Learning beyond the classroom

From cross college initiatives to personal enrichment portfolios, Dulwich College (Singapore) has focused on more than just the classroom experience. Dominic Massarella explains the important emphasis on enrichment activities in the school environment.

There are centres all over Singapore offering opportunities for enrichment activities; how do you describe “enrichment” in a school setting?

Enrichment at Dulwich College (Singapore) is best described as our “enhanced curriculum”. That is, opportunities for students to explore new interests and broaden their range of skills and experiences. We offer three distinct enrichment types: classroom, College-based and partnership opportunities. Together they encourage learners to try new things, promote our values, and to instill and inspire a love of learning, and desire to achieve.

Is enrichment offered throughout the school?

Yes! It’s integrated across the College and can be as motivating and relevant to students starting out in DUCKS (Dulwich College Kindergarten School) as to those looking at tertiary education options in their International Baccalaureate (IB) in Years 12 and 13. Students are welcome to participate in the activities that are relevant and right for them.

We look to offer every student a tailor-made programme designed to inspire them; our staff then guide and counsel the students towards breadth, and the students ultimately map their enrichment experiences in their Personal Enrichment Profiles (PEP).

Tell us more about PEP.

Students are encouraged to show evidence of achievements and enrichment activities, and capture, celebrate and reflect this in their PEP. The PEP highlights what students have been involved with, and when and how. It also shows the depth and breadth of their involvements, for example, whether they’ve tried something new or taken part in authentic service. Ultimately, it’s a record and reward of their personal development as they grow through the College.

Describe some of the enrichment activities students participate in at Dulwich.

We offer a varied programme of unique, tailor-made opportunities for our students. This includes opportunities for our students to work and collaborate with each other and the wider community. For example, last term students in Year 7 spent every morning reading with our youngest students in DUCKS. This is a fantastic way for our older students to build their mentoring skills, and for our younger students to see and experience role models.

We also held an Enrichment Day for all Senior School Students (from age 11). The overall focus for the day was “Wellbeing – Earth, Mind, Body and Soul” and included information on healthy eating, exercise, achieving peak performance, practical study skills, exam techniques and ways to prioritise activities. Students learnt a very practical set of tools, techniques and inputs, which demonstrated the importance of personal wellbeing to outperform and achieve their potential.

House activities are an integral part of our enrichment programme. Our House system builds a sense of community across the student body with House activities and competitions running both within each school and also across the whole College. These range from cross-country races to choir competitions to chess tournaments, and even Christmas tree decorating!

Dominic Massarella is Assistant Head of the Senior School. Dulwich College (Singapore) is at 71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8.
6890 1000 | singapore.dulwich.org

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This article first appeared in the February 2018 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!