On Tuesday 8th April, a group of our enthusiastic Year 7 pupils from Etone College visited the University of Leicester to take part in a fascinating and inspiring day all about sustainability. The visit offered a valuable insight into environmental issues, university life, and even some local history.

Upon arrival, pupils were warmly welcomed by university staff and given a quick overview of the day ahead. The main activities were split into a carousel of three sessions, giving pupils the opportunity to learn, explore, and get hands-on with ideas for a greener future.

The first session dove into key environmental topics such as carbon footprints, global warming, sustainability, climate, and the greenhouse effect. Pupils discussed what these terms mean and explored how human actions are impacting the planet. They also explored positive solutions and suggestions, such as:

• Planting trees to offset carbon emissions
• Creating recycled art pieces to reduce waste
• Using renewable energy, like the example of Keele University’s wind farm, which generates 30–40% of its energy sustainably

Etone College pupils were the first to correctly sequence the carbon footprint of various foods that our speaker has asked numerous schools in his What is Sustainability session.

The second session explored the importance of biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems. Pupils learnt about how the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park dramatically restored its environment, a great example of how carefully considered actions can benefit nature.

To support biodiversity closer to home, pupils were full of ideas, including:

• Building bug hotels

• Installing solar panels
• Creating small water fountains for local wildlife
• Starting gardening clubs
• Making bird feeders
• And even planting their own bulbs to contribute to the local ecosystem

We all enjoyed an alfresco lunch in the University grounds, just next to where our pupils had planted their bulbs, basking in the gloriously sunny day. They gained a taste of the independence that University pupils experience, the ability to select their venue to have lunch and where to work.

The final part of the day was a guided tour of the University of Leicester campus. Pupils had the chance to explore the grounds, see the learning spaces, and experience a taste of what university life is like. A highlight of the tour was seeing the carving of Sir David Attenborough and his brother, Lord Richard Attenborough, embedded into the walls of the house where they lived as children – a wonderful tribute to two iconic figures who grew up in Leicester and made a significant impact on both science and the arts.

Pupils also had the opportunity to hear from a current third-year student, who shared their experiences of applying to university, moving away from home, and what daily life is really like for a student. It was an inspiring and informative talk that sparked lots of curiosity about the future.

Our Year 7s returned to school full of excitement and new ideas. The trip was not only educational but also empowering, showing pupils that even small changes can help make a big difference to the world around us.

A huge thank you to the University of Leicester for hosting such a meaningful day and to the event organiser and our wonderful ambassadors for being so complimentary of our wonderful pupils and looking after us all day. We can’t wait to see how our pupils bring their sustainable ideas to life back at school!

On April 3rd 2025, all students in year 7,8,9 and 10 at Etone College took part in our annual Careers day event.  This forms part of the Statutory Careers programme.  During this time there were many exciting and informative experiences, for example, NHS services, Engineering challenges, STEM activities and visits to universities & the college. 

All of the activities  were themed around the careers opportunities available in the various industries attending the day and encompassed our employability skills 

Year 7 enjoyed sessions with 

Jaguar Land rover and CIPS engineering interactive sessions 

HMRC, looking at tax 

Stepnall construction, practical sessions looking at building problems 

The Civil service, practical session looking at the role of the civil service 

Leicester University, this session looked at raising aspirations and what university life looks like 

Role models talks, talks from role modes working in sports and procurement 

Year 8 enjoyed sessions with 

Hobra Myra, engineering

Jaguar Land rover and CIPS engineering

HMRC looking at tax 

Army, roles within the armed forces 

Police, practical task examining roles in the police force 

Lovetts estate agents, what are the roles of an estate agent 

Role models talks, talks from role modes working in sports and procurement 

Year 9 students had the opportunity to attend work experience and we have received feedback from companies outlining how well our students fitted into the working environment.  

Year 10 enjoyed experiences with 

NWSLC, Trip and a tour 

Role Models talks from role modes working in sports and procurement 

Gloucester University this session looked at raising aspirations and what university life looks like 

Ask, how to apply for jobs and apprenticeships 

Rise, looking at ways to adapt your skills for the world of work 

On careers day, 46 Year 10 pupils had the opportunity to visit Keele University. Alongside a tour of one of Britain’s largest campuses,

Pupils spent their morning engaged in a myth busting session introducing the university experience. 

After a lunch sitting in the sunshine, pupils also took on the challenge to create and then pitch an idea for a new degree or society in a Dragon’s Den session.  A huge array of activities were pitched from degrees in therapy, food design and real estate to societies focused on onions, niche music, and badminton. The Social Activism society pitch won the session so a huge well done to Jameela, Samruddhi, Yousuf, LaCie, and Adeena won a box of chocolates and employability points. 

Etone pupils really enjoyed the trip with most saying it inspired them to study a degree in the future. 

On April 3rd 2025, all students in year 7,8,9 and 10 at Etone College are taking part in our annual Careers day event.  This forms part of the Statutory Careers programme.  During this time there will be many exciting and informative experiences, for example, team building with HS2, NHS services, Engineering challenges, STEM activities and visits to universities & colleges will take place. 

All of the activities will be themed around the careers opportunities available in the various industries attending the day.

An overview of the planned activities can be found below:

We are really looking forward to the opportunity to have such an event in school and look forward to engaging the students in future careers and other opportunities.