Don’t Miss It!

The Dragon School Choir will feature on BBC Songs of Praise on Sunday, 27 March, BBC1 at 4.55 p.m. in the semi-finals of the BBC Songs of Praise Choir of the Year Competition. The Dragon went on to be runners up in the final and this will be broadcast on Sunday, 10 April.

Clubs Next Term

Salters Festival

Last week four of our B block Dragons experienced an exciting day of Chemistry at the Salters Institute Festival day held at the University of Oxford.  Fourteen local schools gathered to experience a day of chemistry practicals in the Dyson Perrins laboratories solving ‘Murder Mysteries’ and creating some colourful chemical rainbows.  The day culminated in an explosive lecture designed to whet the appetite of any would-be scientist.

Mabinogion at the Dragon

The fourteenth Dragon Library Week was held last week with much enthusiasm from E and D Blocks. Chris Smith, a storyteller from The Story Museum, kept everyone intrigued with one of the tales from the Mabinogion. His performance included sound effects from a singing bowl, a tabor and a lyre. A successful two-day Book Fair was held earlier in the week with a range of titles to entice Dragons. The Dragon Library Week mascot was dressed as a May Morning Morris dancer, complete with stave, bells, flowers, and the vital tankard of beer.

‘Out of This World’

Year 2 transported its audience with a production of ‘Out of This World’ last Tuesday. The colourful costumes and accomplished actors told of a planet, inhabited by the ‘Choopies that had been invaded by the ‘Geekoids’. These invading aliens had used all of the planet’s natural resources. The strong eco message reflects the children’s commitment to green issues. The Year Group worked as a team to produce a lively, entertaining performance.

Wellie Walk

The glorious sunshine on Wednesday morning saw Reception on their annual Wellie Walk to Wolvercote Green. Unfortunately there were no puddles to splash in, but this did not dampen the mood. The children walked the two miles effortlessly, and enthusiastically observed and spoke about their local environment.

Easter Egg Mountain

Parents may like to know that following the success of last year's ‘Easter Egg Mountain’, Reed Specialist will be collecting eggs again this year in aid of the John Radcliffe Children's hospital in Oxford. If you would like to donate an Easter Egg, please drop it off at Reed Specialist in Oxford or at the Dragon School Office by Monday 18 April.

Red Noses, Socks and Frocks

On Red Nose Day last Friday, children wore one item of red clothing to Lynams: a red nose; red socks and shoes; red dresses or trousers; red hair or red hats. The buckets on the gate raised £560.60 to be donated to Comic Relief. Four A Block Dragons explained the work of the charity and entertained the children with inspiring stories about the challenge of a Blue Peter presenter who walked on a high wire to raise money. The children were also touched by the plight of children in Africa who will benefit from their donations. Red Nose biscuits were enjoyed by everyone at bun break. Thank you for giving so generously. (See picture above)

Opportunity for Young Musicians

Parents of young musicians might like to know of an excellent summer course run by the Young National Schools Symphony Orchestra (YNSSO). Taking place from 10 to 17 July, and suitable for players of a Grade 3/4 standard and above, the course will provide children from ages 9 to 13 with an opportunity to play real orchestral repertoire. With a mixture of full orchestra, sectional and individual coaching, 'Young NSSOs' will have unrivalled support, gain confidence and enjoy playing together both on and off the concert platform. A musical and social must for anyone who loves their music.  A large number of bursaries, including some fully subsidised places, are available. Application forms and more information are available by clicking here. Auditions will be held at the Dragon on Monday 28 March. For further information contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Gas Masks for E Block

Last Friday, E Block dressed up in period clothes and carried gas mask boxes in readiness for a WW2 experience at the Steam Museum in Swindon. They discovered what it would have felt like to be squashed in a public shelter during an air raid, learned how the war changed families who were evacuated to the countryside on a train, and chatted to people who were children at the time about their real war time experiences. An informative and fun time was had by all and there were several comments about how well the children behaved.

Spring at Stuart-Clarks

On a spring afternoon at Stuart-Clarks, the boys took part in bubble blowing in the garden. They also covered the patio in lovely chalk pictures.

Summer in the Cevennes

There are still places available for current B Block Dragons on this exciting trip to the heart of the Parc National des Cevennes in Southern France, which takes place between 21 and 31 August 2011.  Children will be staying at The Eagle’s Nest Centre for 11 days and the trip includes various activities: swimming in natural ponds; hiking; shopping in a French market; visiting a Bison reserve; experiencing a high ropes course; a ‘via ferrata’ day and mini discos. Children will also learn about the National Park, the environment and the impact human beings have on nature. Please visit the Smaug Abroad website for more pictures and the itinerary.