Untitled document

Sculling

We are very fortunate at the Dragon to have about three hundred metres of the River Cherwell passing through the school grounds. We have our own Boathouse which houses the majority of our single sculls and training boats as well as the school canoeing group.

Our Racing Squad train out of the St. Edward's School Boathouse at Wolvercote on the Thames. Those selected to participate as members of the Sculling Squad have access to Quads, Doubles and single sculls. We also have access to two following launches to support the children whilst coaching on the river.

All children have the opportunity to learn sculling as part of the schoolsActivity & Clubs Programme.

Each year the Dragon participates in various events across the country. In the first term, the children have the opportunity to enter races called ‘Heads’. These are longer races, often over several kilometres along a stretch of river. Each year we enter a number of these, traditionally starting with the City of Oxford Head. As the summer approaches the regatta season commences. These are much shorter sprint races, usually over distances of up to1000 metres. Most of the competitions are public events, although some are “private matches”.

Dragon Regatta

At the end of the Summer Term the school hosts its own internal regatta on the River Cherwell. As many as 80 races take place during the day with events for all. The parents presence makes for a wonderful social occasion, as picnics and barbecues are set up along the river bank. There are several school cups for which the children can compete during the year and at the Dragon Regatta.

Trophies and Prizes:

Parnwell Cup - Donated by David Parnwell and is awarded to the most successful sculler of the year.
Cherwell Cup - Awarded to the most improved sculler.
Sturt Cup - This cup is awarded to the sculler who displays the best Watermanship and commitment to the sport during the year.
Frances Houghton Sculling Cup for Girls - Awarded to the best girl sculler in the school (Frances, who was at the Dragon, was in the Women’s Quadruple Scull that won the 2004 and 2008Olympic Silver Medal. In 2005 she became World Champion in the same boat type and she is the current Olympic and World Champion in the Women's Coxless Quad Scull).