From Shackleton to Curie: Our House system explained

Walk through the corridors of Dulwich Pudong on a Friday and you’ll likely see a curious sight: a sea of colours – green, red, purple and blue – worn proudly by students and staff alike. These aren’t just fashion choices. They’re part of a long-standing tradition that continues to evolve – the College’s vibrant and dynamic House system.

Finding belonging

At first glance, the House system, which most people will only know through its portrayal in famous books and movies, might look like all fun and games. But look a little closer and you’ll find something far more meaningful: a carefully nurtured framework for belonging, leadership, and character development.

At international schools like Dulwich Pudong, many students are often adapting not only to new geographies but to new languages, cultures, and communities. The House system is one of the College’s most important tools to help new students find a sense of belonging – creating familiarity, connection, and continuity.

From the moment a student or staff member joins the College, they are welcomed into one of four Houses: Maathai, Curie, Shackleton or Wing. These aren’t just arbitrary names. Each House honours a pioneering individual whose life exemplifies courage, innovation, and impact – from Nobel laureates Marie Curie and Wangari Maathai to explorer Ernest Shackleton and reformer Yung Wing. Their stories become touchstones for students, reminding them of the values the College seeks to inspire.

Leadership in action

The House system also offers something tangible for students: real opportunities for leadership. Senior students take on responsibilities as House prefects, organising activities throughout the year and encouraging participation in friendly House competitions.

On Tuesday, our Senior School was abuzz with excitement during one such event, House Day, a grand finale to the year which featured a range of fun, competitive activities – from Ultimateball on the field to mural making in our drama studios, with a rock band concert at lunchtime adding to the sense of spectacle.

The event, which was carefully planned by our staff House coordinators and student House prefect team, was one of many spirited, community-wide events this year. From our House-themed Sports Week and House Fun Run in October, to our ‘Get Your Trainers on Tuesday’ House steps challenge, there have been plenty of opportunities for the whole community to demonstrate House pride.

And in Term 3, we introduced a new College-wide tradition, House Fridays, where staff and students alike are encouraged to wear their House colours with pride. Parents have even been invited to join in, proving that House spirit and allegiance is a family affair.  

More than just colours

Yet what really sets the House system apart isn’t the competitions or themed events – it’s the connections that form along the way.

Across year groups and school campuses, the Houses system create opportunities for students to engage with people they might never otherwise meet. They encourage mentorship, celebrate diversity, and build resilience. These shared experiences create memories and relationships that, in a world of constant change, provide a vital sense of belonging.

It also fosters a sense of school pride and builds character. Through their Houses, students learn to lead and follow, to compete and collaborate, to speak up and support others. They learn that winning matters – but not more than fairness, participation, and team spirit.

And as each House continues to write its own story - inspired by namesakes who changed the world in their own way - students are encouraged to imagine how they, too, might make a positive difference.