The Dehong annual musical is one of the most anticipated events of the school year. With a four-month preparation period from September to December, students rehearse, refine, and ultimately stage a full musical production. It is more than a performance — it is a cross-disciplinary project in which students learn collaboration, expression, focus, and how to find their own place on stage.
This year's journey began with a master workshop. In mid-September, the London International Theatrical Arts held a three-day workshop at Dehong Beijing. The cast members of this year's production, Frozen, went through an intensive rehearsal schedule — lunch breaks, after-school hours, and gaps between classes were all put to full use.
On the final day, as the lights came up on the showcase stage, everything was different. The children effortlessly use English to convey their characters' joys and sorrows; through the glances exchanged with their fellow performers, they caught every line and every cue with precision. In that moment, what you saw were individuals — confident, poised, and radiant.
And that is exactly the state Dehong most wants its children to be in.
On October 25, Dehong will host its first Open Day of the new school year. You're welcomed to see what happens when the stage is handed to the children.
You will also hear a deep dive into the curriculum from divisional heads, step into real classrooms and campus spaces, and get clear answers on scholarship policies and boarding.
Half a day: watch a preview, hear a presentation, visit a classroom, discuss a plan — everything you want to know about Dehong is here.
At a time when much of education still measures a child's worth by scores and rankings, Dehong has chosen a slower path — one that nurtures the person, not just the result. Learning never stops at the classroom door; it happens in every corner of the campus — in the theatre, in the classroom, on the sports field, and in those seemingly ordinary moments of daily life. What teachers do is not "produce a flawless performance," but create every opportunity for each child to find their own stage.
No rush to mold every child into the same shape. No rush to measure every child with a utilitarian ruler. Dehong's "whole-person education" means seeing the person before talking about education; nurturing the heart before talking about grades. Helping a child find confidence on stage, find their place in a team, and find their passion through exploration — these are the things that truly stay with them for life.
And because of this, a Dehong student may not step out into the world flawless in every way — but they will be a whole person.
What kind of family does this education suit?
It suits families who are not in a hurry to measure their child by scores. They believe that what matters more than grades is whether a child has passion, inner drive, and a place in a team.
It suits families who believe in "nurturing the person before the result." They are not against academic rigor, but they care more about whether their child is seen, respected, and allowed to grow at their own pace.
It suits families who are willing to hand the choice to their child. They are not in a hurry to map out the "safest" path, but are willing to explore alongside their child and find the direction that truly fits.
So how does this "wholeness" actually take shape?
The answer lies in a connected "growth ladder" that runs from kindergarten through high school — not a random collection of courses, but a path with logic:
· Kindergarten: In the EYFS British early years framework and Chinese cultural immersion, children explore through play and grow through interaction.
· Elementary School: A unique dual-track curriculum, with CML (Chinese-medium learning) and EML (English-medium learning) running in parallel — half rooted in Chinese, half empowered by English.
· Secondary School: From the IB MYP framework integrated with the national curriculum in Grades 6–9, to the Pre-IB "Pioneer Year" in Grades 9–10, to the parallel IBDP and IAD pathways in Grades 11–12 — two routes to global universities, so every kind of talent can find its own track.
Across all years, the Zhihong programme and capability extension courses ignite students' inner drive beyond the timetable.
(More details on curriculum, scholarships, and boarding will be shared on Open Day — we'll leave a little mystery for you to discover in person.)
You may be wondering: when is the best time to join?
The answer is: now.
The new school year has just begun, and the transfer window is right in front of you. Is your child settling in? Are they being seen? — Adjusting early is worth more than pushing through a whole term. For transfers and mid-year admissions, waiting is the biggest risk. The start of a term is the best moment to integrate — the earlier you enter, the smoother the transition.
Beyond Open Day, we offer a range of visit options:
Elementary School Parent Information Sessions: Every Tuesday at 1:30 PM — step into the Primary School and experience the dual-track bilingual classroom firsthand.
Secondary School Parent Information Sessions: Every Thursday at 1:30 PM — meet the divisional team and gain deeper insight into the secondary curriculum and university pathways.
One-on-One Weekday Visits (all year groups, from Kindergarten to Senior School): Flexible scheduling, bookable individually, with an admissions officer accompanying you at your own pace.
