1. family and parenting
2. children

DUCKS
nurturing for life
Welcome to Dulwich College Kindergarten Shanghai
2012-2013
nurturing for life
Dulwich College Kindergarten Shanghai
Philosophy and Objectives
We are all good at something
We always try our very best
We work and play together
We have friends from many countries
We share and we care
We learn so we can help others
We grow and change together
We try new things
Contents
Welcome from the College Headmaster
Welcome from the Head of DUCKS
DUCKS Staffing
DUCKS Format of the Day
College Calendar
Uniform
What Should Children Bring to School Lunchtime and Snacks
Start and End of the Day
Communication
School Events, Performances and Assemblies
Curriculum
Assessments and Reporting
Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs)
Pastoral Care
Partnering with Parents
Community Service
Health and Safety
Early Years Toileting Policy
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
13
14
16
19
20
22
25
27
28
30
Welcome from the College Headmaster
Welcome to Dulwich College Shanghai.
Whether you are reading this as a prospective family, an existing one, or you have
joined our College community this year, I do hope that you will find the contents of
this Welcome Booklet helpful to you. It contains a wealth of information about our
daily school life and will cover many of the questions you may have about your child’s
educational journey with us here at Dulwich College Shanghai.
I believe that our College is a unique school. Our students are cheerful, balanced, at
ease with themselves and each other – yet excited and enthused by the challenges
before them. The College succeeds in combining academic excellence with a wealth of
co-curricular opportunities, all underpinned by a deep commitment to the individual
needs and enthusiasm of each student.
As Headmaster, I believe passionately in the importance of the individual. Every student
at Dulwich College Shanghai is valued in their own right, and encouraged to develop his/her talents to the full in a
community where there are no stereotypes and where every achievement, however small, is celebrated.
Our College values are a more specific embodiment of our Philosophy and Objectives and allow us to define our aims
in terms of student experience and development. Our students develop a well-rounded appreciation for the Academics
and the Arts and they learn to understand and use technology to fulfil their potential. They learn to become inquiring
and independent learners who are willing to take risks and use critical thinking as they embrace the concepts of lifelong
learning. Through their time at the College, our students learn to express themselves confidently and appropriately
through a variety of media and languages, and become principle-centred members of society. They learn how to show
respect and to accept responsibility for others and for their environment. They are encouraged to be generous and caring,
show humility, challenge social injustice and inequity, and value and respect diversity.
Our students are shown that people can make a difference. They learn to inspire, influence, and collaborate with others
and learn how to manage conflict. They also learn to become socially aware individuals and to show empathy to
individuals, groups and society. They develop self-awareness and learn how to understand their own emotions while
recognizing their impact on others. Through our values, our students develop a clear sense of identity and self-esteem.
They are shown how to control their emotions and impulses and taught how to adapt to changing circumstances. They
become resilient and are shown how to be physically healthy. We aim that our students will become effective goal-setters
and have a clear sense of their future.
By instilling these values in our students, we also aim to develop well-rounded young people who strive for excellence
in all that they do and we make sure that they are well-equipped for future success.
Finally, while we enjoy excellent facilities in a prime location of one of the most exciting cities of the world, it is the people
in our community who make our College a special place. Our staff embodies a wide range of experience and a wealth
of enthusiasm. Our parents are tremendously supportive and contribute a huge amount of time and energy to College
events. Our students throughout the College are a real delight to teach, and they have a genuine appetite for learning.
Together, we welcome you to Dulwich College Shanghai for the academic year 2012-2013.
Mr. Paul Friend
Headmaster
3
Welcome from the Head of DUCKS
On behalf of the children and staff, we welcome you to DUCKS through this booklet. DUCKS (Dulwich
College Kindergarten Shanghai) is a purpose-built Kindergarten, set in its own grounds. It caters to children
aged two to seven years. There are two morning and one afternoon Toddler classes, six Nursery classes, six
Reception classes, six Year 1 classes, and five Year 2 classes.
We refer to Toddler, Nursery and Reception classes as the Early Years.
The classrooms are light and airy, and well-resourced in order to meet the needs of the curriculum. Our
curriculum is broadly based on the English Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and the English
National Curriculum. However, we ensure that it reflects the needs, culture, and history of our school’s
international community, and, of course, of our host country, China.
Depending upon their age, the children have specialist lessons each week for PE, Music, ICT and Library.
Mandarin is taught every day.
If you have any further questions after reading this booklet, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mrs. Joanne Woodward
Head of DUCKS
4
DUCKS Staffing
DUCKS Leadership Team
Head of DUCKS: Mrs. Joanne Woodward
Email : joanne.woodward@dulwich-shanghai.cn
Telephone: 021 5899 9910 ext 608
Deputy Head of DUCKS: Mrs. Sally Gillespie
Email: sally.gillespie@dulwich-shanghai.cn
Telephone: 021 5899 9910 ext 606
Year Group
Class Teacher
Learning Assistant
Room
Toddler am
Mrs. Therese Hill (UK)
Ms. Tracy He (PRC)
Todddler Villa
(Toddler Year Group Leader)
Toddler am
Mrs. Toni Faulkner (AUS)
Ms. Jeanne Yang (PRC)
Toddler Villa
Toddler pm
Mrs. Therese Hill (UK)
Ms. Jenny Zhang (PRC)
Toddler Villa
(Toddler Year Group Leader)
Nursery Penguins
Mrs. Niki Johnson (USA)
Ms. Hannah Zhang (PRC)
1014
Nursery Pelicans
Mr. Kevin Kane (UK)
Ms Helen Peng (PRC)
1012
Nursery Parrots
Ms. Carol Hutchinson (UK)
Ms. Even Chen (PRC)
1009
Nursery Peacocks
Ms. Susan Myers (AUS)
Ms. Lucienne Li (PRC)
1010
Nursery Puffins
Mrs. Debbie Kukathas (AUS)
Ms. Linda Lin (PRC)
1005
(Nursery Year Group Leader)
Nursery Potoos
Ms. Sue Stinson (AUS)
Ms. Emily Gu (PRC)
1004
Reception Barn Owls
Ms. Gabrielle Adams (UK)
Ms. Fiona Chen (PRC)
1031
Reception Toucans
Ms. Sarah Barrow (UK)
Ms. Nina Ni (PRC)
1036
Reception Flamingos
Ms. Helen Bewley (UK)
Ms. Cindy Wang (PRC)
1037
(Reception Year Group Leader)
Reception Robins
Mrs. Clare Chalkley (UK)
Ms. Yuki Gong (PRC)
1038
Reception Kookaburras
Mr. Paul Faulkner (AUS)
Ms. Polly Lu (PRC)
1028
Reception Swans
Mrs. Anna Pyper (UK)
Ms. Angela Gu (PRC)
1035
Year 1C
Mrs. Kerry McCallum (UK)
Ms. Vivian He (PRC)
2035
Year 1N
Ms. Amanda Nicholls (UK)
Ms. Pei Hua Wang (PRC)
2029
Year 1T
Ms. Leah Tan (UK)
Ms. Scarlett Xi (PRC)
2027
Year 1R
Mr. Greg Rendall (AUS)
Ms. Veronica Yu (PRC)
2033
Year 1M
Ms. Sarah McDougall (AUS)
Ms. Dolly Yang (PRC)
2039
(Year 1 Group Leader)
Year 1G
Ms. Anne Gray (UK)
Ms. Ying Shen (PRC)
2028
Year 2E
Ms. Heather Ellis (UK)
Ms. Mandy Yu (PRC)
3001
(Year 2 Group Leader)
Year 2B
Mr. Neil Bowker (UK)
Ms. Amy Shen (PRC)
3008
Year 2P
Ms. Lindel Limpisvasti (AUS)
Ms. Snowy Zhu (PRC)
3006
Year 2L
Mrs. Sarah Lowes (UK)
Ms. Chloe Lu (PRC)
3010
Year 2H
Mr. Thomas Hughes (UK)
Ms. Kelly Rong (PRC)
3004
PE
Mr. Tim Wilson (USA), Mrs. Andrea Pearce (ISR ) and Mr. Scoff Tan (PRC)
ICT
Ms. Yvonne Huang (PRC)
Music
Mrs. Rodica Hategan (ROM)
Library
Mrs. Helen Bradley (UK) and Ms. Cookie Xu (PRC)
EAL
Mrs. Sue Robinson (UK)
Individual Needs
Ms. Lucy Koniarska (UK) and Ms. Catherine Horsey (UK)
Primary Mandarin Teachers
Ms. Virginia Zhang (PRC)
Ms. Alin Yu (PRC)
Ms. Huang Xiaoyan (PRC)
Ms. Freya Zhang (PRC)
Ms. Natalie Jiang (PRC)
Ms. Spring Xing (PRC)
Ms. Judy Zhang (PRC)
5
DUCKS Administrative Staff
Name
Area of Responsibility
Room Number in DUCKS
Extension Number
Ms. Salina Xiang
Secretary to Head of DUCKS
2001
601
Ms. Reithy Zhang
DUCKS Receptionist
Foyer
610
Ms. Jessie Zhang
School Nurse
Nurse’s Office
616
Whole School Contacts
Name
Area of Responsibility
Email
Extension Number
Mr. Bryan Hunt
Mr. Mark Pearce
Mr. Jon Byron
Mr. Graham Lyons
Ms. Stella Shi
Ms. Irene Hu
Ms. Karen Strickland
Director of Business Administration
Head of Individual Needs
Director of IT
Director of Sport
Bussing
Student and Security Cards
Head of Internal Communication and
Parent Relations
bryan.hunt@dulwich-shanghai.cn
mark.pearce@dulwich-shanghai.cn
jon.byron@dulwich-shanghai.cn
graham.lyons@dulwich-shanghai.cn
stella.shi@dulwich-shanghai.cn
irene.hu@dulwich-shanghai.cn
karen.strickland@dulwich-shanghai.cn
252
516
115
503
602
222
221
School Life
DUCKS Format of the Day
8.15am
8.30am 10.00am – 10.30am
10.30am – 11.00am
Year 1 and Year 2 lessons begin
Morning Toddler, Nursery and Reception lessons begin
Nursery and Year 2 playtime
Reception and Year 1 playtime
11.30am 12.30pm
End of school day – Morning Toddler
Afternoon Toddler lessons begin
11.30am – 12.00pm
12.00pm – 12.30pm
12.30pm – 1.00pm
Nursery lunch
Reception and Year 2 lunch
Year 1 lunch
12.00pm – 12:30pm
12.30pm – 1.00pm
1.00pm – 1.30pm
Nursery playtime
Reception playtime
Year 1 and 2 playtime
3.00pm
End of school day for all children
6
2012-2013 College Calendar
Month
Aug
2012
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
2013
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
M
T
6
13
20
27
3
10
17
24
1
8
15
22
29
7
14
21
28
4
11
18
25
2
9
16
23
30
W
1
8
15
22
29
5
12
19
26
3
10
17
24
31
5
12
19
26
3
10
17
24
31
6
13
20
27
4
11
18
25
2012-2013 School Calendar
TH
2
9
16
23
30
6
13
20
27
4
11
18
25
F
3
10
17
24
31
7
14
21
28
5
12
19
26
7
14
21
28
5
12
19
26
1
8
15
22
29
6
13
20
27
2
9
16
23
30
7
14
21
28
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
29
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
31
4
11
18
25
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
4
11
18
25
1
8
15
22
29
5
12
19
26
2
9
16
23
30
6
13
20
27
3
10
17
24
7
14
21
28
4
11
18
25
1
8
15
22
29
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
3
10
17
24
7
14
21
28
4
11
18
25
1
8
15
22
29
5
12
19
26
2
9
16
23
30
6
13
20
27
3
10
17
24
31
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
Notes
22nd: New Student Orientation Day
23rd: First Day of School - Term 1
30th: Mid-Autumn Festival
1st-5th: October Mid-Term Holiday
8th-9th: College Closed
11th-12th: Staff INSET - No Students
17th Dec-4th Jan: Winter Holidays
7th: First Day of Term 2
8th-15th: Chinese New Year Holidays (CNY Day - 10th Feb )
1st-5th: Spring Break (Tomb Sweeping Day - 4th Aprli)
8th: First Day of Term 3
1st: May Day Holiday
12th: Dragon Boat Festival, College Closed
20th: Last day of the Academic Year
21st: Staff Only
7
Uniform
All children at DUCKS, except those in Toddler classes, wear a simple uniform, which is available from the school
Uniform Shop near the main College Reception. All items of uniform need to be clearly labelled with your child’s full
name and class. This helps us to return lost items.
We ask that you adhere to the uniform guidelines contained in this booklet. The date for changing from summer to winter
uniform and vice versa will be announced in the DUCKS newsletter.
Toddler
Toddler children wear their own clothes but they need a school hat, clearly labelled with their name and class.
Nursery to Year 2
Summer Uniform
Boys
Red short-sleeved polo shirt
Navy shorts
Black shoes
Girls
Blue check summer dress
White socks
Black shoes
Nursery to Year 2
Winter Uniform
Boys
Navy long trousers
Red long-sleeved polo shirt Navy sweater with school crest
Navy socks
Black shoes
Girls
Navy pinafore
Red long-sleeved polo shirt
Navy sweater/cardigan with crest
Navy tights or socks
Black shoes
Nursery to Year 2 PE Kit
Children wear summer and winter
PE uniform with trainers.
Children may wish to bring a light waterproof coat and wellington boots to school on rainy days.
Optional: Red fleece with school crest, overcoat with school crest, both of which can be worn outdoors.
The Dulwich College hoodie is for outdoor use only.
8
Year 1 and Year 2 children should buy the House PE kit.
Howard
(red)
Anand (purple)
Shackleton (green)
Wing
(blue)
What Should Children Bring to School?
Toddler only:
•
•
•
At least one change of clothes to be kept at DUCKS
A packet of nappies (if needed)
Plenty of underpants/knickers if they are being toilet trained.
All children
•
DUCKS school hat and bookbag. These may be purchased at the Uniform Shop in the main campus. We have
a ‘no hat no play’ policy in DUCKS on sunny days.
•
Mosquito repellent - Parents should apply mosquito repellent before their child comes to school.
•
Sunscreen - To protect their skin, we would also suggest that you apply sunscreen to your child each day before
they come to school.
•
Children in Reception need a DUCKS blue backpack. Children in Year 1 and Year 2 need a red DCS backpack.
•
Jewellery should not be worn and any hair ribbons should be navy blue.
•
Children in Year 1 and Year 2 need to bring a morning snack.
•
Children in Nursery and Reception who are not having school lunch need to bring a morning snack.
•
A labelled water bottle.
9
Lunchtimes and Snacks
Children can choose a two-course lunch, which is served by the College caterers, or they may bring a packed lunch from
home. This social occasion takes place in the school dining room with staff and children eating together. Good table
manners are encouraged. A member of DUCKS staff serves on the College Nutrition Committee.
We do not offer a heating service for home lunch. However, hot home lunches can be dropped off at the DUCKS Guard
Room prior to lunchtime. Children in Year 1 and Year 2 place their home lunch bags in their class box next to the dining
hall on arrival at DUCKS each morning. Soup is not allowed at DUCKS.
It is important that your child has a healthy snack each day. We do not allow sweets, chocolate or sugary items as snacks.
It is our aim to promote positive and healthy eating habits. With this in mind, we suggest the following items which are
suitable for snack: cheese, sliced fruit, raisins, crackers, sandwiches, and yogurt. In addition, it is important that your
child brings a water bottle to school each day, clearly labelled with their name and class.
NB - DUCKS is a nut-free environment. No nut products are served and any food allergies or special dietary requirements
will be taken into account. All snacks brought from home must be nut-free.
It is the responsibility of parents to inform the class teacher of any allergies their child may have.
Catering
Dulwich College uses an outside catering company to provide child and staff lunches and snacks.
There is a College-wide Nutrition Committee that consists of staff and student representatives from DUCKS, the Junior
School and the Senior School as well as parent representatives from all three schools. The Nutrition Committee offers staff,
students and parents a chance to feedback directly to the Manager of the catering company any concerns, suggestions or
criticisms that they have.
Payment System
To facilitate payments and avoid students carrying cash, all students will be issued with a multi-use smart card. The
smart cards can be loaded up and the cost of catering, photocopying and printing services will be deducted using a
swipe system. These cards will also serve as security cards. The smart card can be reloaded at any time from 8.00am to
4.00pm in the Senior School Canteen, Monday to Friday. At DUCKS, student cards are kept by the class teacher.
10
Start and End of the Day
Drop-off and Pick-Up Procedures
Children can arrive at DUCKS from 8.00am onwards. Children in Year 1 and Year 2 go straight to their classroom and
remain there with the teacher. Children in Year 1 and Year 2 begin their school day at 8.15am with registration. Lessons
begin at 8.30am. Children must be in school by 8.15am so as to ensure they do not miss registration and the beginning
of the first lesson.
Children in Nursery and Reception can arrive at DUCKS from 8.00am onwards. They go to their classroom to drop off
their bags, and then return to the front playground to play. A member of staff will be on duty in the playground from
8.00am onwards. At 8.30am a bell is rung, the children line up and are taken into class by their teacher in order to begin
their day.
Morning Toddler children should arrive at 8.30am and go straight to their classroom. If they arrive earlier, they may
play on the front playground supervised by their parent or guardian.
Teachers in Morning Toddler and Nursery offer a “soft start” and welcome parents to accompany their child into the
classroom until 9.00am. This provides worthwhile opportunities for you to share news and events that are important to
your child. With this information, teachers are able to ensure that the activities they provide enhance and support the
individual interests of each child.
Afternoon Toddler children should arrive at 12.30pm and go straight to their classroom. Afternoon Toddler operates a
30 minute “soft start” programme as described above.
It is important that all children are on time for their lessons as it can disrupt their learning and that of their classmates.
Collection of Children
Your child should be collected at the designated time. If you are unable to collect your child yourself, please make sure
that the staff are aware of alternative arrangements. Parents or carers must wear their security badge at all times. Under
no circumstances will a child be allowed to depart from the premises, unless he or she is with a person who is either
known to the staff or able to provide proof that they are authorised to collect that child by wearing the security badge
provided.
Young children become anxious if you are not there to collect them. To avoid unnecessary upsets, it is important that
you arrive on time. If you are delayed, please telephone us so that we can let the class teacher know.
If you need to collect your child during the school day, please let the class teacher know in advance. On collection, the
class teacher will give you a permission slip to present to the guards to allow your child to leave the campus.
Bussing
Those of you whose children travel on the school bus will receive a copy of the Bus Regulations, but may we emphasise
the following:
•
It is imperative that children are waiting when the bus arrives to collect them. If the bus has to wait, this
lengthens what is, for many, an already long journey.
•
Seat belts must be fastened immediately and not undone until the bus arrives at its destination.
•
Food is not to be eaten on the buses.
•
Children should be collected promptly on their return as all are keen to get home after a long day.
Please be kind enough to talk to your child about being polite to the bus monitor
and driver. Would you also remind them that seemingly harmless ‘playing’ and
teasing on the bus can be extremely upsetting for some children and can become
a form of bullying if continued. Bad language is strictly forbidden. If children
continuously misbehave, you will receive a warning that they may have to be
removed from the bus, for their own safety as well as that of the other children.
All bussing arrangements should be made through the Operations Department
via Student Services located in the Senior School building.
11
Other Forms of Transport
It is important that our parents are aware of the regulations regarding bicycles in
Shanghai. From the College perspective, our priority is to ensure that our children
are kept safe and, to this end, we would like to encourage you all to insist that your
children wear safety helmets whenever they ride their bicycles. We are all aware
of how dangerous roads in Shanghai can be, and we regularly receive reports of
accidents, many involving fatalities of cyclists. We have actually discussed the
idea of making helmets compulsory for all children electing to cycle to school but
the reality is that we have no jurisdiction over how parents elect to transport their
children to school. We would all be very grateful of your support in this regard.
We will be expecting our staff to act as role models by wearing helmets whilst they
are cycling, and I would encourage our parents to do the same.
DUCKS Traffic
It is very busy outside DUCKS during drop-off and pick-up times.
On the advice of JinQiao traffic police, we operate a drop off/pick up routine.
Cars need to drive along Ming Yue Lu, then turn right into Huang Yang Lu, and right onto the new road at the top of Lan
An Lu. Then, they exit the new road and come down Lan An Lu in order to be on the correct side to drop off children at
the gate of DUCKS. Cars can drive up Lan An Lu to drop off on the opposite side of the road to DUCKS and then join
the new road, but this will entail parents and children crossing the busy street to get to DUCKS, which we would not
advise. We are not allowed to U-turn in front of DUCKS on Lan An Lu.
Our guards are stationed outside the gates to DUCKS in order to assist with drop-off/pick-up.
There is a coned-off section of approximately the length of four cars, directly in front of the gates to DUCKS for drop-off/
pick-up. The remainder of the road in front of DUCKS is available for parking. However, double parking is not allowed
as it will hinder the flow of traffic. The road opposite DUCKS is a No-Parking Zone.
Below is a map detailing the DUCKS traffic arrangement, which we ask you to share with your driver.
No Parking Allowed
12
Communication
Parents receive this Welcome Booklet prior to the beginning of the term. It outlines the routines of the class and
information on staffing, lunches, etc.
Each term, a Curriculum Overview is sent home, explaining what the children will be learning in Years 1 and 2 and the
principles children will be working towards in Early Years.
In September, we hold year level curriculum evenings for all parents to introduce the staff and discuss classroom routines.
Each class in DUCKS has a Weebly and you will be sent login details by your class teacher. Please check each week for
information on the curriculum covered during the week and any other notices.
Homelink books provide daily communication between parents and teachers. Teachers use them to communicate about
homework, attendance, behaviour, activities children are enjoying or any other matters relating to class performance.
Staff check the homelink book daily. You should expect a comment from your class teacher in the book each week.
Newsletter/College Magazine
The College produces a weekly newsletter every Friday during term-time. Parents are emailed
a link to the newsletter which can be downloaded from the College website in PDF format. The
weekly newsletter, along with past newsletters, are also available via the website.
The newsletter contains key dates for the forthcoming week along
with a link to the calendar. It also features a round-up of music,
sport, community, and general news. DUCKS, the Junior and
Senior Schools, each has its own section within the newsletter.
The College magazine is produced three times per year and
published at the end of each term. It contains whole College
news, stories, photos and more in-depth features from each of the three schools. A hardcopy
magazine is sent home with students at the end of each term. Extra copies are available in
the main College Reception area and is also available to download via the College website
in PDF format.
Website
The College has its own website where information, including the calendar, is accessible. The
website has information relating to whole College activities and descriptions of the individual
schools: DUCKS, the Junior School and the Senior School. There is also a media section where
regular news items are posted.
SMS System
The College has an SMS system in place for event reminders and to communicate with parents in the event of an issue
or crisis whereby rapid communication is of the utmost importance.
For example, if an important announcement regarding an unexpected closure of the College takes place, we send an
SMS message notification to the mobile phone number that parents have provided advising them to review the website
for further details. Please let your child’s class teacher know of any changes in contact details so that we can ensure you
receive messages from the College.
13
School Events, Performances and Assemblies
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 have weekly assemblies focusing on
aspects of personal, social, health, and citizenship education (PSHCE), as well
as discussing celebrations. In addition the children take part in assemblies to
recognise their good work. In Reception the children are given certificates from
the Magic Book. In Years 1 and 2, the children receive certificates relating to the
DUCKS Philosophy and Objectives.
Speech Day
At the end of the academic year DUCKS holds a Speech Day for all of the children. At the
Speech Day each child is presented with a certificate to reflect their progress during the
academic year. This is a formal occasion to which parents are invited.
Productions
Children in DUCKS take part in at least one production each year. Children in Toddler,
Nursery and Reception take part in an end of year performance.
Children in Year 1 and 2 take part in a Christmas production and an end-of-year concert
which reflects their development in music.
Musical Performances
Children in Year 2 can elect to be part of the Mulan Choir. They rehearse weekly and
take part in performances as decided by the Head of DUCKS Music. Once a year, we
hold a DUCKS Soirée when children who play an instrument can perform. Children
audition for the soirée with the Head of DUCKS Music.
Special Events
Over the course of the year, the children in DUCKS participate in the following celebrations
and activities: United Nations Day*, Chinese New Year, Christmas celebrations, Book Week
and Sports Days. Parents are warmly invited to all of these events. As an international school
we greatly value parents coming into class to share their special celebrations from their home
culture. If you are willing to come in and share please speak with your child’s class teacher.
*As the children have an international dress-up day on UN Day in term 1, it would be useful
if you could bring a national costume from your home country during the summer holidays.
Birthdays
You are very welcome to bring a cake to school when it is your child’s birthday. A simple
homemade cake is usually preferred by the children. Please check with your child’s class
teacher to arrange the best possible time in the day for you to bring in the cake. Please also
check with your child’s teacher that there are no children in the class with any food allergies.
DUCKS has a strict no-nuts policy.
14
Photographs
Photographs or films of students may appear in College material, brochures, websites, advertisements, or press releases.
Parents/guardians who would not like their child to appear in any or all of these must notify the College in writing at
the time of application.
1. We may use a child’s full name (first name and last name) and photo in the following publications:
•
Weekly Newsletter
•
College Magazine
•
Displays and Notices
•
FoD Bulletin.
2. We may use a child’s photo without their name in the following publications which we consider as external marketing
and promotional material:
•
College Website
•
Print Media
•
College Advertisements
•
College Prospectuses/Leaflets/Brochures
•
Exhibition Banners for School Events
•
Promotional DVD about the College.
Images that might cause embarrassment or distress will not be used nor will images be associated with material on
issues that are sensitive.
Yearbook
The College produces an annual Yearbook at the end of every school year as a keepsake for the students and staff. It is
an optional purchase through the Dulwich College Shop at the main College Reception.
15
Curriculum
The curriculum in the Early Years is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum (EYFS) which provides a
framework for the education of children from birth to 5 years old.
The Prime Areas covered are:
•
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
•
Communication and Language
•
Physical Development.
The Special Areas covered are:
•
Literacy
•
Mathematics
•
Understanding the World
•
Experience Arts and Design.
Under these two areas of learning, staff guide and facilitate a range of exciting and stimulating curricular activities that
enable each child to achieve the goals and objectives appropriate to his or her individual stage of development.
The Curriculum in Years 1 and 2 is based on the National Curriculum for England and aims to ensure that young
people become successful learners, confident individuals, and responsible citizens. The structure of the curriculum has
been designed to provide breadth and balance whilst maintaining focus on Literacy and Numeracy. There is a strong
emphasis on children’s personal development, including the development of learning and thinking skills and personal,
social and emotional skills.
All areas of learning are delivered to the children through the teaching of one or two topics per school term, with the
exception of Numeracy and elements of Literacy which are taught as discrete subjects.
‘Playing with Sounds’ is our daily phonics programme. By following the National Curriculum for England and Wales
and selecting the best elements it has to offer, we ensure the smooth transition between each phase of your child’s
education. Children participating in the EAL programme may be withdrawn from their classroom for lessons; in some
cases, this will occur during Mandarin time.
Tips For Supporting Your Child
During the academic year, we run a series of workshops aimed at helping parents to understand the curriculum and how
they can help their child at home. Parents of children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will be asked to help their child
with their reading each night and in learning their phonics.
Specialist Teaching in DUCKS
Mandarin
Every child in DUCKS has daily Mandarin lessons with qualified Mandarin teachers.
Early Years Mandarin
The Early Years Mandarin Programme is designed for children from Toddler to Reception. Our children explore
Mandarin everyday. The Toddler, Nursery and Reception children have a 30-minute lesson integrated into their daily
activities. The aim of the Mandarin Programme is to give children an early advantage, a foundation they can build
on for the rest of their lives, and to get children interested in the Chinese language at an age when it can make a real
difference. Training the children in speaking ability is given priority through various interesting and dramatic teaching
activities such as hands-on activities, nursery rhymes and songs, stories, and a large variety of games, which are in line
with children’s cognitive development. Children not only learn Mandarin but are also being immersed in the richness of
the Chinese culture through our featured Chinese workshops and activities. Some traditional festivals like Chinese New
Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Lantern Festival, etc. are introduced to our children.
16
Year 1 and Year 2 Mandarin
In Year 1 and Year 2, the children have a 30-minute Mandarin lesson every day. Our courses
have the following aims:
•
To enhance children’s knowledge and understanding of Chinese culture
•
To provide the children with the opportunities to extend their learning of Mandarin
and to help them progress from their current skill level to their potential level in four
areas: listening; speaking; reading (character recognition), and writing.
Our Mandarin Programme offers Mandarin as a Foreign Language (MFL) and Mandarin as
a Native Language (MNL). The MFL course is designed for Year 1 and Year 2 students with
alittle or no background of Mandarin. It aims at helping them learn oral communication skills
in Chinese, aquiring some basic knowledge about the structure of Chinese characters through
writing, and about some basic components of the Chinese culture. The MNL course is designed
for Year 1 and Year 2 children who have mastered the basic oral communication skills to learn to
read Chinese by using Pinyin, and be able to recognise and use vocabulary under different circumstances. Mandarin in
Years 1 and 2 is taught by a team of six Primary Mandarin Teachers who teach from Year 1 to Year 6.
Music
Specialist music lessons at DUCKS incorporate concepts and pedagogy from the English National Curriculum, and
Kodaly and Orff Music Education. All children in DUCKS attend singing-based music lessons with their class, use
a range of percussion instruments and incorporate movement activities to encourage sensitivity to beat and rhythm.
From Nursery onwards, children are taught foundational music
reading and writing skills. In Year 2, children learn the recorder as
a tool for learning theoretical, practical and ensemble skills.
All children attend a group-singing session once a week, which
develops a range of repertoire, teaches material for end-of-term
productions, and develops group music-making skills. In Year 2,
students are offered the opportunity to be involved in an elective
choir, the Mulan Choir, which rehearses during CCA time for
various performances throughout the year.
All children in DUCKS are involved in at least two major performances each year, which showcase the practical
performing arts skills that are taught each week. They are integrated into the activities in the classroom throughout
DUCKS, and taught as a specialist lesson from Reception onwards.
The DUCKS Music room is well-equipped with a modern digital Yamaha piano, a class set of tuned and un-tuned
percussion instruments, and an interactive whiteboard along with many audio, visual and print teaching resources.
Library
Children in DUCKS are introduced to the Library from as early as Toddler. Our main aim within the Library is to give
the children the chance to establish a love for books from a very early age.
Early Years children visit the Library twice a week with their class, and Years 1 and 2 visit once a week. Each child
has the opportunity to borrow two books at a time. During the class Library sessions, the children
are given the opportunity to change their library books as well as take part in book related activities.
Regular reading sessions are also held with mixed age classes sharing reading or the librarian reading
to the children.
The Library activities include a library skills programme. This programme is aimed at all year groups
with information appropriate to the age and level of understanding of the children. The programme
covers a library induction, looking at how books are put together, authors and illustrators, fiction and
non-fiction, classification, and a basic approach to finding information. Other activities include weekly
themes taken from books, authors and festivals.
17
ICT
ICT is part of the curriculum from Nursery onwards. The Reception children have
a 30-minute lesson each week. They are encouraged to use computers to do lots
of activities, such as playing games, listening to stories online, drawing pictures,
using the keyboard, taking photos, etc.
Children in Year 1 and Year 2 have one hour for ICT every week. During these
sessions, they develop their keyboard skills on Word, drawing skills on Paint,
and other knowledge according to the National Curriculum. They also have the
opportunity to use the computer to do some activities in other curriculum areas.
In addition, there are Apple laptops in every classroom and interactive whiteboards in most of the classrooms, and they
are used to enhance the teaching and learning across the curriculum.
PE
The PE lessons at DUCKS are based on the Early Years Foundation Stage
and the National Curriculum for England and Wales in Year 1 and Year 2.
The timetable is divided into Games, Gymnastics, Dance, and Athletics. For
the Early Years children, we have basic movement goals: develop a sense of
direction, foot–eye coordination, hand-eye coordination, balance, body and
space awareness and move with control.
The aim for the children in Year 1 and Year 2 is the improvement of physical
fitness: strength, flexibility, endurance, agility, coordination, balance and
rhythm.
The children will handle a range of materials (for example, bean bags, rings, hoops, soft balls, etc), they will play with
each other and in a team, and move and explore.
Individual Needs
The Individual Needs programme in DUCKS consists of both Learning Support and English as an Additional Language .
The Individual Needs faculty supports the needs of children, staff, and the wider College community. It aims to facilitate
and enhance potential, and support a positive learning environment that ultimately leads to DCS students maximising
their potential. Whether it be through direct instruction, supporting class teachers, guidance for families or professional
development, the Individual Needs faculty is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our cohort to ensure success and
a life long enjoyment of learning.
Learning Support:
DUCKS offers individual programmes for children with mild diagnosed Specific Learning Difficulties and provision for
children who may require learning support at some point during their academic studies.
All provision is aimed at an individual child’s specific learning needs and is cross-curricular wherever possible. Support
is often through individual or small-group withdrawal systems, but is also carried out through supporting teachers by
creating effective learning strategies to remove barriers to learning in mainstream classes.
College Guidance Counsellor
The College Guidance Counsellor (CGC) is available to children, parents and staff to provide support and advice as
needed. The CGC also works in conjunction with the Individual Needs faculty to provide support and instruction to
children who might benefit from the guidance aspect of the role. The CGC also works with class teachers in DUCKS and
supports the development of the PSHCE programme throughout the College.
English as an Additional Language (EAL):
DUCKS offers support for non-native speakers of English, who need to develop their understanding and use of English
in order to access and respond to their curriculum studies. This support may take place in the classroom or within small
groups withdrawn from the classroom. In both cases, students will be supported by an EAL specialist. Withdrawal from
Mandarin is sometimes necessary and means that the child is still with their normal classes for core subjects. Moreover,
it alleviates the need for the child to master another additional language.
A student will be deemed to be no longer in need of overt EAL support when he or she is performing at or close to
expected curriculum standards, as measured by testing, and in the opinion of both the class and EAL teacher.
18
Assessments and Reporting
Assessment
At Dulwich College Shanghai, we believe that Assessment for Learning (AFL) or formative assessment is the key to
effective teaching and learning. It provides an environment in which intercultural understanding can flourish and
learners can become inspired. Formative assessment supports on-going learning.
We believe that assessment of learning or summative assessment is also important. Summative assessment is concerned
with summarising assessments at particular points in time and supports a range of further purposes, including tracking
pupil progress, reporting, evaluating, planning, and target-setting.
Assessment Techniques
DUCKS children have a wide range of abilities and learning styles and our approaches to assessment reflect this. These
may include:
•
Observational assessment, where the class teacher or specialist teacher observes a child’s response to learning
activities and unstructured situations
•
Dynamic assessment, which looks at the child’s responses in the context of learning a task
•
Questioning, which enables the teacher to make a judgement about the child’s degree of understanding
•
Criterion-referenced assessment, which measures a child’s attainment against a list of skills or pieces of
knowledge
•
Formal assessment, where the child is asked to complete tests or set tasks which indicate his or her knowledge
or approach to learning
•
Marking and review of written work
•
Mind maps, before and after topics
•
Tests set by the class teacher.
National Curriculum Levels
At DUCKS, in Years 1 and 2, the formal learning objectives that are taught correspond to National Curriculum levels.
Student attainment and progress are recorded directly through these National Curriculum levels, and reports to parents
correspond directly to these levels.
Standardised Testing
DUCKS recognises the value that external data brings to us through standardised testing. Our students are assessed as
follows:
•
Reception, Years 1 and 2 - PM benchmark reading tests
•
Years 1 and 2 - NFER Progress in English, NFER Progress in Maths
•
Year 2 - National Curriculum Tests.
Overview of Reporting to Parents
Term
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
19
Curriculum evening
Termly overview
Parents’ consultation evening
End of term report
Termly overview
Open days
Parents’ consultation evening
Termly overview
Open days
End of term report
Termly Overview
You will receive a termly curriculum overview at the beginning of each term. This is a summary of the major learning
objectives to be taught that term relevant to your year group.
Parents’ Consultations Evenings
These take place in Terms 1 and 2, and are a chance to discuss how your child is progressing, both academically and
socially.
Open Days
In Terms 2 and 3, you will be invited by your class teacher to come into class to see the work that your child has been
doing. In Early Years, this will be a chance to stay and play with your child. In Years 1 and 2, your child will show you
their books.
End of Term Reports
You will receive a written report at the end of Terms 1 and 3. This will explain the progress your child has made against
National Curriculum levels and their next learning steps.
Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs)
Children in Year 1 and Year 2 take part in co-curricular activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2.00pm to 3.00pm. A
choices form is sent home at the beginning of each term. At the beginning and end of term, CCA time is used for PSHE
lessons and performance rehearsals. Once a child has chosen and been accepted for a CCA, they remain with the CCA
for the whole term. Children in Year 2 can chose to join the Mulan Choir. This is a year-long commitment and replaces
one CCA time.
20
Field Trips
Children in DUCKS, from Nursery upwards, take part in day trips at least once per year. These trips are linked to their
curriculum theme. In the past, these have included trips to the seaside, maritime museum, and the fire station.
21
Pastoral Care
The class teacher is responsible for the pastoral care of your child. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to
talk to your class teacher.
DUCKS Behaviour and Discipline Policy
It is a primary aim of our school that every member of the school community feels valued and respected, and that each
person is treated fairly and well. We are a caring community, whose values are built on mutual trust and respect for all.
The school behaviour policy is therefore designed to support this in a positive way. It aims to promote an environment
where everyone feels happy, safe and secure.
The school has a number of school rules, but the primary aim of the behaviour policy is not a system to enforce rules.
It is a means of promoting good relationships, so that people can work together with the common purpose of helping
everyone to learn. This policy supports the school community in aiming to allow everyone to work together in an
effective and considerate way.
The school expects every member of the school community to behave in a considerate way towards others.
We treat all children fairly and apply this behaviour policy in a consistent way.
This policy aims to help children to grow in a safe and secure environment, and to become positive, responsible and
increasingly independent members of the school community.
The school rewards good behaviour, as it believes that this will develop an ethos of kindness and co-operation. This
policy is designed to promote good behaviour, rather than merely deter anti-social behaviour.
We praise and reward children for good behaviour in a variety of ways:
•
Teachers congratulate children.
•
Teachers give children reward stickers to stick on their work or take home.
•
We distribute stickers to children either for consistent good work or behaviour, or to acknowledge outstanding
effort or acts of kindness in school, and each week we nominate children from each class in Reception, Year 1
and Year 2 to show ‘good work’ - each of whom receives a merit certificate in the school good work assembly.
In Reception, these children are recorded in the Magic Book. In Year 1 and Year 2, these certificates are linked to the
school’s Philosophy and Objectives statements. Children in Year 1 and Year 2, are also awarded House points for good
work/behaviour/manners. All staff across DUCKS are able to award House points.
The school acknowledges all the efforts and achievements of children, both in and out of school.
The school employs a number of sanctions to enforce the school rules, and to ensure a safe and positive learning environment. We employ each sanction appropriately to each individual situation.
We expect children to listen carefully to instructions in lessons. If they do not do so, we ask them either to move to a place
nearer the teacher, or to sit on their own.
We expect children to try their best in all activities. If they do not do so, we may ask them to redo a task.
If a child is disruptive in class, the teacher will discuss this behaviour with him or her and ask them to stop. If a child
misbehaves repeatedly, we give the child time out from the rest of the class until she/he calms down, and is in a position
to work sensibly again with others. After such occasions, the class teacher will discuss the reasons for the time-out with
the child. A child may visit the Head or Deputy Head of DUCKS to discuss this behaviour.
The safety of the children is paramount in all situations. If a child’s behaviour endangers the safety of others, the class
teacher will stop the activity and may need to prevent the child from taking part for the rest of that session.
In some instances in DUCKS, after consultation with the class teacher, the Head of DUCKS, and the child’s parents, an
individual behaviour chart may be put in place to assist the child.
If a child physically hurts another child through play or on purpose while in the playground, that child will be asked to
sit out for an age-appropriate amount of time to reflect on their actions.
22
There are clear guidelines for instances of biting.
•
If a child bites for the first time, he/she will be told to stop and he/she will be made aware by the class teacher
that this behaviour is unacceptable and a note will be sent home via home link book.
•
If a child bites for the second time, the child will be treated as above, and the child’s parents will be informed
by telephone and reminded of the policy.
•
If the child bites for a third time, the child’s parents will be asked to remove the child from school until such
time as the child has stopped biting.
The class teacher discusses the school rules with each class. In addition to the school rules, each class also has its own
classroom code, which is agreed upon by the children and displayed on the wall of the classroom. In this way, every child
in the school knows the standard of behaviour that we expect in our school. If there are incidents of anti-social behaviour,
the class teacher discusses these with the whole class during ‘circle time’.
The school does not tolerate bullying of any kind. If we discover that an act of bullying or intimidation has taken place,
we act immediately to stop any further occurrences of such behaviour. While it is very difficult to eradicate bullying, we
do everything in our power to ensure that all children attend school free from fear.
If a child threatens, hurts, or bullies another child, the class teacher records the incident and the child is disciplined.
If a child repeatedly acts in a way that disrupts or upsets others, the school contacts the child’s parents and seeks an
appointment in order to discuss the situation, with a view to improving the behaviour of the child.
The Role of the Class Teacher
It is the responsibility of the class teacher to ensure that the school rules are enforced in his/her class, and that their
class behaves in a responsible manner during lesson time. The class teachers in our school have high expectations of
the children in terms of behaviour, and they strive to ensure that all children work to the best of their ability. The class
teacher treats each child fairly and enforces the classroom code consistently. The teacher treats all children in his/her
class with respect and understanding.
If a child misbehaves repeatedly in class, the class teacher keeps a record of all such incidents. In the first instance, the
class teacher deals with the incidents himse/herself in the normal manner. However, if misbehaviour continues, the class
teacher seeks help and advice from the Head or Deputy Head of DUCKS. The class teacher liaises with external agencies,
as necessary, to support and guide the progress of each child. This will only take place once parental consent has been
given.
The class teacher reports to parents about the progress of each child in his/her class, in line with the whole-school policy.
The class teacher may also contact a parent if there are concerns about the behaviour or welfare of a child.
The Role of the Head of DUCKS
It is the responsibility of the Head of DUCKS to implement the school behaviour policy consistently throughout the
school. It is also the responsibility of the Head of DUCKS to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all children in the
school.
The Head of DUCKS supports the staff by implementing the policy, by setting the standards of behaviour, and by supporting staff in the implementation of the policy.
All reported serious incidents of misbehaviour are placed on a child’s file in the office of the Head of DUCKS. The Headmaster of Dulwich College Shanghai has the responsibility for giving fixed-term suspensions to individual children for
serious acts of misbehaviour. For repeated or very serious acts of anti-social behaviour, the Headmaster may permanently exclude a child.
23
The Role of Parents
The school works collaboratively with parents, so children receive consistent messages about how to behave at home
and at school.
We explain the school rules in the parent handbook, and we expect parents to read these and support them.
We expect parents to support their child’s learning, and to co-operate with the school. We try to build a supportive
dialogue between the home and the school, and we inform parents immediately if we have concerns about their child’s
welfare or behaviour.
If the school has to use reasonable sanctions to punish a child, parents should support the actions of the school. If parents
have any concern about the way that their child has been treated, they should initially contact the class teacher. If the
concern remains, they should contact the Head of DUCKS. If these discussions cannot resolve the problem, a formal
grievance process can be implemented through the Director of Community Relations.
Monitoring
The Head of DUCKS monitors the effectiveness of DUCKS Behaviour and Discipline policy on a regular basis. She
also reports to the Headmaster on the effectiveness of the policy and, if necessary, makes recommendations for further
improvements.
Houses, House Points and Rewards
Children in Years 1 and 2 are part of the College House system. When they enter Year 1, they will be assigned a House:
•
Anand (purple)
•
Howard (red)
•
Shackleton (green)
•
Wing (blue)
Siblings are placed in the same House.
They take part in activities as organised by the DUCKS House Coordinator. They receive House points from members
of staff at DUCKS and these are totalled each half term.
Lost and Found
Lost and Found is located at the receptionist’s desk in the DUCKS foyer.
24
Partnering with Parents
We believe that parents play a crucial part in supporting good behaviour in school. We welcome and value their support
in setting high expectations. We believe that the following expectations will help parents in their efforts to best support
their child’s development in DUCKS.
Safe Surroundings
Be safe and considerate to others when dropping off/picking up your child outside DUCKS. Share lifts when possible.
Do not obstruct the entrance/exit by stopping in zoned areas or abuse any other parking restrictions around the College.
Failure to observe these restrictions may lead to a serious accident.
Pastoral Environment
•
Ensure that your child understands the standards of behaviour expected of him/her.
•
Always report to us any concerns about your child’s well-being and work cooperatively with the class teacher
to resolve matters satisfactorily.
•
Encourage excellent attendance and punctuality. Please do not organise family holidays during term time.
•
Provide a suitable ‘distraction-free’ environment for homework to be completed on time.
•
Ensure that home routines support school life by ensuring that your children adopt appropriate sleep habits/
patterns.
•
Ensure that your children engage in age-appropriate activities in the evenings and at weekends.
Academic Environment
•
Observe progress as detailed in your child’s Report and let the class teacher know of any concerns or suggestions
you may have.
•
Make yourself aware of the meaning of our assessment criteria and curriculum requirements and ask the class
teacher to explain if needed.
•
Show a particular interest in your child’s development by asking about what they have been learning at school.
Our Parent Charter is available on the College website.
FoD
Friends of Dulwich (FoD) is an organisation devoted to the many active parents in the Dulwich College Shanghai
community. There are three main areas within the FoD structure which allow parents and community members to
participate in a variety of areas. They include clubs, committees, and class representatives. FoD Clubs provide a venue
for parents to participate and socialise in a fun and casual forum. Committees are for parents who are interested in
getting involved in areas outside their child’s classroom parent group. Class Representatives facilitate the interaction
between the class teacher and the parents of children in the same class. FoD is managed by a Steering Committee which
interacts closely with the school to guide the activities of the organisation. They also organise regular events to bring the
school community together in the form of coffee mornings, talks, markets, and social gatherings.
25
Parent Advisory Council
Our Parent Advisory Council is made up of appointed parent representatives from each of the three schools. The PAC
representatives meet termly with the Headmaster, the Director of Community Relations and the Head of Internal
Communications and Parent Relations to provide advice, information and support. Committee membership and minutes
are published via the DCS website. During the development and preparation of College policies we are committed to
gathering parental opinion and advice. The Parent Advisory Council shall be the body through which this is carried out.
Parental Involvement
We welcome the involvement of parents in DUCKS. Parents may wish, for example, to come in and share a special
celebration from their home culture, help with an art activity, read with or to the children, or even do some cooking.
Parents should contact their class teacher, Head of DUCKS, or Deputy Head of DUCKS, if they wish to help in class.
26
Community Service
Heart to Heart Shanghai
In line with our philosophy and objective statement “we care and we share”, we support the Heart to Heart Shanghai
organisation at DUCKS.
Heart to Heart Shanghai is a Shanghai based non-profit community outreach organisation composed of expatriate
volunteers who donate their time and money to entertain and give support to children who are undergoing heart
surgery at the Shanghai Chest Hospital. Funds are raised through donation and the selling of Heart to Heart bears. Each
bear has the name of a child who has been helped by Heart to Heart.
In DUCKS, we raise money for Heart to Heart through many different events including readathons, walkathons, and the
Winter Fair. We also hold regular collections of clothing for the organisation to take to the villages and we have funded
libraries in village schools. We also have Heart to Heart bears for sale. Mrs. Christine Cullen, the founder of Heart to
Heart Shanghai, is a regular visitor at the school and attends most Heart to Heart events.
We have a Heart to Heart club which involves children in Year 1 and Year 2 learning about the organisation, and they
also plan and advertise fund raising activities.
There is a DUCKS Heart to Heart committee that comprises of teachers and parents and meets regularly. If you wish
to join the committee, please contact our DUCKS Charity Coordinator, Mr. Tom Hughes, at thomas.hughes@dulwichshanghai.cn.
The aim of this link with Heart to Heart Shanghai is to instill in the children a sense of community and a desire to help
others.
If you would like to learn more about Heart to Heart Shanghai, you can visit their website at www.heart2heartshanghai.
net.
27
Health and Safety
First Aid and Medical Care
We have a full time nurse in DUCKS. She is situated on the ground floor next to the staffroom.
If children become unwell whilst at DUCKS, they will be taken to the nurse. If she feels it is necessary, she will contact
you and ask for them to be picked up as soon as possible. If she cannot contact you, she will telephone your emergency
contacts and ask them to come and collect your child. It is, therefore, essential that your emergency contacts are aware
of their responsibilities.
Please do not bring your child to DUCKS if he or she is unwell. Staying at home will help to speed up the recovery and
also reduces the risk of infection for the other children. NB: Staff will only be allowed to administer Tylenol if we have
a signed consent form.
We adhere to the following exclusion periods:
Exclusion Period
Chickenpox
Conjunctivitis
Diarrhoea & Vomiting
Fever
Hand, food and mouth
Measles
Mumps
Ringworm
Rubella
Usually 6 days from appearance of the last
spot
Children may return to school once treatment
has begun
48 hours symptom-free. Child must be eating
normally again
24 hours after temperature has returned to
normal
24 hours symptom-free from sore throat,
fever. No draining from sores/blisters
5 days minimum from onset of rash
5 days after swelling has appeared
Until commencement of treatment
7 days after onset of rash
If we have a case of head lice, we will inform all parents at DUCKS and ask that you check your child’s hair to prevent
further spreading. The nurse is happy to check your child’s head on request.
We require a certificate from the doctor stating the child is symptom-free and able to return to school for any infectious
diseases.
Security
Everyone, except for students in uniform, coming on to the College grounds is required to wear an official security card.
These cards have photos of each individual printed on them and are issued to new families as part of the admissions
process.
Visitors without security cards may need to provide photo identification (such as a driver’s licence, passport, or a Chinese
residency document) to the guards to gain entrance. The photo identification documents will be kept securely by the
guards for the duration of the visit and returned when the visitor leaves the site. For any questions regarding security
cards, please contact richard.li@dulwich-shanghai.cn.
Absence Policy
If your child is absent from school due to illness, please contact your child’s class teacher via email, or telephone the
DUCKS Receptionist on 58999910 ext 610, or absence answer machine service on 33821805 before 9.00am. If you know
in advance that your child will be away from school, please let your child’s class teacher know.
Fire Drill Policy
The Fire Drill policy at DUCKS is displayed on all of the classroom walls. In the event of a fire alarm, children are
escorted from their classrooms or play areas with their teachers and classroom assistants to the central assembly point at
the front of DUCKS where registers are taken.
28
Closure of School Procedures
On some occasions, it is necessary to close or cancel school. The following procedures will be followed whenever it is
necessary to cancel or close school due to inclement weather, fire, important Government events, etc. The health and
safety of students shall be the primary consideration in all decisions or actions taken at times of inclement weather or
other emergencies.
Prior to the school day
•
In the case of important Government events (such as the APEC convention), the College is usually given prior
warning via the Education Commission. Recent rule changes now mean that all International Schools are
governed by the same rules as local schools and as such need to follow the same guidelines
•
The Headmaster will ensure that all parents and staff are notified via the College Phone Tree and SMS text
message. A message will be left on the College Answer phone and a message will be placed on the College
website
Procedures for closing school while in session
If an emergency necessitates the closure of the College during school hours, the subsequent guidelines will be followed:
•
The Headmaster will ensure that all parents and staff are notified via the College Phone Tree, SMS text message,
and the College website.
•
At all times when the College buildings must be evacuated, all students and staff shall exit the buildings in an
orderly fashion as rehearsed. Students shall be kept at the designated meeting place or other suitable location
until parents can arrange to pick them up.
•
Senior School Students who walk or bike to school will be dismissed within 30 minutes of the time that school
closure is announced, as long as it is safe to do so. This will only be done after ensuring that all parents have
been notified. The Headmaster will inform teachers when students may be released. Junior School and DUCKS
students must be collected from the classroom by a parent or nominated guardian as soon as possible after the
phone call.
•
The Headmaster will determine whether school buses are able to run. If deemed safe, students will be dismissed
to their buses. All other students will remain at school under teacher supervision until a parent or nominated
guardian arrives to take them home.
Delayed Closing of School
If conditions exist that make it unsafe for students to travel home on foot (severe weather, civil disturbances, etc.) students
will remain at school under teacher supervision. When travel on foot has been deemed safe, the school will be closed and
the students sent home following the procedures listed above.
Parental Decisions
Although the College will take every precaution to ensure the safety of all students during an emergency, there may
be times when parents would prefer to collect their children earlier. If they choose to do this, parents must inform the
relevant school secretary to ensure that all students are accounted for. During a typhoon, it may be unsafe to travel. As
such, parents are encouraged to wait until the severe conditions abate before coming to the College.
29
Early Years Toileting Policy
Aims and Objectives
Toilet training is a significant milestone in a child’s life and is vital to their independence and participation in school.
We recognise it is a mutual task, requiring cooperation, agreement and understanding between the child and their
caregivers. This includes their parents and ayis at home, and teachers and ayis at school. We believe the best toilettraining techniques emphasise consistency and positive reinforcement and thus seek to work supportively in partnership.
Children are able to control their bladder and bowels when they are physically ready, and when they want to be dry and
clean. Many children can control their bowel before their bladder. By the age of two, some children will be dry during
the day. By the age of three, nine out of ten children will be dry most days. By the age of four, most children should be
reliably dry.
For the purpose of this policy, we regard a toilet-trained child as one being in control of their bowel and bladder, being
aware of when they need the toilet, thus resulting in minimal accidents. It also includes wiping themselves (or identifying
that they need help).
If children start Nursery or Reception and are not toilet trained as identified below, they will be asked to remain at
home until they are sufficiently toilet trained or an appropriate plan is in place in consultation with the class teacher and
Deputy/Head of DUCKS.
Toddler
Most children will begin in the Toddlers class wearing nappies. Teachers, ayis, and parents/carers will communicate
regularly and work cooperatively to start the toilet training process, aiming to maintain consistent approaches and
messages to the child. Once the toilet training process begins, parents and teachers will work together and discuss the
use of pull ups and underwear during this stage.
Teachers and ayis will:
•
Encourage children to identify when they need to use the toilet and ask to go
•
Take the children to the toilet at regular intervals during the day to encourage independence and
the development of bladder and bowel control
•
Support the children in learning how to wipe their own bottoms and ask for help when necessary.
Nursery
Children attending Nursery must be ‘toilet-trained’. Children are not able to attend school until they are toilet-trained
unless there is a medical diagnosis that complicates the training (accompanied by a doctors’ note and action plan). Our
goal is to have every child use the toilet independently and exit the bathroom clean. Please note, children in Nursery are
not permitted to wear diapers/nappies/pull-ups during the school day and must wear underwear.
Children must be able to:
•
Identify that they need to use the toilet and go independently
•
•
Tell an adult when they need to use the toilet so that the adult is aware that the child is in the bathroom
Attempt to wipe their own bottom and be able to ask for help to wipe if necessary
•
Identify when they are wet/soiled and ask for help
•
Children do not need to be dry through the night but should be able to rest at quiet time without
wetting or soiling him or herself
•
Attempt to wash their own hands using soap and water
Reception
Unless there is a medical diagnosis (accompanied by a doctors note and action plan), children attending Reception
must be “toilet trained”. Children are not able to attend school until they are toilet trained as indentified below. Please
note, children in Reception are not permitted to wear diapers/nappies/pull-ups during the school day and must wear
underwear.
30
Children must be able to:
•
Identify when they need to go to the toilet and go independently
•
Go to the toilet when prompted by an adult
•
Wipe own bottom
•
Wash own hands
•
Identify when they are wet/soiled and ask for help
•
Have rare accidents.
Roles and Responsibilities
The role of the parents
•
Toddler parents need to provide nappies/pull-ups and spare sets of clothing, which will remain at DUCKS.
•
Nursery and Reception parents need to provide a spare set of clothing, which will remain at DUCKS.
•
Parents must inform teachers about the status of their child’s toileting before their child begins in the class.
•
If there is a medical complication to the toilet training, parents should inform the class teacher and provide any
relevant plans and doctor’s notes.
•
Parent should begin the toilet training process before the beginning of the school year in which the child will
start nursery and acknowledge that if a child is not toilet trained when they begin Nursery or Reception, they
will be required to stay home until this is completed.
•
Participate in meetings with teachers.
The role of the teachers
Introduce the toilets – explain where they are in the classroom, outside and around the school.
•
•
Remind children how to use the toilets (eg. pull down pants/tights completely or hold up dress, wipe properly,
flush, etc) as needed.
•
Regularly encourage children to use the toilet during the day.
•
Ensure that children have opportunities to use the toilet before and after specialist lessons and break times.
•
Teach, monitor and encourage hand washing and good hygiene practices.
•
Provide advice and support for parents experiencing difficulty in the toilet training process.
The role of the classroom ayis
Ensure the bathrooms are clean - floors dry, sinks clean, paper not on the floor.
•
•
Ensure the toilets are flushed and seats are clean and left down.
•
Ensure soap, toilet paper and hand drying paper dispensers are appropriately resourced.
•
Toddler – Support the teachers when needed in the toileting process.
•
•
Nursery – assist with bottom wiping and changing clothes as needed, encourage good hygiene, encourage use
of urinals for boys who stand to urinate.
Reception – help change children as needed, encourage good hygiene, talk children through wiping process if
necessary, encourage use of urinals for boys.
The role of the admissions department
•
Explain the policy to parents during tours
•
Ensure that parents are fully aware of the policy prior to accepting a place
Monitoring and review
This policy was written by a committee of teachers from across DUCKS and some parents, and then shared with all staff.
All staff had the opportunity to contribute to this policy. We need to review this school toileting policy regularly so that
we can take account of new initiatives, the needs of our children, or changes to the physical environment of the school.
31
32
33
34
35