Thirty-four Non-Commissioned Officers from Barr Beacon School, Bloxwich Academy, Etone College, and Wednesfield Academy attended their Method of Instruction course held at Barr Beacon School over the weekend. 

The cadets learnt how to structure and deliver instructional sessions to their fellow cadets using syllabus training subjects as a basis. Each of them then had to plan and deliver two instructional periods which were assessed by the staff during the weekend. 

By the end of the weekend all of the cadets had earned the right to wear the coveted yellow lanyard and begin instructing within their contingents. Well done to all of the cadets who attended the course.

On Tuesday a group of our Year 9 pupils took a trip to the Nuneaton Library to explore and research themes for their speaking presentations.

An important Etone Employability Skill for our pupils, communication is an important part of helping to make our pupils confident and articulate members of the community. 

By delivering rich experiences our pupils are able to apply these skills in real life context.

Whilst they were at the library they were also able to shown their organisation skills, looking up books that will help to support their chosen topics.

The topics pupils have chosen are vast, with everything from “The Place of Equality in Society ” to “The Art of Ice Skating”. Some very interesting and exciting topics.

A big thank you to our year 9 pupils who showed what it means to be and Etone Learner. The feedback was wonderful and we were delighted to be welcomed back to the library.

Also we have to thank the library and their team for another wonderful visit. See you next time.

Our chair of trustees Sir Mark Aspinall has been invited to have his photograph taken to be placed in the Victoria Law court in Birmingham. Sir Mark has over 20 years’ experience in Law across banking, financial, media, NHS, Government and FTSE corporate sector and is currently a Judge and a Governor of a local authority Primary School.

We would like to take this opportunity to see your very best photography work and give you the opportunity to have your work hung in the law court for years to come. See below details on how to get involved with our Matrix photography competition.

Submission Criteria. You can submit up to three portrait style images, each image can be of the same or a different subject. Your images should be saved in jpeg format. Images should not be altered or edited, we want to see your original photograph. Cropping is allowed. Images should be sent with your full name, form group, school name and a short write up to explain your style of image. Submit your images to photography@matrixacademytrust.co.uk

Submission Deadline: Sunday 18th February 2024. Speak to your media/creative arts teacher for help and guidance.

What is Portrait Photography? Portrait photography is best defined as a genre of photography that involves capturing the identity, personality, facial expression, soul, emotions, essence, and the overall inherent character of a subject within a photograph.

Prize. The winning submission will be chosen by Sir Mark Aspinall and Mrs Draycott. The winner will receive £150 and the opportunity to take the commissioned image in Victoria Law Court in Birmingham. The winners photograph of Sir Mark Aspinall will be proudly hung in the court. The oldest image currently hanging in the court currently is over 180 year olds. This is a chance to take a photograph that will be seen in court for many years to come.

An away day for Etone WBA saw the reverse fixture against Derby C who were thumped by ourselves on the opening day of the season. The team appeared unrecognisable in both personal and performance setting the tone early on in the game for what would be a really competitive match. First 10 minutes Derby saw a lot of the ball but we’re unable to create too much. After Etone WBA settled into the game it began to get more comfortable and some quick feet to create half a yard allowed Atkins to make it 1-0 to the away team. Half time came and shortly after Etone WBA saw fit to double the lead again through Atkins giving the travelling team full control of the game. Late in the second half Etone WBA began to tire and allowed a response from Derby after an individual error to make it 2-1. Gradually Etone WBA were forced back into a mid block as Derby began to see much of the ball. A couple of good saves from Bheda kept the score line favourable and then he made up for his earlier error with a diagonal long ranged pass into Heath who volleyed home from close range to make it 3-1. A nervous last 10 minutes saw Derby curl a free kick around the wall and in at the near post but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 3-2 win for Etone WBA and the win keeps us top of the league.

Scorers:

Atkins x2

Heath x1

If you see any of the lads around please congratulate them on their season so far 😊

On Monday 5^th February we start our Valentines themed attendance competition – Love Attendance Week. During the week we have issued the challenge to all Houses and Form Groups to have the highest attendance during that week with prizes on offer each day for pupils attending.

Recently the Department for Education released the staggering statistic that on average the last week of a half term reduces in attendance by 15%. This is a large portion of the academic year totalling 30 days, equating to 150 lessons. With courses and curriculum content and skill heavy, it is important that pupils understand why attendance matters across the year. Therefore we encourage our pupils with our competitions and underlining the message of excellent attendance at any point.

As you will be aware, the best way for your child to make use of the opportunities at school is for them to be present each and every day. By being in school they are exposed to our enriched curriculum that ensures each and every pupil makes progress and prepares them for a successful future.

The competition will begin on Monday with a prize draw each day of the week for pupils who attend. This will culminate on the final Friday where three lucky winners will receive:

• Echo Show
• Shopping Voucher
• Valentines “Movie Night In”

Over the course of the week we will be updating each group as to their attendance and promoting them aim for 100%. The form group with the highest average attendance will be invited for a special breakfast.

On Thursday our Year 11 Prefects enjoyed the chance to develop their team-building skills by visiting the Ninja Warrior UK challenge course. This was part of their training program looking to develop the key skills expected in the role of a prefect.

As a prefect our pupils are the role models for all other pupils as Etone Learners. Held to the highest expectations it is a role that we value and from this there is a clear prestige.

Our prefects had the chance to tackle the obstacle course, journey through the inflatables and even enjoy some Christmas tunes on the coach. A well deserved reward for the efforts that they have put into this year so far. A big thank you to all of our staff on the trip and of course a Merry Christmas to our Prefects.

On Thursday there was Musical Magic in the air as the Etone Choir, bands and solo performers took centre stage for our Christmas Concert.

Each year Mrs Kay-Shepheard puts on a masterful display of Etone talent as pupils from across all year groups regale their friends, families and peers with Christmas cheer.

This year we had a bumper turn out of parents and supporters, who were very generous in their donations towards the Nuneaton Food-bank. 

With Christmas classics and of course a singing audience the night was swept away with music, cheer and merriment as we enjoyed mince pies, cakes and coffee.

Thank you to all for their attendance! Merry Christmas Everyone.