Worker Bees

Last weekend the Dragon apiary and ‘workers’ hosted 30 bee-keepers from around the county. The members of the Oxfordshire Bee Keeper Association (OBKA) received an hour of instruction on how to handle bees and nurture their hives at this time of year.

Synchronised Songs

On Thursday morning, the Dragon had the pleasure of being sung to by Oxford University's all male a cappella group ‘Out of the Blue’. If you would like to see the group live on Monday 30 May at the New Theatre, Oxford, or to download their songs, please visit their website http://www.ootb.org.uk/.

Intrepid Sailors

A team of four Dragon sailors took part in the IAPS National Prep Schools Sailing Regatta in Weymouth, Dorset last Thursday. Competition was tight with 27 schools taking part. Dragons entered two boats in a fleet of 40 and finished a respectable tenth and twelfth overall after competing in the final ‘Gold Fleet’ race. Another highlight was watching the British Olympic team, including Finn sailor Ben Ainslie, train for the 2012 Olympics.

Oarsome Wins

On Saturday, Dragon scullers from A to D Block competed in the Worcester Regatta. The A Block team, who were moved up a year group, sculled very well against the opposition. The surprise of the day was seeing a Dragon sculler romp home in his single scull, 10 lengths in front of his quarter final opponent. The U12 B Block scullers won the singles event and the U11 scullers won the doubles event. A good day was had by all and thanks go to all the scullers and coaches.

Dramatic Dragons

Last Friday, A and B Block volunteers took to the stage for an entertaining evening of ‘Improvisation’. Having selected categories based on ‘Mock the Week’, they gave a polished performance which had the audience rocking in the aisles.

On Sunday, D Block pupils worked from a brief outline of ‘The Three Muskateers’ to produce a wonderful 30 minute ‘Play in a Day’. All in a day, bravo!

Members of the Post Exam Group (PEG) are preparing for their own evening of drama on Thursday 9 June. They will write, direct and perform based on four of Shakespeare’s originals and will also take full responsibility for all aspects of the production.

Double Ace

Last Sunday, the U13 and U11 Dragon boys’ tennis teams joined ten other schools at the Radley Prep School Tennis Tournament. The 1st VI defeated Moulsford in the finals to win the main competition. The U11s won their tournament with a thrilling final victory over the Beacon. In spite of some challenging windy conditions and strong opposition, both teams showed outstanding skill, teamwork and exemplary sportsmanship throughout, and were deservedly proud of their fantastic double success.

LYNAMS NEWS

Water Wise?

This week, Lynams were reminded of the benefits of using water carefully with a water wise assembly given by Form 3Mi. A quiz show featured the ‘Water Waster Family’ and the ‘Water Wise Family’ making important decisions about whether to bath or shower, use a watering can or a hose. Snappy jingles and a rap were included during the show as everyone was reminded to ‘Look back and turn off the tap’.

Green Shoots

‘The Future is Green’ was the theme of a lesson given to Year 3 children this week by the A Block Post Exam Group. The lesson was designed to inform and entertain, using a stimulating circus of practical events. The children were also shown how to make use of natural energy to power their lifestyles. (See main picture)

Floating Dog Biscuits

Year 3 children visited Hampton Poyle, near Oxford this week, to carry out some interesting fieldwork on the River Cherwell. Using a trundle wheel and a measuring tape, they calculated the width of the meander. They looked for signs of erosion, deposition, wildlife and pollution along the river bank. Children enjoyed dropping dog biscuits from the bridge to gauge how fast they would float - the consensus was that the middle of the river has the fastest flow.