The EEF theme for the summer term is Literacy and we have been busy working away on some exciting things to share with you. A major partnership of this term has been with the fabulous staff at Etone College who have been very generous with their time and energies. Thank you! 

In this edition, we have an amazing podcast interview with A Sandilands who was part of an EEF pilot strategy around Curriculum Comprehension Strategies (CCS) in Geography. Her podcast is inspirational; do have a listen here. 

Staff at Etone College have also been working with us to offer a series of two twilight events focusing on 1) How to Create a Culture of Reading and 2) Embedding approaches across the school for reading and disciplinary literacy. These events are brought to you free so do make sure you sign up via our events page here. 

J Stafford, a fantastic ELE and Deputy at Etone College also shares her evidence informed practice with us through two blogs which focus on Putting the Evidence to Work to Prepare Learners for Success. You can read blog 1 and blog 2 now. 

And finally, we couldn't publish this edition without reference to the fabulous new Deployment of Teaching Assistants guidance report. This guidance report has already proven extremely popular with teaching assistants, teachers, schools, trusts and LAs alike. Read more in our new blog here. There are more items inspired by this report to come! 

On Friday 23^rd 8 Etone College staff joined with over 40 of our Matrix colleagues to take part in the Three Peaks Challenge. This gruelling challenge encompassesthe three highest  peaks of Scotland, England and Wales, within an aimed 24 hour time limit including journey time.

The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 metres (10,052ft). The total driving distance is 462 miles. Whilst logistically it is a nightmare, the challenge itself is a test of personal strength, resilience and self-belief. To achieve these three mammoth mounds one after another, shows all of the values and skills required to be an Etone Learner.

With aim to raise over £20,000 as a team towards Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the Trust Charity of the Year. It was well worth the preperaiton and training, however when it came down to the event the sheer scale was daunting on our team. Our four drivers performed their duties excellently. Whilst not walking, their driving and support was what had made any of it possible. Keeping our spirits up when cheer was in short supply a massive shout out to Mr Gittings, Mrs Smith, Mr Sheikh and Mr Watts.

Ben Nevis – Elevation 1,345m, Distance 17km

Starting in the Scottish Highlands, our team set off at 6:45pm with a slight staggered start behind some of the other teams. Although not a race it was a proud moment to see our team push up the mountain in a very strong time. The climb itself was a real test as the challenge at point ranged from gentle paths to gruelling slates. As we summited the sun was shining on us and the views of Scotland were just stunning. However, with limited time to take it in we journeyed back to finish in a very strong position for the challenge:

UK Average time – 7-8 Hours

Etone Team time - 4 Hours, 57 Minutes

Scafell Pike – Elevation 978m, Distance 9.4km

As we entered Cumbria it was advancing on 8pm after some traffic concerns. With daylight fading fast we were determined to make it onto the mountain face before 8pm otherwise we may not have been able to continue safely. With a steeper incline, cooling temperatures and the heavens opening the climb became tougher and tougher still. With darkness descending about 1km before the summit there were more than mere thoughts of turning around. However, digging deeper we made it to the top with enough time for a quick picture and push back down. The descent became particularly troubling with the severity of the decline being further in question with the slippery terrain. Despite cold conditions we made it back with a time setting for us to really take on the last leg.

UK Average time – 5-6 Hours

Etone Team time - 3 Hours 5 Minuets

Snowden – Elevation 1,085m, Distance 13km

With the dawn breaking in the mini-bus it became clear that our 24 hour challenge was over. Due to traffic conditions and some mishaps along the way the elements out of our control had taken the wind out of our sails. However, with donations riding on this we dug even deeper and agreed to take on the Snowdon giant. What would have been a lovely Saturday walk at 6am was compounded with damp gear, tiring legs and aching bones. The combined age of our group being 216 across the 5 walkers it was a sheer sight to behold as we made it up to the top in record times. As a team we had been on this hard yet beautiful journey. Setting off on the final path with the rest of Team Matrix made it for an even more emotional journey. Finally coming down to cheers and triumphs form the minibus team, was something special.

UK Average time – 6-7 Hours

Etone Team time - 3 Hours 12 minutes

With fanfare, medals and even some tears the challenge was over. The teams had done it and we had smashed some personal records. A big thank you to the whole of the support team and Matrix team for the organising. It was something that we will never forget.

Of course, our fundraising journey continues. As does the challenges the doctors, nurses and midwives face at Birmingham Children Hospital. If you would like to donate please do so here: https://bit.ly/4dRj2U1

At Etone College, we are committed to preparing our students for a successful future by delivering a comprehensive Careers Programme from Year 7 through to Year 11. Our aim is to provide every pupil with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions about their future pathways—whether that’s further education, apprenticeships, or entering the world of work.

Careers education is embedded within our Learning for Life (LfL) curriculum and enriched through a range of engaging, impartial activities and events. From exploring personal strengths and the changing world of work in the early years, to developing CVs, preparing for work experience, and attending career fairs in later years, our students benefit from a structured and supportive journey.

Each stage of the programme introduces vital career concepts—from understanding Labour Market Information (LMI) to exploring equality in the workplace and developing soft skills employers value. By Year 11, students receive personalised guidance and access to key events like our Careers Day and employer networking opportunities, helping them take confident steps towards their chosen careers.

Explore our site to learn more about how we empower students to imagine, plan, and pursue their futures with purpose.

This week we have celebrated the achievements of pupils at Etone through our Progress Praise year group assemblies. Our expectation is that everyone in our school gives 100% all day, every day. Therefore, the categories for outstanding achievement include most progress in each subject, highest attainment in each subject, outstanding attendance (100%) and outstanding behaviour (100% positive behaviour ratio).  

Pupils have also been issued certificates and badges for reaching house point milestones and demonstrating our employability characteristics.  

Pupils who have been issued certificates and have been nominated for awards are demonstrating our Etone values which are fundamental traits to prepare pupils for society and their working adult life. 

All winners in each year group have been placed into a draw and 10 pupils in each year group have been presented with a £10 voucher. 

Well done to everyone nominated. 

We are excited to announce Etone’s Got Talent 2025. This year we are stretching wide to find the variety of talents within our school. Juggling, dancing or even reciting the phonetic alphabet backwards. We invite you to audition your talents.

Sign up to audition today with Mrs Leftwich-Lloyd:

Music: Monday 2nd June P01

Dance: Tuesday 3rd June main hall

Drama: Thursday 5th June P01

A massive well done to Team Mental-health who delivered another very successful pop up on Thursday! It was a joy to see so many pupils being supportive of the initiative and helping to bring a voice to anyone who does not feel heard!

With the Trust Sports Day round the corner the warm up for our Year 10’s took place at Pingles this week. With the stadium hosting local school competition. Our team performed brilliantly and as you can see by the many medals on display won more than a few events. With further details to follow make sure you check out our athletics updates! Well done Team Sport!

The auditorium at Millennium Point was once again filled with excitement and pride as the third annual Matrix Pupil Awards Ceremony took place. Now a firmly established tradition, the event recognised outstanding academic achievements across all our schools while celebrating the unique talents and character of each of our pupils.

The evening was opened by CEO Lynsey Draycott, with Headteachers from across the trust taking to the stage to present awards to their proud pupils. Among the honours were five standout titles: Most Creative, Most Resilient, Most Selfless, Continuous Improver, and Most Enthusiastic — each highlighting the remarkable qualities shown by pupils throughout the year.

The ceremony also featured captivating performances from pupils who triumphed in our trust-wide talent competition. Their musical skills added an unforgettable touch to the evening and demonstrated the breadth of talent within our schools.

Special recognition was also given to pupils involved in our Combined Cadet Force and those who successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, celebrating their commitment, resilience, and leadership beyond the classroom.

The awards were presented by our Chair of Trustees, Sir Mark Aspinall. A big thank you to our special guest Beth who gave some very inspiring words.

A heartfelt thank you and congratulations to all of our award winners, performers, dedicated staff, trustees, parents and carers who made the evening such a success. A highlight video will be posted shortly.