2025 Founder's day: Energise For The Future

Each year, Founder’s Day marks a milestone in the collective spirit of the Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou (DHSZ) community. When students, teachers, parents, alumni and partners come together, we not only honour the Dulwich educational heritage but also infuse our philanthropic efforts with lasting momentum through creative expression.

On 18 April, our celebrations—centred on the theme “Energise for the Future”—came to life. An artisan market buzzed with activity, dynamic performances radiated youthful energy, and spirited sports challenges opened up endless possibilities. At the heart of it all was a quiet but powerful commitment to giving back.

Join us as we step into this vibrant tapestry of celebration.

Stop 1 All Together On Stage: Students, Teachers & Parents in the Spotlight

On the main stage, over seventy acts took their turn—street dance, solo singing, musical and choir—each performance by teachers and students building the atmosphere to a crescendo of applause. Even our Parents’ Choir joined in with choreographed dance moves, adding warmth and joy to the occasion.

“I’m so proud to be able to show another side of myself in front of my teachers and classmates!” shared one student.

“I’m the only dad in the choir, and I join every year—simply because I want my child to look back on their youth with no regrets,” laughed Mr Wu, one of our FOD parents.

Stop 2 Recharge Station · On-Campus Fair

Set against the backdrop of Alleyn House, students, teachers and parents manned stalls offering hand-painted canvas bags, anime-style badges, eco-friendly potted plants, and a dazzling array of sports-themed stickers and badminton wristbands. “We sold 200 pastries and raised ¥500 for charity—working until past midnight was absolutely worth it!” said Ms Wang, wiping sweat from her brow. “My child calls this ‘charity on the taste buds’!”

Our student vendors, equally breathless, agreed: “It’s hectic but thrilling. Knowing our efforts fuel good causes really keeps us going.”

Stop 3 Trunk Market · Electric Vehicle Pods

On the other side, the sizzle of barbecue skewers, the display of delicate cakes and the rich aroma of pour-over coffee drew a steady crowd. More than ten NIO electric vehicles were lined up, each transformed into an “Energy Pod” stall. Unlike a typical market, every penny of revenue was donated to the school’s charity fund to support social projects.

DHSZ has long championed sustainability, weaving it into our curriculum and daily life. This year, in partnership with NIO, we invited families to embrace green travel and an eco-friendly market, turning environmental awareness into a tangible, community-driven experience.

Stop 4 Innovation Hub · Academic Showcase & Human–Machine Interactions

While savouring their refreshments, visitors paused to explore our subject showcase: the “Earth Prize” garden project, English research presentations, iGEM synthetic biology competition results and on-campus accommodation tours. We also welcomed Mr Miao, a parent volunteer, who demonstrated cutting-edge human–machine interactions, sparking lively discussions on the synergy between technology and the humanities.

Stop 5 Future Connect · Campus HR Dialogue

Ms Huang Yuqing from the Suzhou Industrial Park Human Resources Centre was on hand to explain the latest “Returning Overseas Graduates to Suzhou” and “Park Employment” policies. Many parents remarked, “From academic guidance to career support, the resources provided by DHSZ give us real peace of mind.” Here, Founder's Day became more than a celebration—it formed a solid bridge for home–school partnership.

Stop 6 Active Challenge Zone · Sports Fun Challenge

What better way to “Energise” than with sport? From golf-ball putting and Victor badminton challenges to frisbee throws and parent–child bowling, our Fun Challenge offered something for everyone. Waves of laughter and cheers turned every swing and toss into a moment of shared joy and meaning.

Stop 7 Inspiration Energy Field · Art Exhibition

Inside the teaching block, our Annual Art Exhibition featured graphic design and painting by Year 12 and 13 A Level students, alongside photography highlights from Year 11 IGCSE. Traditional techniques and digital media coexisted in harmony, guiding visitors through themes of identity, environment and society.

As the event drew to a close, we were proud to announce that this year’s Founder’s Day raised ¥12,505—all of which will be donated to the school’s charity fund in support of community projects. Our heartfelt thanks go to every teacher, student, parent and partner for their meticulous preparation and enthusiastic participation. We now look ahead to next year, ready to write another inspiring chapter in the story of Founder’s Day—together.