7th November 2019 — Emmanuel Jal – a former child soldier, TIME magazine figure of the year, spokesperson for Amnesty International and UNESCO Hero in the global campaign against violent extremism – spoke to and performed for pupils from schools across the Borough of Southwark at Dulwich College this term.

Jal, who is today a successful and acclaimed recording artist, actor, author and peace ambassador, delivered a message of encouragement and an invitation to pupils to understand and empathise with different perspectives. His core belief is that education is central to changing war-torn landscapes. Through sharing reflections of his life as a child soldier during the Sudanese war - powerful messages about belief, courage and failure - and through performance of his uplifting musical lyrics, the Auditorium at Dulwich College was filled with huge positive energy. Pupils were left with a positive message that will remain with them far beyond the walls of the Auditorium.

7th November 2019 — The 157th meeting of Dulwich and Bedford’s 1st XV’s, one of the College’s oldest annual fixtures, and was a part of its 400th anniversary celebrations, was always going to be a special occasion. On Saturday 12 October, Dulwich hosted all 18 fixtures between both schools. As well as the House rugby games which took place earlier in the morning, just over 800 boys in total, played rugby on the College Grounds culminating in the 1st XV game with a huge crowd staying on in the rain to witness Dulwich’s win.

The day was made all the more special with Old Alleynians (alumni of Dulwich College), arriving in their droves to witness the dedication of the pavilion, to Mr Terry Walsh, fount of all knowledge on Dulwich College and Alleynians, who had given so much to the College during his 65 years on staff. Rugby was the real highlight of the day, and we are extremely grateful to Bedford for playing their part in the day and sincere thanks also go to all those people from the College who made the day possible. Special mention goes to the parents and staff who supported the day with such energy and enthusiasm, but credit must be given to all the boys who played with incredible energy, passion and enthusiasm with no quarter given.

7th November 2019 — After a year of planning, it was very exciting to finally welcome fourteen boys and two members of staff from United Through Sport for a ten day cultural, educational and sporting experience. The charity transforms lives through sport, promoting physical and health education for thousands of pupils from the townships of Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

The boys lived in the homes of Dulwich College boys during their ten day stay where they enjoyed family life – one boy told the leader of the trip how much he’d enjoyed his “mum’s” pancakes. It was difficult to measure the value of this experience alone, but the tears shed as goodbyes were said, perhaps suggested just how much this aspect of the trip had meant to them.

During their visit, the United Through Sport team enjoyed attending some academic lessons and assemblies, one of which gave Nick Mould, charity director, an opportunity to address Year 8 pupils on the work his charity delivers and how this relationship may provide future opportunities for Alleynians. A very full itinerary included the opportunity to listen to an organ recital from Thomas Trotter in Christ’s Chapel, a visit to Arsenal Football Club with a game against their community team, tickets to a Premier League match (CPFC v Norwich), the chance to meet and watch the Crystal Palace U23s train, a tournament against City Heights, Kingsdale, Charter North and East Schools, and two 11-a-side matches against Dulwich College's U13s and Alleyn’s School. Many of London’s major tourist attractions were visited.

It was a privilege to be a part of this experience and the pupils of Dulwich College hope it is only the beginning of a long-lasting relationship with United Through Sport.

7th November 2019 — Working alongside visiting artists from the forthcoming exhibition, 'Humdrum', Year 7 pupils at Dulwich College immersed themselves in a Free Learning Day of art workshops. The focus was on nurturing their individuality while discovering the knowledge and skills required to develop further, both as young artists and as creative collaborators. Through an eclectic mix of nine workshops, pupils were invited to look at the everyday world with fresh eyes, prompting them to rethink their relationship to mass-produced objects, technology and familiar places. The pupils were also able to grasp (literally in many cases) the importance of understanding materials, learning and experimenting through touch and direct physical engagement to create their own responses to the ‘Humdrum’ exhibition. Artists Adam Hennessy, Sarah Christie, Robin Tarbet and Sebastian Sochin encouraged boys to create work ranging from plaster cast towers to drawings made from royal icing and marzipan, and as the day progressed, clay vessels, wallpaper printing, wrapped and bound structures, florescent comic-books and large collaborative ink drawings emerged from seemingly nowhere. The array of outcomes produced is testament to the enormous sense of community generated by a working studio and will be exhibited in the College’s gallery space, The Store, alongside the work of 12 contemporary artists, including Dulwich Art Teacher Bruce Ingram, as part of 'Humdrum’.

7th November 2019 — The pupils and members of staff at Dulwich College were delighted to welcome Monty - a therapy dog in training, into their school community. Monty is undergoing specific training to become a fully accredited therapy dog. He is owned by Mrs Benest, the Head of Learning Support Transition, and will spend time in her offices in the Lower School and DUCKS. Mrs Benest is working closely with professionals from Believe in Magic Dog Training and Behaviour. Together they have carefully planned a phased introduction into school life for Monty to ensure that he settles in successfully and enjoys his time in school. They closely monitor his wellbeing and develop his skills in working with children of all ages.

The value of pet therapy has long been accepted as a powerful aid in offering psychological, emotional, social and physical support for students. Monty’s role at Dulwich is two-fold, supporting both emotional health and academic success. Monty is being trained to undertake specific activities, known as animal-assisted interventions, with selected pupils from across the College and DUCKS on a one-to-one basis. They are designed to help calm, build confidence and bring enjoyment to both the pupils and Monty. As Monty’s skills progress, we hope to also develop a Read2Dogs programme.

Dulwich College and its grounds remains a no dogs site; however, special consideration is given to Monty and he will be clearly identifiable, wearing a ‘Service Dog’ vest and harness. The welfare of both Monty and the pupils are at the forefront of our minds and although his role will evolve, it will do so only at a pace that is considered appropriate.

We look forward to keeping parents and pupils up to date with Monty’s progress and news.

11th September 2019 — Pupils and members of the Dulwich College community were immensely proud to mark the College’s 400th anniversary with a special Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral. The day began when the Master and Chair of Governors set off from the Boat House in Putney on Gloriana, The Queen's Rowbarge. Gloriana was rowed downstream by the College's oarsmen, who performed a Royal salute on passing the Palace of Westminster, and was greeted by the Junior School as it passed under Millennium Bridge and arrived at Blackfriars Pier.