Spectrum

The next Spectrum on 8 October is a split affair. The A & B Blocks will be meeting Cally Robson, founder of 'She's Ingenious'. (Lynam Hall, 6.45 p.m.). Cally’s web site can be found by clicking here. In spite of the title, this is definitely a Spectrum for boys as well. In the face of powerful media signals, how do you inspire young people to "find their thing" and follow their individual star? How can they "become who they really are"? Cally will be encouraging Dragons to identify the personal passion, the "something special" that is unique to them and could lead to a fulfilling and successful adult life. For her, personal "success" is often about identifying what you want to change in the world. Parents and ODs are very welcome to attend.

The E, D & C Blocks will have 'An Evening of Storytelling' with Daniel Morden (Forum, 6.45 p.m.) Daniel tells adventure stories from his award-winning book, Dark Tales from the Woods. He has been a professional storyteller since 1989 and has travelled the world telling tales, from the Arctic to the Pacific to the Caribbean. He regularly performs at the National Theatre and The Barbican Centre and is the author of six books for young people. Please click here for the full Spectrum programme and details of how to book tickets.

Open Day

Saturday 16 October is Open Day at Bardwell Road. We will be welcoming prospective boarding and day families for tours around the school on a normal working morning. If you know of any parents who are considering the Dragon for their children, do encourage them to come along. For more information and invitations please contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Book Donations Please

On Monday 4 October we are asking children to bring in a book, in a decent condition, which they think a child their age might enjoy and to donate this book to a good cause. Last year we were able to donate over 400 books to children living locally and abroad who may not have the opportunity to own a book and we are hoping to match this figure this year.

Variety Show 2010

The Variety Show this year will take place over two evenings: Thursday 14 and Friday 15 October. As usual it is likely to be a very popular event. No tickets will be issued for either performance but to avoid disappointment you are advised to reserve seats by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Boarders Survived

Last Sunday, 83 boarders experienced a day of Bushcraft skills on a country estate near Charlbury. Working in groups the pupils built fires, cooked their lunch (corn, sweet potato, trout and bread), built shelters and played evasive games. They were also given short lectures on bush survival techniques. All had a great time and one group even set a new bushcraft record: 12 minutes to build a shelter which tests conclusively proved was waterproof!

Sale News

Now the countdown to Christmas really begins and cards are first on the list. Every Dragon child should have received a template to design an individual Christmas Card. The completed templates should be returned by Wednesday 6 October at the latest – all the necessary information is on the template itself. A proof will be sent back to you before half term, along with details of how to order and final delivery dates - any questions can be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You might also like to consider stocking up the freezer with fresh local lamb from a farm in Little Wittenham, Oxfordshire. Quarter, half and whole lambs (jointed ready for the oven or freezer and supplied vacuum packed in a fleece-lined box) are available for pre-order, with collection from the Dragon School on Wednesday 15 December. These will not be available on Sale day, so do place your order on the Sale website now or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   for more information. Find out all about the Dragon Christmas Charity Sale here.

Questions for Winchester

Moira Darlington would like to alert parents to the forthcoming visit of Mr Alastair Land, Master of College at Winchester, and Mr Matthew Winter, to the Dragon on Thursday 11 November. Mr Land is going to teach the A Block scholars about Epistemology and both will be available in the Library between 6.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. for parents who are interested in Winchester for their sons. They will be able to talk you through the Entrance and Election procedures and answer general questions. If you would like to attend please contact the Future Schools Office on 01865 315407 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

A Block Forum

Parents of A block children are reminded of the forthcoming Forum on Sunday 3 October at 6.00 p.m. in the Lynam Hall (you will already have received a letter from Clare Strickland). The focus of the evening will be ‘Managing Moving On’. If you would like to come but have not yet informed us, please let This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   know.

Sunday Service

Running Ma

Ma Probert completed her first ever sponsored run last Sunday – a 10km race at Blenheim Palace. She raised nearly £2000 in aid of Cancer Research UK and ran the race in 1 hour 13 minutes – a whole 7 minutes faster than she had hoped. Well done Ma.

Isis Sculls

As ever, Isis sculls was a great event to open the season. Dragon opposition was minimal so it was decided to monitor the 15 scullers’ success in two ways. Firstly, the Gold medals went to George Warr in the J13 single, Charlie Pearson in the J12 Single and Sam Stourton in the J11 Single. It was very clear that things were going well.
Secondly, in the U13 Singles, George Warr won but he also beat the 4th fastest U14 time. All of our U13s beat at least one U14. In U12 Singles, Charlie Pearson won but he was also the fastest Dragon sculler of the day. He also beat the 4th fastest U14 time. In fact 6/7 of our U12s beat a U14 time with all beating at least one UJ13 time. In U11 Singles, Sam Stourton won but he also beat at least one J14sculler. All our J11s achieved a better time than the slowest J13. If that was not enough for those who did so well, George Warr, Charlie Pearson and Will Webb beat two U16 Scullers from Reading Blue Coats School significantly. Thanks go to all the parents who supported this terrific start for our Scullers. A classic case of Dragons on Fire!

Please note: the next event to watch out for is Evesham on 16 October. This is also an early notice to let you know that all our events have been permanently removed from Pangbourne Sculls in November so we will not now be attending.