Old schools are fascinating institutions because they are steeped in tradition and rich in heritage, but they are also remarkable because they could only have survived for so long thanks to their ability to move with the times. ‘It is not the strongest who will survive but those who can best manage change’, said Charles Darwin. This balance has always been a strength of the DSG and is the reason why the school remains a progressive centre of excellence at the ripe age of 146 years.

At DSG, we are acutely aware of our responsibility to develop caring thought leaders who will become the decision makers in a world facing a rate of change that Mr Darwin could never have foreseen. We are passionate about empowering girls with the competencies and character to meet the challenges, responsibilities, obstacles and opportunities they may encounter as 21st century women, but also to pursue their dreams and contribute as citizens of their local and global communities. We prioritise staying abreast of the latest research on what innovative education should look like, but we also draw on the practical wisdom gained from a century and a half of institutional experience.

We realise that, despite the demands of modern society on them, our girls are not adults yet. They need a safe and inclusive environment where they can fearlessly follow their curiosity and learn through discovery, critical thinking and even risking failure. We therefore encourage girls to explore the full range of opportunities on offer in academics, sports, the arts, culture, the outdoors, service, community engagement, travel and leadership.