Welcome Ms Anderson and Ms Lynch – our New Assistant Heads of DUCKS!

We’re delighted to welcome Ms Lynch and Ms Anderson, who have just joined our DUCKS leadership team as the Assistant Heads this year. 

• Ms Lynch (L) has been teaching for over 30 years, including 20 years internationally and leadership roles the past decade, supporting children from Nursery  through Junior School. “I love helping children enjoy learning,” she shared. “A school should be a joyful and exciting place for every child.”
• Ms Anderson (A) brings nearly two decades of teaching and education leadership, including 10 years in China. She is a qualified SENDCo and leads both the AEN (Additional Educational Needs) team and the EAL (English as an Additional Language) team.  “We’re big on championing wellbeing here, so we’ll make sure that the children’s emotional needs are met alongside their educational needs.” 

We hear more from our new DUCKS leaders about themselves, their teaching philosophies, and what families can expect from them this year.  

Can you share a bit about yourselves and what drew you to Dulwich College Beijing? 

Ms Lynch (L): I became passionate about education after university and discovered international teaching in my late 20s. Since then, I’ve taught in Vietnam, Thailand, Germany, and Azerbaijan, and held leadership roles for over a decade now such as Early Years Coordinator and Assistant Principal. My roots are in early years education, and I’m excited to focus on it again at DCB. 

My family also wanted to be closer to New Zealand, and China was high on our list. It’s a huge, diverse country, and my son is thrilled to be back in Asia. We’re looking forward to exploring Beijing and welcoming many visitors here.

Ms Anderson (A): Most of my career has been in early years, though I’ve also taught across Primary and senior school. I’ve worked in Wuhan, Wuxi, Shanghai, and Qatar, and I’m happy to return to China, a place my son and I enjoy for its culture, travel opportunities, and education system. Before leaving, my Chinese was strong; for a while I taught Mandarin at a Primary school in UK and really enjoyed that. I hope to improve again. 

How do your roles differ?

A: Our roles will overlap in teaching and learning in academics, but I oversee AEN (Additional Educational Needs) and EAL (English as an Additional Language). I am also one of the Child Protection Officers for DUCKS.

L: I’m the Health and Safety Officer and one of the Child Protection Officers for DUCKS. I'm also responsible for student transitions and communications such as events and newsletters. We both share responsibility for academics and wellbeing, but my role is more on daily operations. We also step in for teachers wherever needed.

What are your teaching philosophies?

A: Children learn best in a safe, nurturing environment where emotional wellbeing goes hand in hand with academics. Teaching should be fun, creative, and play-based—especially in the early years. When learning feels like play, children are proud of their achievements without even realising they’re building skills in literacy, numeracy, and more. Collaboration with families is also key. Trust and communication help us tailor support to each child’s unique strengths while encouraging resilience — like our Dulwich Values Resilience Ren — and celebrating success.

L: Students should always be at the heart of decision-making. Schools should feel joyful and flexible, with opportunities for authentic play-based learning across different subjects. When children are engaged in activities like measuring sand while talking about it, they’re naturally building math and language skills without even noticing. That’s the beauty of play-based learning.

Social and emotional wellbeing is also just as important as academics, and teachers should really know their children—their interests, families, and strengths.

Any advice for families who are new to DUCKS and DCB? 

L: Join a CCA, connect with Friends of Dulwich, and be part of the community. DCB isn’t just a day school where you just drop off and pick up your kids. It's a community, and being involved makes the experience richer for both parents and children. Try out new things, push through your comfort zone — make the most of DCB.

A: I agree. Also, trust us. I know it's very a big thing to leave such small children with us, but we know what we're doing and our whole team has the children's best interests at heart. Volunteer, chat with teachers, and develop that trust. Trust goes both ways, and we’re excited to collaborate with you.

Coffee or Tea?

L: Tea first thing in the morning when I wake up and then a coffee boost between 11 and 1pm. 

A: I don't like English tea with milk. I prefer Chinese tea. So, I would have to say Coffee!