Dulwich Int' l High School Suzhou Shines at RAISE Conference
Recently, Sarah Tielman, the Head of Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou (DHSZ), delivered an insightful presentation at the TopSchools RAISE Conference 2024 in Chengdu. Her session highlighted the Dulwich Excellence in Arts Education, speaking to the conference's theme of The Grand Integration of Education: Arts, Sports, and Technology.
Defining Excellence in Arts Education
Sarah began by sharing DHSZ's distinctive philosophy on arts education, emphasising that excellence is far more than exam results or university placements. True achievement lies in nurturing students' technical skills, creative mindsets, and lifelong artistic identities. "We aim to help students discover their own artistic voice, transforming from mere replicators of others' works into creators of their unique vision," Sarah explained.
A Unique and Holistic Approach
DHSZ's arts programme is built on tailored curriculum pathways such as Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, 3D Design, Art History and more. Beyond standard IGCSE and A-Level offerings, the school also partners with universities to provide college-credit courses, such as the Marquette Digital 2D programme.
This holistic approach extends to the spaces where students create. The school transforms traditional classrooms into art studios and galleries, showcasing student work and drawing attention from local artists and government organisations. Sarah highlighted the importance of taking learning beyond the campus walls, whether through external art spaces or on-campus innovations like the Rhode Island School of Design-inspired "Library of Curiosities".
Beyond engaging spaces, DHSZ offers over 37 creative co-curricular activities (CCAs) to broaden students' artistic horizons. These range from Art to Web Design, Backstage Crew: Making the Magic Happen, Sculpture Club, Dulwich Yearbook, Ikebana, Photography, The Art of Candle Making, Stop Motion Animation, and ACG Art & Design. These CCAs provide students with opportunities to delve deeply into areas of interest or explore entirely new creative domains, enriching their overall educational experience.
Cultivating Real-World Capabilities
A key element of Sarah's talk was the focus on preparing students for real-world challenges. This is not just about passing courses and exams but about being prepared to thrive in the real world and connect meaningfully with industry. She shared inspiring examples, such as a recent alumni exhibition curated by DHSZ graduates currently studying at Central Saint Martins and Rhode Island School of Design, underscoring how DHSZ equips students with critical skills like creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Sarah also described innovative initiatives, including student-designed school merchandise—ranging from sports team logos to scarves and mugs—which encourages entrepreneurial and collaborative skills.
A Supportive Culture for Artistic Growth
DHSZ fosters a culture that values creativity, with strong support from parents and alumni. Alumni frequently inspire current students by sharing their experiences and successes in diverse artistic fields.
Sarah also emphasised the importance of continually innovating both inside and outside the classroom. To support students' art college applications, the school offers robust portfolio development initiatives, including regular teacher feedback, collaborations with external artists, and opportunities to publicly showcase their work. Extended studio hours, now available during evening boarding sessions, further enhance this support.
Cross-disciplinary projects also play a vital role. Students gain valuable hands-on experience by contributing to school-wide initiatives such as creating stage props, costumes, and sets for annual musicals and dramas, applying their skills in meaningful and collaborative ways.
"Our programme immerses students in a culture of creativity, giving them the tools and space to grow as unique artists," Sarah explained, noting how alumni consistently praise the experience at DHSZ for its preparation for university and beyond.
A Vision for the Future
Sarah closed her sharing with a compelling message: "Our goal is to cultivate young artists who not only excel academically but also contribute meaningfully to their communities and industries. The future of work needs creative talent, and it is our responsibility as educators to curate the skills they'll need to succeed in life."
Sarah's presentation at the RAISE Conference served as a powerful reminder of Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou's commitment to holistic education and innovation. By fostering creativity, technical skills, and real-world readiness, the school continues to set a benchmark for excellence in arts education.
