The Gardening Club has had a successful first year, we have got to grips with new skills, planted lots and learnt some new techniques. Gardening has helped us to check in with our mental health and wellbeing each week by connecting with others and helping the school community.

. We have now achieved the RHS School Gardening Level 2 by coming up with some plans of things that we would like to achieve next year, developing new skills (including working out what is a weed and what is a prized plant!!)   and using our gardening on a weekly basis to support our wellbeing.  As part of achieving the award we received a book about how to garden in a low carbon way, some seeds for next year and a £50 voucher to spend on Gardening equipment next year.

We are really excited to  continue learning through gardening next year we are looking forward to trying to grow more vegetables, looking at ways we can encourage more nature to the school site and supporting the site staff to take care of the flower beds around the site.

Last weekend some of our junior cadets attended a multi-activity weekend hosted by Barr Beacon CCF. This was an actioned packed weekend where some of our cadets experienced camping and cooking their own food for the first time 

Fieldcraft skills were practiced where the cadets learnt how to see things in the field without being seen themselves. In addition, the cadets learnt how to patrol in an urban area. 

The icing on the cake for the weekend for most of the cadets was when they had the opportunity to be Robin Hood for a moment and use the newly acquired archery equipment.

10 of out cadets and two instructors will be travelling north on Sunday morning to attend a 6-day adventurous training camp

 Where they will be climbing, shooting, water sporting and even having a day at Blackpool pleasure beach

On Tuesday our Year 7’s were visited in their assembly by Flight Officer Gittings (AKA - Mr Gittings) from the Etone CCF to introduce them to the CCF and invite them to the June taster sessions for joining.

Each year our CCF build on their impressive numbers and as the contingent have evolved and developed, we are proud to share some of the highlights including their attendance at remembrance events, raising funds for key charities, success at cross trust competitions (winning the RAST and shooting ones recently) along with getting the chance to experience G Force in the air.

The quality and opportunities of our CCF are next to none, although rather than reading about it follow the link to the CCF page to watch our video sharing all of the amazing offers within the CCF: https://www.etonecollege.co.uk/ccf/

To find out more about the Year 7 tasters check here: https://www.etonecollege.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CCF-Parent-Recruitment-Letter-June-2025-1.pdf

Friday 21st was a time for the Community School of the Year to swing into action. With a busy day Etone College raised funds once again for Comic Relief. Building up to this day our pupils had the chance to understand the importance of the charity through our annual assembly. This year delivered by Mr Bowley and the Community Champions the focus of the assembly was sharing how small actions can have big impacts. 

For example for just £100 this can fully train a mentor in Africa who can support young children in keeping them safe. An interesting question to think “how much is our safety worth?” with all Houses agreeing much more than £100.

On the day itself it was fantastic to see the efforts of the Etone Community Champions as they descended onto the school gates to help collect for our Non-uniform day. With the vast majority of pupils showing their giving side the buckets were already heaving.

At lunch time the festivities continued as pupils had the chance to take part in specially designed activities at lunch including the: ‘Tell us a Joke’, ‘Design a Red Nose’ competitions or the Big Comic Relief quiz. So far we have raised over £800 with the final total being announce later this week. Well done Etone!!

Join us on March 17^th for our upcoming Themed Menu Day – Celebrating St. Patricks Day. With the luck of the Irish on our side you can indulge in the classic ‘Irish Fry’ complete with bread and butter, enjoy trialling our Irish Stew with traditional Colcannon. Before finished off with a delicious cupcake surprise. See you on the 17^th – And may the luck of the Irish be with you!

A big congratulations to Luka who took part in November in the IFT World Championships in Uzbekistan competing in Taekwon-do.  Luka achieved bronze and has been selected again to represent GB in April / May 2025 competing in the category of 1^st Degree Patterns in the European ITF Taekwon-do Championships in Tallin, Estonia 2025. We wish him the best of luck!!!

On International Women's Day, our Year 7 science students had the unique opportunity to engage with three inspiring scientists, one of whom has worked on NASA projects. The event was a resounding success, as the students were captivated by the live feedback and discussions about careers in STEM, particularly for women.

The scientists shared their personal journeys, highlighting the challenges women often face in the STEM workplace, including discrimination and stereotypes. However, they also emphasized the numerous opportunities available in this field and encouraged the students to pursue their interests without hesitation. The message was clear: Science is open to everyone, and girls should feel empowered to explore and excel in STEM careers.

The talk was not only informative but also motivational, as the scientists spoke about their experiences and the rewards of working in STEM. The students were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and participating in lively discussions. This event was a fantastic way to celebrate both science and the contributions of women in science, inspiring our students to consider a future in these exciting fields.

The feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from such accomplished role models. This event reinforced the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM education, encouraging our students to break down barriers and pursue their passions with confidence. We are grateful to the scientists who shared their time and expertise with us, and we look forward to continuing to inspire our students to explore the vast possibilities in STEM

In February, History students across KS3 took part in researching the lives of six LGBTQ+ figures. Students delved into their work and accomplishments, analysing their impact on our world today. Alan Turing, Oscar Wilde, Edith Windsor, Lady Phyll, Justin Fashanu and Elton John may be names you are familiar with. Our KS3 students could certainly tell you about their contributions.

Notable Figures

On Thursday 27^th February two groups of Year 9 pupils attended the morning and afternoon sessions of the Teen Tech Festival at MIRA Technology Institute in Nuneaton. The purpose of the event is for some of the leading industry experts to engage with the younger generation and share with them some of the up to date movements in technology. Across the day at The MIRA Technology Institute our pupils had the chance to take part in some truly exciting challenges and hands-on activities including coming up with some innovative technologies.

One group was particularly impressive in the skills and understanding shown during their presentation with many pupils and groups going on to win awards. In the second half of the event pupils had the chance to  network with potential employers who gave feedback on their project ideas. The day was a real success with many pupils now looking to enter the national competition with their ideas. Wish us luck.