From Sceptic to Advocate: Shaying's #ForeverDulwich story

When parent and committed volunteer Shaying looks back on her family’s years at Dulwich Pudong, one word comes to mind: growth. Not only the growth of her three children, one a proud graduate, two still thriving in Years 10 and 13, but also in her own understanding of what education truly means.

When parent and committed volunteer Shaying looks back on her family’s years at Dulwich Pudong, one word comes to mind: growth. Not only the growth of her three children, one a proud graduate, two still thriving in Years 10 and 13, but also in her own understanding of what education truly means.

“Frankly, I actually had some concerns with the kids in their younger years,” she admits. “I was a bit worried that they were not given enough pressure to perform academically and were too relaxed. But as time went by, we realised that Dulwich has a very well-structured system which focuses on teaching children skills rather than cramming in knowledge at a young age.”

That shift in perspective, she explains, has been transformative. “They can be independent thinkers and prepared for high efficiency, problem solving, and critical thinking. Teaching this way of thinking to deal with problems really helps the kids to progress from average to outstanding.”

For Shaying, one of the College’s greatest strengths lies in how it balances academic ambition with character development and social skills. “The College provides many opportunities for service and leadership for the students, and that helps the kids to find their place in the real world and cultivate a broader vision.”

In a rapidly changing world shaped by technology, she sees this as vital. “These skills are so important these days, with the growth of AI in many fields. Human connection, creativity, and intelligence are more important than ever.”

Her eldest daughter’s story stands as a personal example of that philosophy in action, from a shy girl to a confident Head Prefect of Student Voice: “It took a lot of effort for her to step out of her comfort zone from taking instructions as a Prefect in Year 10 to organizing events like Dulwich Talks. She had a lot of encouragement from her teachers and student committee to run for Head Prefect, and that year of leadership really developed her ability and social skills.” Today, those same skills continue to serve her daughter well.

Shaying’s own engagement with the school has deepened through her role as a Friends of Dulwich volunteer and Parent Ambassador. “Being a volunteer is a great way of meeting other parents and it’s really fun to share life experience and have activities together,” she says.

Her involvement offered both personal satisfaction and purpose. “It also provides a sense of professional accomplishment because I have been contributing most of my time to my family since I had children. So, it is such a pleasure to be part of the leadership team to organise many great events and activities.”

For her, volunteering also sets a family example: “Being a parent volunteer allowed me to set an example for my children to know how to be involved in community work. We often see that the active volunteer members’ children have a stronger connection with school and their peers and are more willing to join school activities and events.”

Having seen the College from DUCKS through to Senior School, Shaying recognises a clear thread running through every stage. “Dulwich has a continuity of educational philosophy, which focuses on students’ well-being and teaching children life and future is not just about academic results. Dulwich’s educational philosophy is focused on building the children into a well-rounded and balanced individual.”

She believes this focus on balance, between academic, social, and emotional growth, is what makes the Dulwich experience enduring, as well as the strong mutual support parents receive from each other.

“The community changed a lot from the time I came in, and now it’s been very different. But I’ve always found that the community is very helpful and willing to assist other parents. I, myself, when I came to Dulwich, received a lot of help. And I’m willing to do that for others as well.”

That sense of giving back, she says, is at the heart of what makes Dulwich special. “This is a heritage that I feel the community can pass on. As the community changes, it also adapts with fresh ideas and new concepts.”For Shaying, that ongoing spirit of growth and collaboration is what truly makes her family #ForeverDulwich.

What’s your #ForeverDulwich story? Share your memories and experiences of being part of the Dulwich Pudong community, we would love to hear from you.