DUCKS (ages 2 to 7)
Welcome to DUCKS, Dulwich College Kindergarten & Preschool
DUCKS at Dulwich College Shanghai is set in a purpose-built Early Years environment for children aged 2 to 7. It comprises Toddler, Nursery and Reception (collectively known as our Early Years programme), together with Year 1 and Year 2. All our DUCKS classrooms are light-filled, spacious and richly resourced to ensure children are inspired in their learning, complemented by beautifully landscaped outdoor play areas that are ideal for exploratory learning in nature.
Early Years Approach at DUCKS
Early Years at DUCKS is based on the best of Early Years education from around the world, within the well-defined expectations of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum from the UK.
Child-led learning and play-based exploration underpin our approach, with learning supported through positive interaction with adults whose careful questioning, observation and reflection inform their daily practice.
Prime Areas include: 1) Personal, Social and Emotional Development; 2) Communication and Language; and 3) Physical Development
Specific Areas include: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design
Key Stage One Curriculum (Year 1 and Year 2)
In Year 1 and Year 2, DUCKS teachers build upon and extend child-led learning and play-based exploration towards a more structured approach, following the English National Curriculum.
Pupils delve deeper into core subjects including English, Mathematics and Science, alongside foundation subjects such as Art and Design, Computing, Geography, History, Music and Physical Education. Children have specialist lessons each week for Music, Library and Physical Education.
STEAM Curriculum at DUCKS
DUCKS pupils begin actively engaging with technology, both online and offline, from Reception, while remaining mindful of managing and minimising screen time. Our dedicated SE21 space brings together STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), Entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability, and 21st-century skills. SE21 aims to promote a curious mindset and gives pupils opportunities to explore creative, imaginative problem-solving projects that bring these subjects together.
Holistic Education at DUCKS
Holistic education is central to the DUCKS experience. Pupils in Reception begin to participate in our Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) programme once they are developmentally ready to do so, often in Term 2 or 3, while children in Year 1 and Year 2 take part in CCAs throughout the week. Activities on offer include tennis, martial arts, outdoor adventure, drawing, multisport, eco clubs, crafts and drama.
Our Dual Language Approach
Early Years pupils are immersed in our Dual Language programme, which values English and Mandarin equally and strengthens children's cognitive abilities through language exposure throughout the day. Our English teachers lead the curriculum, supported by an Assistant Teacher or Dual Language Teacher fluent in Mandarin and English alike, with the learning environment, including print, presented in both languages.
The aim is for children to become fluent in English and Mandarin by the end of Year 2, able to switch comfortably between the two whilst remaining secure in their first language.
Wellbeing at DUCKS
DUCKS places each child's sense of self and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. The foundations for lifelong learning sit within an atmosphere that is caring, nurturing and stimulating, whilst challenging each child in a safe and exciting environment.
Applying to DUCKS
We warmly welcome enquiries from families at any point in the year. Applications for DUCKS Early Years typically take place between September and January, with assessments held from November to January; school tours are offered during Open Days, announced each September. Applications for Year 1 and Year 2 also take place between September and January, with places offered subject to availability.