A Block Meeting

A reminder that the Parents’ Meeting for A Block takes place this Sunday in the Forum and the Lynam Hall (6.00 - 8.30 p.m.) If you have not yet done so, please let This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it know if you will be attending. You may wish to come to the later slot of 7.15 - 8.30 p.m. as slightly fewer parents have opted for this time.

Tennis Squad Coaching

Varsity Match

Staff Pantomime – Robin Hood

Seats are going extremely quickly for this production and the Lynam Hall is nearly full on all nights. The performances are on Thursday 18, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 November at 6.45 p.m. The deadline for a reservation is Monday 15 November – so please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it now to avoid disappointment! Please note that Dragon children (not Lynams) must wear B Suits to performances.

Startins International Evening

This week the boys of 28 Bardwell Road celebrated their different cultures with each other in a lively evening of song, anecdotes and historical facts.   They learned about the climate in Sri Lanka, ate Japanese crackers, sampled lomo and olives from Spain (as we learned how to say our names in Spanish), compared the underground railways in London and Japan, tasted French truffles and waved the Welsh flag! Having heard the Australian National Anthem, the boys were led in song by their matron, Abbi, with a traditional Swahili greeting brought all the way from Kenya.

Over half term, 15 Dragons went to Tokyo with Dr. Norton, Mr. Graham and Ma House (see main picture). The trip was the second leg on the exchange programme which the Dragon runs in conjunction with the Keio Yochisha School.  All of the Dragons enjoyed themselves hugely, and threw themselves (or each other in the case of Judo!) in to the various activities organised for them including trips to shrines, calligraphy and meditation. Apart from some appalling weather which rendered Mt Fuji invisible from even a few miles away, the trip progressed smoothly and was a great experience for all involved.

Dragons in Rome

This half term saw a small group of Dragon families, accompanied by Ma Simon, travelling back in time to Ancient Rome. An initial downpour did not dampen their spirits as they explored both the Colosseum and its gruesome history and the Forum – a display of imperial might and triumph. The mysterious Catacombs of San Sebastian were a spooky underground adventure and an exploration of Christian life in the Roman era. Further afield, a day was spent exploring Ostia – the setting of the Roman Mysteries – to discover what Roman life was like in a busy commercial town. As well as history and artefacts the group experienced the exciting buzz of modern Rome and ate more pizza and pasta than anyone thought possible. The company was outstanding and everybody came home feeling enthused for all things Roman.

Dragons in New York

17 Dragons, accompanied by Mr Devitt and Ma Macmillan, enjoyed a week in New York over half term. Staying with host families, whose children will be coming on the return leg in June, there was time to visit the Empire State Building, the UN, Central Park and enjoy a matinee performance of "West Side Story" amongst many other things, in an action-packed week. For all concerned it was a useful experience of independence and understanding of our American cousins!

Website Tip of the Week

Some senior schools send us details of their upcoming open days. To view this list please click here.

Songs of Ocean World

On Friday 26 November at 11.00 a.m. the whole of C Block will be taking part in a choral performance of ‘Ocean World’ in the Lynam Hall. This musical entertainment is a series of songs and narrations describing the eventful journey of a hump back whale and her calf as they travel north, and the many man made difficulties they both encounter along the way.

We hope many of you will be able to join us for what should be a memorable performance.

Maths Fun at Lynams

Activities in the week before the half-term break spotlighted the fun of maths. A very successful Maths Workshop for Parents emphasised the importance of a confident approach and appreciation of maths’ relevance to our everyday lives; other parents may like to see the Powerpoint presentation from the workshop.  ‘World of Maths’ also visited Lynams and provided a wide range of mind boggling problem solving activities.  Children had fun applying maths skills to hands on puzzles.  Intriguing tasks to calculate shortest distances, look for reflective symmetry, identify patterns, estimate and count demonstrated how maths is involved in so many everyday activities.  Finally on Friday children wore a ‘Maths Hat’ to school and made a colourful spectacle in a parade at Assembly.  Some of the wonderful hats are now on display in Lynams entrance hall. 

Reception Divali Celebrations

Reception celebrated Divali, the Hindu festival of light. They spent the day tasting Indian food, making clay Diva lamps and learning the story of Rama and Sita.  On the way to lunch the children took part in a light walk through the darkened hall, lit up with a path of twinkling Diva lights. During the afternoon they sang Divali songs in music and designed their own Mendhi handprint in ICT.

Dragon Sale News

It’s Pre-sale time! As we gear up for the big Sale day you have the chance to pre-purchase all sorts of Christmas goodies.  So if you’ve got your eye on a hamper, delicious chocolates, exclusive cheese, clothing from Dragonalia and Dragon Direct, a pair of Dragon cufflinks (from Dragon China) or the complete Dragon Pottery kitchen range and more,  please come to one of the Pre-sales. The first is Wednesday 16 November, kindly hosted by Kerensa Sheen, at 15 Linton Road, OX2 6UH. Especially for Lynams parents there will be a second Pre-sale on Thursday 18 November, kindly hosted by Bryony Clarkson, at 30 Norham Road OX2 6SQ. Further Pre-sales will take place on 26 November and 3 December. These events run from 9.00 to 11.00 a.m. and you are very welcome to one or all of these. Alternatively, if you prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home, do visit the sale website where you will find details of the full range of items available, together with downloadable order forms. Finally, remember to get your gift wrap orders in by Monday 15 November for free p&p – further details also on the Sale website.