Etone College Smash Expectations in RAF Mighty Minds Challenge

On February 10th 2020, Etone College was visited by the Royal Air Force to take part in a robotics challenge aimed to inspire the next generation of engineers and computer scientists. This challenge, RAF Mighty Minds, tested 60 hand-picked individuals from years 7 and 8 who were chosen based on their exceptional computer science skills demonstrated within lessons. They were briefed that due to the shortage of engineers and computer scientists, currently a problem in the UK; it is now up to them to figure out and fix some of the world’s leading issues. 

One current issue is surrounding Search and Rescue missions helping areas of the world hit by natural disasters and armed conflicts. Robotics are commonly used to inspect areas hazardous to humans such as poisonous gas or risk of explosion, or rescue civilians stuck in debris. The 60 students were placed into groups of 3 and had to program their very own robot, LEGO mindstorm, to complete many tasks simulating an area struck by a disaster such as: navigating a track from one end to the other, collect bricks (debris), rescue LEGO civilians – all in the name of teamwork and points!

The event itself was so positive in fact, the members representing the RAF praised the student’s for their ability to: think for themselves, work as a team, calculate a mathematical problem in their heads before programming it into their robots and maintaining respectful behaviour for the whole school day. However, the highlight of the event came at the every end. 1st place winners: Kwabena Kissi Baah, Jem Korzeniewski and Zakki Choonara achieved a score of around 150 points whilst 2nd place winners: Dylan Andrews, Sophie Naylor and Aman Isak achieved a score of around 130 point both “far outclassing” 4 other secondary schools within the West Midlands area who also took part in the RAF Mighty Minds; earning a place in the national robotics competition! 

Advice for all early years providers, schools and further education providers.

The government is closely monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus and is taking action at home and abroad.

The overall risk of Coronavirus to the UK remains moderate. However, we understand that people may be concerned where there are children, students or staff returning from or visiting China.

Public Health England and the Foreign Office have issued advice for anyone travelling to the area. This can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china

Advice for parents/guardians

You should not be unduly worried about the possibility of your children catching the Coronavirus.

There is no reason why your children should not continue to attend their early years, school or further education setting as normal.

We recognise that some families or children may be planning to travel to China during the forthcoming half-term period. If so, please refer to the FCO’s latest travel advice via the link above.

What action you can take?

A UK wide campaign has been launched to provide clear advice on how to slow the spread of Coronavirus.

Please help to support the campaign which promotes basic hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and always sneezing into a tissue, to stem the spread of viruses.

February is LGBT History Month! We want to use this month as an opportunity to celebrate the strength and spirit of the LGBT community. Over the coming weeks, we will be posting a variety of LGBT icons, animals and historic events over on our Twitter account as well as updating this page with our posts.

Brilliant to see our cadets in uniform for the first time. Thanks to all those who worked so hard make it happen. There was a buzz of excitement both within the cadets and around the school.

A massive well done to two of our pupils who have been raising money for our house charity @GeorgiesGift. The girls have been running a raffle in school.

We are happy to launch the brand new Etone College website. We hope this makes communication between school, parents and pupils easier and more effective.  Our website is updated on a weekly basis so please use this to stay up to date with everything going on around school. Our school letters will be uploaded onto the website so you can stay informed along with regular news and event details.

Along with the new website launch, you can continue to follow us on social media platforms where we really shout about the successes of everyday life at Etone, please take a few moments to follow us if you aren’t already.

• Twitter – @etonecollege

Warwickshire Police Cadets is a volunteer scheme for young people who wish to be part of a year programme that offers an opportunity to gain a practical understanding of policing and develop their spirit of adventure and good citizenship.

Recruitment is currently open from 1^st January to 29^th February 2020, the application form can be downloaded from Warwickshire Police website, under the cadet tab.

To apply to be a Warwickshire Police Cadet you must live in Warwickshire and be aged 13 to 16 on September 1st 2020.

The aim of the scheme is to support Warwickshire Police’s strategy of engagement with young people throughout the force area.

Cadets support local policing priorities through volunteering, working with partner agencies and positive participation in their communities.

They take part in a variety of activities including self-defence training, marching, fitness, team building, role playing and Outdoor events.

Cadets can gain an insight into police life through talks by guest speakers from different departments and agencies and by taking part in local community policing events.

Police cadets are a family where discipline, friendship and team work are all important.

If you become a police cadet, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that as a young person you are making a difference to your community and developing yourself for any future career.

In return we ask you to commit to attend the weekly meetings and commit to voluntary hours per quarter.

We have two units in Warwickshire, one in Nuneaton that covers North Warwickshire and one in Leamington Spa which covers South Warwickshire.

The cadets have 2 sections, one junior section for Cadets aged 13 to 16 years. The   senior section is for cadets aged 16 to 18 years, you would apply to become a senor cadets if you’re currently a year 11 student and would be a cadet for 2 years.

Why not attend our recruitment drop evening on 29^th January 2020 at Holiday Inn Express, Bermuda Park, St David’s Way, Nuneaton, CV10 7SD between 18.30 and 20.00 hours. This is an opportunity for students and parents to find out more about the scheme, meet the leaders and some cadets if who wish to attend the recruitment drop evening sign up to the event on our Facebook Page.

Seniors Cadets aged between 16 – 18 years old meet every Thursday evenings in Nuneaton between 6.15pm and 9.00pm, we also ask that you do 5 hours volunteering per month.

Junior Cadets aged between 13 – 16 years old meet every Tuesday evening in Nuneaton between 6.15pm – 8.30pm.

To apply to be a Warwickshire Police Cadet you must live in Warwickshire and be aged 13 to 16 on September 1st 2020

You can contact us at cadets@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk

You can also follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/warkscadets (Opens in a new window) or Twitter @warkscadets

Last Friday saw two coaches full of students headed across the channel for the world-famous Lille Christmas Markets, a couple of hours north of Paris, which were nothing short of spectacular again! Fortunately, the weather was kind to us in the end, and although it was cold it was nothing that delicious hot chocolate couldn’t fix. In fact, we were spoiled for choice in terms of food and drink offerings, with students (and staff!) indulging in crepes, waffles, macarons, and traditional French cheeses!

The trip gave pupils the opportunity to explore how Christmas is celebrated in France and to use their French language skills in a native environment. Another wonderful day was had by all and it really kick-started the festivities for us!