The Dulwich Olympiad 2019
A showcase celebration of Dulwich College’s 400th Anniversary
In 1619 the actor-manager Edward Alleyn founded Dulwich College for ‘poor scholars’ so that ‘good learning’ might be available to all, irrespective of social background or financial resources. 400 years later Dulwich College and its educational partners, Dulwich College International (DCI), educate over 10,000 students across the globe.
As part of its 400th-anniversary celebrations, the founding school - Dulwich College - will host The Dulwich Olympiad 2019, a celebration of Sport, Drama, Music, and Art across our family of schools. The Dulwich Olympiad 2019, which runs from 24t o 29 March, will bring together a representative body of over 600 students from the network of schools to participate in workshops and events and to showcase their talents in competitions, performances, and exhibitions. This is Dulwich’s second Olympiad; the successful inaugural Olympiad was held in Beijing in 2015.
A cornucopia of outstanding Sport, Drama, Music and Art experiences awaits pupils from Dulwich College International schools in Beijing, Shanghai (Pudong and Puxi), Suzhou, Zhuhai, Singapore, Seoul and Yangon, as well as students from Dulwich International High School Zhuhai and Suzhou and sister school, Dehong International Chinese School in Shanghai. There will be 45 students from Dulwich International High School Suzhou to attend the event in London.
Venues for this year’s participating Olympians will comprise Dulwich College’s 70 acre campus with its beautifully refurbished Grade II* listed Barry Buildings and the RIBA award-winning Laboratory, plus the Queen Elizabeth Hall on London’s Southbank and the 2012 Olympic venues of the Aquatic Centre, the Copper Box, and the Olympic Park Community Track.
The wide-ranging Olympiad programme will see the students:
- participate in and watch a range of sports, including touch rugby, athletics, football, basketball, badminton, and swimming
- work with the London Gospel Community Choir, and rehearse with orchestras from each of the schools, culminating in a truly international musical performance at the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall on the banks of the Thames
- visit the Globe and Rose Theatres, and rehearse together to give a performance of Christopher Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus, also at Queen Elizabeth Hall. Edward Alleyn was the first actor to play Dr. Faustus
- create artworks through master classes and workshops, concluding with three unique exhibitions of collective and individual pieces
The intention of The Dulwich Olympiad 2019 is to create an event that will be forever memorable in the minds of our diverse and vibrant Dulwich community. It will reflect and celebrate our shared vision of a holistic Dulwich education that combines the very best of traditional classical education with innovative thinking and application. The Dulwich College network of schools brings advantages to all its pupils through the sharing of best practice, teacher and pupil visits, gap years and exchanges and a global alumni network. In addition, participation is encouraged across the network in events such as the annual Student Leadership Conference and the Science and Art Photo competition.
“Our group of 11 schools is delighted to be joining Dulwich College, our founding College, for the 400th Anniversary celebrations” commented Mr. Fraser White, founder and Executive Chairman of DCI. “The opportunity to take part in the Dulwich Olympiad 2019 in London is a very special example of our pillar “One College, Many Campuses” and gives our students a unique and memorable experience that will stay with them forever. These unique opportunities are a key part of our enrichment approach, building confidence, versatile, active learners that are ready to Graduate Worldwise.”
Dr Joe Spence, Master of Dulwich College said, ‘During 2019 we will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Dulwich College and it is my honor and privilege to be Master at this time. The partnership with our international schools grows stronger every year, and we are delighted to be joining together for a unique event, and one that will be educational and enjoyable, and where lifelong friendships will undoubtedly be forged.”
Outline Programme for Parents/Guests
- Sunday 24 March – Evensong in the College Chapel
Parents are invited to attend Evensong in the College Chapel (SE21 7AD) in Dulwich Village at 6.30pm.
- Monday 25 March – The Opening Day of the Dulwich Olympiad 2019
Parents are invited to the Opening Ceremony at Dulwich College (SE21 7LD). Doors will open at 9:30am, the event will start promptly at 10am.
- Tuesday 26 March – Athletics event at the Community Track in the Olympic Park
Parents and Guests are invited to the Community Track at the Olympic Park (E20 2ST) to watch the Athletics events. There are two spectator sessions available (10 am –12 pm and 2 pm – 5 pm).
- Wednesday 27 March – Sports events at Dulwich College
Parents and Guests are invited to Dulwich College (SE21 7LD) to watch the Football and Badminton tournaments. The events will start at 9.30am and finish around 2.30pm
- Wednesday 27 March – The Music Concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall
Parents and Guests are invited to Queen Elizabeth Hall (SE1 8XX) on the Southbank to watch the Olympiad Music Concert. The Concert starts at 7 pm and will finish around 9.15pm with an interval drinks reception.
- Thursday 28 March – Swimming events at the Olympic Pool in the Olympic Park
Parents and Guests are invited to the Olympic Pool (E20 2ZQ) to watch the swimming events. The competition starts at 8 am and will finish at around 3 pm.
- Thursday 28 March – Basketball events at the Copper Box Arena in the Olympic Park
Parents and Guests are invited to the Copper Box Arena (E20 3HB) to watch the basketball events. The competition starts at 9 am and will finish by 3 pm.
- Thursday 28 March – The Drama performance at the Queen Elizabeth Hall
Parents and Guests are invited to Queen Elizabeth Hall (SE1 8XX) on the Southbank to watch the Olympiad Drama Performance. The performance starts at 8 pm and will finish around 9.30pm.
