developing for the future - Dulwich College Shanghai

developing for the future
Co-Curricular Activities - CCA’s
CCAs play an important social and emotional role in the development of children, as well as giving them an opportunity
to try something different.
In the Junior School we create CCAs based on student interests. There will always be a mix of sporting and non-sporting
activities. The Junior School guarantee’s that Mandarin (beginners and advanced) will always be part of the core offer.
Students select the CCAs with the class teacher using an information management system within the school.
Students who do not wish to participate in CCAs should make an appointment to speak with the Head or Deputy Head
of School.
For the academic Year 2011/12 CCAs will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and on those afternoons the buses
will depart from DCS at 4.45pm.
School Events
Throughout the year the Junior School will hold a number of school events designed to promote the curriculum, team
building, the community and the love of school. Many school events are scheduled at the beginning of the academic
year. These events include UN Day, residential visits, sports days, book and film week, science day etc.
Other events may occur during the year due to specific learning that happens within the classroom. This is derived from
the fact the curriculum follows the child’s interests.
The school also encourages parents to speak with class teachers regarding ideas they may have.
Speech Day
Speech Day is held towards the end of Term 3 - a celebration of all the successes of the academic year to which every
member of the community has contributed.
Your presence puts your seal of approval on your child’s achievements, regardless of whether they receive a prize, and
encourages their pride in the school. The following awards are presented at Speech Day:
• Two Personal Achievement prizes are given in each class for Years 3 – 6
• Two prizes for achievement in Mandarin are given per Year Group, one for Chinese as a Second Language, the
other for Chinese as a Foreign Language
• In Years 3- 5 inclusive, there are two prizes for achievement in PE, Art and Music
• In Year 6 there are two prizes in each class for overall achievement as well as a cup each for excellence in Maths,
English, Humanities, ICT, Science, Mandarin, Music, Art, Drama and PE across the Year level
• A Head’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the school and a Head’s Award for Sportsmanship are also
awarded in Year 6.
Non-Uniform Days
As a college we have agreed that non-uniform days will not be held more than once per term. The reason for a nonuniform
day should be clear and purposeful. As a college we have agreed that non-uniform days will not be used to
raise money for charity. This is due to the fact that we hold the belief that children need to put thought and effort into
any fundraising that takes place.
Parent Consultations and ACE Time
We believe that face-to-face contact is crucial in supporting the progress of your child. Parent consultations offer an
opportunity to discuss strengths/weaknesses and the achievement of your child. We will look to provide you with a
list of possible questions to ask the teacher if you are unsure what to ask. Parent consultations officially occur twice per
year, however, you are encouraged to make an appointment when you believe that it is necessary. Due to some of the
discussion content we advise not bringing your child to these meetings if possible.
ACE (Adult Child Evaluation) time occurs in term 1 and term 3. This is a more relaxed opportunity for you to come into
your child’s classroom during the day and allow your child to talk you through their books and work. We believe that
this is crucial in involving children in their own learning. Feedback from children has shown us that they truly value
this opportunity.
Field Trips
Outings and visits are usually directly related to the curriculum, they are planned well in advance and some are included
within the fees.
Musicians, authors, poets and story tellers are invited into school according to availability. (e.g. who is visiting Shanghai
at the time!)
Residential stays are planned for all students in the Junior School and serve a number of purposes including team
building, social development, developing independence as well as, in some instances being related to the curriculum.
Currently the residentials include:
• Year 3 overnight in tents at the school
• Year 4 two day Amazing Race event end at the college
• Year 5 have two nights and three days in Nanbeihu
• Year 6 have two nights and three days in Nanbeihu
The Year 5 and 6 events include a different range of expectations and outcomes despite being held at the same venue.
Please do support school functions as your presence means much to your child regardless of their own contribution. If
you only attend when he/she has a main part, or indeed a part at all, you are registering your disapproval: children have
to contribute to the whole in whatever capacity. Please help them. When you do attend may we ask that you, too, behave
in accordance with the particular occasion. Children, who are asked to behave as one, are put in a difficult position when
waved at by parents. Please also take care with photographs and try not to have cameras flashing in children’s faces.
Productions
Each year group will put on a production during the academic year. The theme will be chosen by the musical and
stage directors. Students will use some curriculum time and some time outside of the school day to practice for their
performance. Parents are requested to note the times of the performances and ensure that they let staff know if they may
not be around. This will stop disappointment on both sides should a child be selected for a main role.
Musical Performances
With an extensive musical programme the school will invite parents to come and watch the progress and developments
of the children throughout the year. This may take the form of a production on stage in the theatre. In 2011/12 there will
also be the opportunity to observe an actual music lesson in progress. We hope this gives you an insight into the teaching
and learning in this area of the curriculum.
Book and Film Week
In conjunction with the Shanghai Literary Festival, DCS celebrate a whole college book week. In 2011/12 the Junior
School will be extending this further to include an Oscars style film event. Students will be studying books and film as
part of their curriculum English lessons, which will culminate in some children developing their own films to show at
an awards ceremony.
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