The Gill Family
Why did you choose DCSG back in 2014?
We cannot remember how we first heard that Dulwich College was planning to open in Singapore. At the time, we had an offer of a place for our eldest daughter from two of its large competitor schools, but we felt compelled enough to travel to United Square to get a better idea of what an education at Dulwich could entail and whether it would be a good fit for our family. I was born in the UK, and my wife completed her doctorate there. We knew of the long-standing reputation of Dulwich in the UK, which helped convince us that we should spend some time getting to know about the vision of the school locally. What really impressed us was Mr Magnus' energy, focus and commitment to turn the College into a local academic powerhouse, building an institution that would serve the students of Singapore long into the future. We were also super impressed by the 3D architectural model of what the school would look like, with facilities that were truly world class! I remember telling Mr Magnus, after one of our meetings, that if the school remotely resembled the model displayed in those offices, we knew we would be making the right choice.
In what way has DCSG impacted your family over the years?
Watching our children grow into confident teenagers with a sense of community and belonging has been a wonderful experience. We have seen them become well-rounded and self-assured socially and academically, building interests across the board in sports, music and language. Fundamentally, our children are very happy to go to school every day. They love their friends; they are learning and are challenged academically. They get to meet children from all over the world, not just all parts of Asia. While some friends come and some friends go, they now have a network of peers around the world with whom they continue to stay in touch. This has given them tremendous strength to make new friendships and hold on to old ones.
What is your proudest moment at DCSG?
Every time we see them in The Alleyn Theatre surrounded by teachers and peers it makes us feel that the school is truly one family. With Nick and Heads of School setting the tone, the teachers and students come together creatively in celebration of academics, music, sport, or language cheered on by a community of parents, many of whom are friends. It makes the big school seem small, and gives a true feeling of a Dulwich ‘village’. When we look back to that office in United Square, before the school's foundations had even been laid in Bukit Batok, to then doing hard hat tours, to now seeing our eldest child preparing for her IGCSEs, it is just amazing to watch Singapore history be made.
What makes Dulwich special to you?
It is impossible to talk about DCSG without referring to the incredible staff employed throughout the school. They have made our journey through the years so effortless and enjoyable. As we have three children at the school, spaced out every two years, we have had the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with so many of the teachers as the years pass. In fact, there are many examples where some of them have actually taught all three of our kids. It all adds to the amazing sense of 'family' at the school.
Can you describe the sense of community and connection you've felt with other Dulwich Families/Founding Families during your time at the College?
We and the children have made so many friends from the College over the last decade. Friends that we truly believe will be with us for life. When we look back to photographs from those first days in 2014 it is wonderful to see that the journey our family has made is not at all unique. We are just one of the many lucky families that put our faith in Dulwich College (Singapore) all those years ago and have been rewarded immeasurably.
