Week Without Walls 2024

At Dulwich, holistic education goes beyond the classroom, extending into enriching experiences outside of it. Our annual “Week Without Walls” is a perfect example of how we help students strengthen their relationships with each other and their teachers, build confidence and self-esteem, and foster a sense of belonging and well-being. Through these activities, students can explore new interests, develop essential skills, and enhance their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities—all in an enjoyable and supportive environment. This year, students from different year groups traveled to destinations such as Lin’an, Qiandaohu, Moganshan, and Inner Mongolia. We are delighted to have Mr Tony Winton, Head of Extracurricular Activities, along with student representatives from each group, share their insights and experiences.

"This year, we were particularly excited about the addition of the Inner Mongolia route. This initiative emerged directly from feedback gathered from last year’s Year 11 students, who expressed a desire for a unique challenge that differed from the experiences offered to them during their Year 10 and Year 11 experiences on Week Without Walls. Recognising the importance of tailoring our programs to meet student aspirations, we engaged representatives from the Year 11 cohort to collaborate with prospective trip providers. Together, we crafted a tailored itinerary designed to foster resilience, teamwork, and cultural appreciation.

Inner Mongolia offered a rich tapestry of experiences, from stunning landscapes to vibrant cultural traditions. Students engaged with local communities, explored the vast grasslands, and immersed themselves in the unique nomadic lifestyle of the region. This experience not only challenged them physically and mentally but also encouraged a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives.

We witnessed students returning from this journey with renewed confidence, broadened horizons, and unforgettable memories. The feedback from last year’s participants emphasized the importance of stepping outside their comfort zones, and the Inner Mongolia trip certainly provided that.

In Lin'an, Qiandaohu, and Moganshan, our students also embarked on their unique adventures, each designed to inspire leadership and foster collaboration. These experiences were not just about travel; they were about personal growth and the development of skills that will serve our students well beyond their time in Dulwich.

As we reflect on this extraordinary week, I encourage all students to cherish the challenges they faced and the friendships they formed. Week Without Walls was a celebration of exploration, community, and self-discovery—an opportunity for students to learn not only about the world but also about themselves.

A sincere thank you to everyone involved in this year’s program, which fostered unforgettable experiences filled with growth, joy, and meaningful connections."

@Eren L (Y10):  

In this activity, I felt a strong sense of team spirit, and I felt my leadership ability grow by constantly challenging myself to overcome difficulties. It was such wonderful journey. I made many good friends with the same interests and completed many almost impossible challenges with everyone by working hard together for a common goal. Every collaboration, every time we shared something, left me feeling a deep warmth. Because of the team, we became stronger and more confident to meet challenges. This unity and fraternity moved me and helped me cherish our team more.

@Cici L (Y10): 

In the beginning, I thought it was just a normal trip for us to relax, but after some activities, I changed my mind. I realized that it was not only a chance for us to enhance the interpersonal relationship between students and teachers, but also a chance to challenge ourselves bravely. The Beach Olympics is the activity which I think was the most meaningful due to the fact that it fostered our teamwork abilities and I saw many students' ambitious aspirations to achieve success. Even if sometimes it was hot and unbearable, what the trip brought to me will not fade into memory.

@Ellie Y (Y11): 

WWW this year was an extremely thrilling experience for me - especially the cycling trip on day 2. My tyre was flat so I unfortunately did not get to enjoy the full experience but the view was ethereal. We circled the lake, passed local villages and got to watch all of it from the mountains. 10 out of 10 would recommend this experience despite getting sunburnt.

@Felix X (Y11): 

WWW was a great experience and one of the most memorable school trips in my life. I especially liked kayaking, which was very interesting since we could do it with our teachers in the lake, sometimes capsizing each other's boat and making them fall into the water, and they splased us with water. Such activities like this are very conducive to promoting the relationship between teachers and students. In a word, WWW can relax us from our hard work and broaden our horizon and exercise our will.

@Caroline C (Y12): 

This trip to Moganshan was a great experience for me. Personally, before this trip, I was not familiar with our new students. Due to the fact that it was a small group, I didn't expect it to be so awesome. However, I found out that our new members of the DHSZ family were extremely supportive and engaging, bringing us the best WWW experience! Something I highly recommend about this trip is the pedalboarding. Initially, I was afraid I might fall into the river, but after a while, I realized it wasn't a disaster. All the staff and my peers encouraged me to do better until I finally stood up on the board. It was a fantastic feeling when I felt the breeze on my cheeks, and that truly gave me the best experience I've ever had in my first month of Year 12.

@Victor L (Y12): 

Undoubtedly, the WWW activity was  fruitful and I got to learn many practical skills. I was particularly impressed by the tower challenge, despite my  fear of exercising at high position. Nevertheless, with the help and encouragement from the teachers, I ultimately accomplished the activity and pushed myself to my limit, so that activity was very meaningful. In addition to that, a series of outdoor activities also enhanced the interaction among teachers and students. The cooperation and competition during teamwork made the relationship among each other more harmonious.

@Hannah D (Y12): 

Through this week without wall to Inner Mongolia, I gained a lot from the experience, not only by appreciating the vast beauty of nature, but also by deeply immersing myself in the unique charm of life on the grasslands. For the first time, I had the chance to ride horses and camels, which made me feel the deep connection between local people and their animals, as well as the wisdom and skills they’ve developed to survive in nature. Additionally, the process of setting up tents and yurts with my classmates made me understand the power of teamwork and cooperation. We worked together to not only build a temporary shelter, but also strengthened our friendships and trust in one another. This trip made me realize the importance of learning outside the classroom. Stepping away from the classroom and into the vast grasslands and deserts was an unforgettable experience that will undoubtedly become a cherished memory in my journey of growth.

@Jake Z (Y12): 

The best part of the trip was the natural views during the horse ride and the bike trip. I also enjoyed the day in the desert since there were many activities I'd never experienced before, such as the camel ride, sand sliding, and camping. We also had a lot of free time where I could play games with my friends or buy souvenirs and food.