Oppidan Korea October Highlights
October has been a busy month for Oppidan Korea, with programmes running across Dulwich College Seoul and British Education Korea (BEK), alongside events promoting mental health awareness and student wellbeing.
BEK Secondary: Mental Health Awareness Week
Oppidan supported BEK’s Mental Health Awareness Week with a school-wide panel on wellbeing and stigma. Felix Lahiff, General Manager of Oppidan Korea, joined as a guest speaker, sharing how mentoring supports confidence, resilience, and self-awareness — qualities often overlooked in the heavily structured, results-driven culture of Hagwon education.
Felix stressed the importance of curiosity and enjoyment in learning, arguing that children become great students not through rigid systems, but through environments that encourage them to think freely, take ownership, and find joy in discovery.
British Embassy, Seoul: Tackling Stigma
Oppidan also took part in an event at the British Embassy in Seoul focused on reducing stigma surrounding mental health in education. The discussion brought together educators, school leaders, professionals, and students from across Seoul to advocate for open conversation over silence, highlighting the importance of emotional literacy and community support in schools.
Dulwich College Seoul: Critical Thinking & Philosophy
At Dulwich College Seoul, Oppidan mentor Alex continued running the Critical Thinking & Philosophy Club, encouraging students to challenge ideas, build empathy, and develop reasoned arguments. Recent sessions explored Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, prompting students to question their surroundings and rekindle a curiosity and passion for learning that can sometimes be lost in the pursuit of grades.
BEK Prep: Communication Programme
At BEK Prep, Oppidan now runs two clubs simultaneously, led by Alex and Zach, as part of its Communication Programme. The sessions help younger students develop skills in public speaking, debate, and teamwork — focusing on clarity, body language, and active listening to build strong foundations for confident, authentic communication.
Looking Ahead
Oppidan Korea will continue strengthening its partnerships with schools across Seoul and expanding mentoring initiatives built around Character, Oracy, and Readiness, helping students develop confidence, curiosity, and the skills needed to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
