Wellbeing at DCB

At Dulwich College Beijing (DCB), students come first, and thus their wellbeing is of utmost importance. We firmly believe in fitting the education to the child, and not the other way around, not only academically but personally as well. Our goal is to provide a holistic developmental approach that ensures that our students lead fulfilled, successful, and purposeful lives.

At DCB, we are committed to delivering a values-driven education backed by evidence-based initiatives that not only enhances student achievement but also prioritises our students’ wellbeing. Our school culture is deeply rooted in our DCB Values, which serve as our guiding compass in our mission to Live Worldwise. We believe that academic success goes hand in hand with providing students the space to explore and pursue their passions and skills and channeling that from a wellbeing perspective. Only from a solid foundation of wellbeing can students reach their full potential and achieve what they are truly capable of.

Student Wellbeing Framework

The importance of wellbeing is particularly pronounced in settings such as DCB's – a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, characters, experiences and tenure. DCB is part of the Education in Motion network of schools which follows a Student Wellbeing Framework that places emphasis on students feeling Connected, Respected and Empowered.

Wellbeing and a strong sense of self are key to nurturing happy and confident individuals driven to explore their own interests, take risks, and develop independence. By creating a whole-school culture where students feel safe, supported, and confident, we are preparing them to become positive contributors to the wider community.

Wellbeing Initiatives at DCB

In addition to a comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum that offers numerous opportunities for students to thrive and engage with their peers, DCB also offers a wide array of opportunities beyond the classroom that allow our students to better understand themselves.

At DCB, student behaviours are guided by the seven Dulwich Values — respect, resilience, confidence, kindness, responsibility, integrity, and open-mindedness. These values are instilled in everyday learning and school life in an age-appropriate way such as the DCB Values Song and Value characters at DUCKS. The values support students to understand their own wellbeing, as well as better interact with others in a respectful and responsible way.

Across the College we have the House system, which provides our students with a sense of belonging, responsibility, leadership and collaboration opportunities and an idea of healthy competition. Upon joining DCB, our students are assigned a House and continue in these teams throughout their time here. The House system extends from DUCKS to Junior School and Senior School, so that even the youngest students at DCB enjoy all the above-mentioned benefits through being actively engaged in House events and inspired by the older students in Junior School and Senior School in those across-school House activities. Students also have the opportunity to lead their respective Houses as House Captains, going through age-appropriate rigorous application processes and committing and delivering on expectations as the House leaders and, in Year 12, possibly House Prefects.

Our Junior School has a Wellbeing Curriculum with Mindfulness at its core that spent nearly three years in development, driven by a passionate team of staff who wanted to embed wellbeing into everything done in Junior School. The scheduled timetable includes Mindful Mornings, a protected, dedicated time for students to reflect on their learning, prepare for the day ahead and work on the skills they need to succeed.

In Senior School, we have a dedicated Deputy Head of Senior School in Wellbeing, who oversees wellbeing in Senior School and the implementation of the Elevate Curriculum. The Elevate Curriculum is an award-winning high-impact programme that helps schools create an environment that leads to lasting behavioral change for students, including helping students improve their study techniques, increase motivation, build confidence, and lift exam performance. To further encourage positive behaviour and upholding the Dulwich Values, students are awarded Dulwich Values points.

Wellbeing is also student-driven at DCB

Wellbeing isn't just driven by staff. Wellbeing Prefects and Wellbeing Champions in both Junior School and Senior School play a pivotal role in fostering a warm and inclusive environment in their respective schools. They undergo training from the Wellbeing Prefects to better understand the importance of taking care of one’s wellbeing, brainstorm activities that make a positive impact on the mental health and the overall wellbeing of their peers and in the process also encouraging ethical decision-making.

Senior School-run wellbeing programmes appear in different forms, such as ECAs (Extracurricular activities) and CAS programmes as part of the IB.  Here, students are encouraged to develop the toolkit they need to manage stress through identification of stressors, effective management techniques or how to seek help when it is needed.

Parent Partnership in Supporting Student Wellbeing

Parents play a crucial role in their children’s wellbeing, let alone success. And schools and parents must work together to help children be the best that they can be.

To support our parents, we organise Parent Academies where our expert educators provide valuable insights and guidance to help parents better understand their children's needs and how to effectively support them. Parents are also invited to participate in student activities that support wellbeing such as the Junior School Mindful Mornings. As a member of the online platform Tooled Up Education, our DCB community gains access to a wealth of evidence-based parenting resources and solutions to challenges their child may be facing.

By fostering a strong partnership between parents and the school, we ensure that our students receive consistent care and support throughout their educational journey.

By fostering a strong partnership between parents and the school, we ensure that our students receive consistent care and support throughout their educational journey.

Wellbeing as a part of the DCB Education

At Dulwich College Beijing, we prioritise the wellbeing of our students as an integral part of their education. Through fostering a culture of connection, respect, and empowerment, we enable our students to reach their full potential academically, personally, and socially. Our holistic approach and student-driven initiatives equip them with the necessary tools and skills to navigate life's challenges while maintaining their wellbeing. Together, we build a community of confident individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world, ensuring their success and personal fulfillment.