Last week Etone College was delighted to be featured in the Nuneaton News for the first time in 2023.

The publication detailed some of the school’s fabulous efforts to raise funds for the local community along with national and global initiatives.

In total, the school has raised nearly £5000 since September 2021. This is a fantastic total when you consider that particularly at this time people everywhere are experiencing hardships.

We wanted to share with you the article and ask that you keep your eyes posted for more of our star pupils!

It may surprise you to know that using research and evidence in medicine is something that has only been prioritised in recent times. This may seem baffling, but it is true. Similarly, since the 2010’s there has been a greater reliance on research within the classroom in order to ensure that schools deliver effective education.

This is something however, that Etone we do regularly. Always looking to utilise the latest strategies and be a part of the research as we find solutions to educational problems.

This week we are proud to announce our very own Mr Randall has been featured by the Education Endowment Foundation (a leading educational research organisation) for his blog on using examples in lessons.

A big congratulations to Mr Randall who has worked hard on:  Using Worked Examples to Promote High-Quality Mathematical Talk, as it shows how the hard work of colleagues at Etone are striving to have an impact on education as a whole.

Check it out here:  https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/eef-blog-using-worked-examples-to-promote-high-quality-mathematical-talk

Christmas may be over but the spirit of giving continues throughout the year at Etone College. We all have Christmas gifts that for one reason or another were unwanted and are destined to sit in our cupboards unopened or unused.  We are hosting a charity unwanted gift amnesty. On Friday 3^rd February Pupils and Staff are invited to bring their unwanted Christmas gifts , from socks to sweets to books and toys into school, no questions asked!! These will then be distributed to the local community through our house charities.

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.