A Dragon education is tailored to the needs of the children and their future aspirations, and at every level, we strive to make our pupils independent learners, well-prepared for the next stage in their development. Departments adapt and enhance their programmes of study to ensure that every pupil is motivated, inspired and challenged. The Dragon staff value the journey over the destination; recognising that the joy and therefore often the best learning takes place ‘along the way’, tangents and scenic routes are welcomed and encouraged.
In addition to the core subjects of English and Mathematics, the Dragon syllabus includes Modern and Classical Languages, Science, Humanities, Music, FPE (Faith, Philosophy and Ethics), Programming, Art, Drama, Design & Technology and PE. It also includes principles and practice of philanthropy.
Classes are small and both streaming and setting are used. In this way a very individual approach can be offered to every child so that the learning style and pace is appropriate. Dragon School recognises that emotional health and academic development are interlinked, and so PSHEE forms part of the programme.
Our approach is designed for our pupils to:
- enjoy a happy and secure learning environment where they are valued
- develop lively, enquiring minds where they question rather than merely accept
- acquire knowledge and understanding which will equip them for future challenges
- obtain skills that they can transfer to other subjects or situations
Subjects
Year Groups
A Dragon Education
The School day runs from 8am to 4.15pm followed by Clubs
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English
![]() EnglishThe English department aims to excite and enthuse children about language and literature. Emphasis is placed on both the discussion and the formation of individual opinions in response to reading, as well as the development of creative and technical writing skills. Time is spent consolidating the basics of reading, spelling, grammar and handwriting in a well-resourced and lively environment. Find out more |
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ICT
![]() ICTOur philosophy is to educate our children about computing by doing our best to remove the fear of technology, giving them the confidence to try new things, and providing them with the tools they need to achieve their goals independently. Find out more |
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Support
![]() Learning SupportLearning Support plays a central role at the Dragon, offering support in developing a child’s individual skills. We aim to celebrate neurodiversity, raise confidence and help children learn in ways that play to their strengths and help to develop independent learning. Find out more |
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Music
![]() MusicThe collective aim of the Music Department is to fire enthusiasm of the musically talented and offer opportunities for all through music. We help every child to achieve their musical potential and there are a number of performance opportunities at every level, both within school and in public. Find out more |
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Science
![]() ScienceAs educators in science, we are in the fortunate position where the excitement and dynamism of the subject is in itself a wonderful motivator for learning. There is an in-built ‘need’ to question further at the Dragon, to explore and to seize and run with the characteristics of their positive role models, the teachers. Find out more |
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Library
![]() LibraryDragon School Library is a positive, relaxed environment where students can immerse themselves in other worlds, develop their own interests and become life-long book lovers along the way. The Library runs a number of events and activities throughout the year, including author talks, story writing competitions and reading challenges. Find out more |
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QUEST
![]() Dragon QUEST
A bespoke enrichment curriculumQUEST is open to both day and boarding children, and provides the opportunity for our young Dragons to experience a wide range of new and inspiring activities. The academic and pastoral benefits for the children are plentiful, whilst providing flexibility and choice to meet the diverse and evolving needs of modern Dragon families. Find out more |
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Art
![]() ArtThe Art department, housed in three purpose built studios, is an energising place where pupils experience a wide range of media and materials through a stimulating curriculum. Find out more |
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History
![]() HistoryHistory is, above all, the study of human behaviour, and children learn about themselves and their society in a uniquely meaningful way. Pupils study local history, the history of the Dragon School, Roman Britain, the Home Front, the Victorians, and African and Mayan civilisations. Find out more |
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Geography
![]() GeographyGeography explores values and issues, challenges stereotypes and encourages our young Dragons to think for themselves. Pupils are able to draw on their vast wealth of personal experiences to bring more insight, interest and relevance to our studies. Find out more |
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Classics
![]() ClassicsLatin and Greek as taught at the Dragon gives pupils the chance to learn these languages at an appropriate pace, presenting them with a fair, intriguing and rewarding challenge. Find out more |
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Reasoning
![]() Reasoning & Pre-Test PreparationThe Dragon strives to provide stimulating and accessible preparation for pupils given the different challenges they will face sitting pre-tests, attending assessment days and having interviews, to achieve a place in their senior school of choice. Find out more |
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P.E.
![]() Physical EducationThe PE department provides a positive learning environment, in which children can develop a love for sport and fitness. We emphasise the importance of an active lifestyle and provide children with a variety of opportunities to find an area or sport that suits each child. Find out more |
Trips
Travel & TripsDuring your child’s time at the Dragon, they will be offered the chance to go on a range of tours and expeditions. Some are open to all comers, some are applicable only to children in a certain year, and others such as the Music or Sports Tours, are by invitation only. Find out more |
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Maths
![]() MathsMaths isn’t a ‘black and white’ subject; the goal is not the answer, but the process, and there are many different ways of arriving at the solution. The challenge is unpicking and analysing the underlying concepts, extending problems and drawing connections between ideas. The aim is that maths intrigues, inspires and makes real sense. Find out more |
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Languages
![]() Modern LanguagesOur Modern Languages Department promotes an appreciation of other languages and cultures and a passion for language learning. We recognise the effectiveness of traditional methods but also constantly experiment with new strategies and resources to ensure that our children are engaged and excited by their language lessons. Find out more |
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Sport
![]() SportSport offers so much to an individual and we are confident there is something for everyone in the extensive Games programme available at the Dragon. The emphasis is on fun and participation, whilst making sure our elite sides extend the talented individuals involved, often to regional and national standard. Find out more |
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D & T
![]() Design & TechnologyChildren apply their decision-making skills and work ethics through project work. Design & Technology encourages children to become competent and confident in conceiving, designing and producing a range of technological products of good quality. Find out more |
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FPE
![]() Faith, Philosophy and Ethics (FPE)FPE at the Dragon is academically rigorous, engaging and far-reaching, providing the children with a greater understanding of religious belief, of ethical and moral problems and of critical and philosophical thinking. Find out more |
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Drama
![]() DramaPupils perform in a wide variety of school productions that are of the highest quality and some individuals gain major parts in west-end productions. Find out more |
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Activities
![]() Activities & ClubsThe Activities Programme is part of the school day and therefore what the children do is decided by the school which ensures a healthier balance to each individual programme. As well as the compulsory Activity sessions, we offer a variety of after-school clubs that are mainly voluntary (between 3.10 pm and 4.15 pm). Some children are required to attend certain “Teacher Selected Clubs” such as extra Sport coaching and Choir rehearsals but in the main the choice is down to the individual child and his/her parents. Find out more |