We have enjoyed an action-packed term in Secondary, welcoming in the Year of the Snake, with many highlights and an apology from the off that these words will never do full justice to all that has been achieved this term.
Our largest Year 13 examination group completed their mock examinations, coursework, oral exams, exam-related performances (theatre) and exhibitions (Theory of Knowledge and art) this term. When we return after Spring break, their final examinations begin, and with the whole DCIS community behind them, we’ll be supporting them to the finish line and to their graduation ceremony at the end of May. Our thanks to our careers and counselling team for their unwavering support in decision-making and applications.
This year sees our first Oxbridge offer. Our students are accessing the best universities and programmes worldwide, and most importantly, our support focuses on the unique skills and interests of our young people in planning their next steps. The “Life after Dover” section in our weekly newsletter is very appropriate, as students completing national service remain connected to us and supported, too. Thank you to all parents who supported our Careers Fair this term. Your support, insight, and connection with our students are absolutely crucial.
As the most successful year in competitive sport, the Wolves can be very proud of their achievements this term. This term alone, 250 students have represented the school in 112 fixtures, supported by 55 early morning training sessions, 3 swim galas, our U13 squad doing us proud in Thailand last month, and so much more. In its third year, the Charlotte Mackender Charity Netball Tournament raised 4,000 SGD in memory of our wonderful, talented and kind student whose memory is perfectly symbolised in the energy and spirit of the tournament. The level of participation in sport and the success of our teams wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our PE Team and staff coaches and our fantastic students striving to achieve their personal best every time!
It has been a record term for our maths students too with our first participation in the FOBISIA Junior Maths Competition in KL and excellence in the UKMT awards with several students qualifying for the Maths Olympiad and with an overall 84% increase in our UKMT gold awards this year. Two of our science students have been selected to visit MIT in November, which is an incredible opportunity for them. Thanks to the science team for their support.
Two of our students, Allegra and Shya, represented DCIS in the Singapore Art Museum’s ‘Articulation’ competition early in the term. A competition that challenges students to think creatively and critically, they have set the bar high for others next year. Our MUN debaters have also been in action in Singapore, and we have enjoyed success in NAE debate competitions.
The arts have flourished this term. Our Year 12 IB theatre student performances of ‘Girls Like That’ were simply brilliant, powerful and thought-provoking. We were delighted to have other schools see them in action, too. We also participated in the FOBISIA Drama Festival for the first time this year. The IGCSE/IB Music Showcase was an outstanding event, showcasing the diverse talents of our students, and their breath-taking performances left the audience in awe and rightly so. We look forward to the School of Rock and the Drama Festival next term. Year 8 students led a Mardi Gras parade through the campus this term in a colourful collaboration between art and languages departments. There were many lively characters on campus and the sharing of favourite books during Book Week.
History, geography, drama, ASDAN, BTEC trips, entrepreneurial events (the Valentine’s Bloom Boutique sales, to name but one), and the amazing Lunar New Year performances have brought learning to life and given us a strong sense of our community and the cultural diversity of Singapore.
Towards the end of the term, DCIS demonstrated some serious glamour at the Spring Formal with the masquerade theme. Over 235 students in Years 10 to 13 enjoyed an evening of friendship, laughter and dancing on Sentosa Island. A masterpiece of organisation, our thanks to the student organising committee and Ms Glazerman and all staff supervisors who braved the loud music.
Much goes on behind the scenes by many people to enable learning and experiences both on and off campus and to keep everyone safe. My thanks to the Secondary team and on their behalf. We would like to thank all our parents for your support this term, working with us, joining conferences and workshops and the Dover Cour Association for your ongoing support.
We wish you all a wonderful Spring Break. See you all in Term 3!
Rachel Edwards
Head of Secondary
Dover Court International School has been awarded the Bronze Award in the Eco-Schools Awards 2024 from WWF Singapore. This remarkable achievement highlights the hard work and dedication of our Primary Planet Protectors—an enthusiastic group of Years 3 to 6 students—who are on a mission to make our school more eco-friendly.
