The College Magazine Winter 2019

Dulwich Beijing: The Mixing Pot
By Nicholas T, Year 11
The most beautiful part of Dulwich Beijing is its values. These values
which are brought over by the mixed cultures of both students and
teachers from around the world make Dulwich a mixing pot. Students
can hear stories of teachers from South Africa or experience Korean
teaching methods all under one roof. Let’s explore the
multicultural backgrounds of DCB staff!
Asia
Where were you raised and how did that affect you?
I was raised in Seoul, where the culture was influenced by
Confucianism. It put great emphasis on my learning, self-cultivation,
practical wisdom, and human relations.
Where have you lived and how long have you lived there?
Seven years in the Philippines and five years in Hong Kong.
What do you love most about your culture?
Trendiness, food and the value of human relations.
What do you find the most intriguing about Chinese culture?
How caring people are.
Has your background changed the way you teach?
It showed me that a great teacher is a great learner.
North America
Ms SunKyung Lee
Teacher of Chemistry
Dr Jessica Dobrin
Teacher of Chemistry
Where were you raised and how did that affect you?
I was raised in Tennessee. It’s a friendly place, so I feel like
it makes me willing to greet people!
Where have you lived and how long have you lived there?
I lived in the Midwest for 25 years, Shanghai for one, Tokyo for two,
Kuwait for two, and Cambridge for three.
What do you love most about your culture?
I love how it contains elements of different cultures.
What do you find the most intriguing about Chinese culture?
I love the mix of tradition and innovation. Of course, the food is
amazing as well!
Has your background changed the way you teach?
Living in so many different places broadened my perspectives and
made me more open-minded.
Oceania
Where were you raised and how did that affect you?
I grew up in in New Zealand. We had lots of green space.
This encouraged me to be outside.
Where have you lived and how long have you lived there?
Three years in Brunei, six years in Malaysia, six years in Taipei, six
years in Jakarta and four months here!
What do you love most about your culture?
Maori people are family oriented and very friendly. Music and sport
are huge in our culture.
What do you find the most intriguing about Chinese culture?
Having only been here for four months, I don’t know a lot about
Chinese culture, but the Great Wall is an amazing piece of architecture.
Has your background changed the way you teach?
My background has made me a friendly person.
South America
Mr Leighton Edwards
Teacher of Physical Education
Mr Kien Drakes
Teacher of Physics
Where were you raised and how did that affect you?
I was raised in Guyana. My Caribbean roots allowed me
to be connected to my culture whilst appreciating the benefits of a
developing world.
Where have you lived and how long have you lived there?
I have been living in China for 10 years.
What do you love most about your culture?
I love the food and inclusiveness of my culture since we have six races
that integrate to form our population.
What do you find the most intriguing about Chinese culture?
I think the respect for family and filial piety in Chinese culture are the
most intriguing for me.
Has your background changed the way you teach?
Growing up in a developing country then studying in another has
given me a lot of experience that aids in my teaching. I tend to use
more humour and be more inclusive whilst maintaining respect for
others. I think this comes a lot from Caribbean culture and the way
we interact with each other.
Europe
Mr Robert Slinn
Teacher of Business and Economics
Africa
Ms Fredleen Birch
Year 2 Teacher
Where were you raised and how did that affect you?
I was raised mostly by my Polish mother in the UK, giving
me an international outlook. Trips to Poland during the 90s showed
how my Polish cousin’s life was different to my life in the UK.
Where have you lived and how long have you lived there?
I grew up in the UK but later worked in Mongolia, the Philippines, The
Gambia and Ethiopia. I spent over three years working in international
development in Africa and Asia.
What do you love most about your culture?
I love the history of the UK and Poland.
What do you find the most intriguing about Chinese culture?
I find it fascinating to observe the challenges that China faces in
economic growth and increasing exposure to globalisation. I feel
privileged to be here.
Has your background changed the way you teach?
My passion for teaching came from my interest in history. My work
helped me gain a greater appreciation of different life experiences.
This helps me to bring real life examples into my lessons.
Where were you raised and how did that affect you?
I was born and raised in South Africa during the apartheid
regime. It really made me realise that although we were classified by
race, I was my own unique person with a lot of potential to do good.
Where have you lived and how long have you lived there?
We lived in Saudi Arabia for two and a half years, then in England for
eight months. Afterwards in Qatar for 14 years. We moved to China
four years ago.
What do you love most about your culture?
We are so diverse. South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation; we
adopted the best of every background and uniqueness. Our BBQ
style is the best.
What do you find the most intriguing about Chinese culture?
I really find Chinese music and dancing intriguing.
Has your background changed the way you teach?
I was taught in a very traditional way, but I realised that every child
needs to be taught so that their confidence and personality can
shine, and they believe they can do anything.
20 beijing.dulwich.org