Dragon School Oxford

Spectrum

This term’s Spectrum programme can be found on the web site by clicking here. Tonight’s Spectrum (9/09/11) is a very special event and it should get the term off to a flying start. “Let’s get This Party Started” is an evening of music with David Smith (The Dragon’s Head of Instrumental Studies – and much more!) alongside some outstanding professional musicians. These include: Roy Johnson on Bass (Eternal, All Saints, Five), Graham Maynard on Keyboards (Alexander O’Neal, Lamar) and Chris Dawkins on Guitar (Lonnie Liston Smith, Rhianna and Oceans 11, Buffalo Soldiers film scores) with Josh Johnson, Drums.

Please have a look at the web site link above to see how to book. We’re hoping for a full house.

Dragon Poets

Congratulations to three of our Upper School children who entered the John Betjeman National Poetry Competition. All three boys reached the final 40 and one of them also received one of four Highly Commended awards. They will be travelling to London next month to receive their prizes.

Secondhand Shop

The second hand shop continues to provide a popular and very welcome service to the whole school. Shani Farrant has now handed over the reins of its organisation to Jules Wilkinson, who is drawing up a new rota of volunteers to help open the shop each Saturday morning between 12 noon and 1.00 p.m. during term.

Jules would be very grateful to hear from any parent who would be prepared to offer an hour on a Saturday: just once a term would help her enormously. Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   if you can offer your services.

We are not intending to open the shop on a Wednesday afternoon on a weekly basis in future, but anyone who is in genuine need of a particular item is always free to email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  in Admissions.

French Conversation

Having been frequently asked if she could offer French conversation classes for adults, Joyce Capek is about to launch ‘Pause Café’, an opportunity for small groups of parents to meet weekly and chat in French over a cup of coffee. Whether you are a complete beginner or wish to brush up your ‘A’ Level French, you will be made to feel welcome. For more information please contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   by email or telephone 07711 589879.

Parking and Safety

It is very important that parents to not park or stop on the zig-zag lines by the zebra crossing. We have posted the official regulations concerning pedestrian crossings on the school web site. The relevant link to the Highway Code is here.

It is worth highlighting the first point:
“You MUST NOT park on a crossing or in the area covered by the zig-zag lines. You MUST NOT overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing or the vehicle nearest the crossing which has stopped to give way to pedestrians”

The Headmaster’s letter at the start of term also reminded parents of the one way system. Please see here for the link to the web site.

Fathers’ Breakfast

All Dragon fathers (including Lynams) are reminded that the annual Fathers’ Breakfast is on Saturday 17 September at 8.30 a.m. If you have not yet replied and would like to have breakfast with the Headmaster by the river next Saturday, please could you contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Catholic Boarders

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  (Housemaster of Wilson's) will be looking after the Roman Catholic Boarders from now on – so all enquires about Church Services, First Communion and Confirmation should be addressed to him.

Ist XV Primed in Cumbria

During the last week of the summer holidays, members of the 1st XV rugby squad travelled to Cumbria in preparation for the season ahead. Based at Sedbergh School, the tour in this beautiful location was a great success on every level. Sedbergh’s hospitality was excellent and the boys were made to feel comfortable from the moment they arrived. The results were pleasing, but much more important were the opportunities to see different boys play in varied roles and the chance for the squad to gel as a unit and forge friendships which will be invaluable through a long season. Click here for a full report of excellent play against formidable opposition.