Lee Gyu-lee is a business writer at The Korea Times, focusing primarily on IT & telecommunications, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA. Prior to this, she has covered a wide range of cultural news, from film, television and K-pop to lifestyle and fashion.
INTERVIEW Dwight Seoul sets benchmark for inclusive, student-driven education
Students perform during Dwight School Seoul's kindergarten graduation event at the school, June 13. Courtesy of Dwight School Seoul
By Lee Gyu-lee
Editor’s note
This article is the third installment in a series featuring interviews with winners of the British Business Awards, presented by the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea. — ED
Dwight School Seoul was recently awarded with the Responsible Business of the Year Award at the inaugural British Business Awards, hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea.
The accolade highlights the school’s comprehensive approach to inclusion, social responsibility and student empowerment, setting a new benchmark for international education in the country.
“This recognition reflects a truly whole-school effort,” Tom Ferguson, head of school at Dwight Seoul, said in a written interview with The Korea Times, referring to the award as a meaningful milestone.
“Our students have led the way through service initiatives, direct action and the ‘Living BJEDI (Belonging, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Out Loud’ program, making social responsibility a visible and vibrant part of school life.”
The school’s BJEDI initiative, woven throughout daily learning, leadership and community, sets an environment for students to draw from diverse backgrounds and perspectives and reach their full potential academically and personally.
The school’s Student Life Coordinator Wilbert Kwakkel noted the school-wide BJEDI initiative as a driving force behind the recognition.
“(The award) tells them that their voices matter, their actions have power and their efforts to build a more inclusive and compassionate world are being recognized beyond the school walls,” he said.
Among the many programs Dwight Seoul has introduced, the annual BJEDI Day stands out as a flagship project, offering activities to explore and celebrate its framework.
Dwight Seoul Head of School Tom Ferguson, left, and Student Life Coordinator Wilbert Kwakkel pose after winning the Responsible Business of the Year Award at the British Business Awards in Seoul, May 30. Courtesy of Dwight School Seoul
“What makes the initiative so special is, despite its appearance as a one-off event, it’s actually a culmination of ongoing conversations, learning and advocacy that happens throughout the year,” Kwakkel said.
“It’s a project where every voice is valued, and every student and adult can see that they have a role to play in shaping a more just and compassionate community. The pride, confidence and empathy that grow from that experience are long-lasting and are what makes me very proud of all the people who are our Dwight community.”
Looking ahead, the school plans to build on the progress it has made, sparking not only pride but also a renewed commitment to deepening its values-based approach.
The school is launching a year-long professional development program that would involve regular follow-up and reflection, inviting experts on inclusive practices to work with the school’s staff.
“This is part of our ongoing commitment to BJEDI. We’ll be deepening integration across the curriculum, expanding student leadership pathways focused on equity and growing staff learning in an inclusive, globally minded practice,” Ferguson said.
“We believe this work is essential to nurturing an international community where every student can thrive.”
The school also intends to enhance its sustainability and well-being programs. Plans are in place to increase engagement with the wider community, including hosting more open events and collaborative programs with other schools and organizations.
Noting that the award is not a conclusion, but a starting point for deeper engagement, Ferguson emphasized that Dwight’s next phase will focus on demonstrating the ethical and impactful education it exercises.
“The future at Dwight is about bold action, compassionate leadership and a community united in shaping a more just and inclusive world,” he said.
“Our next chapter is about continuing to model what responsible education looks like in action, grounded in inquiry, powered by student voice and guided by a sense of shared responsibility for our planet and each other.”