From The Master DR JOSEPH SPENCE
also taking the opportunity to look forwards; to think about where we might be not only in the 2020s, but also on our 500th anniversary. When I was interviewed for the post of Master, back in 2008, I said that one of the things that made the job so appealing was the chance it gave me to guide the College towards or through its 400th anniversary. I said that I would have four aims as I took up my Mastership: to make the buildings and landscape of the College as attractive and fit for purpose as they have ever been; to ensure that the components of a holistic Dulwich education were well understood, at and beyond the College; to increase the number of pupils at the College on means- tested fee-relief; and to make our partnerships, at home and abroad, integral to an understanding of what Dulwich College is all about. I hope it is felt I have lived up to the promises I made to the governors and to the wider College community on my arrival as Master in 2009. The building of The Laboratory and the restoration of the Barry Buildings are major milestones in a Masterplan to provide teachers and pupils with an inspirational environment in which to teach and learn. These two projects sum up the spirit of the College: a pride in our heritage, of course, but also a commitment to preparing pupils for
the future. Tradition and innovation are delicately balanced.
In terms of the education provided at Dulwich College, an ever-increasing number of prospective and current parents and pupils are celebrating the fact that we are a school known to be dedicated to preparing boys well for their public exams while offering innumerable opportunities for them to engage in free learning; the learning that goes on beyond the classroom and through which they learn so much that will serve them at university and in the workplace. I am confident that the benefits of the investment of time and resources that we have put into our local and international partnerships will bear rich fruit in 2019 and beyond, either through bodies such as the Southwark Schools Learning Partnership or in the Dulwich Olympiad, which will see the visit to Dulwich of over 600 pupils and more than 100 members of staff from the Dulwich Colleges in Asia. Beyond all this, I believe that the most important contributions we as a community can make to the future of the College in 2019 is to turn our full attention to achieving our social mission. Our vision is of a school where pupils learn and grow alongside peers who come from all backgrounds and are part of a diverse and talented community. It is often said that one of the distinctive
For all of us associated with Dulwich College, 2019 has been long-anticipated. For an institution to reach its 400th anniversary is a major milestone and one that I look forward to celebrating with as many Old Alleynians as possible. Over recent months I have been discussing DC 400 with OAs of all ages and based all over the world. It’s clear that one highlight for many of you will be the OA Reunion on Thursday 27 June, at what will be the largest gathering of alumni during the anniversary year, if not ever. The importance of the OA Reunion is not just that it stands at the heart of the 400th year and affords a chance to look back. But it also provides the opportunity for you to share your wisdom and support with current pupils, which can only help them look forward to their lives beyond Dulwich and towards the world of advanced study and work.
Whilst celebration of our history will be a key part of 2019, we are
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