The Educational DilEmma

Choosing the Right Time: The Journey to Senior School

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 podcast@dragonschool.org 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

• Transcript

The Complexities of Friendship

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 podcast@dragonschool.org 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

• Transcript

Let Them Roam: Why Every Child Needs Nature

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 podcast@dragonschool.org 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

• Transcript

Supporting Children Through Divorce

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 podcast@dragonschool.org 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

• Transcript

Let's Talk About Sex

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 podcast@dragonschool.org 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

• Transcript

Dreams, Talent, And A Little Bit Of Luck

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 podcast@dragonschool.org 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

• Transcript

Instilling a Philanthropic Mindset

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 podcast@dragonschool.org 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

• Transcript

Your Child's Digital Diet

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 podcast@dragonschool.org 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

• Transcript

Supporting Families Through Grief

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 podcast@dragonschool.org 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

• Transcript

Developing Free Thinkers

In this episode of The Educational DilEmma, the first of the second series, Emma and guests discuss what it means to be a free thinker. Why is free thinking an important skill to nurture and what are the benefits of free thinking? We delve into how schools and parents can encourage this skill, and whether or not ‘thinking’ can be taught. 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 podcast@dragonschool.org Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School Kath Harvey – Deputy Head Pastoral Will Dickson – Deputy Head Academic 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

• Transcript

Preparing Your Child For School

If you have children starting school or moving school this September, this is the episode for you! Equally all children can feel a bit vulnerable when moving up a year and the summer is often a good time to open to lines of communication and to discuss their fears. Emma, Emma and Bruce talk through the anxieties that children, and parents have when going through these changes, and what parents can do to support them both physically and emotionally. 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 podcast@dragonschool.org Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School Emma Gage – Head of Early Years at the Dragon School Bruce Anderson – Head of Lower School at the Dragon School 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

• Transcript

It Starts With a Story...

In this episode Emma talks to Patrice Lawrence, Author and Journalist, and Emily Ainsworth, Head of English at the Dragon about where they found their love of reading and what it means to them. They talk about how reading has changed with technology, the real effect of representation in books, escapism, access to books, and how forming habits with your children can set them up for a lifetime love of reading. Some great advice is offered too; on understanding your child’s reading journey, and how we shouldn’t be too snobby about what they choose to consume. 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 podcast@dragonschool.org Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School Patrice Lawrence MBE, FRSL - Author and Journalist Emily Ainsworth – Head of English at The Dragon 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

• Transcript

The Complexities Of Innovation | Delving Into The Future Careers Of Children Today

In this episode of The Educational DilEmma we discuss developing our children’s skills to be prepared for careers of the future, many of which don’t yet exist. Topics such as ‘can you teach entrepreneurship and what does that look like’, ‘does post school education actually work’, and ‘what could employers do to engage with young people,’ provide some thought provoking discussions. This episode is reassuring to those parents who are concerned about the effect AI is having; it focuses on cautious optimism for the roles of the future, and that AI should enable us to be more human. 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 podcast@dragonschool.org Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School Rick Mower – RAW // RAW Potential Asa Calow – MadLab Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde Co-Ordinators – Sheena Lawrence & Imelia Taylor Technical Producer - Seb Engert Assistant Technical Producer - Ali Orr Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

• Transcript

Empowerment and Equality: A Journey Through Gender Roles and Career Progression

In this episode of The Educational DilEmma Emma Goldsmith, Dupe Witherick (Human Design Consultant, Podcast Host, Author, and Accredited Alcohol-Free Wellbeing & Transformational Coach) and Tom Schuller (Academic, International Bureaucrat, and Author of The Paula Principal) discuss how gender can affect your child’s experience through out their education and into the work force. They talk about the difficulties different genders might encounter, how this might have changed over the years, and how we can promote equality and empower our children as educators and parents. They also touch on how jobs of the future are going to be vastly different to what we know now, and how we can support children to embrace and thrive in careers that we’re currently unfamiliar with. We hope you enjoy this discussion as much as we did. 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 podcast@dragonschool.org Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School 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

• Transcript

Neurodiversity Now

Neurodiversity Now (Josie Evans - Head of Learning Support at the Dragon, Louise Barr - SENCO at St Edward’s and Katrine Sawtell – Parent of two neurodiverse children) In this episode Emma and guests discuss how neurodiversity looks now in comparison to times gone past and when and how to go about getting a diagnosis and what this might mean. They talk about what to look out for in your childs behaviour, how to support your children, how to support yourself as the parent, and getting the help you need from your school. We hope you enjoy this valuable and important discussion. 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 podcast@dragonschool.org Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde Co-Ordinators – Sheena Lawrence & Imelia Taylor Technical Producer - Seb Engert Assistant Technical Producer - Ali Orr Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

The Importance of Creativity in Childhood (with Jack Whitehall and Jack Davenport)

In this episode Jack, Emma and Jack discuss the importance of creativity in education and childhood. Specifically that we shouldn’t forget the benefits of having fun, playing and to being a bit silly! They talk about the positives and negatives of social media and creativity today, what they look for in an education for their children, and share some healthy advice for our young creatives. 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 podcast@dragonschool.org Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde Co-Ordinators – Sheena Lawrence & Imelia Taylor Technical Producer - Seb Engert Assistant Technical Producer - Ali Orr & Michael Pitts Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

• Transcript

Relocation, Relocation, Relocation

Moving town or city feels like a huge and daunting step; in this episode Emma sits down with Hero Brown – Editor in Chief Muddy Stilettos, Ben Procter – Founder of Oxford Property Consultants, and Alanna Clear – recent London to Oxford relocater, to discuss the positives and negatives of relocating, how to find the right school and home for your family, how to find your tribe, and what you need to do to make it happen. 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 podcast@dragonschool.org Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde Co-Ordinators – Sheena Lawrence & Imelia Taylor Technical Producer - Seb Engert Assistant Technical Producer - Ali Orr Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

• Transcript

Sport in Childhood (with Maia Bouchier & Tom George)

In this hugely valuable episode Tom George (Olympic rower), Maia Bouchier (international women's cricketer) and Jonathan Turner (Director of Sport at Dragon School) join Emma Goldsmith to discuss everything from the mental health benefits of sport, how your family can support your sporting interests, gender mixed sports, and much more. 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 podcast@dragonschool.org Host - Emma Goldsmith, Head of the Dragon School Producer and Co-Ordinator - Jess Forde Co-Ordinators – Sheena Lawrence & Imelia Taylor Technical Producer - Seb Engert Assistant Technical Producer - Ali Orr Cover Artwork - Dan Forde @ Pier Studio

• Transcript