a Guide for Candidates Applying to Dulwich College

Applying to Dulwich College
a Guide for Candidates
inspiration
starts here
College Guiding Statements
DEVELOPED BY OUR STAFF TO GUIDE EVERYTHING WE DO
Motto:
Detur Pons Mundo
– Building Bridges to the World
通向世界的桥梁
Vision:
Children come first when:
Dulwich College Suzhou aspires to be respected
internationally as a community committed to developing
individuals who seize and act ethically upon the breadth
of opportunity the world presents.
1. The College educates the whole child
2. The College provides a safe, secure and stimulating
environment
3. The College recognises that we gain knowledge and
understanding of the world by questioning and
actively solving problems
4. The College emphasises the benefits and
responsibilities of working collaboratively together
5. The College values awareness of the natural world
and its resources
6. The College prepares children to live their lives
honestly with a spirit of respect for themselves and
others
7. The College understands that meaningful, life long
learning involves taking risks
8. The College challenges each child to be the best that
they can be and supports them in this
Definition of learning:
Good learning is a meaningful experience where students
enjoy making connections between new and existing
knowledge, skills and understanding. Students are
engaged, challenged and are able to reflect
independently and collaboratively on their progress.
Why should you choose
Dulwich College Suzhou
WE WANT THE PERFECT MATCH IN TERMS OF
VISION, PHILOSOPHY, PRACTICE AND
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Dulwich College Suzhou is a young and vibrant school
that continues to grow and develop. As a result
there are regular opportunities for staff to take on
greater responsibilities and gain valuable experience.
Furthermore, Dulwich College Suzhou is part of
an international network of schools, with future
expansion plans beyond the UK and Asia. All Dulwich
schools benefit from reciprocal exchange
opportunities, a common ethos, and similar high
standards.
A major benefit of joining a network of schools is the
excellent opportunities for staff development and
exchanges of best practice within the
extended Dulwich family. The expansion of the
College network will open up a wide range of career
opportunities.
We are looking for teaching staff with a sense
of adventure, a strong work ethic and an enthusiasm
for their profession. If this sounds like you then we
would love to hear from you.
The College
DULWICH COLLEGE SUZHOU CATERS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
AGED TWO TO EIGHTEEN ACROSS THREE DISTINCT SCHOOLS
Drawing on the best practices of both British and
International education, The College offers a
curriculum based on the English National Curriculum
(ENC) up to Year 9, (I)GCSE courses in Years 10 and
11, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma
Programme (IBDP) in Years 12 and 13. The curriculum
is suitably adapted to reflect the needs of students in
an international school and extends well beyond the
Early
Years
Junior
School
Senior
School
formal classroom into extra-curricular activities. All
students study compulsory Mandarin Chinese up to the
end of Year 9, with almost all opting to take their study
further. Dulwich College Suzhou is academically
selective.
Our students are drawn from 40 different countries,
with the largest groups coming from South Korea, the
USA, the UK, Germany and Taiwan.
Enrolment
2014-15
Average
Class Size
Foundation Stage
90
18
KS1 (Years 1 and 2)
163
22
KS2 (Years 3-6)
325
20
KS3 (Years 7-9)
214
19
KS4 (Years 10-11)
97
20
IBDP (Years 12-13)
62
14
951
The College is an IB World School and is accredited
by the Council of International Schools (CIS), Western
Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the
Chinese National Center for School Curriculum and
Textbook Development (NCCT). Our membership of
the International Award (Duke of Edinburgh’s)
programme and regional schools organisations
(ACAMIS1, FOBISIA2) enables our students to take
part in events spanning sports, arts and community
service alongside students from across Asia.
We integrate technology with subject knowledge to
enrich and advance student learning and to
encourage creativity and innovation. All classrooms
are equipped with interactive whiteboards or
interactive LCD screens, and there are multiple
MacBook and iPad carts available outside the IT labs.
Extensive ICT training is provided for staff, and our
technology teachers lead, develop and support the
integration of ICT teaching in the classroom.
The College consists of three purpose built campuses:
DUCKS for Toddlers up to Year 2, Junior School for
Years 3 to 6 and a new Senior School campus for
Years 7 to 13. Opened this August, our new Senior
School features two theatres, gym, library, dance
studio, fitness studio and Aquatics Centre as well as
fully equipped classrooms, music suites and science
laboratories.
2014 (I)GCSE Results
A* - A
60%
A*
32%
2014 IB Diploma Results
1
Association of China and Mongolia International Schools
2
DCSZ Mean Score
33.6
World Average
29.8
Federation of British International Schools in Asia
Teaching at Dulwich College
A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE
Teaching in an international school is a different
experience from teaching at home. Many teachers
find it a great experience, enabling them to further
their career whilst, at the same time, explore different
parts of the world.
inside and outside the classroom. Generally speaking,
teaching life at Dulwich is busy and there is never a
dull moment. Teachers that come to Dulwich find that
they are always on the go.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
ACADEMIC
The curriculum is based on the English National
Curriculum. However, it has been modified to suit the
needs of international students. Although we use the
same basic principles as the English National
Curriculum, a programme may be adapted to
meet the requirements of an international audience.
Whatever is being taught in the UK at a particular time
is also being taught at Dulwich. Examinations are also
taken at the same time as they are in the UK. In Years
10 and 11, students undertake IGCSE courses and
in Years 12 and 13 students undertake the
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma as these
courses cater more for international students.
As is the case in London, Dulwich College is
academically selective and admits students only after
the academic criteria are met. Generally
speaking, teachers that come to Dulwich find
that there is a high academic level amongst the
students and a high level of interaction with the
parents. They are also pleasantly surprised at the
students' willingness to learn and a want to come to
school.
As The College’s educational philosophy places equal
emphasis on a student's intellectual and personal
development, students are encouraged to participate
in a wide variety of activities at the college, both
Dulwich College offers all students the option to do
ECAs after school. Every teacher is responsible
for running one of these clubs once per week usually
after the school day finishes. Activities vary but are,
generally, matched to a teacher's interest. If a
teacher has a hobby, interest, or a particular skill, they
can propose a club that they would like to run. Most
of our teachers find that clubs can be a fun way of
interacting with the students, beyond the confines of a
classroom setting or under the strict regime of a
curriculum.
PERFORMANCES
The College has a strong focus on music and
performing arts. The College regularly holds
productions and it is considered part of a teacher's
responsibility to be involved in the organising of these
performances - directing, producing, casting etc.
These performances are often a highlight of the
College year, performed in the professional
performance theatres. Although they are a lot of work
the anticipation and excitement of the performance
builds as 'the night' approaches. The rewards of
bringing the whole production together, and the
achievement that the students feel, make it one of the
most important and exciting events in the calendar for
the school year.
INTERNATIONAL MINDEDNESS
Working in an international school means that there
are many more 'celebrations' of significant events
due to the number of nationalities represented within
the College's population. The benefit of this is the
variation in the nature of the activities and the
learning about other countries cultures and customs.
There is a great network of parents that assist in all
types of College activities. The enthusiasm of
parent involvement is something that takes most new
teachers by surprise as they are usually very willing to
help make all College activities a success.
CLASSROOMS AND FACILITIES
For teachers that have not worked in an international
school environment, the class size is usually a very
pleasant surprise. The maximum class size is
22 students though, in the Early Years, class sizes are
smaller. All classrooms are equipped with interactive
white boards or LCD screens, overhead data
projectors and a teacher's personal computer.
The College has purpose built Science Laboratories,
Art, Design and Technology areas. The Performing
Arts Department boasts a large professional
performance theatre, a black box theatre, dance
studio, recital and practice rooms and a full
complement of classical and modem instruments.
The sport facilities at the College include an all grass
rugby field and professional FIFA2 all weather
football pitch, large multi purpose gymnasium, fitness
suite, an athletics field and Aquatics Centre.
A purpose-built kindergarten, the DUCKS campus
features bright, cheerful classrooms, ICT laboratories,
a soft playroom and custom built dining
hall, surrounded by extensive playgrounds, and an
outdoor games area.
AIR QUALITY
There has been a lot of publicity about the levels of
air pollution in China. This is actually a problem for
many developing and western countries alike. We
believe we should provide the optimal learning
environment for our students and have therefore
made a huge investment to improve indoor air
quality throughout The College. There are now fresh
filtered air systems in every classroom plus the gym,
libraries, aquatics centre and dining halls. No other
international school in Suzhou provides a better
learning environment for their students with fresh,
clean and filtered air in every classroom and common
area. Dulwich is leading the way in setting such high
standards in this vital area.
Introduction to Dulwich College
Kindergarten Suzhou (DUCKS)
Our curriculum is based upon four principles which relate to our College Guiding Statements:

Every child is a unique child who is constantly learning and can be
resilient, capable, confident and self-assured

Children learn to be strong and independent through positive
relationships

Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their
experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong
partnership between practitioners and parents

Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.
In Year One and Two children are taught English, Maths, Chinese, Music and PE as discreet subjects. In addition
there are several Integrated Curriculum topics throughout the year through which Humanities, ICT, Art and Design
and Cultural Studies are taught. Science will be taught either as a discreet subject or during Integrated Curriculum
time, depending on the topic each term. Valuable cross-curricular links will be made where possible to enhance
children’s learning.
There are three or four mixed ability classes in Year 1 and Year 2. Our small class sizes enable us to give each child
the individual help he or she needs. Each class has a qualified and experienced teacher and a Mandarin teacher.
Our classrooms are well equipped and displays reflect and celebrate the children’s work. They are bright and
colourful and are designed to encourage reading, observation and discussion.
We aim for all of our children to leave DUCKS with a love of learning. It is a caring, exciting and rewarding
environment providing great opportunities for Early Years teachers. I look forward to welcoming you to DUCKS
soon.
Melody Stuckey
Head of DUCKS
Introduction to the Junior School
At Dulwich our aim is to ensure that all the
children in our care are happy, confident, well
motivated, enthusiastic and excited about
life. We aim to provide an appropriate and
balanced academic challenge, which will
enable each student to realise his or her
potential in a safe, caring and supportive
environment.
We use an enhanced form of the English
National Curriculum, which provides our
students with a broad based curriculum that
develops skills, knowledge and
understanding, as well as an appetite for
knowledge and learning.
Our aim is to provide a stimulating,
purposeful, educational environment
enabling all children to develop academically
and socially in a cheerful atmosphere. This
will prepare each child for the opportunities,
responsibilities and experiences of Senior
School and adult life.
In the Junior School the children are grouped according to ability in Mathematics and Mandarin to ensure that
the learning pace and teaching style is progressively tailored to each child’s particular needs
We aim to teach children how to grow into positive, responsible people who can co-operate with others while
developing knowledge and skills in order to fulfill their potential.
We encourage children to participate in the extensive range of extra-curricular activities on offer at The
College. They can learn to play a wide selection of instruments and be part of the choir, various ensembles and
the orchestra. All children are encouraged to play sport from the wide variety on offer, whether it be
competitive or recreational. Tournaments abound, as do fun sports days. Additionally, Year 4, 5 and 6 children
get the chance to be selected each year to represent Dulwich against other British schools in South-East Asia
at the highly competitive FOBISIA Games.
Each child is warmly welcomed into their classes and encouraged to have as large a group of friends as
possible. We have a House system where children are placed and then represent in a number of events, from
Maths Day, Spelling Competitions, Football, X-Country, to Poetry Competitions and Bake Sales. House points
can be earned by good behaviour, manners, impressive work or simply endeavour.
We have enviable facilities, well resourced classrooms and enthusiastic and committed teachers. You would be
very welcome to join us.
Duncan Grice
Head of Junior School /
Deputy Head of College
Introduction to the Senior School
Welcome to the Senior School at Dulwich College Suzhou. In keeping with over 400 years’ worth of Dulwich
College experience and tradition, we pride our self on high achievement both in and out of the classroom.
Our students achieve exceptional academic results thereby gaining places at some of the most prestigious
universities in the world, and in equal measure, they are provided with the greatest opportunities to develop
their creative talents, sporting abilities, positive personal qualities and self-esteem. Each unique contribution is
valued. We have high expectations of our students and they, in turn, have high expectations of themselves. In
this way, they are given a tremendous springboard for the exciting challenges of life beyond school.
We deliver a rigorous academic programme which allows students to maintain breadth as well as depth and is
based on the British National Curriculum up to age 16-(I)GCSE, High School Diploma Courses and foundation
IB. This is adapted to our international context and cohort and is followed by the choice of three
internationally recognised pre-university examination courses from age 16 to 18: the International
Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, the International Baccalaureate (IB) certificates and Dulwich College Suzhou High
School Diploma Courses. We pride ourselves on high quality teaching and constant emphasis on meeting the
needs of every student.
We celebrate the full international and multicultural nature of our students, who come from over 37 different
countries. We facilitate the sharing of these diverse experiences and perspectives amongst students, placing
an emphasis on critical thinking and global citizenship - in keeping with our motto: Building Bridges to the
World. Visitors describe our students as confident, happy and thoughtful outward-looking young people.
The Senior School is exceptionally well resourced and located in a brand new 50,000m2 campus which houses
state of the art classrooms and laboratories, a theatre for the dramatic arts, an aquatic centre for water sports,
sports fields, gymnasium and residential boarding house. DCSZ staff and students enjoy being at The College;
it is an exciting, energetic and vibrant place to be, full of challenge, stimulation and opportunity.
Stuart Bridge
Head of Senior School
Management Structure
THE SCHOOL IS RUN BY THE FIVE MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE
LEADERSHIP TEAM (CLT)
The school is governed by the Board of Management (BoM) which is appointed by DCMI’s Executive Committee,
and includes the Headmaster and Director of Business Administration.
Expatriate Teacher Salary Scale 2014-15
Step
Gross Salary
(RMB)
Step
Gross Salary
(RMB)
Step
Gross Salary
(RMB)
A
221,595
6.00
286,964
13.00
357,405
B
230,479
7.00
296,463
14.00
367,669
1.00
239,725
8.00
306,416
15.00
377,956
2.00
249,141
9.00
316,573
16.00
388,269
3.00
258,573
10.00
326,749
17.00
398,608
4.00
268,020
11.00
336,945
18.00
408,973
5.00
277,484
12.00
347,164
19.00
419,364
Staff teaching at Dulwich College Suzhou should have a degree with teaching certification, and at least two full
years teaching experience.
FOR REFERENCE
1. Step 13 is the highest entry point on the scale for new teachers. Eligible staff returning
to DCSZ after a break who had already passed Step 13 while in service at DCSZ may be
placed higher than Step 13.
2. Staff placement on the scale is at the Headmaster’s discretion and will be subject to
internal terms and policies in relation to working experience, qualifications and
professional achievements.
3. The Salary Scale is quoted on a gross basis. Individual Income Tax will be deducted
from your monthly salary (administered by the College).
4. All China taxes on salary and benefits are the responsibility of the Teacher.
5. Teachers holding positions of responsibility will be paid an amount in addition to that
specified above commensurate with their post.
BENEFITS
All teachers on full-time expatriate contracts are entitled to the following benefits:
 Full medical cover for the teacher and eligible dependents
 Visa, resident card and working permit paid
In addition, unless these are covered by the employment of a spouse, those on overseas-hire are entitled to:
 College provided Western style housing
 Annual airfare RMB12,420 per person for the teacher, dependent spouse and children age 12 or
above. (Eligible dependent children under age 2 receive 10% of the adult allowance amount and
eligible dependent children aged 2 to 12 on the date of travel receive 75% of the adult allowance
amount. (Dependent airfares are subject to tax deduction).
 Shipping allowance at the start and end of employment: RMB12,420 each way (RMB20,700 for
married couples working for the school)
 Annual relocation allowance and domestic bills allowance of RMB36,000
 100% tuition waiver at the College for up to two eligible dependents
 Gratuity (one month salary upon completing terms of first two year contract, staff on their second
or more contract receive one month salary per year)
All allowances are payable on the production of valid tax receipts.
Our Parents
WE ACTIVELY ENCOURAGE OUR PARENTS TO GET INVOLVED
We strongly encourage parents to support and be involved in their
child’s education. The Friends of Dulwich organisation provides an
effective channel of support between the parent community and the
school. The Friends’ volunteers also organise social activities and
fundraising events, and provide a great source of support for new
families.
Moving to Suzhou
THE VENICE OF THE EAST
WHAT IS SUZHOU LIKE?
Suzhou is full of canals, stone bridges, pagodas and is
famous for its ancient gardens dating back to the Song
Dynasty. But it is also a modern city with good roads,
rail links, an underground metro system and modern
apartments. On the east side of the Old City is the
Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), where Dulwich College is
located. This area now has 1500 foreign companies, 40
of which are Fortune 500 such as Philips, Siemens,
Bosch and Samsung. Most foreigners live in this area of
the city where the infrastructure is better and there is
less traffic and overcrowding than in the centre of the
city.
The new high speed trains mean Shanghai is only half
an hour away and you can get to Beijing in about 5
hours. Making it a great location for exploring the rest
of China.
THE FOOD AND THE PEOPLE
With its rich history but modern amenities Suzhou is
possibly one of China’s easiest cities to live in. The
people are friendly and there is a thriving foreign
community, which will help you to feel right at home.
As well as trying the local cuisine there are many
restaurants and bars serving anything from TexMex and
Sushi to Thai and Indian.
Natives speak the local dialect but everyone
understands and nearly all speak standard Mandarin
too. In Suzhou, you are likely to encounter people that
speak a little English, especially in tourist areas and the
industrial parks. However, if you can learn a little basic
Chinese it will help, particularly getting around using
the local taxis.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
It is a relatively easy to place to live but when talking to
locals it is advised to refrain from talking about certain
political issues involving China. You should also try to
remember to use both hands when you give out your
business cards—it is considered a sign of respect. You
may often hear raised voices which can sound like a
heated argument but it is usually just a lively
discussion; for example, when bargaining for goods at
a local market.
THE WEATHER
The winters are long and cold and the summers are
long and hot. Spring and autumn are very short but
beautiful with sunny days and blue sky. Winter
generally sets in in November and goes through to
April. May to October are generally hot. Winter
temperatures range from 15 to below 0 and in Summer
it is around 30 -40 degrees. Rainfall occurs throughout
the year. It occasionally snows in Winter but this is rare.
The apartments and major shopping centres are
heated and cooled according to the temperature. Be
aware that when you arrive in August it will be very hot
and humid and mosquitoes can be a problem at the
beginning and end of Summer. Repellant is available
but you might want to bring your own.
CULTURE
Being so close to Shanghai the people in Suzhou are
generally forward-thinking residents. They welcome
foreigners living in their city and are eager to learn
more about international cultures. Some of the less
pleasant habits you might come across are spitting in
public places, nose blowing without tissues, pushing on
public transport and on the pavement (sidewalk) and
not queuing in line.
HOUSEHOLD HELP
Many expatriates in China have an ayi (pronounced ‘eye-ee’): ladies who either live in or come to your
home (anything from a few hours a week to every day) to do laundry, housework, cooking, grocery
shopping, childcare, babysitting and pet care, depending on what you want. Rates are very reasonable.
Ayis are often found through word-of-mouth recommendations, but you may also find one through
discussion pages of expatriate websites, expat supermarkets, and agencies.
MEDICAL CLINICS
Western-style medical facilities with international staffing are available in Suzhou and Shanghai. The
nearest clinics to the school are Sing Health Medical Clinic and VIP of Kowloon Hospital. Shanghai has
several private hospitals with many specialists. In addition the nearest town of Wuxi has a United Family
Care Hospital with western doctors attending most days. In an emergency situation or after hours Suzhou
has public hospitals. Depending on where you go, you may have to pay upfront or pay a co-payment (20%
cash payment) for outpatients.
TRAVEL WITHIN CHINA - REMEMBER YOUR
PASSPORT
China has a very efficient travel system – with
buses, trains, airports. The nearest Airport is Wuxi
where you can get many internal flights and flights
to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau and Japan. You
may want to think about when to travel within
China as some holidays are very busy i.e Chinese
New Year – people travel home to their families. It
is also possible to hire drivers and their car or van
and travel through China. Trains are a clean and
fast way to travel. A train to Shanghai is only 25
minutes. A plane to Wuxi to Beijing is 1.5 hours.
TRAVELLING FROM CHINA
Once you are here in China and you have your
work visa you can travel in and out of China as
many times as you like. Popular holiday
destinations are Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam,
Cambodia, Mongolia, Bali, The Philippines and
Japan. During the cold Winter months in China it
is popular to go to a hot destination. Book early as
flights and hotel bookings books out. Chinese
New Year is a good time to explore Asia as it a
nice break from the long cold winters and less
noisy. (The fireworks can be pretty loud over
CNY).
THINGS TO DO
As well as the aquatics centre at the school there
are public indoor and outdoor pools with some
compounds having their own pools. There are
public parks, gyms, ten pin bowling, golf and the
Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre which hosts a
variety of musical and theatrical performance as
well as a cinema and IMAX theatre. For an even
greater variety of activities Shanghai is within easy
reach.
Applications
FOR THE LATEST VACANCIES VISIT
www.indulwich.com
Interested applicants should apply through www.indulwich.com sending their CV, a covering letter of application
and full details of three referees.
We may request a telephone or Skype interview with long-listed candidates for some positions.
We will automatically request references for all shortlisted candidates.
Interviews with shortlisted candidates may take place in one of the following venues:
Dulwich College Suzhou
The Search Associates Fair in Bangkok
The Search Associates Fair in London
Dulwich College London