developing for the future - Dulwich College Shanghai

developing for the future
Science
In the Junior School we continue to build the scientific knowledge and skills that has been
taught and fostered in DUCKS. Our comprehensive programme of study covers; scientific
enquiry, life processes and living things, materials and their properties, and physical
processes. We believe in a balanced approach, which teaches children scientific theory and
facts alongside hands-on practical experiments. We place a major emphasis on scientific
enquiry, so that the students can carry out investigations, where they further extend their
own understanding of the units and objectives covered. We do this through initiating
classroom discussions, where the students can make new connections, test hypotheses,
draw conclusions and formulate their own questions. The students are also taught
how to use a wide range of Science equipment and present their investigations in
many different ways using a variety of media.
Mandarin
Mandarin is taught for one hour over a period of four days per week. There are three
pathways for the course.
• Mandarin as Foreign Language (MFL)
• Mandarin as a Second Language (MSL)
• Mandarin as a Native Language (MNL)
MFL
Designed for non-native/non-heritage students and emphasises oral communication with an
element relating to Chinese culture.
MSL
For heritage students who have been living out of China or non-heritage students who have
been living in China for a long time. The course focuses on student reading and writing skills.
Physical Education (PE)
The Junior School PE programme is based on the English National Curriculum and takes
into consideration the facilities, equipment, climate, student population, travel and local
culture in Shanghai.
Areas covered include Athletics, Gymnastics, Dance, Games, Swimming and Outdoor
and Adventurous Activities. We aim to provide each student with a broad experience of
activities, teaching the basic skills applying to them. This is supported with a brief health
component per activity and an opportunity to reflect and comment on each student’s
performance.
PE offered include a variety of sports under the following headings:
• Invasion Games – including soccer, rugby and Net / Wall Games
• Batting and Fielding Games – including cricket, rounders and softball
• Net/Wall games – including tennis, volleyball and badminton
Opportunities for competition are given through House activities, Sports Day,
and an additional competitive sport programme that runs after school and at
weekends.
PE is taught for two hours per week by specialist teachers from across the
College.
Emphasis is placed upon promoting enjoyment through participation, cooperation,
sportsmanship, etiquette and safe practice.
We aim to equip the students with the skills and experiences that will enable
them to maintain a healthy life style in the years to come
MNL
Designed for native Chinese whose English usually is their second language. The learning
objective for students in this pathway is to further their literature knowledge and develop
their critical thinking skills.
Humanities
History, Geography and Multicultural Studies are taught through cross-curricular
Humanities topics. The Junior School works hard to ensure these topics are relevant
and up-to-date. Whilst still addressing the curriculum objectives, we work hard to
incorporate students own interests.
In Geography students study places and environments. They learn about the locality
and compare their lives here with those of people in other parts of the world. They gain
insight into different cultures and their religions and begin to recognise the importance of
sustained development for the future of mankind.
Significant people, events and places from both the recent and more distant past are
studied in History. Perspectives may be political, economic, technological, scientific,
social, religions, cultural or aesthetic; the children learn about change and continuity.
For Humanities whole class teaching is combined with enquiry based research
activities during which children are encouraged to present their findings and
knowledge in a variety of ways.
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