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Welcome To

DUCKSDulwich College Kindergarden Shanghai

2014-2015

DET UR P O N S M UNDO

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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

Dulwich College Kindergarten Shanghai

Philosophy and Objectives

Contents

Welcome from the College Headmaster 3Welcome from the Head of DUCKS 4Staff Information 6Uniform and Equipment 10School Routines 14Curriculum 20Additional Support 24Assessment and Reporting 26Homework 30Holistic Opportunities 32Student Welfare 36Partnering with Parents 44Health and Safety 48Communication 52Calendar 54

WELCOME TO DUCKS

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Welcome from the College Headmaster

A very warm welcome to Dulwich College Shanghai.

I do hope that you will find the contents of this Welcome Booklet helpful. It has been designed to answer many of the questions you may have as your child starts his or her education with us and it contains a wealth of useful information about daily school life in the College.

This is a vibrant and exciting school in which to be a student. While the academic progress and achievement of each student is always at the centre of our concerns, we believe that college life should be enjoyed for itself and not just as a preparation for adulthood. Here your sons and daughters are taught by expert and well qualified teachers who seek to inspire them. We help our students to become independent and courageous thinkers who are prepared to explore, innovate and meet life’s opportunities with creativity. Lessons engage students with pace and challenge and are enriched with all sorts of activity to extend students’ interests and skills beyond the confines of standard curriculum and examination

specifications. The academic curriculum runs alongside an enviable co-curricular programme that provides a wealth of sporting, cultural and adventurous opportunities and interest. As a result our students are cheerful, balanced and at ease with themselves and each other. They welcome challenge with enthusiasm and interest.

This school is a deeply inclusive and truly international community in which each child is valued in his or her own right. All children in the school are encouraged to develop their talents and realise their potential in the way that best meets their needs and personalities. The well-being of every child is at the heart of the school’s philosophy, for while we want them to develop a genuine love of learning, we also want them to be resilient, optimistic, confident and kind people who know how to form and sustain good relationships and make a positive contribution to society, living lives that are genuinely fulfilling. Teachers know the students very well and visitors often comment on the laughter, good humour and warmth that mark relationships between students and staff.

Our students are shown that people can make a difference and are encouraged to see that they also can make their mark in the world. They are encouraged to develop an open mind-set in which they can both acknowledge their weaknesses and learn how to overcome them, encountering academic and personal challenges with enthusiasm, ambition and a will to succeed. They learn to inspire, influence and collaborate with others and they learn how to manage conflict. They are helped to develop self-awareness and to understand their impact on others.

The College has a strong reputation for academic success and our expectations of students are high. Whether your son or daughter is with us for several years or just a few, he or she will be very well prepared for the next phase of education.

While we enjoy excellent facilities in a prime location in one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world, it is our community - our students, staff and parents - that make this a special place to be. Our parents are tremendously supportive of the College, contributing a huge amount of time and energy to College events.

Together we welcome you to Dulwich College Shanghai for the academic year 2014-15.

Mr. Damien CharnockHeadmaster

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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 three morning and one afternoon Toddler classes, five Nursery classes, six Reception classes, six Year 1 classes, and six 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. Lisa LowHead of DUCKS

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DUCKS Staffing

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DUCKS Leadership Team

Head of DUCKS: Mrs. Lisa Low Deputy Head of DUCKS: Mr. Neil BowkerEmail : lisa.low@dulwich-shanghai.cn Email: neil.bowker@dulwich-shanghai.cnTelephone: 021 5899 9910 ext 608 Telephone: 021 5899 9910 ext 606

DUCKS Class Teachers

Year Group Class Teacher Learning Assistant RoomToddler am Butterflies Ms. Lucy Koniarska (UK)

(Toddler Year Group Leader)Ms. Vivi Bian (PRC) & Ms. Yoyo Li (PRC)

Duckling House

Toddler am Dragonflies Ms. Sarah Junta (AUS) Ms. Jeanne Yang (PRC) & Ms. Jenny Zheng (PRC)

Duckling House

Toddler am Ladybirds Mrs. Kathleen Torres (PHL) Ms. Jo Qian Duckling HouseToddler pm Butterflies Ms. Lucy Koniarska (UK) Ms. Vivi Bian (PRC) & Ms. Yoyo

Li (PRC)Duckling House

Nursery Penguins Mrs. Niki Johnson (USA)(Nursery Year Group Leader)

Ms. Hannah Zhang (PRC) 1014

Nursery Potoos Ms. Sue Stinson (AUS) Ms. Emily Gu (PRC) 1004

Nursery Pelicans Ms. Tonya Cunningham (USA) Ms. Even Chen (PRC) 1005

Nursery Peackocks Mr. Kevin Kane (IRE) Ms. Helen Peng (PRC) 1010

Nursery Puffins Ms. Amanda Nicholls (UK) Ms. Lucienne Li (PRC) 1012

Reception Barn Owls Ms. Gemma Jamieson (UK)(Reception Year Group Leader)

Ms. Cindy Wang (PRC) 1035

Reception Flamingos Ms. Aine Deasy (IRE) Ms. Fiona Lu (PRC) 1031

Reception Toucans Mrs. Sarah Bond (UK) Ms. Nina Ni (PRC) 1036

Reception Swans Mrs. Anna Pyper (UK) Ms. Angela Gu (PRC) 1028

Reception Kookaburras Mr. Paul Faulkner (AUS) Ms. Ivy Chen (PRC) 1038

Reception Robins Ms. Clare Chalkley (UK) Ms. Yuki Gong (PRC) 1037

Year 1 Marmosets Mr. Thomas Hughes (UK)(Year 1 Year Group Leader)

Ms. Vivian He (PRC) 2029

Year 1 Gorillas Ms. Renee Wheeler (UK) Ms. Peihua Wang (PRC) 2033

Year 1 Orangutans Mrs. Leah Tan (UK) Ms. Scarlett Xi (PRC) 2027

Year 1 Gibbons Ms. Anna Gibbons (UK) Ms. Snowy Zhu (PRC) 2035

Year 1 Chimpanzees Ms. Natalie Cradick (UK) Ms. Veronica Yu (PRC) 2028

Year 1 Tamarins Ms. Rajinderpal Hinkel (UK) Ms. Julia Zhou (PRC) 2039

Year 2 Pumas Mr. Tony Pickhaver (UK)(Year 2 Year Group Leader)

Ms. Linda Lin (PRC) 3004

Year 2 Jaguars Ms. Emily Wright (UK) Ms. Catherine Zhao (PRC) 3008

Year 2 Tigers Mr. Greg Rendall (AUS) Ms. Penny Ding (PRC) 3011

Year 2 Rhinos Ms. Helen Kenney (UK) Ms. Melody Chen (PRC) 3006

Year 2 Elephants Mr. Simon Burgess (UK) Ms. Kelly Rong (PRC) 3010

Year 2 Giraffes Ms. Suzanne Robinson (UK) Ms. Dolly Yang (PRC) 3016

To contact a member of staff, please use the following email structure: firstname.surname@dulwich-shanghai.cn

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DUCKS Specialist Teachers

PE Mr. Nathan Sasson (UK), Mrs. Sarah Lowes (UK ), Mr. Bernie Wilson (UK)ICT Ms. Yvonne Huang (PRC)Music Ms. Rodica Hategan (ROM)Library Ms. Cookie Xu (PRC) EAL Ms. Leanne Le (CAN)Individual Needs Ms. Kimberley Humphreys (UK) and Ms. Rhian Watkins (UK)Primary Mandarin Teachers Ms. Virginia Zhang (PRC)

Ms. Alin Yu (PRC)Ms. Freya Zhang (PRC)Ms. Spring Xing (PRC)Ms. Mandy Yu (PRC)Ms. Lucy Yu (PRC)Ms. Lindsey Duan (PRC)

DUCKS Administrative Staff

To contact a member of staff, please use the following email structure:

firstname.surname@dulwich-shanghai.cn or telephone 58999910 and use the extension numbers below.

Name Area of Responsibility Extension NumberMs. Reithy Zhang (PRC) DUCKS Office 601Ms. Lily Ji (PRC) DUCKS Reception 610Ms. Stacey Yao (PRC) DUCKS Nursing 616

College Contacts

To contact a member of staff, please use the following email structure:

firstname.surname@dulwich-shanghai.cn or telephone 58999910 and use the extension numbers below.

Name Area of Responsibility Extension NumberMrs. Lorna Wilson (UK) Business Administration 252Mr. Stephen Buckland (UK) College IT Systems 115Mr. Derrick Quinet (USA) College Sport 503Ms. Stella Shi (PRC) College Bus Service 602Ms. Irene Hu (PRC) College Catering and Security Passes 222

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Uniform and Equipment

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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 the child’s full name and class. This helps return lost items.

Parents are asked to 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.

ToddlerToddler children wear their own clothes but they need a school hat, clearly labelled with their name and class.

Nursery to Year 2 Girls Uniform

Daily

SUMMER WINTER

PE summer top

PE summer shorts

PE winter top

PE winter trousers

PE

Cotton cardigan

Merino cardigan

DUCKS (Nursery, Reception and Years 1 and 2) GIRLS

Summer dress

White ankle socks

SUMMER

WINTER

Navy pinafore

Navy tights

Red long-sleeved polo shirt

School hat

OR Navy Trousers

Navy socks

Compulsory For Year 1 and Year 2

Optional

Navy school bag

Compulsory For Nursery

and ReceptionRed school bag Scarf Navy book bagNavy book bag

White ankle socks White ankle socksTrainers Trainers

Black leather shoes Black leather shoes

White ankle socks

Trainers

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Nursery to Year 2 Boys Uniform

Children may wish to bring a light waterproof coat and wellington boots to school on rainy days.

Optional: Red fleece with College crest, overcoat with College crest.

Year 1 and Year 2 children should buy the House PE kit:

Daily

SUMMER WINTER

WINTER

PE summer top

PE summer shorts

PE winter top

PE winter trousers

Merino sweater

Navy trousers

Navy short socks

PE

Red long-sleeved polo shirt

DUCKS (Nursery, Reception and Years 1 and 2) BOYS

SUMMER

Navy shorts

Navy short socks

Red short-sleeved polo shirt

School hat

Compulsory For Year 1 and Year 2

Optional

Navy school bag

Compulsory For Nursery

and ReceptionRed school bag Scarf Navy book bag

OR

Navy book bag

Cotton sweater

Navy trousers

Black leather shoes Black leather shoes

Traniners Traniners

White short socks White short socks

HOUSE KIT (Years 1 to 13)

Howard Wing Shackleton Anand

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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. DUCKS has a ‘no hat no play’ policy on sunny days• Mosquito repellent: when appropriate it is recommended that parents apply mosquito repellent to their child before they come to school• Sunscreen: when appropriate it is recommended that parents apply sunscreen to their child before they come to school• Children in Reception need a DUCKS blue backpack. Children in Year 1 and Year 2 need a red College backpack• 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.

Please note: Jewellery should not be worn and any hair ribbons should be navy blue

Lost and Found

Lost and Found is located at the Receptionist’s desk in the DUCKS foyer.

Staff and children are expected to respect the property of the College and of others, and to take all reasonable measures to safeguard this property and their own personal items they bring to school. We cannot accept responsibility for personal items brought into the College. Individuals have responsibility for their own belongings.

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School Routines

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DUCKS Format of the Day

8.15am The day begins in Year 1 and Year 2 8.30am The day begins in Toddler, Nursery and Reception10.00am – 10.30am Nursery and Reception playtime10.30am – 11.00am Year 1 and Year 2 playtime11.30am End of school day – Morning Toddler12.30pm Afternoon Toddler lessons begin11.30am – 12.00pm Nursery lunch12.00pm – 12.30pm Reception and Year 2 lunch12.30pm – 1.00pm Year 1 lunch12.00pm – 12:30pm Nursery playtime12.30pm – 1.00pm Reception and Year 2 playtime1.00pm – 1.30pm Year 1 playtime3.00pm End of school day for all children

Staggered Starts

Toddler and Nursery have a staggered start to the beginning of the school year to allow the children time to get used to their classroom and teachers in a smaller group. In Toddler the children come initially with their parents, then in small groups over several days. In Nursery the children are in half class groups and leave at 1.00pm for the first two weeks. There is no afternoon bus service for nursery children during this time. More details on the staggered start are sent home with class lists in June. Please note this means that for the first two weeks not all Toddler and Nursery children are in school every day.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures

Children can arrive at DUCKS from 8.00am onwards. Children in Years 1 and 2 go straight to their classroom and remain there with the teacher and begin their school day at 8.15am with registration. Lessons begin at 8.30am. Children must be in school by 8.15am.

Children in Nursery and Reception can arrive at DUCKS from 8.00am onwards. They go to straight to their classroom.

Bus children in Years 1 and 2 arrive at school and are allowed to walk up to their classroom with their friends. Children who come by bus in Nursery and Reception are taken to their class by their bus monitor.

Morning Toddler children should arrive at 8.30am and go straight to their classroom. If they arrive earlier, they may play in the Toddler playground in front of the Duckling House

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 parents to share news and events that are important to their 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 late arrival can disrupt their learning and that of their classmates.

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Lunchtime 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.

The College does 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 Years 1 and 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 children have a healthy snack each day. We do not allow sweets, chocolate or sugary items as snacks. Our aim is to promote positive and healthy eating habits. With this in mind, the following items are suggested: cheese, sliced fruit, raisins, crackers, sandwiches, and yogurt. In addition, it is important that children bring a water bottle to school each day, clearly labelled with their name and class.

DUCKS is a nut-free environment. No nut products are served. 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 Services

Dulwich College uses the Sodexo Company to provide staff and student lunches and snacks. Sodexo uses the newly refurbished kitchen at DUCKS to prepare all meals.

There is a College wide nutrition committee that consists of representatives from DUCKS, Junior School and Senior School staff and students as well as parents of children from all three schools. The nutrition committee offers staff, students and parents a chance to feed back directly to the Manager of Sodexo any concerns, suggestions or criticisms that they have. Regular surveys are taken and acted upon.

Sodexo offers the following service at DUCKS:

Nursery and Reception lunch set menu, which includes salad bar, starter, main dish, vegetable, carbohydrate, fruit, dessert and a drink and morning and afternoon snacks.

Year 1 and Year lunch set menu, which includes salad bar, starter, main dish, vegetable, carbohydrate, fruit, dessert and a drink, (sample menu overleaf).

All Sodexo menus are made under the supervision of our Nutritionist.

Payment System

In DUCKS, lunch registers are taken each morning by the class teacher to keep a track of spending against a pre-paid account. Parents can reload accounts from 8.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday in the Senior School Canteen at the Main Campus.

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Collection of Children

Children should be collected at the designated time. If parents are unable to collect their child themselves, they must make sure that their child’s teacher is 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 they are with a person who is known to the teacher or they are with a person able to provide proof that they are authorised to collect that child.

Young children become anxious if their carer is not there to collect them. To avoid unnecessary upsets, it is important that carers arrive on time. If they are delayed, they must telephone the DUCKS reception so that the class teacher can be informed. It is recommended that, where appropriate, the youngest child is collected first.

If parents need to collect their child during the school day, they must let the class teacher know in advance. On collection, the class teacher will give parents a permission slip to present to the guards so that they allow their child to leave the campus.

School Busses

The College offers a bus service in Pudong and Puxi with one-way and return trip options. Services may not be available to distant locations and a bus stop will not be created for fewer than three students. One-way bus riders are charged at a lower rate than round trip bus riders. Bus refunds for students withdrawing from the College are calculated in the same manner as tuition fee refunds for withdrawing students. Bus refunds for students who need to change their bus arrangements during the school year will be handled individually.

All bussing arrangements should be made through the Bussing Department via Operations located in the Senior School building. Please contact stella.shi@dulwich-shanghai.cn.

Parents of children that travel on the school bus will receive a copy of the Bus Regulations. Please be aware of 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.

Parents should talk to their child about being polite to the bus monitor and driver. They should 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, parents will receive a warning that their child may have to be removed from the bus, for their own safety as well as that of the other children.

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Bicycles

It is important that parents are aware of the regulations regarding bicycles in Shanghai. From the College perspective, the priority is to ensure that children are kept safe and, to this end, parents are encouraged to insist that their sons/daughters wear safety helmets whenever they are riding their bicycles. The College is aware of how dangerous roads in Shanghai can be and regularly receives reports of accidents, many involving fatalities of cyclists.

DUCKS Traffic

It is very busy outside DUCKS during drop-off and pick-up times.

On the advice of JinQiao traffic police, the College operates a drop-off/pick-up routine as shown in the map below. Parents are requested to share this routine with their drivers.

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 hinders the flow of traffic.

No Parking Allowed

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Curriculum

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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 five years old.

The Prime Areas covered are:• Personal, Social and Emotional Development• Communication and Language• Physical Development.

The Specific Areas covered are:• Literacy• Mathematics• Understanding the World• Expressive Arts and Design.

Under these seven 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 Mathematics. 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 Mathematics 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 selecting the best elements it has to offer, a smooth transition between each phase of a child’s education is ensured.

Dual Language Approach

DUCKS values Mandarin and wants children to acquire language skills in Mandarin as well as in English. DUCKS therefore uses a dual language approach in the classrooms. The aim of the dual language approach in DUCKS is to develop fluent speakers in English and Mandarin by the end of Year 2 who can comfortably switch from one language to another while always remaining secure in their first language.

In Early Years at the start of each year, teachers will work with parents to learn which languages are spoken at home, and how they are used, to determine each child’s individual language needs. Each child will receive an Individual Language Plan that caters for that child’s specific needs. Children who speak a third language at home may receive EAL lessons as well. (See page 18 )

All children will hear (and use) both English and Chinese every day, but the degree to which either language is used will depend on a child’s individual needs. Both languages will be used, as appropriate, in all learning contexts

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Dual Language Approach Continued

In the early stages of language acquisition, to help children acquire the second language, teachers will be using simplified and repetitive speech; contextualised language and gestures; continual checking of understanding; structured and unstructured opportunities to use both languages; and monolingual delivery of activities/lessons.

Children in Years 1 and 2 will follow the English National Curriculum in a classroom that is rich in both Mandarin and English. A qualified teacher, who is a native English speaker, will lead the curriculum using spoken English. The children’s learning will be supported by a Learning Assistant who speaks Mandarin as a first language but who speaks fluent English as well.

The main language of the curriculum in DUCKS will be English in key areas such as Mathematics and Literacy, but Mandarin will be used by the Learning Assistants in natural contexts such as at snack time or greetings in the morning. In addition, children in Reception, Years 1 and 2 will have differen-tiated Mandarin lessons every day. Children who need to develop their English will be supported to fully access the curriculum (See page 18). The physical learning environment, including print, will be in both English and Mandarin.

Specialist Teaching in DUCKS

MandarinEvery child in DUCKS has daily Mandarin lessons with qualified Mandarin teachers.

Early Years MandarinThe Early Years Mandarin Programme is designed for children from Toddler to Reception. Children explore Mandarin everyday. The Toddler, Nursery and Reception children have a 30-minute lesson integrated into their daily activities. Children in Reception are split into three groups – Mandarin as a Foreign Language (MFL), Mandarin as a Second Language (MSL) and Chinese as a Native Language (CNL). 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 featured Chinese workshops and activities. Children will be introduced to some traditional festivals like the Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Lantern Festival.

Year 1 and Year 2 MandarinIn Year 1 and Year 2, children have a 30-minute Mandarin lesson every day. The progranme has the following aims:

• To enhance children’s knowledge and understanding of Chinese culture• To provide 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.

The Mandarin Programme in DUCKS offers Mandarin as a Foreign Language (MFL), Mandarin as a Second Language (MSL) and Chinese as a Native Language (CNL). The MFL course is designed for Year 1 and Year 2 students with little or no background in 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 some basic components of the Chinese culture. The CNL course is designed for Year 1 and Year 2 children who have mastered the basic oral communication skills necessary to read Chinese by using Pinyin, and are able to recognise and use vocabulary under different circumstances. Mandarin in Years 1 and 2 is taught by a team of Primary Mandarin Teachers who teach from Year 1 to Year 6.

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MusicSpecialist 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 aquring 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 are involved in at least one major performance each year, which showcases the practical performing arts skills that are taught each week.

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.

ICTReception 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 and taking photos.

Children in Years 1 and 2 have one hour for ICT every week. During these sessions, they develop their keyboard skills on Word and drawing skills on Paint, and aquire other knowledge in line with 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.

LibraryChildren in DUCKS are introduced to the Library from as early as Toddler. Our main aim is to give the children the chance to establish a love for books from a very early age.

All DUCKS children visit the Library once a week with their class. Each child in Early Years has the opportunity to borrow two books at a time and Years 1 and 2 can borrow three books. 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. The Librarian reads to the children during their library visits and sometimes with mixed age classes who read together.

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 child. 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.

PEThe PE lessons at DUCKS are based on the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum for England in Year 1 and Year 2. The timetable is divided into Games, Gymnastics, Dance, and Athletics. Early Years children have the following 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 Years 1 and 2 is the improvement of physical fitness, strength, flexibility, endurance, agility, coordination, balance and rhythm.

Children handle a range of materials including bean bags, rings, hoops and soft balls, they play in pairs and in teams, and move and explore.

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Additional Support

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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 the 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 is available to children, parents and staff to provide counselling and advice as needed 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, children 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 child 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.

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Assessments and Reporting

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Assessment

DUCKS believes 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.

DUCKS believes 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 a child’s progress, reporting, evaluating, planning, and target-setting.

Assessment Techniques

Children have a wide range of abilities and learning styles and the approaches to assessment reflect this. These may include:

• Observational assessment: observation of responses to learning activities and unstructured situations• Dynamic assessment: analysis of responses in the context of learning a task• Questioning: judgement about the degree of understanding and an opportunity to dig deeper• Criterion-referenced assessment: measurement of attainment against predetermined criteria• Formal assessment: completion of tests or set tasks

National Curriculum Levels

In Year 2, the formal learning objectives that are taught correspond to National Curriculum levels. A child’s attainment and progress is recorded directly through these National Curriculum levels, and reports to parents correspond directly to these levels.

Standardised Testing

DUCKS recognises the use of standardised testing to provide data used to benchmark progress. Children are assessed as follows:

• Reception, Years 1 and 2 - PM benchmark reading tests • Year 2 - NFER Progress in English, NFER Progress in Maths • Year 2 - National Curriculum Tests.

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Overview of Reporting to Parents

TermTerm 1 • Curriculum evening

• Termly overview• Parents consultation evening• End of term report

Term 2 • Termly overview• Open days• Parents consultation evening

Term 3 • Termly overview• Open days• End of term report

Termly Overview

Parents receive a termly curriculum overview at the beginning of each term. This is a summary of the major learning objectives to be taught during the term.

Parent Consultation Evenings

These take place in Terms 1 and 2, and are a chance for parents to discuss how their child is progressing, both academically and socially.

Open Days

In Terms 2 and 3, parents are invited by their class teacher to come into class to see the work that their child has been doing. In Early Years, this is a chance for parents to stay and play with their child. In Years 1 and 2, children show parents their books.

End of Term Reports

Parents receive a written report at the end of Terms 1 and 3. This explains the progress their child has made against National Curriculum levels and identifies their next learning steps.

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Homework

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Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of homework are:• To enable children to make maximum progress in their academic and social development• To help children develop the skills of an independent learner• To promote cooperation between home and school in supporting each child’s learning• To enable all aspects of the curriculum to be covered in sufficient depth• To provide educational experiences not possible in school• To consolidate and reinforce the learning done in school, and to allow children to practice skills taught in lessons;• To help children develop good work habits for the future.

Types of Homework

Staff and children regard homework as an integral part of the curriculum. It is planned and prepared alongside all other programmes of learning.

A variety of homework activities are set. In Reception and at Key Stage 1 children are given books to take home and read with their parents. Guidance is given to parents on achieving the maximum benefit from this time spent reading with their child. Year 2 children are also asked to learn spellings as part of their homework. When children are asked to study a topic, or to research a particular subject, they are encouraged to use not only the school library but also the Internet. In Year 2 homework is set via our virtual learning platform (class teachers will send home details of this). This tool gives the children and parents guidance on how to complete tasks as well as keeping them up to date with methods that are used in school.

The Role of Parents

Parents have a vital role to play in their child’s education, and homework is an important part of this process. Parents are expected to encourage their child to complete the homework tasks that are set. They should help their child as and when they feel it to be necessary and support them by providing a good working space at home, enabling them to visit the library regularly, and by discussing the work that their child is doing.

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Holistic Opportunities

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Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs)

At the beginning of Term one, CCA time is used for PSHCE lessons and the orientation of the children in to the new year group. Following the October half term holiday, children in Years 1 and 2 take part in co-curricular activities on Fridays from 1.45pm to 2.45pm. Following the October half term holiday, every class visits a different classroom each week where they partake in a rotation of activities including: sports, cooking, crafts and drama. Each child will have the chance to visit every classroom in Years 1 and 2 throughout the year. At the end of each lesson the children will return to their classroom before the end of the school day so they are ready to leave school at 3.00pm, as normal. Alternatively children in Year 2 can choose to join the Mulan Choir or Maypole Dancing club. These are term-long commitments and replace the CCA programme and they also run from 1.45pm to 2.45pm on Fridays. The Maypole Dancing club runs during Term 2 and Term 3 whilst the Mulan Choir runs during all three Terms.

The House System

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.

Activities are organised by the DUCKS House Coordinator through which children receive House points from members of staff which are totalled each half term.

AnandAnand House is named after Anand Panyarachun, considered the greatest living Old Alleynian (“OA”), as Dulwich old boys are known. Khun Anand has had a distinguished career of service to his country and in business: he is the former Prime Minister of Thailand, Chairman of the Thai Federation of Indus-tries, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Thai Ambassador to the U.S. and Chairman of Saha-Union Group. Born in 1932, Khun Anand is an alumnus of Dulwich College London, where he was School Prefect and captain of the undefeated 1951 School Tennis Team – a truly distinguished OA.

HowardCharles Howard, 2nd Baron Howard of Effingham and 1st Earl of Nottingham (c. 1536-1624) took advantage of his high birth to sustain a long and distin-guished career. He served Queen Mary as Lord High Admiral and Queen Elizabeth as Lord Chamberlain.Charles Howard held supreme command of Naval Forces when the Armada was destroyed in 1588. In 1596, with Lord Essex, he stormed Cadiz to forestall another Armada. The following year he was created Earl of Nottingham and served as Lord High Steward until 1615. Charles Howard was also the patron of Lord Howard’s Men, later known as The Admiral’s Men, a theatre company in the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. Lord Howard’s Men were generally considered one of the most important acting

troupes of English Renaissance theatre. Edward Alleyn, the founder of Dulwich College London who is considered one of the greatest actors of Shakespeare’s time was the principal actor for the troupe.

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ShackletonOne of the greatest explorers of the 20th century, Ernest Shackleton was an inspiring leader who demonstrated selfless regard for those he led. His hair-raising expedition to Antarctica in 1915 made this Old Alleynian a legend in his own time. When his ship, the Endurance, was trapped in the polar ice, he led his men to shelter and then sailed out in an open boat (now on display at Dulwich College London) to seek help. He returned to save his comrades two weeks later – a happy ending to a harrowing experience, achieved through sheer grit, ingenuity and determination.

WingYung Wing was a dedicated educator, a scholar and an ancestor of one of the founding members of Dulwich College Shanghai. Born in Guangdong Province in 1828, he was the first Chinese to receive a university education in America, graduating from Yale University in 1854. Yung entered the Qing Imperial Government service in 1864, and proposed that the government subsidise the education of young Chinese in the west. Between 1874 and 1881, several hundred Chinese youths were sent to U.S. universities. He was also instrumental in establishing one of China’s first modern companies, the China Merchants Steamship Navigation Company – whose 1901 headquarters still stands on Shanghai’s Bund.

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 they take part in assemblies to recognise their good work. In Reception they are given certificates from the Magic Book and in Years 1 and 2, they 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 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 take part in at least one production each year.

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 Music. Once a year, DUCKS holds a music Soirée when children who play an instrument can perform. Children audition for the soirée with the Head of Music.

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Special Events

Over the course of the year, children participate in the following celebrations and activities: United Nations Day*, Lunar New Year, Christmas celebrations, Book Week and Sports Days. Parents are warmly invited to all of these events. As an international school great value is put on parents coming into class to share special celebrations from their home cultures. Parents willing to do so should speak to their child’s class teacher.

*As the children have an international dress-up day on UN Day in Term 1, it would be useful if parents aquire a national costume from their home country during the summer holidays.

Birthdays

Parents are very welcome to bring a cake to school when it is their child’s birthday. A simple homemade cake is usually preferred by the children. Parents are asked to check with their child’s class teacher to arrange the best possible time in the day for them to bring in the cake. They should also check with their child’s teacher that there are no children in the class with any food allergies. DUCKS has a strict no-nuts policy.

Eductional Visits

Children 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.

Service Education

Heart to Heart ShanghaiIn line with the College philosophy and objective statement “we care and we share”, DUCKS supports the Heart to Heart Shanghai organisation.

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 and their families 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.

We raise money for Heart to Heart through many different events including readathons, walkathons, and the Winter Fair. DUCKS also holds regular collections of clothing for the organisation to take to the villages and have funded libraries in village schools. The College also has Heart to Heart bears for sale. Mrs. Karen Carrington, Executive Director of Heart to Heart Shanghai, is a regular visitor at the school and attends most Heart to Heart events.

DUCKS has a Heart to Heart club which involves children in Years 1 and 2 learning about the organisation, planning and advertising fund raising activities.

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.

Parents who would like to learn more about Heart to Heart Shanghai, can visit their website:www.heart2heartshanghai.net.

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Student Welfare

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Student Welfare

All children have the right to:1. Learn2. Feel safe and happy3. Be treated with respect and kindness4. Freedom of expression and independent thought

All children have a responsibility to:1. Have input into their learning and aim to reach their full potential2. Accept responsibility for their actions and property3. Care for themselves, others and the environment.

The College aims to provide a framework that ensures that systems, procedures, and policies are in place to safeguard the welfare of students, thereby providing an environment in which each individual student can maximize their potential in becoming a well-rounded young person who strives for excellence and, in doing so, embraces the College Values.

College Values

Our College Values are a more specific embodiment of our Philosophy and Objectives statement and allow us to define our aims in terms of student experience and development.

We aim to develop well-rounded young people who strive for excellence in all that they do and are well equipped for future success through being:

Academically successful• They are academically well-rounded, having an appreciation for world literature, science and mathematics, and the Arts.• They understand and use technology.• They fulfil their academic potential.

Effective learners• They are inquiring.• They are risk takers.• They are independent learners. • They are critical thinkers.• They embrace the concepts of lifelong learning.

Effective communicators• They are able to express themselves confidently and appropriately through a variety of media.• They communicate in more than one language. • They utilise technology.

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College Values Continued

Principle-centred members of society• They show respect and accept responsibility for others and for their environment.• They are generous and caring. • They show humility. • They challenge social injustice and inequity.• They value and respect diversity. • They believe that people can make a difference.• They build and maintain ethical, trustworthy, productive, and resilient relationships.

◊ They have the ability to inspire, influence, and collaborate with others whilst also having the ability to manage conflict.◊ They are socially aware through showing empathy towards individuals, groups, and society.

Balanced individuals• They are self-aware: possessing the ability to understand their own emotions and recognise their impact. They have a clear sense of identity and self-esteem• They exercise self- management: controlling their emotions and impulses and adapting to changing circumstances, being resilient and staying physically healthy. They are effective goal setters and have a clear sense of their future.

Safeguarding

In our Dulwich College International Schools we consider Safeguarding as: “the way in which we provide a safe and effective environment so that all our children can fully develop and learn. We also take every step to ensure that children in our care are protected from any form of abuse or neglect.”

In putting students first in all that we do, the issues of safeguarding, including child protection, are of paramount importance in Dulwich College International Schools wherever they are in the world. This is not because we have any specific or worrying concerns for the immediate safety of our children but, as a world-class organisation with a strong moral purpose, we wish to make certain that every step is taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child. The Dulwich College International Safeguarding Framework is followed by all Dulwich College International Schools and shows an unprecedented commitment to this sensitive and often complicated area of our provision.

Absence Policy

If a child is going to be absent from school due to illness, parents should contact their child’s class teacher before 9.00am via one of the following methods:

• Email - firstname.surname@dulwich-shanghai.cn• Contacting the DUCKS Receptionist on 58999910 ext 610, • Leaving a message on the absence answer machine service on 33821805.

If parents know in advance that their child will be away from school, they should let their child’s class teacher know.

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Behaviour and Discipline Policy

One of our primary aims is that every member of the school community feels valued and respected, and that each person is treated fairly and well. The College is a caring community, whose values are built on mutual trust and respect for all. The DUCKS 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.

DUCKS has a number of rules, but the primary aim of the behaviour policy is not 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.

DUCKS expects every member of the school community to behave in a considerate way towards others, we treats all children fairly and intend to apply this policy in a consistent way.

The 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.

DUCKS rewards good behaviour, as it believes that this will develop an ethos of kindness and co-operation. The policy is designed to promote good behaviour, rather than merely deter anti-social behaviour.

Children receive praise and rewards for good behaviour in a variety of ways:• Teachers congratulate children.• Teachers give children reward stickers to stick on their work or take home.• Teachers give stickers to children for consistent good work, behaviour, outstanding effort or acts of kindness. Each week they nominate children from each class in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 to show their ‘good work’; those children then receive a merit certificate during the school good work assembly.

In Reception, children are recorded in the ‘Magic Book’. In Years 1 and 2, the certificates are linked to the school’s Philosophy and Objectives statements. Children in Years 1 and 2, are also awarded House points for good work, behaviour and manners. All staff across DUCKS are able to award House points.

DUCKS acknowledges all efforts and achievements of children, both in and out of school.

DUCKS employs a number of sanctions to enforce the rules, and to ensure a safe and positive learning environment. Each sanction is employed appropriately to each individual situation.

• Children are expected to listen carefully to instructions in lessons. If they do not do so, they will be asked to either move to a place nearer the teacher, or to sit on their own.• Children are expected to try their best in all activities. If they do not do so, they may be asked to redo a task.

If a child is disruptive in class, the teacher will discuss this behaviour with them and ask them to stop. If a child misbehaves repeatedly, they will be given time out from the rest of the class until they calm down, and are 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 be taken to 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.

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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.

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 will discuss the school rules with their class. In addition to the school rules, each class also has its own classroom code, which is agreed upon with the children and displayed on the wall of the classroom. In this way, every child in the school knows the standard of behaviour that is expected. If there are incidents of anti-social behaviour, the class teacher will discuss these with the whole class during ‘circle time’.

The school does not tolerate bullying of any kind. If an act of bullying or intimidation is discovered, immediate action will take place to stop any further occurrences of such behaviour. While it is very difficult to eradicate bullying, everything possible is done to ensure that all children attend school free from fear.

If a child threatens, hurts, or bullies another child, the class teacher will record the incident and the child will be disciplined. If a child repeatedly acts in a way that disrupts or upsets others, the school will contact the child’s parents and seek an appointment in order to discuss the situation, with a view to improving the behaviour of the child.

The Role of the Class TeacherIt is the responsibility of the class teacher to ensure that the school rules are enforced in their class, and that their class behaves in a responsible manner during lesson time. The class teachers 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 their class with respect and understanding.

If a child misbehaves repeatedly in class, the class teacher will keep a record of all such incidents. In the first instance, the class teacher will deal with the incidents themself in the normal manner. However, if misbehaviour continues, the class teacher will seek help and advice from the Head or Deputy Head of DUCKS. The class teacher may liaise with external agencies, as necessary, to support and guide the progress of a child. This would only take place once parental consent has been given.

The class teacher will also contact a parent if there are concerns about the behaviour or welfare of a child.

The Role of the Head of DUCKSIt 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, 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 Head of DUCKS office. The College Headmaster 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.

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The Role of ParentsThe school works collaboratively with parents, so children receive consistent messages about how to behave at home and at school.

Parents are expected to read the rules and support them.

Parents are expected to support their child’s learning, and to co-operate with the school. The school builds a supportive dialogue between home and school, and parents are informed immediately if there are any concerns about their child’s welfare or behaviour.

If the school has to use reasonable sanctions to punish a child, parents are expected to support the actions. If parents have any concerns about the way that their child has been treated, they should initially contact their class teacher. If the concern remains, they should contact the Head of DUCKS. If these discussions do not resolve the problem, a formal grievance process can be implemented through the Headmaster.

Monitoring The Head of DUCKS monitors the effectiveness of the DUCKS Behaviour and Discipline policy on a regular basis and also reports to the Headmaster on the effectiveness of the policy and, if necessary, makes recommendations for further improvements.

Early Years Toileting Policy

Aims and ObjectivesToilet training is a significant milestone in a child’s life and is vital to their independence and participation in school. DUCKS recognises this is a mutual task, requiring cooperation, agreement and understanding between the child and their caregivers. This includes parents and ayis at home, and teachers and ayis at school. The best toilet-training 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, it is regarded that a toilet-trained child is a child that is in control of their bowel and bladder, being aware of when they need the toilet, thus resulting in them having minimal accidents. This also includes wiping themselves or identifying that they need help.

If children start Nursery or Reception and they 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.

ToddlerMost 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.

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Early Years Toileting Policy Continued

NurseryChildren 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. The goal being 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.

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 ResponsibilitiesThe role of the parents

• Toddler parents will need to provide nappies/pull-ups and spare sets of clothing, which will remain at DUCKS.• Nursery and Reception parents will 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

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• 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

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Partnering with Parents

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Partnering with Parents

The College believes that parents play a crucial part in supporting good behaviour in school and welcomes and values their support in setting high expectations. The following expectations will help parents in their efforts to best support their child’s development in DUCKS.

Safe Surroundings

Parents are asked to:• Be safe and considerate to others when dropping off/picking up children. • Share lifts when possible. • Not obstruct the entrance/exit by stopping in zoned areas or abuse any other parking restrictions around DUCKS.

Failure to follow this advice may lead to a serious accident.

Pastoral Environment

Parents are asked to:• Ensure that their child understands the standards of behaviour expected of them. • Always report any concerns about their child’s well-being and work cooperatively with the class teacher to resolve matters satisfactorily.• Encourage excellent attendance and punctuality. • 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 their child adopts appropriate sleep habits/patterns.• Ensure that their child engages in age-appropriate activities in the evenings and at weekends.

Academic Environment

Parents are asked to:• Observe progress as detailed in their child’s Report and let the class teacher know of any concerns or suggestions.• Make themselves aware of the DUCKS assessment criteria and curriculum requirements and ask the class teacher to explain if necessary.• Show a particular interest in their child’s development by asking them about what they have been learning at school.

A copy of the College Parent Charter is available on the College website in the Community section

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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 will 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 jenny.han@dulwich-shanghai.

Parental Involvement

Parental involvement in DUCKS is welcomed. Parents may wish 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, the Head of DUCKS, or the Deputy Head of DUCKS, if they wish to help in class.

Library Service for Parents

The Senior School Library endeavours to cater to the needs of the entire Dulwich community, and parents are warmly encouraged to register there and borrow books.

Parent Forums

Forums are carefully positioned throughout the year to address a variety of pertinent topics including: assessment, Mathematics teaching and learning, English teaching and learning. Other forums may be added as necessary throughout the year as the need arises.

Systematic Training for Effective Parenting Programmes (STEP)

In order to provide support for the parent body the College runs STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting Programs) in each of the schools. (http://www.ciccparenting.org/StepPrograms.aspx#3)

• Early Childhood STEP – for parents of children under six,• STEP: Systematic Training for Effective Parenting – for parents of children six to twelve years of age.• STEP/Teen – for parents of children 13-19 years of age.

All versions of the programme teach positive approaches to understanding and raising children. The STEP approaches include appreciating that children’s behaviours are motivated by a variety of goals, that encouragement for children becoming the best that they can be is extremely important, and that family councils for making decisions for and with children are highly valued.

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Friends of Dulwich (FoD)

Friends of Dulwich (FoD) is a volunteer parent organisation that provides a focal point for the school community. It serves as a fund raising vehicle for agreed charities, in addition to fund raising for selected school community events and projects. All parents are automatically members.

Through class representatives FoD facilitates the communication between class teachers and parents in relation to volunteers for classroom or special events. The class representatives also facilitate the social interaction among families in the school community.

Activities include Parent-Teacher Socials, Daddy-Daughter Dance, Father-Son sporting events, The Winter Fair, The International Food Fair, Teacher appreciation activities, Health and Nutrition Committee, Scholastic Books, Farmers markets, flea markets. In addition FoD collaborates with the school to support productions and assist with sporting events. Monthly Coffee Mornings feature guest speakers and vendors.

The FoD bi-weekly newsletter provides up to date information on upcoming activities as well as a link to the College local events board and community forum, on the College website, which affords parents an opportunity to exchange information.

FoD offers support for new families to assist them in having a smooth transition to both DCS and Shanghai.

The FoD committee meets monthly. If parents are interested in getting more involved or have any questions they should email fod@dulwich-shanghai.cn.

Committees and Working Parties

The College is committed to working in partnership with the parent body to foster a sense of community spirit. It recognises that input from representative samples of parents alongside that of students and staff on key issues will help to ensure that communication is open and transparent and that decisions have been made following due stakeholder representation. To this end interested parents may be invited to join College working parties or committees as appropriate and upon approval of the Headmaster.

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Health and Safety

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Air Quality Policy

AQI is made up of several components, ground-level ozone, particle pollution (both PM 2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10) pose a health concern because they can be inhaled into and accumulate in the respiratory system. Particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) are referred to as “fine” particles and are believed to pose the greatest health risks.Because of their small size (approximately 1/30th the average width of a human hair), fine particles can lodge deeply into the lungs. (http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi)Our policy is based on keeping students and other members of our community as safe as possible, and therefore focuses on the level of PM2.5. Our policy is in line with many other international schools in Shanghai.When making a decision about what is appropriate action due to that day’s air quality, both the AQI and the PM2.5 will be taken into consideration, the higher reading according to the table below being used to determine the action to be taken. For example, if the AQI reading is 115, but the PM2.5 is 78, then the action will be from the Amber category.

Outdoor Pollution LevelsPM2.5 Levels AQI Reading Actions0-75 0-150 No action required76-100 151-200 Students are still allowed outside, but levels of vigorous

action and outdoor exposure will be limited. Ball and running games will be prohibited during break and lunch times. CCAs that normally have a high exertion level will be moved indoors

101+ 201+ All outside activities will be cancelled and students will remain indoors.*

* Senior School IB students who have permission to leave campus at lunchtime will still be allowed to do so.We will use three monitoring stations selected from the Group Cloud App, taking the average AQI and PM2.5 value in order to make decisions regarding outdoor activities. The three stations selected are Zhangjiang, Yangpu Sipiao and Chuansha.Readings will be taken from the App by the Guards at 7.00 am, 9.30 am, 11.30am and 3.00pm, circulated to key staff and signs updated as necessary. The PE department may decide to take intermittent readings taking action in line with the policy.The air quality band will be displayed on all exits and in each school.

Children with specific health related issuesParents should please keep the school informed if their child has particular respiratory problems. Individual arrangements can be made in these instances.

Co-Curricular ActivitiesOn high pollution days, CCAs will not be cancelled but alternative activities will be put in place and students will still travel home on their expected CCA bus.

Educational VisitsA reading will be taken prior to any school educational visit. If the reading is into the Red band, the member of staff responsible for the visit will postpone the trip. The member of staff responsible will make the necessary arrangements and communicate directly with parents of the students on the visit. In the case of residential visits the member of staff responsible for the visit will use the Green Cloud app to take Air Quality readings at the start of and during the day to decide if outdoor activities need to be modified or postponed.

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Non-Competitive Activities, including TrainingFor activities held before 7.00 am and after 4.30 pm the DCS Coach will take a reading from the Green Cloud App to determine whether the activity should be modified or postponed in line with the DCS policy. At venues other than DCS we will be guided by the host school as to the air quality level. The DCS Coach will then make a decision based on the information supplied.

Competitive SportsOur competitive Sports Teams are members of various sporting organisations and, at present, those organisations respond differently to Air Quality levels than we do at DCS.For competitive sports fixtures we fully intend to follow the guidelines laid down by the external organisation that oversees the competition.

Indoor Air QualityWhen air quality outdoors is poor, we encourage all members of our community to keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.Readings are taken in large indoor play areas (Lower Gym, Upper Gym, Ducks Hall) twice daily. If the air quality is such that it is in the Amber or Red band indoors, then no indoor physical activity will take place in that area.In other venues for indoor Sports activity, we shall be guided by the host school as to the indoor air quality. However, if we have significant concern that it is not in the Green zone, we shall postpone the fixture.School ClosureThe College will not close due to poor air quality unless it is instructed to do so by the Shanghai Municipal Educational Commission. If a parent chooses to keep a student at home for health reasons due to poor air quality, that absence will be treated like any other health-related absence.

First Aid and Medical Care

DUCKS has a full time nurse in whose 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 the nurse feels it is necessary, she will contact parents and ask for them to pick up their child as soon as possible. If she cannot contact a parent, she will telephone their emergency contacts and ask them to come and collect the child. It is, therefore, essential that all emergency contacts are aware of their responsibilities.

Parents are expected not to bring their child to DUCKS if they are unwell. Keeping them at home will help to speed up the recovery and also reduces the risk of infection to the other children. Please note that staff will only administer Tylenol if they have a signed parent consent form.

The following exclusion periods are adhered to:

Exclusion Period Chickenpox Usually 6 days from appearance of the last spot Conjunctivitis Children may return to school once treatment has begun Diarrhoea & Vomiting 48 hours symptom-free. Child must be eating normally again Fever 24 hours after temperature has returned to normal Hand, foot and mouth 24 hours symptom-free from sore throat, fever. No draining from

sores/blistersMeasles 5 days minimum from onset of rash Mumps 5 days after swelling has appeared Ringworm Until commencement of treatment Rubella 7 days after onset of rash

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If a case of head lice is discovered, all parents will be informed and asked to check their child’s hair to prevent further spreading. The nurse will be happy to check a child’s head on request.

If a child has suffered from an infectious disease, a certificate from the doctor stating the child is symptom-free and able to return to school, will be required.

Fire Drill Policy

The Fire Drill evacuation plan is displayed on all of the classroom walls. In the event of a fire alarm, children will be escorted from their classrooms or play areas with their teachers to the central assembly point at the front of DUCKS where registers will be taken.

Closure of School Procedures

On some occasions, it may be 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 the children 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. • The Headmaster will ensure that all parents and staff are notified via a SMS message and a message will also be placed on the College website.

Procedures for closing school while in sessionIf 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 a SMS message, and a message will be placed on the College website.• At all times when the College buildings must be evacuated, all children and staff shall exit the buildings in an orderly fashion as rehearsed. Children shall be kept at the designated meeting place or other suitable location until parents can arrange to pick them up.• The Headmaster will inform teachers when children may be released. 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, children will be dismissed to their buses. All other children will remain at school under teacher supervision until a parent or nominated guardian arrives to take them home.

Delayed Closing of SchoolIf conditions exist that make it unsafe for children to travel home on foot (severe weather, civil disturbances, etc.) children will remain at school under teacher supervision. When travel on foot has been deemed safe, the school will be closed and the children sent home following the procedures listed above.

Parental DecisionsAlthough the College will take every precaution to ensure the safety of all children 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 secretary to ensure that all children 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.

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Communication

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Communication

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, year level curriculum evenings are held for all parents to introduce the staff and discuss classroom routines.

Each class in DUCKS has a dedicated web page, called a ‘Weebly’ and parents will be sent the link and login details by their class teacher. Parents are asked to check these each week to get informa-tion on the curriculum being covered during the week and for 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. Parents should expect a comment from their class teacher in the book each week.

Newsletters and The College Magazine

The College produces a weekly newsletter for each school every Friday during term-time. Parents are emailed the Newsletter directly via the College website. The weekly Newsletter, along with past Newsletters, are also available on the website.

The Newsletter contains key dates for the forthcoming week along with a link to the full Parent Calendar. Links to the other schools Newsletters, lunch menus and news items are also included.

The College magazine is produced three times per year and published at the end of each term. It contains 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 College activities and descriptions of the individual schools. There is also a media section where regular news items are posted.

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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, the College will send an SMS message notification to the mobile phone number that parents have provided advising them to review the website for further details. Parents are consequently reminded to let the school Offices know of any changes in their contact details.

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 from the Main College Reception.

School Calendar

The College uses an online calendar system. This allows parents, students and staff to be able to subscribe to school events via iCal, or RSS feeds. Apple iPhone users are also able to subscribe. The parent calendar is broken down into the following event categories:

• DUCKS Events• JS Events• SS Events• Performing Arts Events• Sports Events• University Guidance Events

This allows parents and staff the ability to subscribe to event information relevant to them. Subscription links can be found on the calendar section of the College website.

Month M T W TH F SAT SUN Event28 29 30 31 1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 17 15  Aug:  New  Families  Orientation  Day  18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18  Aug:    First  Day  of  School  -­‐‑Term  125 26 27 28 29 30 311 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 14 08  Sep  :  Mid-­‐‑Autumn    Festival15 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 29/9  -­‐‑  3/10:  National  Holiday

1 2 3 4 5 29/9  -­‐‑  3/10:  National  Holiday6 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31

1 23 4 5 6 7 8 9 06-­‐‑07  Nov:  November  Break/Staff  PD  Days10 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 301 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 21 15  Dec  -­‐‑  02  Jan:  Winter  Holidays  22 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 11 05  Jan:  First  Day  of  Term  2  12 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31

12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 22 16-­‐‑27  Feb:  Lunar  New  Year  holiday  (CNY  Day  19)23 24 25 26 27 28

12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 2930 31

1 2 3 4 5 03  April  Staff  PD  day6 7 8 9 10 11 12 03-­‐‑10  April  Qingming  holiday/official  is  5th  April13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13  April  First  Day  of  Term  320 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30

1 2 3 01  May:    May  Day  Holiday4 5 6 7 8 9 10 09  May:  Founder'ʹs  Day11 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 311 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 21 19  Jun  Last  day  of  School  (Half  Day)22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20  June:    Dragon  Boat  Festival29 30

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Parent  Calendar  2014-­‐‑2015Dulwich  College  Shanghai

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2014-15 Calendar

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266 LanAn Road, JinQiao, PuDong, 201206info@dulwich-shanghai.cnwww.dulwich-shanghai.cn