DULWICH COLLEGE'S motto is 'building bridges to the world', and that is precisely what the prestigious London-based school is doing with its expansion in China.
The school, founded in 1619, promotes a philosophy of excellence in academic subjects, on the sports field and in the arts, and gives pupils the opportunity to acquire skills needed to succeed in life.
As part of a far-sighted plan, Dulwich has set up campuses in Shanghai and Beijing, with a third campus due to open later this year in Suzhou.
'We offer students a balanced education, nourishing the mind, the body and the spirit, while providing a wide range of opportunities and experiences,' said Brian McDouall, master of Dulwich College Beijing. 'All three schools are up to this challenge. We are forward thinking and progressive in academic theories, embracing the latest innovations in teaching.'
The demand for high-quality international education in China has been fuelled in large part by the country's economic growth and fast-expanding expatriate population. The Dulwich syllabus is based on the English National Curriculum, but with modifications to take account of the needs of a diverse and growing international student body.
Each campus is a high-energy environment that also provides numerous extra-curricular activities. There are state-of-the-art classrooms and science labs, recital halls, libraries and excellent playing fields. Dulwich also aims to involve parents. Teachers are expected to go beyond the classroom and help develop new programmes.