Calling all creative dragons
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Dragon in 2027, the School is creating a special publication, and we need your help!
We will be including definitions of 11 words unique to the Dragon, and we want your illustrations to help bring them to life! We welcome submissions from the whole Dragon community, from parents and young Dragons, to teachers and Old Dragons, and everyone in between! Scroll down for the words and their definitions.
Submit your illustrations for your chance to become a published artist and have your design featured in the Dragon’s 150th Anniversary Book!
How to Enter
- Submit your illustrations using the upload box below or email them directly to [email protected]
- Alternatively, hand them in directly to Mr Ryan, Head of Art
- You may enter as many illustrations as you like
- Entries are welcome in black pen or colour, and can be digital or hand-drawn
- Hand-drawn entries should be no smaller than an A4-sized page
Definitions
Arduus Ad Solem
/ˌɑː.du.us ad ˈsɒ.leːm/
Latin Phrase
“Striving towards the sun” or “reaching for the highest” — the Dragon School motto since the 1870s, reflecting a spirit of ambition, curiosity and perseverance that continues to shape everything we do.
The Cauldron
/ˈkɔːl.drən/
noun
The name affectionately given to the Dragon’s pupil kitchen. Its origins are lost to time, but the nickname stuck!
The Sandpit
/ˈsænd.pɪt/
noun
A long-standing Dragon landmark. Although now rarely used, the Sandpit remains one of the first and most familiar sights to welcome visitors through the Dragon gates.
The Dungeon
/ˈdʌn.dʒən/
noun
A famously mysterious corner of the Dragon often alarming visitors who hear of children venturing into it, though in reality the Dungeon is a beloved treasure trove of costumes, creativity and theatrical chaos.
Bun Break
/bʌn breɪk/
noun
The all-important moment in the Dragon day to run around, let off steam, and catch up with friends with a well-earned delicious treat in hand.
Marbles
/ˈmɑː.bəlz/
noun
Small, shiny glass spheres once treasured by generations of young Dragons. They were collected, traded and fiercely competed over in playground games of days gone by.
Eggy
/ˈeɡ.i/
noun
A Dragon playground staple involving a tennis ball that is still played to this day.
Tuck Shop
/tʌk ʃɒp/
noun
A cherished hub stocked with snacks and treats, run by Dragons, providing the perfect pick-me-up during the School day.
Balloon Debate
/bəˈluːn dɪˌbeɪt/
noun
A much-loved Dragon tradition in which participants had to persuade the audience why they deserved to be rescued from a falling hot-air balloon. It is the spirited predecessor of Dra-GONE in Five Minutes.
Blue Dragon
/bluː ˈdræɡ.ən/
noun
In the early years of the Dragon, the Head was called the Skipper. His boat can be found on the School grounds today, resting on the Banks of the River Cherwell.
Lurky
/ˈlɜːki/ (LUR-kee)
noun
A traditional playground game combining elements of hide-and-seek and What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?, centred around a block of wood.
For a full explanation of ‘the rules’, you’d be best off finding an Old Dragon from the 1970s.
Discover the Dragon
Book an Open Morning
There's only one way to properly experience the Dragon, and that is to come and see us in action. We hold Open Mornings every term at both the Pre-Prep and the Prep.
How to apply
When it comes to education, one size doesn’t fit all. Finding the right school is a highly personal, two-way process and our Admissions team are on hand to answer any questions you have.
Call us on +44 (0)1865 315 405 / 413.
Discover Quest
Dragon Quest is our thrilling enrichment program where children learn new skills and try out new things, reaping the benefits of a school that places equal weight on intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development. Some of the activities have direct academic benefits, others are focused on building friendships and life skills.