Our Year 12 English Language students recently took part in an insightful subject session led by Dr Chris Montgomery from the University of Sheffield, focusing on the perception of accents across the UK. The session directly supported their preparation for AQA English Language Paper 2: Language Varieties, enriching their understanding of how accent, identity, and social attitudes intersect.

Dr Montgomery introduced students to current research on perceptual dialectology, exploring how people map, judge, and categorise accents—even when their perceptions don’t always align with linguistic reality. Students examined how stereotypes form around particular regional varieties, why certain accents are socially privileged, and how media representation shapes public attitudes.

The session deepened students’ analytical skills and provided rich, contemporary material they can now draw on in their Paper 2 essays. It also sparked thoughtful discussion about language prejudice and the power dynamics embedded in everyday communication.

For the past several Mondays during enrichment, our Year 12 and 13 students took part in a workshop focused on understanding the different pathways available after school or college, including university, apprenticeships, and full-time work, and how each option can impact their finances. They explored the real costs associated with living independently, such as rent, bills, food, transport, and other everyday expenses. Students learned how to create and manage a budget by identifying income, fixed expenses, and variable spending. The session also highlighted the importance of planning ahead, saving regularly, and making informed financial decisions. Overall, the workshop helped students feel more prepared and confident about managing their money and making informed choices about their future.

Students from Etone College regularly spend their weekly social hour with residents at Attleborough Grange - it’s something they all look forward to.

Over time, they’ve built lovely relationships by popping into the Nuneaton care home to see everyone and enjoy a mix of activities together, from painting sessions to sing-alongs with our Community Musician, Warren.

Last week, they helped decorate the tables for Valentine’s Day by making paper flowers. As they worked, the conversation soon turned to memories of getting ready for dates in their younger days. Residents laughed as they shared how they would curl and pin their hair and even use tea to tan their legs. 

Social Activities Manager Sherie said, “It’s lovely seeing the connections being made here at Attleborough. Thank you to all the students for spending time with our residents. It might only be an hour of their time, but it can make someone’s whole day.”

On Friday, a group of pupils in Y13 Law and a selection of Community Champions had the privilege to attend a question-and-answer session with MP for Nuneaton, Jodie Gosling. The talk was extremely interesting as the pupils had the chance to prepare high quality questions to further understand both the legislative process and the role of the MP.

Our pupils’ questions were both topical and practical and ranged from viewpoints on current debates and wider reaching mechanisms of the Houses of Parliament. Throughout the session Jodie was impressed by the level of respect and professionalism from our pupils as she shared that they shone through for the school and really made Etone proud.

“It was lovely to get a chance to see the pupils again, we have a really good relationship with Etone and it is always nice to get out and see what schools are up to. Etone is such a wonderful community, we always feel so welcome when we come here.”

Our pupils were equally so appreciative of the time and found it extremely useful for their courses and as a life experience. A big thank you to Jodie for the chance to meet and discuss our pupils thoughts.

In the summer of 2024 one of our Year 11’s completed their Etone College with an outstanding 100% attendance form the first day of Y7 all the way to the last day of Y11. This was even more impressive as it included a 100% attendance record for each and every lesson during the period of remote learning in the Covid pandemic.

Sophie had shown all of the resilience and other Employability Skills along with our Etone Values and with this has done so achieving amazing grades and being a wide part of the additional activities Etone College affords including; Etone Elect, Community Champion and the of course our Performing Arts department.

To reward this outstanding achievement, we were very pleased to have our Trust CEO – Lynsey Draycott and MP for Nuneaton Jodie Gosling who were able to present the award and gift to Sophie and share some important messages of thanks. Both Jodie and Lynsey were blown away by the commitment to learning Sophie has shown and are extremely proud to have been part of the ceremony.

As part of their enrichment programme, Year 12 and 13 students took part in a three-week carousel of online workshops, delivered by external speakers. Each week focused on a different theme, giving students the opportunity to develop practical life skills, deepen their understanding of others, and build resilience to support their wellbeing and personal development.

First Aid
In this interactive youth workshop, students learned essential first aid skills and how to respond confidently in an emergency. Using everyday objects, learners explored practical ways to help others, while also gaining a clear understanding of where and how to seek support for their own injury or illness. The session focused on building confidence, awareness and a willingness to act when it matters most.

Empathy and Migration
This workshop explored the experiences of migration and the reasons why people may be forced to leave their homes. Through stories and reflective activities, students were encouraged to put themselves in the shoes of others, helping them to develop empathy and understanding. The session supported learners in challenging common assumptions about migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, promoting thoughtful discussion and greater social awareness.

Coping with Challenges and Building Resilience
This resilience-building workshop used experiential learning to help students develop skills to better manage the challenges they face. Learners explored the four pillars of resilience, examined the link between strong connections and wellbeing, and built confidence in applying these strategies to real-life situations. The session aimed to equip students with practical tools to support their mental and emotional resilience beyond the classroom.