A rainy away day saw Etone WBA take on Birmingham City at Wasthills Academy. An unrecognisable blues team from the previous fixture set the tone for what would be a physical game and a close range header whipped in from the left gave the hosts an early lead. A poor first 20 mins from Etone WBA saw a lifeline presented when Atkins got in behind with a well timed run and equaled the scoring slotting in at the near post. Atkins then turned provider assisting Courts soon after from close range to make it advantage Etone WBA at the break. 

A whirlwind of a second half saw Etone WBA lift the standards dramatically scoring 6 times in a 30 minute period. Brown scored 2 from the edge of the box. 1 a goalkeeping error and the other a well placed finish into the far top corner. Atkins scored a cool chip over the keeper from close distance.  Evans a brace including a close range rebound and a chip bouncing into the bottom left corner. Additionally Courts got a second with a well timed run and finishing from inside the area across the keeper into the bottom right. At the other end Jones made a top save from a penalty diving down to his left which capped off a fanatic 8-1 win and another 3 points for Etone WBA retaining their top spot in the league.

Courts x2

Atkins x2

Ashton x2

Brown x2

This year we are excepted to be holding our Comic Relief fund raising events on Friday 15^th March. This is to ensure that all of our pupils get the chance to be involved in some of the great events we are holding.

Since September 2021 we have raised over £7,000 for good causes, £2000 since September 2023. With the current climate being what it is, the donations we can make are even more important. That is why we are asking, if you are able to, support these initiatives in any way possible:

– Non-uniform day, the theme for the day is Bright Colours, and the more red the better. We are suggesting a donation of £1, whatever you can afford to give would be greatly appreciated. Donations will be collected on the gate upon entry to school.

– Bake Sale, at break time in the Hall a selection of Kiplings, Cadburys and others will be on sale for donations to be made by pupils, all funds going to the cause.

– Sixth Fancy Dress: Challenging our Sixth Form students to dress as their idol with a chance to win a fantastic prize.

In addition to the event we will be raising awareness, sharing some Red Nose Recipes and giving pupils the chance to engage in challenges and activities across the day.

All support is greatly received.

Last Monday it was time for our pupils to ‘grab a cuppa’ and relax as they attended our monthly Brew Monday event. The initiative is there support pupil’s wellbeing, linking with the Children’s Mental Health week initiative. Pupils had the chance to draw, play games and create as a way to relax and destress from the day.

Next week marks the start of Random Acts of Kindness week. As is usual with Etone College, we encourage pupils to do their bit to make everyone feel supportive of the community. With the theme of the week in mind, pupils have been challenged to try and complete our Act of Kindness tick list and show a kindness to a stranger or friend. We would also encourage yourselves to get involved.

On Monday 19^th February  the Loudmouth Theatre Group attended school to deliver sessions on Calling it out, Working for Marcus and Talking heads to our Key Stage 3 pupils. The group established in 1994 is a highly respected and innovative theatre in education company. The company has been delivering Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) and has reached over 1 million children, young people, professionals and parents to date.

Through their programmes of workshops and performances pupils are able to consider a wide variety of areas, from peer pressure to the impact of drugs on a persons life. The group look to engage pupils in a mature and controlled environment, giving them the chance to ask questions with the support of their tutors to ensure they are evolving as Etone Learners.

The performances were thoroughly engaging and informative and taught students about important issues. It was also really nice to see pupils engaging with the idea of theatre, something we look forward to encouraging with our upcoming productions of Etone’s Got Talent and Grease.  The sessions also provided routes for follow up if students required additional support.  As always  Loudmouth complimented the engagement and attitude of Etone students and look forward to  working with us again in the future. Many thanks to the group for their continued support.

In Assemblies next week our History department will be discussion LGBTQ+ History Month in support of Diversity. With Etone being a truly comprehensive establishment, we are passionate about our pupils understanding the world, it’s history and the impact they can have on the future. 

Be sure to check back next week for more details about the assembly and activities.

On the final week of term our pupils were once again showing their support for E-Safety week and Safer Internet Day. This year the theme and focus was on ‘Encouraging Change’. As the famous quote goes ‘be the change you want to see’. This was highlighted in an ever-changing technological environment through pupils attending an assembly hosted by Mr Bishop, as they looked at the changing scope of the world with particular focus on the benefits and potential threats from Artificial Intelligence.

Supporting and celebrating these initiatives are an important aspect of the Personal Development here at Etone and give our pupils the chance to develop into the full rounded citizens that embodies the Etone Learner.

To find out more about our Etone Learner, Personal Development curriculum check out this link here: https://www.etonecollege.co.uk/personal-development/

For more details on the Safer Internet initiative check out this link here: https://www.saferinternetday.org/