Our play

Art

All of our pupils, from Nursery upwards, benefit from specialist teaching in Art, following schemes of work developed by our Head of Art, Kate Westcott. Art takes place within dedicated Art spaces; these are stimulating environments, where a vast array of materials are used to teach a wide range of techniques, from drawing, painting, sculpture and animation, to ceramics, printing, photography and textiles.

Pupils who reveal a talent and passion for Art may join additional Art Clubs. From Year 7, the stretch and challenge provided by our Advanced Art Club results in a personal portfolio of work for submission for internal or external scholarships, and in preparation for a GCSE in Fine Art.

Drama

Our Head of Drama, Mrs Carter, inspires in our pupils a level of exploration which takes them beyond the classroom and equips them for the challenges of performance – not only for the stage but also for life. Multiple styles and techniques are taught with a backdrop of enjoyment and collaboration. Children are encouraged to think outside the box, interact with the audience and develop useful skills for a range of scenarios.

Every year group from Nursery upwards performs an annual play or musical, facilitated by three dedicated performance spaces across the school. Years 5 and above are prepared for LAMDA examinations, to develop their presentation and public speaking skills. Additional performance opportunities are provided by external Arts Festivals, workshops and Open Mornings.

Music

All children benefit from specialist Music teaching from Nursery upwards. Music at Dulwich focuses on the joy of performance, the skills that help build individuality and confidence, and the importance of working together as a team. Our teachers believe that Music is for all and this inclusive approach through performance, and particularly singing, has the power to transform and enhance lives. There exists a natural synergy between music and wellbeing, and this empowering approach to Music can be witnessed by the Dulwich community at regular concerts and performances.

Sports

We encourage our pupils to mature through the collaborative challenges and commitment that come from experiencing individual and team sports. Our curriculum is as dynamic and diverse as possible to inspire each child, from Climbing and Triathlon to Water Polo and Water Sports, as well as the traditional core sports: Football, Hockey, Rugby (boys), Netball (girls), Cricket, Cross-Country, Tennis, Athletics, and Swimming.

All pupils compete in teams, at an appropriate level for them, on a weekly basis. Our commitment to Sport for All means that we find as many fixtures as we have teams and everyone who wants to play competitive matches does so. Fixtures against local schools are complemented with fixtures between our tribes, in school.

We provide our pupils with opportunities to compete locally, regionally and at national level, to see how far their talent can take them. We are proud to have national age group winners across Triathlon, Swimming, Athletics, Cross-Country and Gymnastics.

Dulwich Inspires!

Dulwich has always had an excellent reputation for Sport. Our broad Sports offer strikes a balance between traditional, competitive team sports and individual sports and pursuits. Our aim: to ensure every pupil feels inspired to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle in a way which is right for them.

In delivering that aim, our pupils can choose from competitive fixtures (which 90% do) or opt for our Dulwich Inspires! programme. Mountain Biking, Sailing, Windsurfing and Water Polo are among many alternative options which enable our pupils to challenge themselves and experience success in an alternative to team fixtures.