Visual and Performing Arts

Visual and Performing Arts lie at the heart of Dulwich, echoing the creative legacy of our founder, Elizabethan actor Edward Alleyn, whose groundbreaking work alongside figures like Christopher Marlowe and Philip Henslowe once transformed London's Bankside theatres. More than four hundred years later, this passion continues at Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou, where we dedicate significant resources to offering unique, comprehensive art experiences that equip our students with lifelong skills.

The arts are fully integrated into our curriculum and co-curricular activities, with each term featuring visits from professional practitioners, vibrant events, and dynamic performances. As part of the Dulwich College International network, we provide unparalleled opportunities such as the annual Dulwich Science Art Photography Competition, Dulwich Festival of Music, and Diversity Series. These initiatives, along with our strong international partnerships, give students direct exposure to the creative industries and help them develop transferable skills for their future careers.

Music

Music plays a major role in education at Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou. Music improves teamwork skills and enhances self-discipline through rehearsals and playing as part of an ensemble. Performances teach our students to conquer their fears and take risks. There is also some evidence that early musical training can help develop the brain areas associated with reasoning and language development.

Learning to play a musical instrument engages with the brain in a way that nothing else can. Music stimulates the brain in many different areas and there is growing evidence that musical minds function more effectively than their nonmusical counterparts in the classroom. Students who study music, on average achieve better grades in school and get better results on standardized tests like the SAT.

The "Young Musician of the Year", a cherished tradition at our school, brings together the finest musical talents from our campus. This prestigious event not only showcases the students' passion for music but also provides them with a platform to display their talents, creativity, and artistic skills.

Drama

The drama course is highly valued at our school and is an essential core subject within the Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou, taken by all students. The school not only offers a comprehensive performing arts curriculum but also nurtures students' singing, dancing, and acting talents through co-curricular activities (CCA). Each musical is carefully crafted by teachers leading student teams, with extensive rehearsals and preparations, allowing students to overcome their fears and confidently express themselves on stage. They gain various skills, including confidence, public speaking, communication, social abilities, self-discipline, and leadership, while also deepening their understanding of classic works through character exploration. Throughout this process, our collective efforts significantly enhance team spirit and a sense of belonging. To date, we have successfully staged several remarkable productions, including The Addams Family,  Little Shop of Horrors, Legally Blonde,  and Shrek, laying a solid foundation for students' holistic development and life after graduation.

Art and Design

The Art and Design Department at Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou encompasses both Fine Art and Graphic Communication. Both subjects are taught at IGCSE and A-Level. Our art facilities are second to none and support a wide range of artistic activities ranging from drawing and painting to sculpture and ceramics and include print-making facilities as well as digital imagery, film and video. Our Art and Design students participate in a diverse range of internal and external exhibitions and festivals.

The importance of graphic communication cannot be understated in the Art department. The A level course was introduced two years ago and has been a considerable success. Over the course of those two years, our students have gone on to study graphic communication or related subjects in some the UK’s and the USA’s top universities. This year we are introducing graphic communication at IGCSE with the view to creating a more solid platform for those advancing to A-level. Our graphics students routinely produce portfolios that display both exceptional quality and a real breadth of graphic communication.

Film

While film making isn't actually part of the curriculum at Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou, the annual video challenge is, without doubt, one of the most popular events in the school. Our students embrace it and leverage the transferable skills they have developed in other Artistic disciplines, in order to produce stunning film work. Many of the Co-Curricular activities we offer are film-related and offer students the opportunity to improve their visual literacy skills. Our school, as part of the DCI network, also has the opportunity to work with visiting animators, artists and professional film directors directly connected with the film industry each year.