On Thursday 28^th June, Etone College marked the end of our Class of 2024 celebrations with the Etone 2024 Prom.

Taking place at the Heart of England Conference Centre, the event is always a joyouse one as it celebrate the hard work and efforts of our pupils both during the busy exam period, but also for their five years of being dedicated Etone Learners. 

As the clock struck 6:30pm a large turnout of staff were present to witness some of the elegant, exciting and in some cases bonkers entrances from the pupils. This year the pupil’s excelled themselves with; tractors, racers, executive cars and of course some old-time classics. The only thing that could outdo the entrances was the glamour and elegance of the outfits across the board. The effort the pupil’s have clearly put into their dress for the evening never ceases to amaze. For the gents, this year particular trends have been; Celtic style waistcoats, Matching tie pins, sunglasses and oddly the “security” pose. 

Of course the dresses and outfits from the ladies were equally stunning and it was lovely to see the individual style of our pupil’s really brought out. After arriving to the holding area, there was a chance for pupils to mingle with teachers, staff and each other catching up across the past few weeks and looking forward to the night ahead.

Once the clock struck 7:00pm it was time for the procession to the Prom Hall for the big reveal of the Prom 2024. Pupil’s were equally amazed and impressed with the vibe of the party, a mix between Prom Classic and Hollywood Elite. Pupil’s were able to fill themselves from the stunning BBQ banquet and enjoy bubble gum ice cream, donuts and brownies for deserts. Before the speeches and surprises. Mrs Price as always had the opportunity to declare Class of 2024 “The Best Ever”. Something that really resonates with just how collaborative and compassionate this year group are with each other. Whilst we won’t ruin the surprises for our incoming Year 11’s (current Year 10’s), the event was a spectacular success and we will miss our pupil’s dearly. 

See you on results day Class of 2024!

On Wednesday we invited our Year 11’s back into school to celebrate their end of year with the Leavers Assembly 2024.

This event is one of the key parts of our Leavers Celebration and is always filled with laughter and smiles as we look back over the past 5 years of our pupil’s education. As the event went underway our pupil’s entered the café as Year 11 for the very last time, tucking into a banquet of bacon and sausage batches watered down with some delicious juices. As they shared updates on what had filled their time since the last exams, some gave teachers their thank you gifts whilst others were busy catching up on the latest from the walls of Etone. We were particularly thrilled to be inundated with resources, uniform and revision guides kindly donated to us by our pupils. Where donations were particularly large our pupils received a reward of a shopping voucher as a small token of thanks.

Upon entering the hall the pupils were welcomed to a specially created video looking back at some of the times they have had at Etone College over the years. There were particular smiles to see how the sweet smiling faces of Year 7’s morphed into the determined and focused one’s ready for the exam season. Following this there was time to reward pupils for their success with; House Points, Attendance and Progress rewards to boot. With Echo Shows and vouchers around this was a fantastic opportunity to thank they Year 11’s for their input across the school.

With leavers hoodies on and some comical awards, the finale built up to a very heartfelt montage of the Year 11’s final few hours at Etone College as pupils, before waving them goodbye. We now eagerly await the displays of elegance at the Prom 2-24!

We are always shouting out about the success of our pupils therefore we are so happy to share the achievement of Amelia in Phoenix’s result this weekend at the British National Downhill Series.

A downhill mountain bike race is a high-speed competition where riders compete against the clock to descend a steep, rugged course filled with obstacles like rock gardens, jumps, and berms, aiming for the fastest time. The tracks are normally around 3-4 minutes long.

This weekend, Amelia took part in Round 3 of the British National Downhill Series at Antur Stiniog, North Wales. The track is known for being brutal with changeable weather conditions as it’s positioned in a slate quarry which is very exposed to the elements.  The weekend was split into 3 sections: Friday practice and track walk, Saturday seeding and Sunday racing.

Amelia demonstrated exceptional skill and control to secure 2nd place across both seeding and racing in the U16’s Female category, navigating the demanding course’s steep drops and technical sections with precision, despite coming back from a recent injury, the intense competition and difficult weather conditions.

Well done Amelia – You’ve done Phoenix 🐦‍🔥 proud!

Some year 9 classes enjoyed an online author event with LGBTQAI+ writer, Joseph Eliott on Friday, 21^st June.  Joseph’s debut novel was Carnegie nominated and a Times Book of the Year as well as having won The Highland Book Prize and his writing promotes acceptance, tolerance, and equality.  They listened attentively as Joseph spoke about his career including performing and script writing for children’s television (star and cowriter of CBBC’s series, Swashbuckle).  He promoted the values of acceptance, equality, and awareness in his novel, ‘The Good Hawk’, a teen novel written explicitly to include LBGTQIA+ characters.  Joseph recommended some other novels that pupils may like to read including, Heartstopper, Jamie, The Other Boy, Death in the Spotlight, Eight Pieces of Silva, Wranglestone, and The Black Flamingo before describing key elements of his epic adventure novel.  Agatha, (a 15 year old ‘hawk’ with down syndrome) and Jaime (a 14 year old ‘angler’ who is kind and smart) are the only survivors of a tribal attack and must travel across Scotia to rescue their families.  Joseph read an extract of his novel and then gave key tips to aspiring writers:  1) read books that excite you; 2) write without worrying about the quality – just start; and 3) read your own work out loud.

Pupils can order signed copies of ‘The Good Hawk’ to be delivered to school by 28^th June.

On Tuesday the Year 13’s said their final farewell to Etone College for the end of the year assembly. With some very cute photos of the students not just as Etone youngsters, but toddlers and even babies! Well done Team Year 13 and the Sixth Form team. Whilst their Etone story has all but ended it is the start of an exciting time for them as they enter their summer holidays. With trips, vacations and of course results day we are sure they will be jam packed with joy. Good luck to all.

On Wednesday Mrs Price delivered a fantastic session to support our pupils and parents with Wellbeing at Etone. With such a high-profile role wellbeing is having on society, we are proud to highlight the extensive programme of advice and guidance our Wellbeing and Mental Health team offer here at Etone College. The well attended session marks the final one of our 2023/2024 programme and we are excited to announce our updated programme will be released shortly. Stay tuned.

As Year 11 enter the celebration phase of their Class of 24 programme we are delighted to welcome them back on Wednesday 26^th June. During this short assembly there will be a chance to reward pupils with some final prizes and reflect on some of the moment we have shared together as a community.

Additionally we are asking for support of all Year 11 pupils to provide us with ANY donations to support their peers and the school as we enter the next academic year:

As you know, there are people who could really use your support by donating your unwanted items such as:

• Uniform (blazer, trousers)
• House ties
• PE Kit
• Calculators
• Revision Guides

If you make a significant donation you will be rewarded with either a cinema or shopping voucher.

Please bring these to the Leavers Assembly on Wednesday 26^th June!

Additionally Thursday 27^th June marks the Prom.

Ask yourself. Are you likely to never wear your stunning prom dresses or smart suits again?

Don’t let them lie in storage, donate them us!

All donations will be used to support the school or provide those in need at future proms to dazzle and stun just like you!

If you make a significant donation you will be rewarded with either a cinema or shopping voucher.

Donate any Prom Wear after the event at the main reception.

As the clock ticked towards the end of today it was a Friday to remember. This was to be the last Friday of our Year 11’s in school as they sat their final Physics exam. With our pupils ready to tackle one of the final few hurdles before they have officially left, they entered the sports hall as a full cohort for one last time.

Following the exam our pupils entered the main hall, where they were greeted with doughnuts, cookies and soft drinks as a final well done for their efforts across the exam series. Whilst this was one of the many surprises in store for Year 11 as they enter the celebration phase of the year, the staff themselves were treated to a surprise. In the form of the excellent shirt designs the Year 11’s had created for themselves. Picking up pencils, paintbrushes and stencils our team of artists jumped on the current trend of leavers shirts. The designs are truly exquisite, so much so we couldn’t even begin to decide on a favourite (although the shirt with the Coventry logo clearly lacks style…)

It didn’t take long for the designs to be joined by well wishes, messages of luck and friendship from staff and pupils alike as shirts were signed and pictures taken. After the opportunity to say goodbye to all pupils, there was just one thing left to do – The group photo of Class of 2024! With the final click taken it was time for our Year 11 to depart and rest. Whilst there are still two exams (Maths and Technology) left to go, the majority of pupils can now begin to look forward to the leavers assembly, Prom and of course their results. Well done Year 11!

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.