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| Graeme Salt, headmaster of Dulwich College Seoul, works at his desk. / Courtesy of John Redmond |
By John Redmond
Dulwich College Seoul (DCS), celebrated becoming a full school with its first graduates taking up university offers earlier this year.
DCS, an international school opening in 2010, was the fourth campus to join the Dulwich College International (DCI) family of schools.
The school has over 650 students aged 3 to 18 representing over 40 nationalities.
The DCS program of study is based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales leading up to the IGCSE syllabus and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP).
The IBDP is an internationally recognized program providing opportunities for collaboration and student-led, in-depth research into areas of interest.
The first Dulwich College was founded in 1619 in Surrey, England. The term "college" does not refer to a university campus.
DCS is situated in a purpose-designed building just south of the Han River in the centrally located Seocho-gu.
The Korea Times spoke with headmaster Graeme Salt about what a British curriculum means to local students.
Q: What does DCS offer students in Seoul?
A: We are part of a group of 11 schools throughout Asia. The group contributes to what I do, and in Seoul we focus on elements in our curriculum that are specific to students studying here. We also have a British feel, with uniforms and academic focus.
Q: Can you explain the IBDP program?
A: The IBDP came out in the late 1960s. Why do we do that? Because it's the premier college preparation course. It's a two-year course that's tough and rigorous, but it's an opportunity for students to show what they're capable of. It's an academically tough challenge and students generally do better than they anticipate. If you can achieve the IB diploma, you have huge choices.
Q: How does the school work within the Korean education system of after-hours lessons?
A: We believe in the less-is-more approach. We offer what we see as a complete package, and therefore there should be no need for parents to enroll students in after-school classes. We believe downtime is important. More of that time should be focused on what a student really enjoys doing.
Q: Do other activities play a part in the curriculum?
A: Yes. Our program also highlights sport and the arts. We have a very strong swimming program. We also place emphasis on the arts. For example, we have a group heading off to Beijing as part of our drama program. Every student in primary school has to participate in a school play.
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