Dragon School Summer Camp, Summer Camp at Dragon School

• Year of foundation/opening: 1877 (school) / 2018 (camp)
• Location: North Oxford district, Oxford, United Kingdom
• Type of education: mixed.
• Type of institution: summer language camp.
• Language of instruction: English.

A summer academic program with accommodation organized on the grounds of the prestigious Oxford Dragon School. The camp is aimed at junior school students (8–12 years old) and combines full language immersion with playful and educational learning in a safe, friendly environment. The program is run by a British operator that is part of the Duke’s Education educational group, which unites leading schools and colleges in Great Britain.

Camp Dragon is deservedly considered one of the most well-thought-out summer programs for younger age groups: here the emphasis is on developing practical English, cooperation, creativity and self-confidence. Licensing and high expert ratings for the academic part, living conditions and leisure organization make this camp a recommended choice even for the first experience of studying abroad.

The learning process at Camp Dragon is built on an active, practical model of education. Instead of traditional lessons, children participate in thematic blocks where the language is used as a tool for action: to explain an idea, ask a question, perform, negotiate. Classes cover subjects from elementary school — from natural sciences to art and mathematics.

Each week, children spend about 15 hours in learning sessions that alternate with creative workshops and project work. The main focus is on developing spoken language, teamwork, and the ability to express thoughts in English.

• The program is based on Dragon School — one of the most famous British boarding schools, founded in 1877. Its graduates include Tom Hiddleston, Emma Watson, Bear Grylls and other public figures.
• The daily schedule is built around the proprietary Discover — Develop — Dare — ShowTime system, which helps children systematically explore, develop, try and present.
• Participants take part in events with a "plot" based on the Harry Potter universe: Sorting Hat, Dragon Quest, Mystery Night and Trashion Show — each event is integrated into the overall story, creating a sense of adventure instead of standard camp routine.

Participants live in shared dormitories of 4–9 people; girls and boys are housed separately, with adults on duty around the clock in each building. There are common areas for relaxation and communication. The cost includes full board – taking into account dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, halal, etc.). A laundry service is available, and there is Wi-Fi. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and safety – as in a British private school.

The extracurricular program is carefully designed: thematic activities await children every day after classes, as well as evening events and cultural trips. The schedule includes sports games, yoga, swimming, creative workshops, LEGO construction, robotics, a planetarium, karaoke, and movie screenings. Team quests, talent shows, and mini-performances hold a special place.

Large excursions are organized twice per shift: for example, to Warwick Castle, LEGOLAND Windsor, and the museums of Oxford; additionally, you can visit Warner Bros. Studio and "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" (for an additional fee). Walks around Oxford itself, including a sightseeing tour and visits to colleges, are already included in the standard program and take place under the supervision of counselors.

• English in Action: here you don't learn a language, but use it — in quests, workshops and projects.
• Safety — at the level of a British private school: round-the-clock supervision, constant presence of adults, doctors on campus.
• In each shift — children from different countries, no more than 15% with one native language: this creates a real English-speaking environment.
• The camp is held in Oxford, on the territory of the prestigious Dragon School, which has everything you need — from laboratories and a spacious library to its own theater and a large park.

Camp Dragon takes place on the grounds of Dragon School, one of the oldest private schools in Great Britain, located in the green area of North Oxford, by the quiet River Cherwell. It is a picturesque and safe, and most importantly — very cozy place just a 15-minute walk from the city center. The campus is surrounded by gardens and parks, with museums and colleges of Oxford nearby.

The infrastructure includes modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, multimedia halls and a library. Art studios, workshops and a theater stage with professional lighting and sound are open for creativity — this is where the performances of camp participants take place. Music lessons are held in separate rehearsal rooms with instruments and a recording studio.

Physical activity is provided by football, rugby and cricket fields, an indoor gym, a 25-meter swimming pool and access to the river — for walks, water activities and games. There are cozy common areas for relaxation, Wi‑Fi throughout the campus, studios for clubs and evening events.

The camp offers two sessions lasting two weeks each, which take place in the summer. Participants receive a certificate and a progress report prepared by the teachers. Breaks between sessions are not provided: children either participate in one of the two sessions or book both for a continuous stay.

The cost includes accommodation, meals, tuition, excursions around Oxford, laundry, materials and basic medical insurance. Transfers to/from the airport, some excursions (e.g., a trip to Warner Bros. Studio), visa support (if required), as well as personal expenses — souvenirs, pocket money and special requests (e.g., special diets or additional classes outside the program) are paid separately.

Admission starts with an online application. After submitting the form with basic information (child's age, desired session, parents' contact details), a manager will contact the family to clarify details, answer questions and send a link to the language online test. After passing the test and confirming the English level, the organizer reserves a place and sends a confirmation letter. To secure the reservation, a registration fee is required. Then the family receives a complete information package: schedule, rules, medical data form, team contacts and a memo for parents.

Full payment should be made several weeks before the start of the session.

To enroll in Camp Dragon, a child must meet two main criteria: age from 8 to 12 years old at the start of the shift and an English language level not lower than A2 (pre-intermediate). The language proficiency is checked in advance — the participant takes an online test, based on which their readiness for training is confirmed. If the level does not meet the requirements, the school may offer alternative programs.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision