Learning Beyond the Classroom

At Dulwich College Beijing, we believe that deep, lasting understanding of any knowledge extends beyond the in-classroom teaching. To truly engage with their learning, our students are encouraged to deepen their understanding by pursuing curiosity-driven, hands-on, and relevant experiences that spark exploration beyond the classroom.

Passion-Driven Learning Opportunities

Students at DCB benefit from a rich range of after school and co-curricular activities, competitions, and enrichment opportunities where they can explore and develop their passions in meaningful ways. Whether they are launching a social impact project through the International School Award-winning Worldwise Academy or engaging with academic mentors via our International Partnership Initiative MOU with the University of Notre Dame, students are encouraged to take initiative and apply their learning beyond the classroom.

Our co-curricular activities (CCAs), sports teams, and externally run Dulwich College Programmes (DCP) also play a significant role in this journey. Each year, more than 150 CCAs are offered in Senior School alone —many of which are student-led—ranging from debate and public speaking to chess, coding and creative writing, to sports and the arts and even clubs such as Dungeons and Dragons. DCP activities extend this further with sports and cultural courses that take place during the week, on weekends, and even during school breaks, ensuring students have continuous access to experiences that reflect their interests.

Many of these activities lead to participation in competitions—both locally and internationally, online and in person—giving students the chance to test their skills, gain confidence, and collaborate with others. Whether it’s preparing for a performance, training for a match, or building a prototype, students are immersed in real-world experiences that help them grow as learners and individuals.

These opportunities provide more than enrichment—they allow students to connect with like-minded peers, experience diverse perspectives, and build the confidence to explore their ideas with purpose and curiosity.

Global Learning and Cultural Exposure

From DUCKS to Senior School, our students regularly participate in both local and international school trips — whether to deepen their academic learning or to support their social and emotional growth through pastoral experiences such as residential trips. Our Year 9 students also have the option to spend a term abroad through our Ignite: Switzerland programme. These experiences broaden student’s horizons and contribute to their personal growth.

As part of the EiM network of schools, student participants have the opportunity to grow their interests through our many network-wide programmes, such as Planet Hack, Game Jam, Dulwich Music Festival, MADD (Music, Art, Drama and Dance), the Student Leadership Conference, and more.

These programmes expose students to a rich diversity of voices, backgrounds, and ideas — encouraging collaboration, empathy, and innovation within an international community.

Student-Centred Learning

Our commitment to a well-rounded education is grounded in the belief that “Students Come First.” For learning to be impactful, students must see its relevance and feel empowered to take ownership of it. It is an education viewed through the lens of global citizenship and the Dulwich Values, encouraging student agency, providing leadership and innovation opportunities, and enhancing their wellbeing and sense of belonging within our community.

Programmes like these help students develop vital skills — social, leadership, organisational, creative, technical, speaking and listening skills, amongst others — activating their own voice and choice in the way they learn on their journey to becoming mature learners who can take ownership of their learning. They’re key not only to academic and university success, but also to developing compassionate, globally minded individuals prepared to thrive in an interconnected world.