Recently, selected students at Etone College took part in an exciting and informative training programme led by the Careers Hub, designed to prepare them for their role as Student Careers Ambassadors. The training focused on developing their understanding of the wide range of qualifications and pathways available to young people, enabling them to confidently support and mentor younger students in the future.

During the sessions, students explored different qualification routes, including GCSEs, A Levels, BTECs, T Levels, apprenticeships and other post-16 and post-18 options. The Careers Hub provided clear guidance on how these qualifications work, who they are suited for, and how they can lead to further education, training or employment. This ensured the ambassadors gained a well-rounded and up-to-date knowledge of the education landscape.

As well as learning about qualifications, students developed key communication and mentoring skills. They discussed how to offer impartial advice, share personal experiences appropriately and signpost younger students to reliable sources of support when needed. This training will allow them to act as positive role models and trusted peers within the school community.

The Student Careers Ambassadors will use their new knowledge to peer mentor younger pupils, helping them to understand their options and feel more confident when thinking about their futures. This peer-led approach is particularly valuable, as students often find it easier to engage in conversations with those who have recently faced similar choices themselves.

Etone College is proud of the commitment shown by the Careers Ambassadors and grateful to the Careers Hub for delivering such high-quality training. This initiative will play an important role in strengthening careers education across the school and empowering students to make informed decisions about their next steps.

Our Year 8 students recently embarked on an out-of-this-world adventure thanks to a visit from the Smallpeice Trust, taking part in an exciting STEM day titled “Road to RIOT: Blast Off!”

For the day, the classroom transformed into a buzzing mission control as students became teams of designers, aerospace engineers, landing gear specialists, and marketing executives. Their challenge? To plan a bold new planetary research expedition to a newly discovered world and design a lander capable of safely arriving on Mars.

Working in teams, students explored the real-world problems faced by space agencies, from protecting delicate scientific equipment during landing to creating eye-catching branding to “sell” their mission to potential sponsors. They sketched designs, tested ideas, solved engineering challenges, and presented their final concepts with confidence and creativity.

The day was packed with teamwork, problem-solving, and plenty of “aha!” moments as students discovered how science, technology, engineering, and maths come together in real careers. Most importantly, it sparked curiosity and showed just how exciting a future in STEM can be.

A huge thank you to the Smallpeice Trust for inspiring our young engineers and helping our Year 8 students truly blast off on their road to RIOT! 🌍✨