Phuket is without doubt the most international island in Thailand. Not only because of the many tourists who visit it, but also because the island also has a substantial expatriate population, mainly involved in the tourist industry.

These, plus Phuket's natural beauty and good infrastructure are some of the reasons why Dulwich International College has set up an international school on the island. Mr. Graham Dewey , Marketing Director at Dulwich International College, Phuket, introduces the school.

British education at one of Asia's finest boarding schools

Which curriculum do you follow and why?

We offer a British and international curriculum leading to external examinations in IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. We are a sister school of the prestigious Dulwich College, London, which explains our commitment to the British approach. The IB Diploma is probably the most widely respected and accepted pre-university programme available and provides our students with access to top universities all over the world.

What kind of quality control do you apply on teachers and staff?

This year we had some 700 applications from all over the world for around 12 vacancies. This reflects our reputation and also means we are able to select from the best qualified, most committed and most experienced of the applicants. The Master of Dulwich College in London works with our own headmaster in the selection process. Once part of DIC, our teachers are encouraged to attend courses and workshops to ensure that they remain leaders of their profession.

Which Thai and international agencies have accredited your school?

We are accredited by World Education Services (WES), are an IB World School, an associate member of the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) and affiliated to the Boarding Schools Association (BSA). We are also a leading member of the Federation of British International Schools in South and East Asia (FOBISSEA).

What kind of quality measurement do you use to find out what level of outcome your education produces; i.e. how well your students fare in competition?

Our students' performance is monitored regularly through the school year, particularly for effort and achievement, with grades related to the standards expected in top British schools such as Dulwich College, London. While examination results are not the only definition of a young person's development they are an important element: our IGCSE and IB results are very good, especially for a young school, and can be viewed on our website.

How do you balance and harmonize cultural differences among the students?

With nearly 700 students representing some 40 different nationalities DIC offers a microcosm of the world community. Cultural, racial and religious differences are accepted and respected but not emphasised. "Children, young people and adults live together in a happy, thriving community, where equality of opportunity and racial and cultural harmony flourish. The formation of excellent relationships at all levels is one of the outstanding features of the college." (WES)

Describe the background of your school and tell us a little bit about the founders and present owners and their role today.

We were established in 1996 following long and careful discussions between the governors of Dulwich College, London, the founder and owner of DIC, Dr. Arthit Ourairat, as well as distinguished Thai alumni of Dulwich College, London, including Khun Anand Panyarachun. The commitment and involvement of these respected individuals continues today both on a personal level and through membership of the Board of Governors.

How did the economic crisis in 1997 affect your school? Would you say it is back to normal now?

There were both gains and losses at that time, with Thai youngsters returning from overseas and some expat families leaving Thailand. As one of the leading boarding schools in the region, however, we continued to attract children of all nationalities from all over South and East Asia and beyond as well as from Thailand.

Are there any particular issues regarding the conditions you are subjected to by Thai authorities that you would like to elaborate in order to improve education at your school?

DIC's Thai Principal and our School Manager work closely with the authorities to ensure that we are able to deliver the best possible programmes to all our children. In addition, ISAT, of which DIC is a member, is in close working contact with the Ministry of Education.

Any other education related issue you would like to bring up for our readers?

Our children are happy and active children, thriving on a safe and delightful campus far away from the pollution, traffic problems and temptations of the big city. Children can be children here; they, especially boarders, can work hard, use all DIC's excellent facilities out of school hours and make friends from all over the world. Education goes beyond just what happens in the classroom and we are able to help children develop in all areas.

When did you launch the school's website? What is the main reason for being on the Internet?

The DIC website was introduced soon after the school was founded. It is an excellent way for us to reach out to families across the world. Many people overseas are looking for top quality education for their children but in a safe, pollution-free and beautiful environment: the web provides a quick and easy way of finding the options. Nowadays, too, it is vital to be able to communicate with and pass on information to enquirers quickly and efficiently.

Do you use the website for education? If yes, please tell us in which way, for what purpose and how it has worked out so far.

Our website does not offer on-line education, only a view of and insight into life in the college, the education we offer and the special holiday programmes (Sports & Adventure Camp and English Summer School in April and July, for example).

Dulwich International College Survey 2002