From August 2018, Dulwich College (Singapore) will launch its Upper School and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for students in Year 12 (Grade 11). IB Diploma Coordinator Alan Perkins explains the programme and the College’s innovative approach.
Dulwich College (Singapore) opened in 2014 in a purpose-built campus and offers an education with a distinctive British ethos. What sets the IB programme at Dulwich apart from other schools?
We pride ourselves on the individual service we offer to families, and we believe this care is unique. All new families wishing to apply will meet with the Head of Senior School and IB Diploma programme coordinator to ensure that students and parents understand our philosophy and will fit happily within the school.
All students accepted onto the programme will be involved fully in the IB subject options process, to ensure they have made the correct choices. This includes speaking with our University Counselling team to support a student’s thoughts and ideas for their future. We want our families to feel part of our community as soon as they can.
To ensure that students receive the personal attention and support that is essential to their success, we will have a small cohort and small class sizes and highly experienced IB Diploma teachers.
The IB Diploma Learner Profile characteristics are already part of everything we do. This will be supported by the important attributes of senior school: integrity, empathy, respect and responsibility. We know this will set our students apart, both in how they act now and in the future.
Dulwich College (Singapore) is a selective school. How do students gain entry and what are your expectations once they are accepted?
Students will take a standardised entry test and need to achieve minimum requirements. Students seeking entry without (I)GCSEs will be asked to take specific subject tests; these are dependent on the subjects they may choose in the IB Diploma.
Our goal and focus is to ensure students achieve more than they think they can. We place a great emphasis on students understanding how they are learning and how to improve. Students will set targets using their own test data, reports and teacher feedback to ensure that they do achieve, and most importantly gain the skills necessary to be successful at further education and beyond. Our emphasis on student wellbeing, alongside individual learning interviews over the two years, will support students and ensure individual success.
Can you give an insight into how extra-curricular activities, which sit alongside IB studies, create all-rounded, balanced students?
Enrichment is important throughout the senior school, and will continue into the IB Diploma with a range of opportunities and activities that focus specifically around leadership. Our aim is to ensure a balance of activities in the areas of Creativity, Activity and Service alongside Academic enrichment. While participation is important, we value more how students reflect upon the impact of these activities on their personal development. As they learn more about themselves, they’ll become more well-rounded citizens who care for the world around them.
Come by the school!
Prospective IB Diploma students and their families seeking entry to the Upper School (Grade 11/Year 12) in 2018 should get along to Dulwich College (Singapore) on Thursday, 7 December (from 6pm). It’s a chance to hear from the Head of Senior School and chat to students and staff.
Brought to you by:
Dulwich College (Singapore)
71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003| singapore.dulwich.org
This article first appeared in the October 2017 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
