At Etone College, we are proud of a culture that promotes positive mental health. As part of this we are again taking part in Children’s Mental Health week on the 6-12 February we will be raising awareness with strategies to support mental health and well-being. All departments within their lessons will touch upon various aspects of mental health. 

Stay tuned for more information. 

On Tuesday 13th December a group of Year 10 Business and Media pupils made the journey to Watford to pay a visit to Warner Brothers: The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour. Whilst this is a regular trip as part of the Business and Media curriculum it is the first time the trip has taken place in the build up to the holiday season. This was a lovely way to start the final week of term as the tour pays special attention to Christmas with the entire attraction given a festive makeover. Pupils had the opportunity to explore the magic behind the films and look at how a simple book written by a mum in the 90’s has become one of the biggest media franchises in the world.

The pupils started with a grand introduction to the sets by entering through the great hall. Again decorated with all things Christmas it was a lovely build up to what was to come. You may remember that the films and books have many Christmas and holiday season references so it was wonderful to see these feature as part of the tour.

This year the tour have introduced a number of new features with Professor Sprouts Greenhouse from the Chamber of Secrets being the centrepiece of these changes. After this is was time to take part in workshops as the Business students explored the finance behind the films, the multi-million pound budgets and how departments would have to think on their feet to avoid going over theirs. Particularly interesting was just how much of a budget has to go into the marketing, in some cases double what the actual film costs to make! Over in Media the pupils had the chance to experience the clever tricks of the trade that the filmmakers use to get the visual effects they desire. From actors talking to vegetables on a stick to costume designers sewing three pairs of trousers together the magic we see on screen takes real magic behind it to make it work. The sessions were thoroughly enjoyed and have helped provide real life context for our pupils as they continue on their Business and Media journey’s.

Finally there was just time to visit the gift shop and enjoy a refreshing Butterbeer before getting back on the coach for the safe journey home. A big thanks to Mrs Smith, Miss Taylor, Mr Botham and Mr Watts and to all of our pupils who once again were the prime example of what it takes to be an Etone pupil. Well done all.

As you may have seen in our earlier article we have been celebrating the achievements of our staff this week. With a return to normality following the Pandemic this year has been a busy one for Etone. We have received an extremely positive Ofsted report confirming Etone as a continuingly strong provider in the area, achieved the highest reported progress 8 score in Nuneaton, achieving in line with the top 20% of the country and have contributed to a vast array of schemes and initiatives including engaging national research as part of the Education Endowment Foundation. Whilst these achievements do not stop there we know that it wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of our staff members. 

On Friday 2nd December we had the chance to recognise some of our longest serving staff members as part of a celebration of excellence and opportunity to develop our skills as a school and as part of the Matrix Academy Trust. We would like to take the time here to say a big congratulations to our staff members who have served for 17 years or longer as a member of Etone College. Whilst there is a whole body of staff who work hard to ensure Etone is the place it is, clearly these individuals have been a part of the journey with Etone longer than most and have flown the Etone flag high every step of the way. A big congratulations goes out to; Mrs Beasley, Mr Thornley Yeats, Mr Bowen and Mrs Choudry along with a special mention to our longest serving staff member Mr Scragg who holds the record at 25 years and counting. 

Whilst the achievements of all of our staff are important it is clear that these individuals will have had a lasting impact on the town and local area. With perhaps some residents having siblings, parents and other family members taught by the same member of staff. No matter if those staff are teachers or a member of the support team they work equally as hard in delivering the vision for the school and for that we thank you. Long may Etone be your home from home.

Over the past year, Etone has been hard at work collecting donations and funds for various local and national causes. This week we have been adding to their already impressive total of £4,000 raised since 2021 by collecting food and toy donations for the Nuneaton Foodbank and Salvation Army Toy Drive respectively. Whilst this year more than ever people are feeling the crunch of the present economic situation, pupils and staff have proved that every little helps with the whole body of stakeholder’s donation as much or as little as they could to help others who are set to have a much worse festive period. As we have previously reported the demand for the Foodbank has hit a record high and therefore it is the help of places like Etone within the local community that really makes a difference. So we can’t thank you enough for the support we have received from you all. The Nuneaton Foodbank as always were extremely appreciative of the help we have provided as were the Salvation Army and both wanted to affirm the support this will give the local area.

Despite the hard times, people are facing the school was able to beat their last year’s totals.

However, not one to stop there Etone has also taken part in Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day with an aim to raise funds to support the charity who carries out global work in protecting young people around the world. As you can see from the pictures there were some very colourful and exciting pieces of knitwear on display but perhaps the most impressive part is the fact the school were able to raise £301.54 towards the cause. Miss Stafford had the following to say “You can always count on Etone staff and pupils to get behind charitable events. We really do care about the local area and take time to encourage engagement with the local community on any issues that arise. We also recognise the national and global efforts others are making and we want to do our bit to support them all.”

Whilst we enjoyed seeing the different offerings of jumpers there were some which clearly missed the mark, despite making the same mistake last year Mr Smith delivered the same questionable attire from 2021. However others from the staff and pupil body really hit the spot.

We would like to thank all who participated and invite everybody to have a very relaxing festive period.

Thursday 8th December heralded the return of the Mince Pies and Carols event (coinciding happily with Christmas jumper day!). An invited audience of year 8s, their families and the families of the performers were treated to festive music including solos, duets, dancers, bands and choirs performing Carol of the Bells as well as some modern classics including Wizzard and Slade. The morning was brought to a close with a rousing performance of the Twelve Days of Christmas, leaving everyone in a festive mood! Well done all!

On Tuesday 7^th December Etone threw open their doors for their first Carol Concert in 4 years. Welcoming pupils and parents from Year 7 and 8 it was an opportunity to showcase the Etone Choir along with impressive solos and individual performances.

With features from the Tuesday Rock Band, the Year 10 Band… The Mulwoods, the choir as well as soloists and duos there were musical delights to suit any tastes. We were really impressed with how well our pupils performed. For many students, this was their first ever formal concert – particularly for the Rock Band. So it was lovely to see the smiles on the faces as the pupils felt the joy of performing to a live audience. This follows on from the choirs performance at St Nicholas Church last week. 

Stand out performance from the Choir with Carol of the Bells (even got asked for an encore for this). Other performances include Slade, Wizzard and Mariah Carey.

During the event money was raised for Save the Children through parents eating eating delicious mince pies and candy canes. Something we are incredibly proud off after raising over £4,000 for charity since 2021.

Thank you to our hard working students who completed a total of over 400 extracurricular sessions in preparation for this event! A huge thank you to Ms Pywell and Mr Barclay-Elliott for their conducting along with a standing ovation to Mrs Kaye-Shepheard who has organised another wonderful event.

Dance students from across the Matrix Academy Trust came together on Monday 21^st November at Turves Green Boys School to perform in a collaborative project. Each school was assigned a section of ‘Celebrate’ by Pitbull to choreograph and perform, before all coming together as one to learn and perform the final section. The event saw over 100 students come together and share their passion for dance. Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience of performing in front of others and making new friends. The overall performance shows the motivation and commitment that these students have for the subject.