Charlotte Ruddy
What are some of your favourite memories of working at DCSG?
My all-time favourite memory was the opening year back in 2014 and how special it was to be building something so amazing. Welcoming new families, seeing friendships blossom, seeing a school really come alive - it was very special. The first classes arriving here, the opening concert, the first Founder’s Day, working in Year 4 and turning the climbing frame into a giant iceberg for ‘Titanic Day’, it was so much fun to be part of.
One thing I always love are the trips and visits, whether it be a sports trip, drama trip, or a United Nations collaboration with another Dulwich school. Children get new experiences, form stronger relationships and have the best time while learning. These will create memories forever and they’ll still be talking about them when they are 60, such as the time they won a sports tournament, performed on a stage in front of hundreds of people, or went trekking through the jungle or up a mountain, the list is endless.
The things I’ll be thinking about in 10, 20 or 30 years’ time? The people. They’re some of the best I’ve ever met. There’s a buzz about coming into Dulwich every single day, when you walk through the front door in the morning, you know it’s going to be an adventure and it’s the people in this building that make that.
Why is Dulwich College (Singapore) special to you?
It is not very often people get the opportunity to see something grow and thrive like this. Thinking back to the first day I arrived, where there were still holes in the classroom walls, to today and seeing how it has grown so much, and we have opened an unbelievable building like The Greenhouse. Just incredible! I’ve had opportunities to meet so many amazing people, staff and students that inspire you every day. They support when you need it, encourage you to take risks with a gentle nudge in the right direction, try something new or, my favourite, laugh until the tears roll down your cheeks. There are people here who will be my friends for a very long time and have taught me so much.
One thing not many educators experience is seeing students grow over this time people. Year 4 students were small and cheeky when I taught them, that are now giants, studying for their IB.
On a more personal level, the professional opportunities it has offered to me have been extraordinary, and for this I will always be very grateful.
What are your hopes and aspirations for the school's future as it enters its second decade?
That Dulwich continues to provide these unbelievable opportunities that nurture different individuals’ talents and aspirations. That is the launchpad for these wonderful young people to go off into the world and do whatever they choose, knowing that anything is possible. I hope it also gives them a grounding, that the values and morals we teach every day help to guide and support them throughout the journey they go on.
Is there a message or reflection you'd like to share with the school's students and their families as part of this celebration?
It's quite simple: grab every opportunity that comes your way and grab it with both hands! Whether this be in the form of trying a new sport and representing the College, taking part in a drama or dance event, being part of a trip, language experience or getting to know someone new. You never know where these new opportunities and experience may lead – so just go for it!
