Dulwich for a non sporty boy?

[WineOClockMum]

Has anyone sent their son to Dulwich that isn't a sporty boy? Did he manage to find his tribe or do the sporty boys dominate? I know it has a lot more to offer with music, dt and drama etc. I do like that everyone participates in sport but do the boys in lower teams just fade away?.

Thank you!

I have two boys at DC of mixed sporting ability - one generally gets into the A/B teams and the other into D/E/Fs. One is very musical and the other not. Both are quite nerdy! Would highly recommend.

I really don’t find that sporting prowess dominates: only a small proportion of the boys are genuinely excellent at sports. There’s so much to do, so many extra curriculars - the musical DC is at 4 different music things a week and could do more if he chose. Drama a big thing too. There are loads and loads of non-sports lunchtime and after school clubs, including art/pottery, a school paper, creative writing, more academic extensions eg geography/history/maths clubs and other stuff like boardgaming and chess.

I wish mine took more advantage of the opportunities on offer but they like playing football each break/lunchtime. At least they’re active!

@AgricolaOrBed thank you this is super helpful to hear that the sporty ones don't dominate. One thing i really like is that they can chose different clubs to try out be it sport or non sporty things.

Do you know if Dulwich offers a taster session for boys to try out a musical instrument when they start?

Did your boys move up from the junior school or start at year 7? Was it an easy settling on after the Wales trip?

Thank you

My DC picked up music in the (Dulwich) junior school where every child is sent home with a string instrument one year and a brass instrument another year. Mine chose to carry on from there.

I’m sure there’s lots of new learners in the senior school too - they’re very keen to expose the kids to opportunities - but mine didn’t follow that particular path.

The Wales trip is definitely a good bonding experience and helps the kids to get to know each other and have fun together fast. Happy reports from both of mine, save complaints about having to do walks in the rain etc.

There’s a v high proportion of new 11+ kids - something like 70% if I recall correctly - and they quickly integrate. They all join in pattball and football at lunchtimes and start socialising quickly. Mine both picked up fast friends, who’d joined at 11+, in the first few weeks.