulwich family of schools, MyDulwich aims to enhance your experience by offering simpler navigation, personalised updates, and greater connectivity with your child’s learning.

What Is MyDulwich?

MyDulwich is a one-stop platform where you can view your child’s timetable, access a single, merged school calendar, and receive invitations for events and trips—all in one place. Importantly, it also provides custom updates tailored to each child’s year group, ensuring you see information that’s relevant to your family.

Key Features

• Single Sign-On
  Use your existing iSAMS login to access MyDulwich, SchoolsBuddy, and SeeSaw—all through one secure login.
• Mobile-Friendly
  Enjoy a user-friendly experience on any device, with push notifications for instant updates when using your phone.
• Tailored to Each Child
  MyDulwich only shows information relating to your child’s year group, helping you focus on what truly matters.
• Calendar & Bulletins
  Keep track of important events, academic schedules, and extracurricular activities. You’ll also receive weekly bulletins summarising the latest announcements.
• Customisable Communication
  Adjust your notification settings to control how much—or how little—information you receive, creating a more personalised news feed.

What You’ll Find

• Student Timetables
  Check your child’s timetable to stay informed of their daily classes (homework details will follow in Phase 2).
• Essential Documents
  Access handbooks, curriculum guides, and key policies, plus resources on uniforms, lunch services, buses, and staff directories.
• Weekly Top News
  Instead of an overlong newsletter, we will curate the top stories of the week through the Head of College message on Fridays.
• School Events & Activities
  Learn about upcoming events and sign up for private music lessons, sports programmes, and ECAs—all from the same platform.
• Educational Resources
  Discover links to the digital tools and learning platforms used across our schools.

Next Steps

Leading up to the launch in March, we will send detailed instructions on logging in to MyDulwich via your existing iSAMS credentials. Additionally, we will conduct on-site and online training sessions in February and March to make sure you’re comfortable navigating the portal.

Thank You

We appreciate your patience and support as we introduce this new system. As with any new initiative, there may be a short transition period while we fine-tune the platform. We look forward to making MyDulwich a valuable tool that keeps you informed, engaged, and connected to your child’s educational journey.

HIF International Summer Adventure Camp 2025

We are pleased to introduce the HIF International Summer Adventure Camp 2025, an enriching programme designed to foster academic growth, cultural exploration, and life skills development in the breathtaking Engadine Valley, Switzerland.

Programme Overview

• Dates: 13–26 July 2025 (core camp), with an optional cultural extension (26–31 July) to explore iconic European cities.
• Eligibility: Open to students aged 10–16.
• Capacity: Limited to 60 participants with a 1:9 staff-to-student ratio ensuring dedicated supervision.
• Curriculum: A well-rounded programme featuring language immersion, STEM workshops, cultural activities, and adventure-based learning.
• Fees: CHF 4,500 for the core camp; CHF 1,500 for the optional extension (exclusive to EiM group students). Fees exclude visa applications and flights.

Registration & Next Steps

• More Information & Registration: Click here to register.
• Induction Session: HIF will host an online induction in January to provide further details and answer queries.
• Payment & Contracts: Parents will complete payment directly following contract issuance by HIF.

For further details, please visit the programme brochure and risk assessment reference through the provided links. For inquiries, contact camp@eimglobal.com.

This is a valuable opportunity for students to engage in a transformative summer experience in Switzerland. Spaces are limited—early registration is recommended.

FOBISIA School Newsletter Insert for January 2025

Please click here to read the FOBISIA Newsletter Insert for January 2025.

BP Debate competition

Global Citizenship Introductions

We are Lynsey Gogin and Lara Small, Global Citizenship Leads at Dulwich College Seoul, and we are honoured to advance our schools mission to inspire students to grow as global citizens who make a positive difference in the world.

One of our goals is to create meaningful, inclusive experiences that reflect and celebrate our diverse community. To achieve this, we are reaching out to invite enthusiastic volunteers to help mentor individuals and contribute to a variety of initiatives. We believe that your unique perspectives and experiences will greatly enrich our Global Citizenship programs.

Here are some of the key topics and events where we are looking for volunteers throughout the year:

March 2025

Neurodiversity: Share insights and support for individuals with different neurological conditions and learning styles.

February 2025

Black History Month: Help organize and facilitate events that honour and educate about the contributions and experiences of Black individuals.

March 2025

International Women’s Day: Lead conversations and events that celebrate women’s achievements and address gender equity.

April 2025

Earth Week: Contribute ideas and actions to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and our role in protecting our planet.

June 2025

Pride: Support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through inclusive activities and discussions.

If you are interested in volunteering or have any ideas to contribute, please reach out to us at lynsey.gogin@dulwich-seoul.kr/ lara.small@dulwich-seoul.kr Your involvement will be invaluable in helping us build a more inclusive and engaging environment for everyone.

We look forward to working with you and making a positive impact together!

Warm regards,

Lynsey Gogin and Lara Small (Global Citizen Leads)

An Exciting Opportunity: Barça Academy Camps for Years 6–12 Students

We are excited to share a unique opportunity brought to us by the ESCCK and Barça Academy!

Barça Academy is offering football camps designed for students in Years 6–12, providing them with the incredible chance to train with expert Barça coaches. Participants will not only enhance their football skills but also learn the values and methodologies of FC Barcelona, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world.

A standout feature of the program is the MVP Award, granted to the best participant in each category. Winners will receive a full scholarship and could even visit FC Barcelona for further training and development.

This is an amazing opportunity for young football enthusiasts to develop their talents and experience world-class training.

Click here to read about the program,

The Ambassador Platform

We’re pleased to share “The Ambassador Platform” with our community—an interactive chatting app that’s been connecting prospective parents with our dedicated community of parents. Our team of parent ambassadors has been doing a great job engaging with potential families, sharing personal experiences, and offering advice to showcase why Dulwich College Seoul is a great choice.

This platform is not only useful for prospective parents but also a helpful resource for our current parents. They can easily start a conversation with our experienced parent ambassadors to get answers to any questions they may have about Dulwich College Seoul’s school life. Click here to start chatting and learn more about our community and the enriching experiences at Dulwich College Seoul for your family!