On Monday 23rd January, our School Council held their next session with Mr Bonner in the chair.

During the session the focus was on pupil voice as pupils shared how they could work together to further enhance their time at Etone College. Taking pride in the school they are a part of pupils were overwhelmingly positive about their days at Etone however, there were some fantastic ideas such as a book swap shop, break time computing club and charity fundraising amongst others which we are excited to get working on.

As part of the event, the pupils had the chance to share their ideas with Mr Smith in a discussion over toast and juice as to how we could implement some of them.

Student Leadership is an important part of Etone and the school council is at the very forefront of that. These elected individuals make up everything that the Etone Learner is all about showing all six values and eight employability skills. 

If you would like to read more about our Student Leadership opportunities check it out here: https://www.etonecollege.co.uk/student-leadership/

Well done to all of our council members and keep it up!

At Etone we provide the building blocks to our pupils so they develop the skills and knowledge that will serve them well in a future competitive workplace.

Whilst we emphasise progress for all, with fantastic results, award-winning careers package and connections to prestigious institutes, we also put a lot of effort in helping pupils develop the values and skills they will require to navigate life beyond education.

As part of this we have an extensive Personal Development programme, one which provides pupils with the opportunities in life to explore their own thoughts and values. Through this programme we ensure pupils are aware of how to build a positive mental health, through our wellbeing calendar we ensure pupils take the time to check in and reflect at key points in the year.

On Monday we were thrilled to host another Brew Monday inviting staff and pupils into D0-3 for a cup of tea/hot chocolate and a biscuit. With a fantastic turnout and need for an overspill space pupils had the chance to: talk about their day, play games and even experience the magic delights of Miss Stafford! 

It is really important that we take time to release and process the goings on of a busy day and we were happy to be able to do this as a community.

Well done and thank you to all that attended. We can’t wait for the next one!

Whilst for many of us the start back in the new year takes time getting used to, we wanted to recognise the efforts of our hard-working Year 12 and 13 students in the Sixth Form. Since starting back many of them have already sat their first exam of the year as they complete exams and external tasks for their vocational courses. 

We are proud of all of Etone Learners but we wanted to provide a special mention to those who have worked hard over the holiday period, revising and making sure they make the most of their opportunities. Whilst it might seem tough at this moment, success earned now will help to propel the successes we know we will see at the end of the year. Thank you to all of our students and parents for your support in making sure your results are fantastic. Keep it up.

Last week Etone College was delighted to be featured in the Nuneaton News for the first time in 2023.

The publication detailed some of the school's fabulous efforts to raise funds for the local community along with national and global initiatives.

In total, the school has raised nearly £5000 since September 2021. This is a fantastic total when you consider that particularly at this time people everywhere are experiencing hardships.

We wanted to share with you the article and ask that you keep your eyes posted for more of our star pupils!

It may surprise you to know that using research and evidence in medicine is something that has only been prioritised in recent times. This may seem baffling, but it is true. Similarly, since the 2010’s there has been a greater reliance on research within the classroom in order to ensure that schools deliver effective education.

This is something however, that Etone we do regularly. Always looking to utilise the latest strategies and be a part of the research as we find solutions to educational problems.

This week we are proud to announce our very own Mr Randall has been featured by the Education Endowment Foundation (a leading educational research organisation) for his blog on using examples in lessons.

A big congratulations to Mr Randall who has worked hard on:  Using Worked Examples to Promote High-Quality Mathematical Talk, as it shows how the hard work of colleagues at Etone are striving to have an impact on education as a whole.

Check it out here:  https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/eef-blog-using-worked-examples-to-promote-high-quality-mathematical-talk

Christmas may be over but the spirit of giving continues throughout the year at Etone College. We all have Christmas gifts that for one reason or another were unwanted and are destined to sit in our cupboards unopened or unused.  We are hosting a charity unwanted gift amnesty. On Friday 3^rd February Pupils and Staff are invited to bring their unwanted Christmas gifts , from socks to sweets to books and toys into school, no questions asked!! These will then be distributed to the local community through our house charities.

At Etone College, we are proud of a culture that promotes positive mental health. As part of this we are again taking part in Children's Mental Health week on the 6-12 February we will be raising awareness with strategies to support mental health and well-being. All departments within their lessons will touch upon various aspects of mental health. 

Stay tuned for more information. 

On Tuesday 13th December a group of Year 10 Business and Media pupils made the journey to Watford to pay a visit to Warner Brothers: The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour. Whilst this is a regular trip as part of the Business and Media curriculum it is the first time the trip has taken place in the build up to the holiday season. This was a lovely way to start the final week of term as the tour pays special attention to Christmas with the entire attraction given a festive makeover. Pupils had the opportunity to explore the magic behind the films and look at how a simple book written by a mum in the 90’s has become one of the biggest media franchises in the world.

The pupils started with a grand introduction to the sets by entering through the great hall. Again decorated with all things Christmas it was a lovely build up to what was to come. You may remember that the films and books have many Christmas and holiday season references so it was wonderful to see these feature as part of the tour.

This year the tour have introduced a number of new features with Professor Sprouts Greenhouse from the Chamber of Secrets being the centrepiece of these changes. After this is was time to take part in workshops as the Business students explored the finance behind the films, the multi-million pound budgets and how departments would have to think on their feet to avoid going over theirs. Particularly interesting was just how much of a budget has to go into the marketing, in some cases double what the actual film costs to make! Over in Media the pupils had the chance to experience the clever tricks of the trade that the filmmakers use to get the visual effects they desire. From actors talking to vegetables on a stick to costume designers sewing three pairs of trousers together the magic we see on screen takes real magic behind it to make it work. The sessions were thoroughly enjoyed and have helped provide real life context for our pupils as they continue on their Business and Media journey’s.

Finally there was just time to visit the gift shop and enjoy a refreshing Butterbeer before getting back on the coach for the safe journey home. A big thanks to Mrs Smith, Miss Taylor, Mr Botham and Mr Watts and to all of our pupils who once again were the prime example of what it takes to be an Etone pupil. Well done all.