Walking through the historic porter's lodge into Keble College, Oxford is certainly incredibly impressive with the beautiful brick buildings framing green spaces. Etone students in year 10 were instantly impressed as they were greeted by India, our host for the day. Walking to their first session, pupils were already excitedly discussing their university plans and asking questions about what it would be like studying at Oxford University. 

India's first session 'Aiming High' ensured the tone for the day was clearly set. Pupils took part in an engaging, interactive session where they were introduced to university options, history of universities, how degrees are taught, and what it's like to live and learn at Oxford University.  Etone pupils were totally engaged in discussion and in asking and answering questions; thinking about their plans for life beyond school.  The opportunity to meet two second year students was invaluable and gave Etone pupils an insight into what it's like to study at Oxford University giving them even more information to plan their next steps. 

Every Oxford College has a unique identity and this was demonstrated by a tour of Somerville College including the library, chapel and social areas. The day was highly valued by year 10 Eleanor reflected, 'the university was so huge with such a huge variety of subjects which made me more aware of the opportunities and accessibility of Oxbridge." Madiha, who plans to study medicine said, 'I found the day educational and inspiring. I now feel like I know how to prepare to apply to Oxford and it's definitely an option for me.' Alex 'really enjoyed the day, particularly Keble College where the building and courtyard were beautiful, and the students were so friendly.'

On Wednesday we were delighted to send two of our staff to the Education Business Awards in London at the St Leonardo Hotel. With Etone College nominated for the Community School of the Year it was a special treat. Upon arrival we were made to feel like winners with a cheery reception, some impressive educational connections and of course free stationary.

As the awards began BBC broadcaster, Ashley Jean Baptiste took to the stage took to share his own experiences regarding the importance of education. How a boy who grew up in the area such as his own, would not believe they could ever on day be on the TV. However with the support of his teachers and a strong education behind him, this was something that was achieved and at a young age. Winning awards for his journalism including Young Broadcaster of the Year.

Whilst unfortunately there was no overall prize for Etone, to be shortlisted in the category with over 300 nominations we are honoured by the support of all our Etone pupils, staff and friends. Wish us luck for our next awards on the 4^th July.

The start of June marks the beginning of Pride Month. With initial events dating back to the 1960’s Pride has become the cornerstone celebration of diversity and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. With parades, concerts and events raising awareness and support for all regardless of orientation. In recognition of this we will be showing our support and celebrating Pride in various ways. 

To start off with our Careers Ambassadors have been busy making and giving out ribbons to our staff, to wear in support of the month-wide celebrations. With all members of our school proud to wear the symbol, it meant all the more that they were thoughtfully created by our own pupils.

Across the school our pupils have been busy decorating our site with bunting, ribbons and flags showing the iconic rainbow design first displayed 1978, downtown Chicago. Form the hall to the foyer there is a clear theme to the month as we show our Etone Values of Support for All.

Over in the kitchen our chefs are busy designing their own tribute with a delicious Pride themed treat for us to enjoy nearer the end of the month. Whilst of course food knows no discrimination, the aim is to remind all that we can celebrate and support each other no matter what.

In lessons our pupils will be learning about some key LGBTQIA+ role models in Learning of Life with each subject area will be showing a LGBTQ+ role model within their lessons from across their discipline. We will also be considering and reflecting on the trials and tribulations some of our earlier role models would have suffered in less diverse societies. For example in Computing, Alan Turing the ‘Grandfather of Computer Science’ who hid his own sexuality to avoid prejudice or Oscar Wilde who was imprisoned for his orientation. 

Supporting our approach our TV screens will also be showing some Pride facts and materials across the month of June. Additionally we are supporting our pupils to see the celebration of Pride as not just orientation or gender but more widely diversity as a whole. Happy Pride All!

Last year, Etone College held its first Warhammer painting competition, where 11 staff members and 1 member of the wider Etone Community painted a Stormcast Eternal from the Warhammer Age of Sigmar table top miniatures game.  After a close competition, Mr Barnes earned himself third place, Mrs Geddes earned herself second place, and the winner was Mrs Carlton.

This year, the competition returned…better than ever…

Launched just before Easter, the staff at Etone College and members of the Etone Community were challenged to paint a Space Marine from the Warhammer 40,000 table top miniatures game.  12 staff members, and 6 members of the Etone Community, took up this challenge to show their skills and ability with a paint brush.

Then just before half term, the students were asked to vote on the completed miniatures, with them being split across two categories; staff and Etone Community, to decide which miniatures deserved the titles this year.

First, the results for the Etone Community competition which saw some fantastic entries;

In third place, Mr Hirst, Mrs Hirst’s husband.

In second place, Miss Tretyakova, currently on maternity leave.

In first place, was Mr Phillips, Mrs Carlton’s father.

Now for the staff competition, which saw a number of staff new to hobby, whilst others competed last year;

In third place, Miss Carlton.

In second place, Mr Barnes.

In first place, Mr McKenna.

Thank you to all that helped make this event possible and well done to everyone that submitted a miniature.

Monday the 24^th June marks the start of Etone Communities Week 2024. As you are aware we take pride in making sure Etone College is a true community.. Each and every pupil, staff member, families and friends work together to ensure no one is undervalued and everyone supported.

We were privileged recently to be able to share our shortlisting for some awards, chief amongst them Community School of the Year at the Education Business Awards in London. Whilst we await for the results of the awards, the focus of our efforts is not on accolades received but on supporting our local environment to thrive. With that in mind across the year we support, promote and highlight key causes around our local area along with national and global.

During communities week, we hope to celebrate all that we do for our many communities whilst encouraging pupils to showcase their Etone Values.

Supportive: Providing help and support and looking out for all

Caring: Displaying kindness to others, the local community and the environment

Showing Integrity: Knowing when and how to do the right thing

Self-Belief: Showing determination to succeed

Courteous: Being polite, respectful and showing good manners

Trustworthy: Being honest, truthful and reliable

They can do this each day through the following:

•         Monday Moments – Give someone an unexpected compliment or helping hand.

•         Take Time Tuesday – Take the time to find out something about another culture within our community.

•         Wilderness Wednesday –  Use your initiative to be kind to the environment.

•         Thankyou Thursday - Complete a Staff Shout out Thankyou card for members of the Etone family.

The whole week will culminate in our Big Olympic Challenge where our Heads of House and their teams will battle it out to be the first to row the distance between Dover and Calais and back!

A big thank you to all who are supporting us.

Big Olympic Rowing Challenge

Date: Friday28^th June

Activity: Staff rowing challenge – Rowing the channel to Calais and back

Reason: To raise money for our House Charities

Participants: Each member of staff will complete a 15 minute session to row as much as possible for their House. The House who completes the distance in the shortest time will win.

How to donate: Use the following link on Just Giving - https://www.justgiving.com/team/etonerowing?utm_medium=team&utm_content=team%2Fetonerowing&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

Find out more here: https://www.etonecollege.co.uk/the-big-olympic-challenge/

As part of mental health week, pupils have been to an assembly led by Mrs Price and some of our
wellbeing ambassadors, the assembly falls in line with the theme this year which is movement...

Today members of Etone Colleges CCF contingent joined other Matrix Trust CCF units at RAF museum at RAF Cosford. The cadets got the opportunity to view the extensive exhibits some of which were from the 2nd War. There were special presentations about the RAF's involvement in D-Day.

After lunch all contingents gathered for a Remembrance parade where the cadets were reminded of the ultimate sacrifice many military personnel made on that fateful day.

On Tuesday, 4th July, Etone Exceeding Excellence welcomed Dr Frank Simons, an Assyriologist from Trinity Collrge, Dublin to speak in person to pupils and parents.  

Dr Simons explained the nature of Assyriology and the work of an Assyriologist. He explained the dozens of languages across 3,000 years in a wide area of the Middle East centring around Iraq, all of which were written in cuneiform on clay tablets which are preserved in vast numbers in museums across the world. Assyriology's source base dwarfs that of Egyptology, and the classical world in both size and variety. 

The audience were taken in the quest to define samānu, tracking specific words through medical cures, ancient dictionaries, omens, divination texts, incantations, agricultural manuals and even ancient children's schoolwork! They were the first in the world to see which animal the samānu was, which will be published in due course. 

Huge curiosity and engagement were shown in the focus and range of questions Dr Simons answered at the end of his talk. 

The lecture series resumes in September with a musicologist, a world famous Astronomer, a trip to Warwick University science lectures and more to be revealed. 

This week in KS3 History, students have been looking at the key causes and consequences of the D-Day landings, which took place eighty years ago on 6^th June 1944. 

In lessons students started by considering the context of 1944 - how Western Europe was occupied by Nazi Germany and how the Allies planned to build on the momentum achieved through 1943 by starting the process of liberating France. The Normandy landings would prove to be the largest seaborne invasion in history, with over 150,000 Allied troops crossing the English Channel to take Northern France. 

Students looked at the invasion plan for the 6^th June - how the Allies used elaborate deceptions to prevent the Nazis from determining the timing and location of the invasion, and how ground troops would land across five assault beaches - Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. By the end of the 6^th June, the Allies had established a foothold right across the coast and were ready to advance further into France. 

Students also looked at the commemorative events planned for D-Day and how King Charles III planned to mark the anniversary with other world leaders. They also reflected on why it is so important to remember the sacrifices that people made in World War Two, to protect our British Values of Democracy and the Rule of Law against Nazi tyranny.