June 24^th saw Etone welcome 13 new staff and 3 trainees for their induction conference.   The day started with a welcome from the Matrix Central Team who shared the wide range of staff benefits, training and development opportunities that all Matrix employees are entitled to. 

After introductions to admin and support staff, whose hard work underpins the efficient processes that make our school run efficiently, our new starters were welcomed by Mr Smith (Headteacher) and Mr Bowley (Deputy Headteacher).  They outlined what it means to be an Etone Learner and the learning principles that underpin our curriculum and pedagogical practice.  We finished the morning by watching examples of these principles in practice by visiting a range of lessons, looking at books and speaking to our pupils. 

Break time saw many existing staff members join our new starters to answer any subject based questions and to extend a warm welcome from their departmental teams.  Break was followed by department time looking at the essentials of curriculum and classes, ready for September. 

After a delicious lunch, more of the Leadership Team introduced themselves and their roles sharing essential tips to support preparation for the new school year.  This included an introduction to our Teaching and Learning library and website, as well as to the vast range of extra-curricular opportunities that our new starters can become involved in supporting. 

We finished the day with introductions from our pastoral team who shared what it means to be a form tutor and the centrality of the pastoral system in giving Etone the family feel that make us such a supportive and caring environment. 

We are really excited to welcome our new staff and trainees to Etone – see you in September! 

Here at Etone College, we have 6 pupils who are now published poets following their successful entries into the Young Writers, Poetry Escape competition.

Well done to Olaf, Autmn, Grace, George, Sharifa & Pranita. Come along and take a few minutes to read their amazing poems, which can be found in the Poetry Escape book located in the Library.

Etone College proudly celebrated the outstanding commitment and conduct of its Year 8 pupils with an exciting rewards trip to Drayton Manor Theme Park. The special outing recognised students who achieved an excellent attendance record of over 97% and demonstrated exemplary behaviour throughout the qualifying period. 

The sun shone as pupils enjoyed a well-deserved day of fun, laughter, and adventure. From adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters to scenic rides and animal encounters at the zoo, the trip offered something for everyone. Staff at the park, and our coach drivers praised the pupils for how well they represented the college, demonstrating outstanding manners and behaviour.  

This trip was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our students’ resilience, dedication and positive attitude. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and how they consistently uphold our Etone values. 

Etone College continues to encourage high standards in both attendance and behaviour, and this rewards trip serves as a reminder that effort and excellence truly do pay off. 

We are very proud to be able to share the strategies that we have used to promote a positive culture of reading at Etone more widely through a training session on behalf of Staffordshire Research School. Here is the QR code to the training if any of you are interested in logging on or who have friends in other schools who are literacy leads.

We are also very proud to be able to share the strategies that we have used to promote disciplinary literacy at Etone more widely, again through another training session for SRS. Please find the QR code below and share widely if you know literacy leads in other schools. DOLS – this may be a useful one to hop on as part of your PM or DOL action plan.

This would not be possible without the support of all staff in promoting the wonderful work that we do for reading and literacy at Etone so many thanks for your support

Our Year 12 Football Academy students recently visited Weddington Primary School to coach and referee a Year 5 football tournament. They delivered excellent coaching from the sidelines, motivating young players and encouraging great teamwork and competitiveness. Alongside officiating the matches, the Academy also led a variety of engaging football drills. A big well done to our Football Academy students, and thank you to Weddington Primary for welcoming us and allowing us to be part of a fantastic afternoon of sport.

Middlemarch, Wembrook and Queens Primary Schools recently joined us for an enchanting morning of Harry Potter-themed science experiments, focusing on the fascinating world of separating mixtures. The young wizards-in-training were treated to a spectacle of magical proportions as they delved into the realm where science and magic intertwine.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the creation of "Elephant's Toothpaste," a spectacular chemical reaction that erupted with such force it reached the ceiling, leaving our young scientists wide-eyed with wonder. This impressive demonstration showcased the power of catalysts and decomposition reactions in a visually stunning way.
Our aspiring witches and wizards also had the opportunity to craft their very own magic wands, complete with different colored flames. This activity not only sparked creativity but also introduced the concept of flame tests and the unique emission spectra of various elements.
The success of the event was greatly enhanced by the participation of ten Year 9 lead learners, who demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and scientific knowledge. These older students provided invaluable support to their younger counterparts.
This magical morning of science was more than just fun and games; it served as an excellent introduction to key scientific concepts for our primary school visitors. By blending the beloved world of Harry Potter with hands-on experiments, we were able to ignite a passion for science in these young minds.
We are thrilled with the success of this event and look forward to hosting more primary schools in the future. These taster science lessons provide an excellent opportunity for younger students to experience the wonders of science in a secondary school setting, easing the transition between primary and secondary education.
As we continue to bridge the gap between primary and secondary science education, we remain committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists through engaging, interactive, and magical experiences. Stay tuned for more exciting collaborations and events that will bring the magic of science to life for our local primary schools.

On Monday 16^th June, School Councillors met with our Headteacher, Mr Smith, as part of the pupil You Said We Did (YSWD) process. In the build up to the meeting, School Councillors were asked to speak to their tutor groups about positive ideas for changes and improvements at Etone College. It was then up to the School Councillors to create a list of priorities to bring to the meeting with Mr Smith, who discussed with the Council the feasibility of their proposals and what the next steps would be to achieve them. It was great to hear a variety of ideas in the meeting, from new water fountains to new extra-curricular clubs for breaktimes. 

On Wednesday all staff were supported to “feel the love” of another successful Thank a Teacher day.

Each year Etone recognises the importance of all staff from teachers to admin staff members. Whilst there may be days dedicated to teachers and TA’s there is not a singular day for non-teaching staff. Therefore we take every opportunity to celebrate all staff on these times.

Across the week we were busy sharing physical thank a teacher cards, written by colleagues and pupils alike, sharing thanks in small ways to big gestures of leavers gifts.

Additionally all staff received email cards from pupils through the National Thank a Teacher website. Something we are very proud to share is our ranking in the top schools of Warwickshire for Thank-a-Teacher. Thank you to all parents and pupils who took the time to write one.

Finally our staff enjoyed a great time at a special CPD session with treats donated by our leadership team as a big thank-you for their support across the year. Thank you to all who done something to share in this, and if you haven’t yet there’s still time:)

On Tuesday, 17^th June, Mrs Leftwich-Lloyd spent the morning at Middlemarch primary to support them in the direction of their Year 6 production, 'Pirates of the Curry Bean'.  It was wonderful to see future Etone pupils so confident, communicative and cooperative in their rehearsal and performance.  There are some real stars who we know will thrive at Etone.

On Monday our Year 11 excelled themselves shy completing their last whole cohort exam. Tackling the arts of Physics for the last time, our pupils conducted themselves brilliantly. Showing all of the values and utilising their employability skills from across their time at Etone College.

After a short break it was time to enter the main hall for the traditional “Shirt-Signing” sessions. In recent years the level of quality and time put into the shirt designs has increased and we are proud to show just a few of the exquisite examples here.

As our Year 11 signed away, took photos and ate cookies and brownies there was merriment in the air. With the hot lovely weather, an ice cold can of pop was appreciated by our pupils as they reminisced about their time at Etone and made new memories.

As the event drew to a close it was time for the annual class of “ photo - This year the folks at Coca-Cola made it extra special with cans of “Class of 25” one of which made a guest appearance on the official photograph.

Whilst the event was a lovely opportunity to see off our Year 11, we couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness as we say goodbye to one of the most iconic years groups yet.

Thank you for everything Class of 25! You have made it a great year groups yet to work with! Following this our Year 11’s rejoin us on Thursday for their official leaving assembly, followed by the prom before exam results day! See you on Thursday Class of 25!