Dulwich College London Annual Visit

The annual visit from Dulwich College London is an important moment in the academic year for Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou. This year, DHSZ was pleased to welcome Jenny Stanley, Acting Deputy Master External, and Dr Cameron Pyke, Head of Dulwich College Beijing, whose visit provided an opportunity to engage with the school's leadership team and student prefects.

Reflecting on the visit, Head of School, Ms Sarah Tielman, shared: “We are always so fortunate to host inspection teams from Dulwich College, our founding school in London, and it has been a pleasure to welcome Jenny Stanley, Acting Deputy Master External, and Dr Cameron Pyke, Head of DCB, to the school this week. We greatly value our partnership with Dulwich and always appreciate the opportunity to showcase and share the exceptional work of our staff and students.”

Mr Jon Fei, Principal, also commented: “As part of the Dulwich tradition and our commitment to upholding high standards of school governance and teaching quality, senior leadership from Dulwich College London visits DHSZ each year for an official inspection, a practice in place since our founding in 2012. The visit by Dr Cameron Pyke and Jenny Stanley this year reflects the ongoing process of review and dialogue that supports the continued development of the school.”

During the visit, Ms Stanley and Dr Pyke also engaged in a series of conversations with student prefects, gaining insight into their day-to-day experiences and the initiatives they lead across the school. 

Deputy Head Prefect Leyna L reflected on the exchange, noting the thoughtful and open approach taken by the visitors: "Ms Stanley and Dr Pyke showed a strong interest in how student voices are heard within the school, whether student needs are meaningfully supported, and how relationships between students and teachers are built. In addition, they explored how both Chinese and international festivals are celebrated on campus, recognising the role of culture in shaping school life."

Building on these discussions, the conversation extended to students' future aspirations and the school's educational philosophy. Each student was invited to share their intended university subject and destination country, offering a more individual perspective on their academic journeys. The dialogue also touched on Dulwich's “Live Worldwise” ethos, with students reflecting on how their experiences at DHSZ have helped them understand and embody this idea in practice. 

Jason C, Boarding Prefect, spoke about his role in supporting students within the boarding community, and the growing sense of responsibility and trust that comes with it. 

Head Prefect Catherine H shared several student-led initiatives, including those developed around International Women's Day, which brought together awareness and charitable action to support girls' wellbeing and future opportunities. Together, these perspectives highlighted a school community actively shaped and led by its students.

Towards the end of the session, students posed their own questions, and through this exchange gained further insight into life and learning at Dulwich College London.

Visits such as these provide an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and continued growth. As DHSZ continues to develop, such engagement remains an important part of its ongoing journey.