For the first time on Friday 27^th February, a small group of students from Etone College auditioned for Warwickshire based choir AC Academy Scholars. Founder and Artistic Director of AC Academy Christopher Monks came in to listen to our students perform and to work with them in personalised singing sessions. The Etone Choir have previously worked alongside AC Academy Scholars and Armonico consort in performances at St Mary's in Warwick, Coventry Cathedral and at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Previous AC Academy Scholars have gone on to work for the RSC, win the BBC Young Chorister competition and be awarded Oxbridge Choral Scholarships.

We are very proud that our students have had the self belief to put themselves forward for such an opportunity. It takes a lot of preparation and practise to be ready to do an audition for a professional musician! Students will find out in a couple of weeks time if they have been successful in their auditions.

If any more of our students would like to find out more about this programme, there are more details here:

AC Academy Scholars - AC Academy

On Monday 23^rd February, the School Council met to discuss our Etone Learner Values - Caring, Courteous, Integrity, Supportive, Self-Belief and Trustworthy. The Councillors considered what the values meant to them, and examples they could give of these values being used by students at Etone. For the Etone Learner Value of Integrity for example, pupils said that this was "always doing the right thing, even under pressure", and that this could be demonstrated by standing up for others and learning from mistakes. School Councillors also discussed how we could promote these values further, alongside our achievement points, weekly Values certificates and LFL lessons. One suggestion was a student-made newsletter based around the values. 

On Friday 30th January, our NYP students visited Nuneaton Town Hall where they represented Etone College as part of the Nuneaton Youth Parliament. Here, students discussed the issue of safety within Nuneaton town centre and put forward their ideas of what would make them feel safer. Our NYP representatives are now preparing for their next meeting, which will focus on the use of social media for under 16's.

Options evening was another fantastic success for Etone on Thursday. Each time our teachers excel at sharing why pupils should take their subjects and make a difficult choice even harder. There is of course support and guidance to help this, however our staff do a great job of sharing where their subjects could potential take each pupil. It was great to see the event in full swing with standing room only in all of our rooms as parents arrived for the unique experience of subject sessions.

A big thankyou to all families who attended and our staff for taking the time to discuss future career options with our pupils. Another shout out to our Year 12 pupil helpers who did a fantastic job of supporting our staff and prefects across the evening.

Check out the pictures from our latest pop-up stall in support of LGBT+ Mental Health. Whilst mental health isn't discriminatory, we like to take the opportunity to raise awareness for all of our pupils and particularly take time to consider how this might affect people differently. Thank you to all who took part.

On Monday year 9 pupils took part in an informative and thought-provoking session delivered by PC Marsden from Warwickshire Police, focusing on the law and the risks surrounding online activity such as sexting. Whilst not an immediate danger for Etone it is something we are committed to protect against.

The session formed part of the school’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding and helping young people make informed, responsible choices online.

PC Marsden explained clearly and sensitively that whilst young people may view this type of communication as “between friends” the law treats it very seriously. Students were told that creating, sending or possessing indecent images of anyone under 18 – even if the image is of themselves – is illegal under UK law.

He emphasised that once content is sent, control over it is lost. Images can be copied, forwarded or saved without consent, sometimes leading to embarrassment, bullying or even criminal investigations. The session highlighted that the law is designed to protect young people, but there can be serious consequences if images are shared maliciously or without consent.

PC Marsden spoke about the emotional and social consequences of this and some of the impacts it has had on others lives. He discussed how images can resurface months or even years later, affecting friendships, reputations and future opportunities.

Students were encouraged to think carefully before sharing anything online, asking themselves:

• Would I be comfortable if this was seen by my family or teachers?

• Could this be shared beyond the person I trust?

• Am I being pressured to send something I’m not comfortable with?

The discussion also covered peer pressure and coercion. Students were reassured that it is never acceptable for someone to pressure them into sending images, and that this behaviour can also be a criminal offence.

Practical advice was given on how to stay safe:

• Never share personal or intimate images.

• Use privacy settings wisely.

• Block and report anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable.

• Speak to a trusted adult immediately if something goes wrong.

PC Marsden reminded students that if they do find themselves in a difficult situation, they will be supported. Reporting concerns early can prevent situations from escalating.

We are grateful to PC Marsden and Warwickshire Police for supporting our school community in promoting safe and responsible online behaviour.