Physical Education (Sports)

Sports is one of the five pillars of education at Dulwich College Beijing. In the dynamic world of sports at DCB, the journey is more than just about competition and victories. It's a pathway for students to Live Worldwise and become leaders, thinkers, and contributors to both their team and the broader community. 

With our strong physical education programme, we want to instil in all our students, from DUCKS to Junior School to Senior School, a love for regular physical activities so that they will take the habit with them to university and beyond.

DCB Sports Programme’s Philosophy

At the core of DCB's sports philosophy are values that go beyond the playing field. Hannah Marshall, Director of Sport, shared how important it is that our students embody the Dulwich Values in their development. “The focus is on developing character, teamwork, sportsmanship, integrity, problem-solving skills, resilience, and a lifetime of wellbeing. These values, deeply embedded in the DCB Sports Programme, offer students a real opportunity for personal growth, character development and a collective sense of achievement outside the traditional classroom setting.”

DCB's commitment to instilling good conduct extends beyond the players to include coaches and spectators. The DCB Sports Code of Conduct emphasizes the importance of embodying values within the sports program. This initiative aims to create an environment where positive behaviour and fair play are upheld by everyone involved, not only contributing positively to the sporting community but also developing character traits that are valuable in all aspects of our students’ lives.

DCB Sport Programme Progressive Pathway

The sports programme at DCB follows a progressive pathway, catering to students from our youngest to our oldest.

For our young DUCKS, we focus on developing their basic motor skills and a love for physical activity, whilst participating in multiple physical activities.  

In Junior School we follow a multi-sport approach, or what we call “Sport-for-All,” where students explore various disciplines, fostering a love for sport and skill development. As they transition to the Senior School, the focus shifts to more competitive play, emphasising skill improvement, teamwork, and character building. Many students begin specialising in particular sports, so they may be more selective in what they participate in tournaments they're entering. We are still not looking for a win-at-all-cost philosophy; we want students to enjoy what they do, and we want students to understand that it is not just about the gold medals and the winning, but again about values.

The DCB Sports Programme encompasses a diverse range of sports, providing students with ample opportunities to explore and excel. While traditional sports like football, basketball, and volleyball are integral, DCB recognizes and supports individual talents, such as fencing and swimming, where students have achieved national-level success.

The programme extends beyond the confines of Beijing, with students participating in prestigious international tournaments like the ISAC (International Schools Athletic Conference) Tournament, ACAMIS (Association of China and Mongolian International Schools) and the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) competitions. These events not only showcase DCB's competitive spirit but also offer students a chance to build friendships with peers from other international schools.

Major Sports Tournaments at a Glance

In addition to exchanges and fixtures, students have the chance to participate in the many tournaments on offer in different sports and age categories, some taking place here in Beijing, some in other cities in China and in Asia.

Examples include:

• Worldwise Primary Games
• FOBISIA Primary Games
• U13 FOBISIA Games
• BISP Football 7's Tournament in Phuket
• WAB Winter Blast basketball tournament
• ISAC sports tournaments
• ACAMIS sports tournaments
• ISAC Cross Country Meet
• Water Cube Invitational Swim Meet

Dulwich Olympiad

Every four years, students across the Dulwich network gather to compete in sports as well as collaborate in music, drama and visual arts. DCB hosted the first Dulwich Olympiad in 2015, and in 2019 our founding school in London hosted the event to celebrate 400 years of Dulwich College. A total of over 900 students participated in this week-long event, competing and performing in prestigious venues across London. Click here to find out more about this extraordinary and memorable experience for the students.  

Holistic Learning

Beyond the accolades and victories, DCB emphasises the importance of balance. Recognising that academics play a crucial role in a student's journey, DCB encourages a harmonious integration of sports and academics. With a structured seasonal schedule and offerings in various sports like badminton, tennis, golf, athletics, track and field, and cross country, students have the flexibility to explore their interests beyond traditional sports.

As DCB continues to foster a culture of resilience, initiative, and well-rounded development, the sports program stands as a testament to the school's commitment to nurturing leaders of tomorrow. Through sports, DCB provides students with a platform to not only excel athletically but also grow as individuals who embody the values of teamwork, respect, and fair play. The sports journey at DCB is a holistic experience that goes beyond the game, preparing students for success in both sports and life.

* The five pillars are Academics, Sport, Performing Arts, Global Citizenship and Learning Beyond the Classroom.