DUCKS
Dulwich College Kindergarten School (DUCKS) is set in a purpose-built Early Years environment catering to children ages 3 to 7 years old. It comprises of Nursery and Reception (collectively known as our Early Years programme) and Year 1 & 2. During their DUCKS years, our students develop their personal, social and emotional skills, communication and language skills, and physical movement skills, while building their foundation in literacy, mathematics, art and world cultures.
Our Difference: Engaging Learning
In Early Years, we offer a unique Engaging Learning framework, rooted in a strong educational philosophy that is informed by leading international approaches. Through Engaging Learning, DCBK is committed to nurturing curiosity, independence, and holistic development in every young learner.
We know every child and understand that they are unique through careful observation, assessment, and active listening. Our educators connect deeply with each learner. We build strong, responsive relationships with families that support wellbeing and foster a sense of security. Daily care routines and meaningful interactions engage, respond to, and nurture each child’s unique needs.
Early Years
We build strong foundations for learning through play-based, inquiry-led experiences that foster independence, curiosity, and joy. Children develop key skills in language, literacy, numeracy, and physical development through personalised, child-initiated learning. At an early age, we nurture digital literacy, global citizenship and a sense of awe and wonder about the world.
We create inspiring indoor and outdoor spaces to encourage exploration and adventure, fostering independence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging. Our indoor environments cultivate creativity through flexible multi-purpose spaces, the use of natural materials, and dedicated areas showcasing visible learning. Outdoors, children explore, take risks, and connect with nature through play, problem-solving skills, collaboration, and a love for the natural world.
We partner with parents through open, respectful communication. We celebrate every family’s culture and context. Digital tools are used to share each child’s Learning Journey. We engage families in their child’s learning, encourage volunteering, and supported learning at home for a collaborative approach.
Each class is taught by at least one native English-speaking teacher and one native Thai-speaking teacher. Our aim is for our children to be confident and competent in English and Thai, as well as other languages spoken at home.
Children delve deeper into areas of learning, including core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and the foundation subjects; Art and Design, Computing, Geography, History, Music and Physical Education (PE). Depending on their age, children will have specialist lessons each week for Music, Library and Physical Education.
Early Years at DUCKS is grounded in internationally recognised best practice and guided by the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This provides a clear and well-defined framework for children’s development while allowing flexibility to respond to individual interests, strengths and stages of growth, ensuring strong foundations for learning and wellbeing.
As children progress into Years 1 and 2, learning becomes more structured while retaining the confidence, curiosity and independence developed in the Early Years. Students follow an enhanced version of the National Curriculum of England, delivered through an inquiry-focused, concept-based approach.
They'll delve deeper into areas of learning, including core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and the foundation subjects; Art and Design, Computing, Geography, History. Specialist teaching in areas such as Music, Library and Physical Education further enriches learning and supports the development of well-rounded, confident learners.
Every class is supported by both a native English-speaking teacher and a native Thai-speaking teacher. This dual-language environment enables children to develop confidence and fluency in English and Thai, while valuing and supporting the languages spoken at home. Language learning is embedded naturally across the curriculum and daily school life.