School Heritage

Our Heritage

Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou is an integral member of the EiM family. Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou is made up of approximately 650 students from age 14 to age 19, with over six different nationalities represented in our diverse student body.

Our links to Dulwich College, founded in 1619, are strong, and we collaborate closely with the other schools in the network to encourage an international outlook and create an extended community where academic ability is fostered, creativity is valued, and diversity is celebrated.

We are proud to share a common heritage with all the schools in the DCI network, and equally value the traditions, unique to our school, that we have created since we opened.

Our Traditions

A school's traditions help to build a sense of belonging and community spirit. They also provide a thread of continuity from one generation of students to another and connect the school to its past, present and future. Here are some of the annual traditions in the life of Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou.

 

Week Without Walls

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. 

Pastoral Care 

The system of pastoral care is highly developed at Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou. Every student is supported by the form tutor as well as the school’s pastoral team, and our students follow a Personal, Social and Health Education course appropriate to their age and coordinated across the year groups.

Every year, we hole the 'R U OK? Day' event, the purpose of it is to create a caring environment on campus where students, teachers, and staffs can openly discuss mental health issues. By encouraging mutual care, we aim to raise awareness about mental health, reduce the negative stigma associated with it, and highlight how a simple conversation can make a significant impact. This event also showcases the cohesion of our school community, as everyone can strengthen their connections through caring and supporting one another.

Founder's Day

At DHSZ, we believe that moving forward is essential to achieving our goals and fulfilling our mission. We are always looking towards the future, and striving to innovate and improve in all areas of our work. Whether it's through our cutting-edge curriculum, our dedication to student support, or our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive community, we are always pushing forward to ensure that our students have the best possible educational experience. Founder's Day has always been a cherished occasion for our school community, marking a time to celebrate our shared values, achievements, and the vibrant spirit that defines our journey.

Chinese Cultural Festival

Video Challenge

Students are invited to join the Video Challenge competition, which involves students working in groups to produce a short video that is judged by a panel including a prominent local film producer. There are numerous categories of videos and prizes are awarded for music composition, videography, choreography, best actor, best producer, and most creative script. The competition culminates in a glamorous and glittering Academy Award-like event, showcasing the winners of our annual Talent Show and some of our best of our school bands. 

Student Leadership

We encourage students to involve themselves in the wider school community and offer support to one another. Our Student Council is made up of students from each year group, who learn to listen and work with one another while voicing the views of their peers. Our most senior students are encouraged to take on additional responsibilities and to act as ambassadors for the school. Each year, our Head Boy and Head Girl are selected from our most senior students and a select number of students are nominated to take on the role of prefects. Our student leadership team set a strong example to younger students and acts as a point of contact for students throughout the school.

Our Houses

On arriving at our school, all students and staff are allocated to one of four Houses, where they remain during their time with us. Our Houses are named after inspirational and accomplished people: Marie Curie, Nelson Mandela, Soong Qingling, and Alan Turing.

Curie House

Named after Marie Curie, (born November 7, 1867, Warsaw, Congress Kingdom of Poland, Russian Empire—died July 4, 1934, near Sallanches, France), Polish-born French physicist, famous for her work on radioactivity and twice a winner of the Nobel Prize. With Henri Becquerel and her husband, Pierre Curie, she was awarded the 1903 Nobel Prize for Physics. She was the sole winner of the 1911 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and she is the only woman to win the award in two different fields.
 

Mandela House

Named after Nelson Mandela, (born July 18, 1918, Mvezo, South Africa—died December 5, 2013, Johannesburg), Black nationalist and the first Black president of South Africa (1994–99). His negotiations in the early 1990s with South African Pres. F.W. de Klerk helped end the country’s apartheid system of racial segregation and ushered in a peaceful transition to majority rule. Mandela and de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1993 for their efforts.
 

Soong House

Named after Soong Qingling, who held several prominent positions in the Chinese government. She founded the China Welfare Institute and was the Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China in 1981. Renowned for her unwavering dedication to advancing the welfare, healthcare, and education of women and children, she was also a staunch advocate for human rights and a tireless supporter of the underprivileged.
 

Turing House

Named after Alan Turing, a brilliant British mathematician who took a leading role in breaking Nazi ciphers during WWII. He is considered as the father of computer science and artificial intelligence. In addition to that, he is one of the most outstanding scientists of the twentieth century. He was a mathematician, logician, cryptanalyst and a philosopher.