The Dulwich Pedagogy Papers: Chapter Five

Chapter Five: A Window into Your Child’s Classroom – Our Senior School Programme 

Building on the strong foundations laid in our Junior School, our Senior School Programme at Dulwich College (Singapore) is designed to further develop the essential skills and knowledge that students need to succeed in their academic and personal lives. In this chapter, we explore the core values and practices which form the bedrock of our innovative Senior School programme. 

Personalised and Collaborative Learning 

At the College, we are committed to implementing evidence-based practices that have been shown to improve student outcomes. These practices include personalised learning, where subject choice brings opportunity for specialisation, and instruction is tailored to meet the unique needs of each student based on data from formative and summative assessments, their language profile and prior learning. This approach ensures that students receive the support they need to progress at their own pace. High-quality feedback is provided to students to help them understand their strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a growth mindset. Collaborative learning is essential and encouraged, allowing students to work together on projects and assignments to develop their teamwork and communication skills, preparing them for the collaborative nature of university and of course, the workplace.

Enquiry-Based Skills 

The IB programmes at Dulwich College (Singapore) aim to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are prepared to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. Promoting these values is central to the Senior School programme, with students engaging in activities that foster global awareness and empathy.  

Key practices include focusing on deep understanding of concepts rather than rote memorisation, helping students apply their knowledge in real-world contexts and of course the development of more than one language. Teachers often focus on the skills underlying content rather than just the content itself, including skills such as critical thinking, research, and self-management, which are essential for future success in all aspects of life. 

Preparation for University 

 The Senior School Programme, particularly the IB curricular, is also designed to prepare students for the next step in their academic journey: university. We focus on providing rigorous academic instruction that challenges students and prepares them for the demands of university coursework. Research skills are taught, with emphasis on analysing data, and presenting findings, which are crucial for success in further education.  A significant university counselling programme spanning several years is offered, providing guidance and support in the preparation for the university application process, including selecting the right university, preparing application materials, and navigating multiple countries’ admissions requirements. 

The Senior School is fundamentally the central arch in a bridge that begins in Junior School and spans beyond into the future, and so future readiness is fundamental to the Senior School programme. We prepare students for future success by developing both subject-specific knowledge and conceptual understanding. Our curriculum incorporates opportunities for research skills, information literacy, and the use of technology as a learning tool. Engagement with visiting experts and participation in authentic collaborative projects enhance students' communication and presentation skills which are crucial to their ongoing education and the workplace. 

Wellbeing 

Our guiding statements are central to life in Senior School. The first guiding statement, wellbeing, is foundational to ensuring that every member of our community feels supported and equipped to thrive. Safeguarding and fostering positive relationships are central to our ethos and evidenced in the classroom daily. The Wellbeing Curriculum, delivered weekly, aligns with key calendar events and is brought to life by Senior School assembly themes to ensure relevancy to our learners. 

We survey students using the Komodo platform, which helps us gather insights into their wellbeing and mental health. Form tutors serve as the frontline closest connections to students, providing daily support and guidance. They are supported by a large team of staff dedicated to pastoral care, as well as a wider safeguarding team, ensuring comprehensive wellbeing support throughout Senior School. Open communication is encouraged, creating a safe and non-judgmental environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.  

The opportunities for students to engage in sporting activities, and for some to excel in competitive sport, is very important at this stage of development and this is one of many pathways that older students may choose to follow at this stage. Broad and balanced is the key to our offering at this time; opportunities for Art, Design, Drama, Film, Music and Sport are as important as more formal academic development. Students are encouraged to excel in areas of personal interest, whether in core subjects or co-curricular activities, and this fosters a lifelong love of learning. 

At this age, students also significantly benefit from a triangle of relationships around their learning which includes the teacher, the parents, and the student as important parts of that process. Effective communication and collaboration between home and school are vital for fostering strong relationships. We maintain an open-door policy, conduct two Parent-Teacher Conferences per year, and provide regular written and electronic feedback to parents. Workshops and open classrooms invite parental engagement and support for their children's learning. Enrichment through out-of-classroom experiences significantly enhances learning, as identified in Hattie (2021). 

Global Citizenship 

In a broader context, international education aims to develop students who are multilingual, multicultural, and possess global citizenship values. According to Öztabak (2022), international education programmes should be structured based on respect and equality, showing sensitivity to the culture of the countries in which they operate, and supporting students' development towards their own cultures. This is an aspect which is central to the Senior School programme thanks to each year group focusing on a cultural festival and the many opportunities to engage in international festivities organised by our Friends of Dulwich committee. 

Additionally, our Senior School Programme integrates the Compassionate Systems Framework, which emphasises the importance of understanding and responding mindfully and compassionately to systemic challenges. Teachers will be incorporating systems thinking tools from this framework, helping students to appreciate the interconnectedness of various elements within a system and to develop a holistic understanding of complex issues. This approach not only enhances critical thinking but also fosters empathy and compassion, preparing students to become thoughtful and responsible global citizens. As John Hattie wisely noted, "The aim is to get the students actively involved in seeking this evidence: their role is not simply to do tasks as decided by teachers, but to actively manage and understand their learning gains." This principle is at the heart of our approach, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning journey. 

To further support collaborative learning, we use check-ins as a way for students to engage in group work. Check-ins involve students sharing their struggles, questions, dilemmas, accomplishments, and failures related to their group-work learning. This process encourages students to listen and offer support, ideas, challenges, and guidance to each other, promoting a sense of community and mutual support within the classroom. Yong Zhao captures this sentiment perfectly when he says, "Education is not simply preparation for life; education is life itself." This philosophy underscores our commitment to creating a learning environment that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply enriching and supportive. 

By integrating these best practices, evidence-based approaches, and innovative frameworks, our Senior School Programme at Dulwich College (Singapore) ensures that students are well-prepared for university and equipped to thrive in their academic and personal lives.