Beyond Grades: CCAs are where Passion Meets Purpose
A Dulwich education is a holistic education. That is the enduring vision of Dulwich founder Edward Alleyn, who aimed to create a school that emphasised sound learning, strong artistic pursuits and good manners. Today that 400-year-old tradition is carried forward in our thriving Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) programme, which kicked off this week for a new school year.
CCAs are an integral part of the educational experience across all three of our schools at Dulwich Pudong. A majority of our CCAs are run by a teacher or student and participants are expected to be highly engaged. Students are empowered to choose – and even propose – their own. Dozens of CCAs each year are student-led initiatives.
How do students benefit from CCAs?
• Get out of their comfort zone and try new things.
• Gain valuable leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Build out their CVs for university application.
• Enhance wellbeing.
Our CCA programme is a vital part of the Dulwich holistic education. With over 347 CCAs across ten diverse categories, CCAs help students develop skills, explore passions, and even stand out in university applications - all beyond academic pursuits.
From exploratory experiences in Kindergarten, to broad exposure in Junior School, self-directed choices in Middle School, and leadership and service opportunities in Upper School - our programme is tailored to each age group, nurturing curiosity, independence and leadership.
Sports, music and drama are pillars of our tradition; service and sustainability foster a sense of global citizenship; technology and media prepare students for 21st-century challenges; academic and fun learning opportunities ignite endless possibilities.
Whether representing the College in competitions or guiding peers toward shared growth, CCA offers a stage for students to express themselves and make an impact on the world.
CCAs at Dulwich Pudong are not just a programme - they are a way to grow. We welcome every student to find their passion and shine brightly here. Let’s unlock the world of the CCAs.
1、DUCKS - Explore
DUCKS students will regularly change their CCA choices so that they have the chance to experiment with a range of new ideas and interests. DUCKS students begin CCAs in Reception.
A Sample of DUCKS CCAs
• Jazz and Hip-hop
• Little Doctor School
• Pocket AI
• Dulwich Football Academy Minis
• Organic Gardening
• Mushu and Mulan Choirs
• Multisports
• Reception Community Connection
• Nature Craft
• Service Cookery
• Strategy Games
What student say:
I like playing strategy games because I can play and have fun. I love learning how to play new games.
What our teacher say:
Some of the best learning can come through play. Training your brain whilst having fun and forming friendships is a fantastic, holistic way to learn.
2、Junior School - Develop
As many Junior School students have interest areas which are subject to change, they have the flexibility to select new CCAs each term. This gives them the chance to develop their interest in one area, while providing them opportunities to engage with new ideas.
A sample of Junior School CCAs
• Cheerleading
• Young Thinkers Debate Society
• FOBISIA Maths
• Chinese Drama
• UN Art
• Clay
• Discovery Education STEM
• Minecraft
• Magic Kitchen
• PAW (Animal Welfare)
What student say:
While the construction activities can be challenging, they are really fun! They help us work better as a team, and with our skills, we can build some awesome stuff together!
Our Year 5&6 FOBISIA Maths CCA goes beyond mere problem-solving; we foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. Together, we delve into puzzles from around the globe, learn exciting new games, and uncover mathematical concepts in a collaborative and engaging environment.
3、Senior School - Extend
By the time students reach Senior School they have a good idea of their interests. We want them to deepen and extend their learning within a chosen activity and be able to demonstrate true commitment. Therefore many Senior School students will make a year-long commitment to their chosen CCA(s).
A sample of Senior School CCAs
• Chess Club
• Bio Lab
• French and Spanish Clinic
• Baking
• Panther Robotics
• HAKD (Dulwich Technology Community)
• Girls in STEM
• Dulwich TV
• Dulwich Voice
• Orchestras
• Artistic Swimming
• Senior School Production
What student say:
Dulwich TV is a CCA that aims to educate, enlighten, and entertain our audience. It is an honour being the leader of DTV, and it is amazing to see what the minds of our members create! Our vision is to foster Dulwich culture and document the great things that happen in our community, and lots of hard work and effort goes into each and every episode!
What our student leader say:
Technology is more than sitting in front of a computer and code. Creativity, Communication, Innovation......all are important skills.
Dulwich Pudong Academies
A majority of our CCAs are run internally by Dulwich Pudong staff, including our Dulwich Football Academy (DFA), Dulwich Swimming Academy (DSA) and Dulwich Music Academy (DMA). The CCA programme is supplemented by external providers who bring professional expertise in their field of knowledge, such as tennis, golf, chess, coding to name a few.
Where Passion Meets Purpose
At Dulwich Pudong, learning extends far beyond the classroom. From music to sport to leadership to creativity to wellbeing, our CCA programme really has something for every student. The only thing missing is enough days in the week to try them all!
