Sunday Service

It has been good to see a large number of parents at the Sunday Services this term. We have invited General R.L. Kirkland CBE MA (Officer Commanding 4th Division) to speak at our service on 10 October. (10.00 a.m. in the Lynam Hall – all welcome.)

Rugby Fixture Cancellation

Bloxham have unfortunately had to cancel Saturday’s match v Chad 1A due to illness. Many apologies.

Rugby at Clifton

Please note that there are three locations for rugby at Clifton tomorrow: the 1st XV and Bardwell 1A XV are playing at “Newfields” (Walled Garden) at Clifton College Prep in the middle of Clifton; Colts A will be just round the corner on “Lower Slopes” (Senior School main site by the Prep School); Bardwell 1B XV are playing at Beggars’ Bush ground, across the suspension bridge on the edge of Bristol.

Directions to all venues are available here. All matches are 2.45 p.m. kick-off.

Spectrum

Tonight’s Spectrum is a split affair. The A & B Block 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.

The E, D & C Blocks will have 'An Evening of Storytelling' with Daniel Morden (Forum, 6.45 p.m.) Daniel will tell 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.

Variety Show

Christmas Concert

Art in St Ives

Last Thursday 26 eager A Block Art Scholars, accompanied by 4 equally keen staff, set off for a long weekend to explore the art, landscape and culture of south west Cornwall. On route to St Ives the party stopped in Truro to see the expressive landscape paintings of Kurt Jackson at the Lemon Street Gallery; the children were impressed by the prices that a living British artist working outside of the capital could command! For a full report of an inspiring and fun weekend, please click here.

London Concert for Hospice Care

On a lovely warm London evening last Thursday, 30 members of the Chamber Choir, accompanied by Mr Madden and conducted by Ma Van Tromp, opened the London Chamber Orchestra’s season at St John’s Smith Square. The concert for Helen and Douglas House also supported the ‘Live Deep. Love Music’ project which celebrates hospice care and is sponsored by Countess Yoko Nagae Ceschina. The project is enabling Japanese paediatricians to establish their own hospice movement. The choir sang an anthem ‘Hear my Voice’, specially commissioned for this concert, composed by Masanori Katoh and adapted by John Madden. All were delighted to participate in a wonderful evening and to be able to play a part in the development of hospice care in the UK and in Japan. Thank you to all parents who supported the Choir and to the Countess for the lollipops!

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 our This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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

Parents’ Evening

Parents of E, D & C Block children are reminded of the forthcoming Formtakers’ Introductory Evening this Sunday 10 October at 6.00 p.m. The C & D Block event will take place in the Forum and the E Block event in the Dining Hall.

Making the Break

10 Drummers Drumming

David Smith, Head of instrumental Studies and one of the regular Gunga Dorms Takers gave the boys a special lesson last night to show them how to use the kit and they were very excited to see its capabilities.

Leadership Challenge

Sale News

Hampers – that’s the word for this week. Lots of them, brimming over with delightful delicacies such as local honey, jams and marmalade, cranberry sauce and cookies and more, plus a bottle of something lovely. Available in two sizes to suit all, you’ll find the order form on the Dragon Sale website now. And a big thank you to everyone who sent in their wonderfully colourful and imaginative Christmas cards designs - within the next week or so you’ll receive a proof of your own card so you can get your order in before half term and the finished cards will be delivered well in time for Christmas posting. Find out more about the Dragon Christmas Charity Sale here