A Walk Down Dragon Lane …
This term, we took a (virtual) stroll down Dragon Lane with the Clark family.
Spring Term
Head’s Update
Welcome to this autumn edition of the Dragon’s Community News …
A Walk Down Dragon Lane …
This term, we took a (virtual) stroll down Dragon Lane with the Hardman family.
Bun Break With … Ma Harvey
Welcome to ‘Bun Break With …’ the podcast where our young Dragons put their questions to a member of the Dragon community.
Reach for the Sun(dance)
Jemima Chen (OD 2016), a second-year undergraduate studying English and Italian at Balliol, is the producer behind Oxford University’s second feature film …
Diversity of Dragons
Without a sense of humour, it’s impossible
Read on for the next feature in our Diversity of Dragons series, where the Dragon interviews entrepreneur Michael Saunders (OD 1976), CEO of Bibendum …
Diversity of Dragons
The drive required to ‘do well’
Ben Lamb (OD 2002) takes the Dragon behind the scenes of life as an actor …
Bun Break With … Ma Dallimore
Welcome to ‘Bun Break With …’ the podcast where our young Dragons put their questions to a member of the Dragon community.
Diversity of Dragons
Making (a piece of) History
Francesca Wilcox (OD 2013) has been busy making history, and we thought you might like to know a little more about how …
A Walk Down Dragon Lane …
This term, we took a (virtual) stroll down Dragon Lane with the Gadney family.
Autumn Term
Head’s Update
Welcome to this autumn edition of the Dragon’s Community News …
Shakespeare, Not Stirred
Fellow OD, Nicholas Shakespeare (OD 1970), author and biographer, answers the questions of his contemporary, Pico Iyer (OD 1970) …
Diversity of Dragons
A Royal Residence
The Dragon is incredibly proud of ODs continuing to reach for the sun and who, in doing so, have become hugely successful in a wide range of fields … Freddy Paske (OD 1999) is the second to be featured in our Diversity of Dragons series.
Add My Marbles to My Fees
Please Add My Marbles to My Fees
Diversity of Dragons
//wizard.loud.fence
The Dragon’s emphasis on individuality over conformity and on independent thinking over convention makes it the perfect training ground for entrepreneurship.
The Times | Spectrum
We’re delighted to welcome a selection of esteemed journalists and editors from The Times and Sunday Times for this very special Spectrum.
Dragon Colleagues
Meet all Dragon Colleagues
Let the Music Play
We are delighted to announce the build of our new Music and Performing Arts Centre will begin this summer. The state-of-the-art facility will promote the love of learning we foster in young Dragons and a life-long appreciation of the arts.
A Walk Down Dragon Lane – Current Dragons
Every term, we take a (virtual) stroll down Dragon Lane with a Dragon Dynasty. We ask each generation of Dragon the questions below and share their different memories of their time at the School within Community News.
A 1st (XI) for Cricket
Not only does this year mark a first for the Commonwealth Games, as women played cricket for the first time, but it also marks a first for girls’ cricket at the Dragon, as we took our first foray into hardball cricket. The main aim of the season was “for the girls to fall in love with the game”, and it’s already clear how many have done just that.
Summer Term
Head’s Update
Welcome to your Summer Term update. It has been wonderful to have all young Dragons back and the Pre-Prep and Bardwell Road resonating once again with the lively sound of happy Dragons.
Jubilee Celebrations
To mark the Platinum Jubilee, on Friday 10th June we were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, to our special Jubilee picnic.
Au Revoir, Merci
This term we wave Bon Courage! to Mr Murchie as he takes his retirement from the Dragon …
A Walk Down Dragon Lane …
This term, we took a (virtual) family stroll down Dragon Lane with the Jay family …
From The Archives: Betty’s Bench
“A lone man appears at the top of the steps and slowly makes his way down to where Mrs Flora Sturt is sketching. He doffs his sea-captain cap, and pulls out a printed form from his pocket and sits on the higher step. Eventually, he speaks.”
Summer Term Round-Up
From Gamelan Day and Bands Night to Jubilee celebrations and prize-giving, there were many moments to enjoy this summer at the Dragon.
Our New Music and Performing Arts Centre
We are delighted to announce the build of our new Music and Performing Arts Centre will begin this summer. The state-of-the-art facility will promote the love of learning we foster in young Dragons and a life-long appreciation of the arts.
Introducing Ian Van Every
Introducing Ian Van Every
Introducing Raoul Rambaut
Introducing Raoul Rambaut | BSc (Hons), FRGS
Introducing David Goatman
Introducing David Goatman | MA (Hons)
From Dragon School to Dragons’ Den
2022 was the year an Old Dragon entered the Dragon’s Den …
Everyone’s Talking About Climate Change
As our inaugural Arduus ad Solem* webinar series comes to an end with our final session on #SustainableFashion this month, we look back at the climate change series as a whole.
Bun Break With … Mr Phelps
Welcome to this term’s episode of ‘Bun Break With …’ the podcast where young Dragons put their questions to Ma Hunt.
Championing Diversity and Celebrating Differences
This year, Dan O’Neill (OD 2005) was recognised by Attitude as an LGBTQ Trailblazer, working in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths …
Spring Term Round-Up
From Guys and Dolls to the Multicultural Extravaganza, the launch of Dragon QUEST Prime to the second event in this year’s Arduus ad Solem series, there were many moments to enjoy this term at the Dragon.
B Suits and Corduroy Shorts
Gay Sturt, Dragon Archivist, looks back at the Dragon uniform over the years. From 1910s Eton collars to today’s kilts and yellow blouses, Gay walks us through a small gallery of images (below) showing the Dragon uniform over the years.
Bun Break With … Ma Hunt
Welcome to this term’s episode of ‘Bun Break With …’ the podcast where young Dragons put their questions to Ma Hunt.
A Walk Down Dragon Lane …
This term, we took a (virtual) stroll down Dragon Lane with the Pasteur family.
Adventure is Out There
Are you an OD with the desire for an adventure? We would love to hear what you are planning …
Introducing Jermaine Sharp
Introducing Jermaine Sharpe | BSc(Hons) MBus CIWFM, Dragon School’s Head of Estates
Spring Term
Head’s Update
Welcome to your Summer Term update. It has been wonderful to have all young Dragons back and the Pre-Prep and Bardwell Road resonating once again with the lively sound of happy Dragons.
Arduus ad Solem | Climate Change Series
Sustainable Finance
New Year’s Honours List 2022
We are delighted to announce that members of the Dragon community have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list 2022.
Bun Break With … Eric Taylor
Welcome to this term’s episode of ‘Bun Break With …’, the Podcast where young Dragons put their questions to a member of the Dragon community.
A Walk Down Dragon Lane …
This term, we took a (virtual) stroll down Dragon Lane with John Tolson.
Staff Spotlight
Introducing Charlie Ponder
It’s an exciting and important time for Drama at Dragon, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and vision for the development of Drama at the School.
New Governor
Introducing Dr Harriet Gurprashad | BSc(Hons) MBBS MRCPsych MSc(Oxon)
The Dragon Christmas Charity Sale
When I was a pupil at the Dragon School in 1985, the term ended with two spectacular highlights: the ballroom dancing competition and the Christmas Charity Sale.
From Self-Publisher to Publisher & Back Again
Jeremy Atkins (OD 1972) writes about the experiences that have led him to where he is today, and why he launched his self-publishing house.
Autumn Term Round-Up
Below are a selection of highlights from this Christmas Term. From our Remembrance Sunday Service, and B Block performance of Journey’s End, to the Reception Nativity and Dragon Sale, there were many moments to enjoy this winter at the Dragon.
Days in the Dungeon
Sharing memories from her 30 years as Wardrobe Mistress at the Dragon, Sarah McClelland (OD 1967, Current Staff), with the help of Gay Sturt, Archivist, bringing her words to life with photos from Dragon days gone by.
Festive Baking
Francis Stanford (OD 2011) shares recipes for two fun festive bakes.
The Great PJ Wilson
On 15 October 2021, colleagues gathered in the Common Room for a short presentation to wish PJ well in his retirement.
Creativity for Social Change
Since February, former staff member Wendy Baugh has been using her art to create life-altering change by selling her Kenyan art collection with 100% profit going to Peter’s Fund.
Arduus ad Solem | Climate Change Series
Renewable Energy
Opportunities to Excel
If you have not yet had the opportunity to view our Transformational Bursary Film, it is well worth a watch. The short video encapsulates the programme in the words of those who know it best, our community of recipients, staff, ODs and parents.
Summer Term Round-Up
Below are a selection of highlights from this Christmas Term. From our Remembrance Sunday Service, and B Block performance of Journey’s End, to the Reception Nativity and Dragon Sale, there were many moments to enjoy this winter at the Dragon.
Summer Term
Headmaster’s Update
Welcome to your Summer Term update. It has been wonderful to have all young Dragons back and the Pre-Prep and Bardwell Road resonating once again with the lively sound of happy Dragons.
A Walk Down Dragon Lane …
This term, we took a (virtual) stroll down Dragon Lane with the Beloff family.
Language, Literature and Latin
You may look back on your Classics days at the Dragon and remember the joys and/or difficulties of memorisation. Chandler Hamer, Teacher of Classics, writes about learning Latin today.
Bun Break With … Ma Goldsmith
Welcome to a special edpisode of ‘Bun Break With …’ the podcast where a Dragon family put their questions to Emma Goldsmith.
Giving Forward – a Dragon Legacy
For a young Dragon, the prospect of their legacy is probably one of the last things on their minds.
From The Archives: A Dragon Century
In 1977, we celebrated a century of the Dragon. Gay Sturt, Dragon Archivist, looks back to the School’s celebrations and shares photos of the events that took place in recognition of such an important date in the Dragon’s history.
Bun Break With … Ma McNeile
Welcome to ‘Bun Break With …’, the podcast where our young Dragons put their questions to a member of the Dragon community.
Behind the Mask
Sam ‘David Watson’ Petty (OD 2002) writes about the experiences that have led him to where he is today, and why he began running his own business, David Watson.
What does it mean?
We’ve been asking various members of the Dragon community the same question …
Mr Kato Retires
Many ODs will remember their Keio YochishaExchange, and Mr. Kato, organiser of the programme since its launch in 1995. This year, Mr Kato, announced his retirement.
Skipper’s War | A Review
‘The Skipper’s War’ by Desmond Devitt tells the story of the emergence of the Dragon under a charismatic headmaster and a remarkable generation that experienced the First World War. The preface is specially written by Rory Stewart, telling the story behind the ‘Skipper’s War’ blog of the special relationship between the Skipper and the war generation of Dragons (1877-1920).
Culinary Dragons
James Blackwell (Head Chef of Holroyd Howe) shares his recipe for Dragon QUEST éclairs.
Geldingadalsgos
The recent eruption in southwest Iceland has spawned a new 36-letter word that is surely is designed to flummox all of us all: Brennisteinsmengunardreifingarspáin.
A Walk Down Dragon Lane Form
Every term, we take a (virtual) stroll down Dragon Lane with a Dragon Dynasty. We ask each generation of Dragon the questions below and share their different memories of their time at the School within Community News.
New Head of Dragon School
Governors of the Dragon are delighted to announce the appointment of Emma Goldsmith as Head of Dragon School, from September 2021.
Dragons, Apes and Lost Connections
We realised how serious things were when they suddenly stopped the ferry to Grenada. One of the nurses came flying into the room shouting for everyone to help her pack. It was only after she had left I realised I was stuck.
WWI Medals for Old Dragon
Captain Frank Benham, Royal Field Artillery born in Stafford in 1886 was educated at Oxford Preparatory School and the Dragon School, Oxford from 1898 to 1900.
Inky & Guv
Bursaries and Hardship Fund
Bursaries and Hardship Funding working in tandem for the benefit of Dragon School R Keith Ingram (Inky) and Michael Gover (Guv) are names synonymous with the Dragon, fondly remembered for over thirty years since their retirement in 1989. Inky became the Dragon’s Headmaster in 1965 and was joined by Guv as Co-Headmaster from 1972. They […]
A Walk Down Dragon Lane …
This term we took a (virtual) family stroll down Dragon Lane with cricketer George Munsey (OD 2006), and his father Tony Munsey (OD 1973), Director at WH Munsey Ltd.
Bun Break With … Mr Scott
Current Dragon Daisy, daughter of two ODs, and grand-daughter of a past teacher, and fellow A Block boarder, Hebe, shared their Bun Break with Peter Wilson, Dragon School staff member of 54 years.
From The Archives: The First Ma
“A lone man appears at the top of the steps and slowly makes his way down to where Mrs Flora Sturt is sketching. He doffs his sea-captain cap, and pulls out a printed form from his pocket and sits on the higher step. Eventually, he speaks.”
Dragon 10
The pandemic has been a challenging and difficult time for many of our ODs, especially for our younger ODs taking the first steps towards their chosen careers. Therefore, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that we share details of our new initiative, Dragon 10. _________________ The breadth and depth of experience within our Dragon […]
Lunch In Lockdown
Ella Mills (OD ) shares two of her work from home inspired recipes to lift us up at lunchtime.
Easter Term Round-Up
Below are a selection of highlights from this Christmas Term. From our Remembrance Sunday Service, and B Block performance of Journey’s End, to the Reception Nativity and Dragon Sale, there were many moments to enjoy this winter at the Dragon.
Easter Term
Headmaster’s Update
Dear Reader, Welcome to your Easter Term update. The term began in January with a UK Government announcement of a third national lockdown. While this meant we were unable to have Dragon children in School, except for those who were part of the key worker provision, our live teaching virtual classrooms and extensive remote learning […]
Seven Months in Zambia
A Report by Tom Mills (OD 2014) In September 2019, I travelled to Zambia to take up a year-long teaching placement organised by the Coll-based charity Project Trust, sponsored by eight charities, along with innumerable friends and family. I was heading to Mambwe Secondary School, a rural boarding school in Zambia’s Eastern Province, in the […]
Celebrating Dragon Women
In recognition of Women’s History Month this March, we think back to 2008 when OD women gathered at the School for the ‘Celebration of Dragon Women Lunch’.
New Year’s Honours List 2021
We are delighted to announce that members of the Dragon community have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list 2021.
Sebastian Goes Back to School
Sebastian Croft (OD 2015) is starring in Rebellion’s first feature film, ‘School’s Out Forever’, based on the book School’s Out in the Scott K. Andrews trilogy.
Christmas Term Round-Up
Below are a selection of highlights from this Christmas Term. From our Remembrance Sunday Service, and B Block performance of Journey’s End, to the Reception Nativity and Dragon Sale, there were many moments to enjoy this winter at the Dragon.
Community in Action
This winter, the Dragon is proud to be joining Oxford Mutual Aid’s efforts in supporting vulnerable people in the local community, the NHS, key workers and local aid organisations.
Learnings from Five Olympic Games
Frances learnt to row at the Dragon, and spoke to us ahead of the launch of her book ‘Learnings From Five Olympic Games’ …
A Walk Down Dragon Lane …
This summer we took a (virtually) sunny stroll down Dragon Lane with ITV’s Neil Thompson (OD 1975), creative commissioner, factual, news and entertainment producer and Editor at ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
Bun Break With … Mr Wilson
Current Dragon Daisy, daughter of two ODs, and grand-daughter of a past teacher, and fellow A Block boarder, Hebe, shared their Bun Break with Peter Wilson, Dragon School staff member of 54 years.
Moving On:
Some Advice for Dragons, From an Old Dragon
St Edward’s School, Oxford (or “Teddies” as it is affectionately known) has announced Alastair Chirnside (OD 1989) current Deputy Head at Harrow School, London, as their 14th warden.
Investing in the Future
Lucius Cary OBE (OD 1960) has a degree in Engineering and Economics from Oxford University, an MBA from Harvard Business School and went on to be an Engineering Apprentice at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell.
Green Dragons
GRObeirut is a community initiative run by and for local people responding to the catastrophic fallout of the Beirut port explosion, co-founded by Charlie Merson (OD 2008) and Theo Hodson (OD 2006).
From The Archives: 1918 ‘Flu Term’
“Every boy in the House has put on weight and despite the lack of some foods the catering has managed well. The sick rooms were improved and increased, during the summer holidays and now there is a ‘Sick Bathroom’ upstairs.”
Locked Down in Paradise
We realised how serious things were when they suddenly stopped the ferry to Grenada. One of the nurses came flying into the room shouting for everyone to help her pack. It was only after she had left I realised I was stuck.
30 Years of Service
This Saturday, the Dragon community celebrates Gill Wilson’s extraordinary 30 years of service to the School, as she steps down as Dragon School governor.
Introducing our New Heads of Boarding
Familiar faces to the Dragon community, Marcus and Gus Faulkner, known to so many of us as Houseparents of School House, were welcomed into the roles as Heads of Boarding this academic year.
Guests of Honour
Every year, since 1944, our community has come together on the final day of Christmas Term, and raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity. Archivist, Gay Sturt, has compiled a list of the many Guests of Honour the Sale has welcomed over the years.
Christmas Term
OD Update
Dear Reader, Welcome to your new-look Christmas Term update. This September we were delighted to welcome our young Dragons back in year group bubbles (for COVID-safe reasons). Many enjoyed our first-ever online Dragon Sale, live-streamed our annual Remembrance Sunday Service and the QUEST began for E & D Block, as our bespoke enrichment programme transformed […]
Joining the Digital Revolution
Earlier this year, the Dragon School moved online. From lessons to Bun Breaks, Spectrum to musical productions, lockdown meant that the Dragon Education went fully digital, and the Virtual Holistic Curriculum was developed. Director of IT, Paul Dunleavy, speaks about the move to online learning and the benefits of a flexible and digital approach to […]
100 Years
On Sunday 8th November, 1920, 100 years ago, the Dragon welcomed the Bishop of Oxford to preside over a service of dedication of our Memorial Cross.
The OD Issue 09
In this year’s issue of The OD, you will read how members of our Dragon community have demonstrated our School’s three core values of Kindness, Courage & Respect amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
BSA COVID-Safe Charter
Dragon School is pleased to announce that we have adopted the Boarding Schools’ Association COVID-Safe Charter.
Old Dragon Lockdown Drama
Facing the postponement due to lockdown of his West End production, Six Characters in Search of an Author, actor, writer and director Simon Evans (OD 1997), was not one to let such an opportunity pass him by.
Return of the Dragons
It has been wonderful to hear the sounds of young Dragons laughing and playing and to see the children reunited with their friends and teachers.
Historic Lives Podcast:
Desmond Tutu
This week’s episode is about the life of Desmond Tutu, who won The Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.
The Dragon’s
Virtual Holistic Curriculum
“The Dragon has done a great job in switching to online learning. The morning form time sessions have been particularly important in helping my child continue to feel connected to school.”
Historic Lives Podcast:
Dorothy Hodgkin
This week’s episode is about the life of Dorothy Hodgkin, best known for her work in developing crystallography of biochemical compounds.
Scholarships & Exhibitions 2019/20
A huge congratulations to A Block/Year 8 on achieving 55 awards to a variety of leading senior schools.
Historic Lives Podcast:
Sir Winston Churchill
This podcast plays a part in marking the 75th anniversary commemoration for VE Day.
From Music to Motorbike
Many of you will be used to seeing Mr Smith, Head of Woodwind and Instrumental Studies, behind a saxophone, but how many of you have seen him on a motorbike?
Virtual Open Mornings
Our Virtual Open Mornings enable parents to discover more about the Dragon, hear from current pupils, and provide the opportunity to engage in a Q&A with our Headmaster, Dr Crispin Hyde-Dunn.
Dragon Impact
Amidst the Pandemic
From giving the daily briefing at Downing Street, to being part of the COVID-19 vaccine task force, from co-ordinating volunteers, making PPE equipment, donating food to local hospitals and everything else in between – we thank you!
