The Educational DilEmma

In this episode, we explore the world of boarding at the Dragon, busting some common myths and looking at how much has changed since the experiences many parents remember from the 1970s. We discuss the benefits boarding can bring, from independence and lifelong friendships to unforgettable experiences and plenty of fun.

We also explore why getting to know each child as an individual is at the heart of great boarding, and what parents should look for when choosing a boarding school. Above all, we celebrate the care, commitment and passion of the boarding practitioners who make boarding feel like a home from home, helping children feel safe, supported and ready to thrive.

If you'd like to hear more about what I get up to, please follow me on Instagram @head_in_heels

Or if you want to learn more about the Dragon School, our Instagram account is @dragonschooloxford

And if you've got any ideas or dilemmas you'd like us to discuss, please do email us at [email protected]

• Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School
• Dan Falvey - Boarding House Parent
• Marcus Faulkner - Deputy Head: Boarding
• Hannah Myles-Cook - Boarding House Parent
• Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde
• Assistant Producer - Sheena Lawrence
• Co-Ordinator – Imelia Taylor
• Technical Producer - Seb Engert
• Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

In this episode, Emma Goldsmith is joined by education consultant Camilla Smiley, St Edward's Warden Alastair Churnside, and Dragon School Head of Years 7 & 8 Mary Kate Edwards to explore one of the biggest decisions families face: when is the right time to move to senior school? Together, they discuss the educational, social and emotional benefits of remaining in a prep school until Year 8, before joining senior school in Year 9. Drawing on their collective experience, they consider how these formative years help children develop confidence, independence, leadership and academic readiness, while also exploring why pupils whose schools finish in Year 6 can benefit from spending Years 7 and 8 at a prep school before making the transition.

If you'd like to hear more about what I get up to, please follow me on Instagram @head_in_heels

Or if you want to learn more about the Dragon School, our Instagram account is @dragonschooloxford

And if you've got any ideas or dilemmas you'd like us to discuss, please do email us at [email protected]

• Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School
• Camilla Smiley, Education Consultant for The Good Schools Guide
• Alastair Churnside, Warden of St Edward's School, Oxford
• Marykate Edwards, Head of Years 7 & 8 at the Dragon School
• Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde
• Assistant Producer - Sheena Lawrence
• Co-Ordinator – Imelia Taylor
• Technical Producer - Seb Engert
• Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

Friendships can be one of the most rewarding—and challenging—parts of childhood. In this episode, we explore why friendships can be so complex, how they shape children's wellbeing, and the common challenges young people face. We'll also share practical ways parents can support their child to navigate friendships, build resilience, manage conflict, and develop healthy, positive relationships.

If you'd like to hear more about what I get up to, please follow me on Instagram @head_in_heels

Or if you want to learn more about the Dragon School, our Instagram account is @dragonschooloxford

And if you've got any ideas or dilemmas you'd like us to discuss, please do email us at [email protected]

• Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School
• Lucy Kench - Boarding Houseparent for Year 8 girls
• Emily Falvey - Head of Year 1
• Andrew Witty - Head of Year 7 and Science Teacher
• Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde
• Assistant Producer - Sheena Lawrence
• Co-Ordinator – Imelia Taylor
• Technical Producer - Seb Engert
• Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

Emma is joined by Adam Williams and Will Goldsmith to explore the vital role that nature plays in children's education, wellbeing, and development. Drawing on research, personal experience, and examples from their own schools, they discuss how meaningful engagement with the natural world can improve mental health, foster curiosity, support learning, and help young people develop a deeper understanding of sustainability and their environment. This warm and positive conversation examines how schools—whether rural or urban—can embed nature into their curriculum and culture, the importance of balancing risk and adventure, and practical ways families can encourage children to connect with the outdoors. Can you tell the time using the North Star? Take this podcast episode as your sign to learn with your children!

If you'd like to hear more about what I get up to, please follow me on Instagram @head_in_heels

Or if you want to learn more about the Dragon School, our Instagram account is @dragonschooloxford

And if you've got any ideas or dilemmas you'd like us to discuss, please do email us at [email protected]

• Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School
• Adam Williams – Head of Lord Wandsworth
• Will Goldsmith – Head of Bedales
• Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde
• Assistant Producer - Sheena Lawrence
• Co-Ordinator – Imelia Taylor
• Technical Producer - Seb Engert
• Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

This episode of The Educational Dilemma explores how schools and families can best support children through separation and divorce. Featuring Head of Upper School and Mental Health Lead Mary-Kate Edwards alongside child and adult psychotherapist Tara McDonald, the conversation focuses on the importance of open communication, emotional containment and a child-centred approach. Together, they discuss how children experience change, the value of consistency and stability, and the role schools play in providing support and understanding. With practical insights on everything from difficult conversations to maintaining strong relationships with both parents, the episode offers thoughtful, reassuring guidance for families navigating complex transitions.

If you'd like to hear more about what I get up to, please follow me on Instagram @head_in_heels

Or if you want to learn more about the Dragon School, our Instagram account is @dragonschooloxford

And if you've got any ideas or dilemmas you'd like us to discuss, please do email us at [email protected]

• Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School
• Mary-Kate Edwards - Mental Health Lead at the Dragon School
• Tara McDonald - Trainer, Author, and Psychotherapist
• Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde
• Assistant Producer - Sheena Lawrence
• Co-Ordinator – Imelia Taylor
• Technical Producer - Seb Engert
• Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

This episode opens up one of the most important and often avoided conversations in parenting and education.

Hosted by Emma Goldsmith, with insights from Matt Allen (Senior Boys Boarding House Parent and Teacher) and Gus Faulkner (Head of Boarding and CHE) we explore how to approach conversations about sex with honesty, confidence, and care.

From early foundations to navigating tricky questions, this episode highlights that the “talk” isn’t just one moment it’s an ongoing dialogue. Expect practical advice, thoughtful perspectives, and reassurance for parents figuring it all out.

This is one conversation you don’t want to skip.

If you'd like to hear more about what I get up to, please follow me on Instagram @head_in_heels

Or if you want to learn more about the Dragon School, our Instagram account is @dragonschooloxford

And if you've got any ideas or dilemmas you'd like us to discuss, please do email us at [email protected]

• Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School
• Matt Allen - Boarding Houseparent and teacher at the Dragon School
• Gus Faulkner - Head of Boarding, Head of CHE at the Dragon School
• Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde
• Assistant Producer - Sheena Lawrence
• Co-Ordinator – Imelia Taylor
• Technical Producer - Seb Engert
• Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

After Reece Witherspoon's recent comments around 'chasing your talents and not your dreams' we invited entrepreneur Ed East, and executive coach Harry Hastings to delve a bit deeper into the concept - which should we nurture? Or are they intrinsically linked? Listen for lots of interesting discussions and remember the importance of the word 'yet'!

If you'd like to hear more about what I get up to, please follow me on Instagram @head_in_heels

Or if you want to learn more about the Dragon School, our Instagram account is @dragonschooloxford

And if you've got any ideas or dilemmas you'd like us to discuss, please do email us at [email protected]

• Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School
• Ed East – Founder and Group CEO at Billion Dollar Boy
• Harry Hastings – The Values Coach – Executive Coach ACC (ICF)
• Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde
• Assistant Producer - Sheena Lawrence
• Co-Ordinator – Imelia Taylor
• Technical Producer - Seb Engert
• Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

In this episode of The Educational DilEmma, Emma, Rosalee and Lisa discuss how to instil a philanthropic mindset in our children. Useful discussions around whether empathy can be taught, how to start small and to not overwhelm, why your immediate community is so important, and why using your child's own passions as a starting point can be so valuable. We really enjoyed this uplifting conversation and hope you will find some inspiration for your own families from it.

If you'd like to hear more about what I get up to, please follow me on Instagram @head_in_heels

Or if you want to learn more about the Dragon School, our Instagram account is @dragonschooloxford

And if you've got any ideas or dilemmas you'd like us to discuss, please do email us at [email protected]

• Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School
• Lisa King – CEO of Dreams Come True
• Rosalee Rich – Head of Social Impact at The Dragon
• Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde
• Assistant Producer - Sheena Lawrence
• Co-Ordinator – Imelia Taylor
• Technical Producer - Seb Engert
• Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

This episode will reshape your relationship with the type of content we, and our children, consume, and how we go about it. Kaitlyn and Emma explore how digital technology, especially smartphones, social media, and algorithm-driven platforms, are changing childhood, family life and education. Rest assured! Kaitlyn offers practical advice for parents who are not happy with their families 'digital diet'. This episode is not to be missed.

If you'd like to hear more about what I get up to, please follow me on Instagram @head_in_heels

Or if you want to learn more about the Dragon School, our Instagram account is @dragonschooloxford

And if you've got any ideas or dilemmas you'd like us to discuss, please do email us at [email protected]

• Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School
• Kaitlyn Regehr – Associate Professor of Digital Humanities at University College London
• Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde
• Co-Ordinator – Sheena Lawrence & Imelia Taylor
• Technical Producer - Seb Engert
• Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

During this tough but valuable conversation Emma and guests delve into how we can best support children going through loss and grief of a loved one. We look at how the emotional and mental health consequences of bereavement can be reduced as much as possible, what support you should expect from your school, what practical actions can be taken, and how important it is to give yourself some grace.

If you are looking for support through a diagnosis or bereavement and are in the Oxfordshire area please do get in contact with SeeSaw. SeeSaw provides support to families when a parent/carer or sibling is terminally ill or has died. Families can self-refer, and they can accept self-referrals from older young people up to the age of 18. There is no time limit on referrals – contact can be made at any point following a death. They offer advice, information, suggestions for resources and activities, and direct work with children and young people if needed.

They also offer advice, support and training to schools and other professionals involved with the family. If you are a teacher or school representative this might be a useful free resource for you.

If anyone listening outside of Oxfordshire would like to find out more about child bereavement services in their area, they can search via the Childhood Bereavement Network. Other national child grief organisations are CBUK and Winston's Wish, and you will also be able to find resources on your local council website, through the NHS online, or through your doctor.

If you'd like to hear more about what I get up to, please follow me on Instagram @head_in_heels

Or if you want to learn more about the Dragon School, our Instagram account is @dragonschooloxford

And if you've got any ideas or dilemmas you'd like us to discuss, please do email us at [email protected]

• Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School
• Annie Brylewska-Cooper – SeeSaw Charity representative and Children and Families Practitioner
• James Rose – Director of Talk Education and father of three boys
• Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde
• Co-Ordinator – Sheena Lawrence & Imelia Taylor
• Technical Producer - Seb Engert
• Assistant Technical Producer - Ali Orr
• Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio