This Quest will take you out of this world! In a series of fascinating sessions, a team of astrophysicists from Oxford University will take you on a tour of the cosmos, from the stars in the night sky to the beginning of the entire universe, discussing the development of astronomy as well as working on modern research questions. Astronomy is one of the oldest, most fascinating and mysterious areas of science. Using unique methods unlike those of other areas of study, for centuries astronomers have learnt the secrets of the cosmos. As well as Stargazers teaching you lots of amazing science, you will discover all about the people and technology that make it possible to study our wonderful Universe.

Did you know that over 150,000 people in the UK use British Sign Language as their main form of communication, using gestures, facial expression and body language to converse with others? Here is a unique opportunity for Dragons to learn some of the basics of British Sign Language, developing a valuable and inclusive life skill. They will discover how to finger spell and lip read, become familiar with some common signs for describing family, favourite things and even do some sign-singing!

You may have heard of the Bay City Rollers, but Bardwell Road is where it’s really happening! Dragon Rollers brings you the opportunity to put on the skates and take on various challenges, races and maybe even a roller disco. Ma Harvey’s favourite childhood pastime was rollerblading and she has no doubt you can upskill her in the world of inline skating, with your tricks and tekkers. Using the astros and playgrounds, there is the perfect terrain for all abilities to develop skills in a safe and fun environment. Move over Barbie and Ken, the Dragon Rollers are here!

Learn to write, perform and record your own songs in the Dragon Recording Studio, developing specialist musical tech skills. Dare to take an idea all the way from poem to finished pop product, and upload for all to enjoy.

Do you know which fuel is the best for rockets? Or what makes fireworks different colours? Or have you ever thought about what makes slime stretchy or bouncy balls bouncy? Dragons can find out the answers to questions like these, and many more in Big Bang Dragons, which will focus on practical, hands-on experiments, as well as having the chance to have a go at some Science-based escape rooms. Certainly a Quest for the curious minded.

Who wouldn’t want to be the protagonist in their own story? Dungeons and Dragons immerses children in a fantastic world of adventure and harnesses their imagination in this cooperative storytelling game. Children will choose a class – are they a brutish barbarian or a ruthless rogue? – before embarking on an epic quest where success can hinge on the throw of a dice. Working together, the adventurers will explore ancient ruins and deadly dungeons, battle monsters and beasts, and search for legendary treasures. No previous experience is required.

In this module, Dragon Artists will be exploring their creativity by investigating a variety of processes and materials, ranging from drawing and painting to printmaking and collage, all with a suitably seasonal theme. For artists of all levels, who want to discover the joys of expressing themselves through new inventive mediums.

In Dragon Pottery the pupils create individual clay pots and vessels based on a selection of themes and starting points for inspiration. We investigate a variety of clay making techniques including pinch pots, slab made pots and some modelling work to refine our skills. Once fully dried, the pieces are bisque fired (to 600 C ) and they then get painted with coloured glaze before a second and final glaze firing (to 1050 C) to complete the work. We also have the option to do try the ancient art of Raku firing, although this is weather dependent as we use a portable outdoor kiln to fire the pieces. The pupils really enjoy the making process and take delight in seeing their finished pieces as they emerge from the kiln room.

Dragons love to talk and have been known to share an opinion or two…so what better way to channel these traits than through the medium of debate? Debating can be a fantastic way to develop students’ analytical skills and confidence when speaking. Through formal debates over current and emotive topics, to balloon debates and presentations, this activity will help provide the platform for Dragons to practise and enhance their oratory skills, whilst understanding that listening attentively and respecting other points of view are just as important.

The Dragon sounds like a karate school and now, via Quest, it is! Courtesy of Oxford Sport & Traditional Martial Arts (OSTMA) and through the delivery of fun filled, high energy karate classes, Dragons will develop confidence through self-defence and stranger awareness skills. With a focus on life and safety skill development, OSTMA training systems support children’s holistic growth through a positive and caring environment. With a fantastic reputation for children’s martial arts, smiling, sweating and learning are the key factors behind every OSTMA class

Radio and podcasts are a wonderful way to learn and keep abreast of the world around us, including for many children. Quest is delighted to introduce Dragon FM, a platform for you to record your own podcasts, on topics of your choice, for your peers and friends to listen to in their own time. Using child friendly Yoto machines in the school library, radio can make a positive difference to children’s concentration and listening skills, broadening exposure to different vocabulary and content whilst empowering children with the power of language and the freedom to express their own ideas. Whether it be a weekly show, a probing quiz, news bulletin, interviews or radio plays or a shoutout to friends, the range of possibilities are endless and a lot of fun. Steve Wright and Zoe Ball had to start somewhere!

Many children in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Portugal and Spain grow up playing futsal – a small sided, quick paced game that originated in Uruguay in the early 1930s. The game itself is played on a small court with five players on each team (one goalkeeper and four outfield players) using a ball that is heavier than the normal football. Futsal can develop a range of different skills including basic ball control and manipulation skills, exposure to more one-to-one situations, improving accuracy and weight of pass as well as tactical awareness and teamwork. Many of the world’s top footballing stars credit their skills to the small-sided game of futsal, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Mr Stephens and many more. A QUEST for all abilities and ages, it’s sure to improve all round play and be a lot of fun at the same time.

Aquatic Dragons is an opportunity to develop water confidence and competence in the school’s 25m pool through a variety of activities and challenges. No two weeks are ever the same, apart from guaranteed fun and fitness. There will be challenges to test team work, technique and problem-solving capabilities as the Dragons work to conquer the water.

Have you ever yearned to be Robin Hood, or the famous Swiss folklore hero William Tell? If so, then Dragon Arrows is the Quest activity for you. While you won’t necessarily be shooting apples off each other’s heads, you will be learning the basics of archery, participating in a variety of archery-related fitness games and developing skills designed to improve both your bow skills and your general fitness.

Classical Dragons will explore the Art and Architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome. Through their own guided research, Dragons will learn about the development of architecture, sculpture and pottery from the Bronze Age to the Roman Empire. The module will finish with a visit to the Cast Gallery at the Ashmolean Museum.

Have you ever wondered how films or theatrical productions are created? Over the course of this module, Dragons will work collaboratively, learning the process of planning and writing a short script, for either stage or screen. Some will then take the role of director or cinematographer, whilst others will become actors themselves and bring the script to life for an audience. This is an opportunity to go ‘behind the scenes’ and discover the artistic process of theatre and film production.

Whether you’ve been inspired by the Euros win, or are just keen to try something different, girls’ football is here. We have an external coach coming in who has worked with Oxford Brookes women’s teams as well as Oxford Utd and Chelsea talent pathways. Come learn some new skills and develop your footballing ability in this exciting new activity; it’s coming home.

Touch typing is such a useful skill these days. Why not take the opportunity to develop your touch-typing skills using typing.com and equip yourself with the tools that will benefit you in years to come? With exercises and games, you’ll become more proficient and increase your W.P.M.

What could be more exciting than programming Tello Edu drone in Python? Working in PyCharm, Dragons will develop their own drone behaviour and bespoke controls to fly, search for mission pads, stream video and take pictures, do stunt manoeuvres in the air and finally create and compete in an obstacle racing course. Tello Edu drones are children-safe indoor drones and every drone testing will be supervised. No previous experience with Python is necessary. All equipment provided.

In this module, Dragon Artists will be exploring their creativity by investigating a variety of processes and materials, ranging from drawing and painting to printmaking and collage, all with a suitably seasonal theme. For artists of all levels, who want to discover the joys of expressing themselves through new inventive mediums.

Do you know which fuel is the best for rockets? Or what makes fireworks different colours? Or have you ever thought about what makes slime stretchy or bouncy balls bouncy? Dragons can find out the answers to questions like these, and many more in Big Bang Dragons, which will focus on practical, hands-on experiments, as well as having the chance to have a go at some Science-based escape rooms. Certainly a Quest for the curious minded.

Spend some time surrounded by the beauty of nature with Floral Dragons. Ma Coombs, a trained florist, will help you to create some beautiful floral themed jewellery, whilst learning to identify and care for some of the flowers used in your creations.  Dragons can let their creativity run wild, experimenting with all different types of seasonal floral decorations ranging from pressing and drying to dyeing and arranging.

The artist Banksy is known for his creative and often thought-provoking murals. In this Quest, Dragons will get to emulate the enigmatic artist with the opportunity to design and create a piece of street art to grace and enhance an area of the school. Imagination and overalls a must, this is sure to be a popular choice for Dragons who love leaving their mark.

First Aid is an invaluable life skill and Dragon Responders is an introduction to different scenarios where Dragons could assist with medical matters as one of the first helpers on the scene. During this module, qualified nurses from the Dragon Health Centre will look to inspire and excite our young Responders as they talk them through their line of work. Each session will have a different medical focus, including wound care, burns and scalds, bleeds and fainting. The experience will provide invaluable knowledge of basic medical care that the children can apply given the appropriate situation. This really is a Quest that could make a difference!

Much like the pupils at St. Trinian’s, Dragon boys and girls are rarely far from their hockey sticks. Now’s the time to put your hockey skills to the test as Dragon Sticks throws you into the world of mini hockey. Using different dimension pitches, smaller goals and a variety of balls, the boys and girls will get the chance to fine tune their technique, develop new skills and participate in weekly tournaments in one of Dragon’s favourite sports. It promises to be a ball. See you on the pitch!

Have you ever yearned to be Robin Hood, or the famous Swiss folklore hero William Tell? If so, then Dragon Arrows is the Quest activity for you. While you won’t necessarily be shooting apples off each other’s heads, you will be learning the basics of archery, participating in a variety of archery-related fitness games and developing skills designed to improve both your bow skills and your general fitness.