DSC International School celebrates 35 years in Hong Kong

After 35 years of raising early–year, elementary and secondary students to be global citizens through a culture of diversity, community values and kindness, Delia School of Canada is taking big strides into their next chapter. Now named DSC International School, we take an in-depth look at the ways this all-through educational institution is investing in its future and the future of its students. 

On a trip to its campus in Taikoo Shing, we visited the School’s latest renovations. Seeing as it was first founded in 1986, the evolution that DSC is undergoing is one that sets the bar high for Hong Kong’s long-standing schools. To get a real grasp of DSC’s culture, curriculum and campus development plan, we spoke to the leadership team. The leadership team consists of Dr Jason Walter, the Head of School, Adrianna Mahoney, Principal (Elementary) and Allan Morrison, Principal (Secondary).

 The Elementary and Secondary principals are excited about the changes happening at DSC. Mr Morrison has spent 25 years in education, starting in Canada. “I spent my career in Ontario, Tokyo and Hong Kong. I am a firm believer in lifelong learning and am currently working on my doctorate at the University of Toronto”. Ms Mahoney joined the school as a teacher in 2011 and has spent her entire career in education at DSC. “I was recruited from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. During my time at DSC, I have earned a teaching specialist in Drama and completed the Ontario Principal’s Qualification Program. I also have a Masters of Education”.

When asked how they see DSC’s evolution through the years, both principals put an emphasis on its commitment to investing in aspects of the school. These aspects are what feed directly into the wellbeing and success of its students. “I have witnessed additions of departments and positions that have added additional layers of student support across the School. I’ve seen DSC evolve with technology and continue to educate students on the positive use of technological tools along the way. “I’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of extracurricular activities that are accessible to our student community. I have seen multiple renovation projects, the implementation of Experiential Learning Week, international volunteering, and athletic opportunities for students; and the list goes on. What’s been most impressive to me has been the constant evolution and response to an evolving world and student needs”.

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When it comes to the heart of DSC and the changes it has seen in the last three and a half decades, there is no one who knows it quite as well as Dr Jason Walter. “My educational journey with DSC began in 1998 when I joined the faculty as the only teacher at the grade 4 level. Since then, I have seen DSC grow from a small International School to a large school with over 1200 students. Over the years, I have held various teaching and leadership positions at DSC and my two children are alumni”.

Celebrating his 24th year at the school, Dr Walter explains the steps they are taking to stay connected to its roots while making way for its students’ futures. One of those steps being their new Creativity and Innovation Hub and the Elementary Centre of the Arts. The Creativity and Innovation Hub and the Elementary Centre of the Arts consist of 10 purpose-built studios with different focuses.  “In 2021, the School initiated a 3-year strategic development initiative that involved consultation with staff, parents, and students. It also involved the strategic support of our parent organization, CTF Education Group. As part of this new strategic plan, DSC is in the process of improving teaching and learning spaces. They will do this with the Creativity and Innovation Hub (2021-22), the Elementary Centre of the Arts (2022-23), and a modernised school courtyard and playground (2022-23)”.

The new facilities at DSC will allow students additional learning spaces designed around the concepts of inquiry-based collaborative learning, enhanced through a creative and innovative design thinking model. “The ultimate goal is that students strive for excellence and contribute to a better world,” says Dr Walter. 

In 2001, DSC saw the first graduates cross the stage who attended DSC from Pre-Grade 1 to Grade 12. Today, many of its students are pursuing studies in arts, sciences, engineering and business in the top universities around the world. “Understanding the integral connection between student success and student wellbeing, DSC launched an Elementary House Program in 2017. They had the vision of ensuring that all students entering DSC would instantly be connected with the community and other students”, says Dr. Walter. 

For 35 years, the school has been known for offering a balanced whole-child education. They do this by developing a love of learning and by developing students’ social, emotional, intellectual, and physical intelligence. It is exactly this culture that, for 35 years, has been making its students stay. “DSC offers highly individualized programs for students as they prepare for post-secondary studies. Annually, 100 percent of DSC graduates are offered places at universities in Canada, the UK, Australia, US, Japan, and Hong Kong”.

Weaved throughout its curriculum and school activities, one of DSC’s foundational values has always been global citizenship and sustainability. “We participate in scheduled UN days and discuss global issues and solutions. We also get involved in community volunteer activities and, when possible, take part in international community development projects through our Experiential Learning Week. This year we are taking part in the CNN Call to Earth Day which focuses on sustainability,” reveals Dr Walter.

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With a focus on enhancing university pathways, DSC has implemented the OSSD+ Signature Program. “Essentially the OSSD+ takes the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, an already rigorous and globally recognized program, to the next level. It increases the requirements with additional credits and increased community hours. It also adds the Award for Young People (Duke of Edinburgh Award), and various Masterclasses,” says Mr. Morrison. 

Students then select one of five Signature Programs: Global Influencers, Scientific Innovators, Business Leaders, Artistic Creators and Engineering Designers. These are directly tied to student interests and their desired university destinations. 

Looking to the school’s next few years, their new campus development plan goes hand in hand with its educational goals. This, once again, puts what’s best for the students at the forefront of its decision making. “This makeover has so much more to offer than its aesthetics; we’re looking at developing multiple areas that are dedicated to the love of learning, creativity and innovation. This includes state of the art learning spaces dedicated to the arts, engineering, literacy and exploratory learning” says Dr. Walter. However, in true reflection of the school’s vision and mission, he highlights that “as great as the facilities will be, I’m most excited about the creativity, innovation and learning that will take place within them”.