The Dulwich Difference – Sport
Sport and Physical Education at Dulwich College Seoul achieve much more than winning trophies. Our programme is rooted in shaping character, fostering teamwork, and building resilience. Through an inclusive, dynamic curriculum and a robust calendar of competitive opportunities, students develop a lifelong passion for physical activity, learning values and skills that will serve them long into the future.
Meet the PE Team
The PE Department is united by a shared purpose: to help students gain confidence, inspiration, and dedication across a wide variety of sports. The team encourages students to approach challenges positively, working towards resolutions that promote learning, wellbeing, and personal growth. Whether in physical education lessons or extra-curricular activities, the coaching team prioritises leadership, fair play, and respect for both opponents and teammates.
Top Row (Left to Right):
Peter Poulton – Director of Sport
Robert Nowak – PE Teacher
Jennifer Birch – PE Teacher, PE Curriculum Lead
Martin Bushell – PE Teacher
Bottom Row (Left to Right):
Jun Huang – Swimming Coach
Youngjin Kim – Swimming Coach
Hyerim Park – PE & Sports Administrator
Taearm Sun – Pool Manager
Our Approach to Sport
At Dulwich College Seoul, we believe that sport plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded individuals. We evaluate student growth through our bespoke PE DCSL Standards, ensuring that progress is celebrated across four key areas:
Deeper Thinking: We challenge students to think critically and deeply about game strategies, rules, and how they can best contribute to their team’s success.
Commitment: We evaluate perseverance and willingness to improve. Every sport requires dedicated training, and we value the enthusiasm students show for learning and following guidance, regardless of their starting skill level.
Skillful: We encourage students to give their absolute best effort to develop their motor skills and physical competence. Our training sessions provide a motivating environment for students to confidently hone their abilities.
Leadership: Whether captaining a Varsity team or representing their House, students are required to guide their peers toward a common goal, emphasising respectful behaviour, empathy, and positive influence.
These standards are not just taught; they are celebrated. At our annual School Sports Awards, students, parents, and coaches come together to recognise sporting prowess alongside outstanding sportsmanship, commitment, and the embodiment of our College values.
Highlights and Opportunities
Domestic Sport and Competition
Dulwich College Seoul is a proud member of the Korean American Interscholastic Activities Conference (KAIAC), providing frequent, meaningful opportunities for students to train, compete, and grow. Across Varsity and Middle School levels, our students compete in dedicated seasons for volleyball, basketball, football, and badminton. During the recent volleyball season, students demonstrated exceptional commitment, attending after-school and weekend training to refine their skills and build teamwork.
Alongside KAIAC fixtures, the College hosts a range of school-based events that bring our community together. House sport opportunities—including our vibrant House Sports Days—allow students to compete in a spirit of participation and school pride. These events strengthen connections across year groups, encouraging students to contribute to their community through effort, encouragement, and respectful competition. Swimming also forms a significant part of this inclusive programme, with students from Primary to Senior School taking part with pride.
International Sporting Experiences
Through our membership in the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) and the Dulwich College International network, our students have the chance to compete in overseas events, including the FOBISIA Games, the WorldWise Games, and the Dulwich Olympiad. These are highly valuable experiences that allow students to make lasting memories while strengthening their independence, cultural awareness, and leadership skills. When competing abroad, our athletes represent our community, embodying the PE DCSL Standards and experiencing the camaraderie of international sportsmanship.
A recent highlight was the College’s return to the Phuket BISP Soccer 7s, one of Asia’s largest school football tournaments. Competing across U11 and U13 divisions, our teams demonstrated remarkable grit and collaboration. From our U13 Girls being crowned Plate Champions to our U11 Girls reaching the Cup Final in a thrilling title match.
Curriculum Pathways
Our mission is to provide an inclusive and inspiring curriculum where every student can thrive. Middle School physical education offers a broad variety of activities, including net games, striking and fielding sports, swimming, and creative movement. This variety ensures learning remains engaging while providing a strong foundational understanding of physical literacy.
As students progress, this foundation serves as an excellent bridge to the Cambridge IGCSE Physical Education pathway. Students who elect to continue their studies at the IGCSE level combine their practical sporting abilities with theoretical study, exploring the anatomy, physiology, and mechanics of sport and exercise.
Teacher Reflections
Mr Peter Poulton, Director of Sport, notes: “Our vision is to create an inclusive and inspiring sports programme where every student can thrive, compete, and develop a lifelong passion for physical activity. We emphasise the value of sports competitions in developing sportsmanship, fair play, teamwork, and mutual respect. Our goal is to ensure that every child who wants to, has the opportunity to play at the appropriate level.”
Mr Youngjin Kim, Swimming Coach, reflects on the importance of lifelong skills: “Swimming is a lifelong pursuit. For me, the focus is always on motivating students to build complete confidence and technical skill in the pool. When we empower them with that foundation, it allows us to introduce them to the broader beauty of aquatic sports, ensuring every student has the opportunity to truly thrive.”
Student Reflections
Sachchit G (Year 10) reflects on his growth through competition: “Through FOBISIA and Varsity Basketball, I have gained self-confidence, skills, and communication abilities during games and practices. I am grateful for the opportunity to play in Varsity games, and I enjoy playing alongside my friends and upperclassmen.”
Lily S (Year 6) reflects on her experience at the Phuket Soccer 7s: “The Cup Final was extremely tough, but I was so proud when our team earned second place. Playing on the wing against international teams really helped me improve my football skills and showed us what we can achieve when we work hard.”
Acknowledgements
A special thank you to Year 10 students Aiden L and Damian T, who conducted field research and interviews for this feature during their Work Experience placement with the College’s Marketing team.
Experience the Dulwich Difference
Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are now open. We warmly invite prospective families to register for a campus tour to explore our facilities, meet our team, and discover what makes our community unique. Register here.
To read more from our Dulwich Difference series, please click the relevant links below:
Dulwich Difference – University & Careers Counselling (UCC)