College. In essence, I want to realise Dr Spence’s vision of a Dulwich ‘commonwealth of schools’. How does the College oversee its educational links with Dulwich College International (DCI)? I oversee the educational relationship with DCI on the College’s behalf. I liaise closely with Brian McDouall, its Director of Schools; my colleague Simon Yiend, our Chief Operating Officer, oversees the legal and commercial aspects of the relationship. The relationship itself is clearly defined by an exclusive World Charter, but it is also a genuine partnership. How often do you visit the overseas schools? I am required by the World Charter to visit and inspect each of the schools annually. On these occasions I spend two days in the school and meet a variety of staff, students and parents. The inspections are not regulatory – this is overseen by DCI – but rather a means of reassurance for us that the quality associated with a Dulwich education is being maintained in every respect. One of the rewarding parts of the role is that one also establishes warm professional relationships across the Dulwich network. What other support does the College give its international schools? We provide informal advice and support and, in our endorsement of the partnership, highlight our support for DCI’s educational mission. We are also involved in the appointment of all Headmasters, and provide interview facilities for appointments and an induction day for all staff new to the Dulwich family in June. For the first time we are also showcasing the achievements of the commonwealth of schools in a marquee on Founder’s Day. What are the benefits of this partnership to us here in London? In the globalised world we inhabit, our presence overseas strongly underlines our commitment to internationalism. The symbolism of students from all over the world enjoying a recognisably similar and highly respected brand of holistic education is, I think, powerful. The first Dulwich Olympiad last year was a turning point in our students’ awareness of this, and I believe that connections between them will continue to develop ahead of the next Olympiad, to be held here in 2019. But there are other benefits:
collaboration in educational matters, such as Mandarin and Early Years provision; some of our staff have gone on to pursue their careers in the schools – Nick Fyfe spent a sabbatical year as Head of Economics in Zhuhai; and three members of our current Upper Sixth will be spending part of their gap years in Suzhou and Singapore. Finally, and back to my first answer, I find the language I use to articulate our partnership overseas is complementary to what we do in and beyond our own community. Are the Dulwich international schools all the same? How do they differ from SE21? They obviously operate in a different context, culturally as well as politically, but all are strongly committed to an holistic education on Dulwich lines. The High Schools in Zhuhai and Suzhou offer IGCSEs and A-levels to Chinese students, whereas the other Colleges offer an IGCSE and IB curriculum for the children of expatriates. All are co-educational; and the student body in the international schools is by its very nature much more fluid than ours. There are recognisable references to SE21 in, for example, the architecture (particularly the iconic clock tower) and nomenclature of the house system (particularly Shackleton), but the schools have an identity and creative energy which are entirely their own. Performing arts, for example, are notably vibrant, and there was a memorable Climate Conference in Suzhou last October. The schools also make a point of respecting and embracing their host culture. Do you have any favourite or notable memories from your visits to the overseas schools? I always enjoy meeting staff, students and parents, and I’m genuinely touched by the warmth of my welcome and the genuine interest in Dulwich College in London. As far as my schedule allows, I like to attend lessons; I recall a memorable IB lesson in Suzhou on the morality of the use of atomic weapons in 1945. The co-curricular programme and student leadership are also of real interest to me: I’ve chaired a number of school councils, attended rehearsals, been served Chinese dumplings made by students and even practised archery. I also love visiting DUCKS – numerically speaking, a far greater proportion of the international schools than here in London – and seeing students’ art work. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a
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