Dulwich College Beijing Students Shine at Top IGCSE Awards
These past two weekends, Dulwich College Beijing celebrated outstanding student achievements. Students Michael M (Highest Mark in China, IGCSE Psychology) and Sunny W (Highest Mark in China for GCSE Art, Craft and Design) attended the Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards Ceremony while Amy Y (Top in China for IGCSE International Mathematics) attended the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards Ceremony.
For those looking for tips on IGCSE, Michael recommends starting off with a robust study plan. 'Ask your teachers!' Michael said, sharing how his Psychology teacher, Ms Merritt, would patiently clarify and explain any questions that weren't clear to him. He also recommended using flashcards and marking in your notes to help speed up the learning. 'You can use AI to quiz yourself and make sure to find time to reflect on what you've done so far. 'He also made mind maps for every unit's subsection. 'Try that, too!'
Dulwich College Beijing was awarded the Outstanding Pearson School Award for 2025, recognising the College for all of our teachers' and parents' hard work and dedication in supporting our students.
Our Head of College, Dr Cameron Pyke, joined our students at the ceremony in Chengdu, sharing how proud he was of their achievement.
'My huge congratulations and admiration as always go to our wonderful and talented students and to our dedicated staff who support and empower them.'
Our Senior School Head of Mathematics, Sharon Shi, joined Amy Y and her family at the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards Ceremony. Ms Shi observed that a common theme of the student speeches was about how much they had developed during their learning journeys.
This is an excellent reminder that the skills we build in the process of learning can be as valuable as the grades we achieve. Amy worked exceptionally hard in her Mathematics and is a very reflective learner; it was great to see these attributes pay off. I want to say: congratulations Amy, both for your achievement in this course, and also for the skills as a learner that I have seen you develop over the last few years.
Sharon Shi
Senior School Head of Mathematics
Amy said she felt inspired by her experience at the Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards Ceremony when she saw how students' hard work and achievements were celebrated. 'Meeting people who share similar interests and academic goals and having genuine conversations with others who are equally driven was motivating and gave me a clearer sense of the community I belong to.'
Michael M shared how he and fellow awardee Sunny W were also excited about meeting other students with top IGCSE scores around China. He joked that before getting to talk to them, they tried to guess what subject they did well in based on their outfits! 'Dr Pyke also really showed us a lot of support and was showering us with congratulations!'
How Well-Rounded Learning and Pastoral Support Powers Academic Excellence at DCB
At Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), students can choose from a wide array of subjects. This not only provides a solid foundation for the IB and the A Levels qualifications but also offer many pathways to university courses. Our IGCSE programme includes around 30 subjects, including three developed by our specialist teachers to prepare students for the IB and A Levels: STEM, FutureTech and Creative Media.
So what makes our Key Stage 4 Curriculum different?
1. Highly Qualified and Experienced Staff
DCB teachers are specialists with a passion for teaching and learning, and a deep belief that students come first. Our pastoral teams work tirelessly to ensure every student feels a genuine sense of belonging – and it shows, as our students are our best ambassadors. Their spirit, fun and commitment make the Senior School a truly special place. As our IGCSE Exams Officer Gregory Lee shared, 'The supportive environment that students are in with their inspirational teachers means that students ask questions, work hard and improve.'
All our teachers hold either Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Their professional expertise ensures the highest standards in the classroom. This paves the way for experiences like Sunny's, who shared how the art department gave her all the freedom and support she needed, allowing her and the other students to create something unique. 'Going through the GCSE Art and Design course really changed my approach towards art making. It taught me a way to expand my thoughts deeper into the topics I am interested in and to be conscious about the "what", "how" and "why" behind my work.'
2. Academic Rigour That Empowers Every Student
At DCB, academic rigour benefits students in ways that go far beyond grades, entrance tests or university placements – though these remain important outcomes. Our approach creates an environment where every student feels engaged, challenged and supported, helping them develop confidence, resilience and a love of learning.
By combining academic excellence with sport, music, performing arts and co-curricular opportunities, we ensure students grow as well-rounded individuals. This balance fosters creativity, critical thinking and leadership – skills that prepare them for success in higher education and beyond.
As our Deputy Head of Senior School in Academics, Sophie Peers, explains:
Our students benefit from Elevate and Wellbeing sessions led by the pastoral team that reinforce our ethos of prioritising our children's safety and wellbeing and our commitment to a well-rounded education. They can also specialise in areas of interest and have a breadth of subjects – creativity, humanities, languages and the different pathways within the Key Stage 5 Curriculum including the GCSE and our curated courses. This strong foundation ensures that students have access to any pathway they wish at higher education.
Sophie Peers
Deputy Head of Senior School in Academics
3. Personalised Pathways and Enriched Opportunities
Another feature that makes our KS4 curriculum distinctive is the freedom it gives students to pursue their own interests within a broad and balanced curriculum. This personalised approach is strengthened by year-group residentials, leadership roles, House activities and enrichment experiences, which foster independence, character and a strong sense of community. Together, they create a holistic Key Stage 4 experience that supports both academic achievement and personal growth.
4. Curated Curriculum to Complement Our Creative Options in KS5
Three subjects curated by our SE21 specialists are DCB's STEM course, FutureTech and Creative Media.
STEM and FutureTech provide practical knowledge and hands-on experience in areas of Design Technology, such as designing sustainable housing projects, and Computer Science, such as using robotics and AI to create sustainable technological products. These subjects nurture design skills, business acumen and entrepreneurship, helping students develop viable solutions for contemporary challenges.
Creative Media, which focuses on Digital Art and Media production, complements the creative options available in the Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13) pathways.
5. Foundation for Higher Education, as Shared by an Alumna
A significant advantage of our IGCSE programme is its comprehensive foundation for higher education. As alumna Rachel Hsu reflects:
Rachel Hsu, DCB Alumna
At DCB, success is a shared journey, made possible by our students' determination, our teachers' expertise and the unwavering support of our community.
