On Thursday it was time for our annual Open Evening event. Like all schools, the aim of the evening is to share the goals and hopes for the pupils of our school with perspective Year 7 parents and families. However, unlike other schools Etone is an extremely special place and our open evenings are unlike any other.

Each year our team of dedicated staff along with pupil helpers deliver a truly fantastic showcase of all the school has to offer. Not only do we share our curriculum, but we show just how much we care about our community and wellbeing of all Etone stakeholders.

With some old time Etone classics including Businesses’ taste testing, where a packet of McVities Hob Nobs costs 180% more than their Asda alternatives, then of course our delicacies from Modern Language and our canteen.

This year all departments truly outdid themselves with the key success being our Etone’s 50th Birthday Party in History. The department did a wonderful job of joining together the success of our new build, showcased in all its glory along with our enriched histories. Delving into the archives of photos and information along with a sobering letter dated from 1939 providing instructions to the headteacher should was break out.

This helps us reflect on the truly inspiring journey our school has been on for the last 50 years. We are so proud of all our community and we can’t thank you enough for your support. Many thanks all!

Each year our ever popular Parental Support Programme is geared towards giving our Etone Families opportunities to see how Etone develops our young people. In turn we are also able to build strong relationships and supportive strategies for you to try with your child at home.

On October 17th we are hosting our first session of the year with: Help Your Child Revise aimed at KS4 and KS5 parents. During the session we drill down on how to support and highlight the support that is out there for parents.

These events are always well attended and we look forward to seeing you on the 17th.

We will be holding open events this year to give all prospective Year 12 parents and pupils the chance to come and visit us. These events will give you a little insight into what is means to be a pupil at Etone College Sixth Form and give you the chance to ask any questions you may have.

Open Evening will take place on Thursday 14^th November 5:00pm – 7:00pm. No Booking Required. Please ensure you arrive on time for 5pmas there are scheduled talks throughout the evening to allow you the opportunity to listen to key information from subject specialists about each course. 

We are delighted to be offering so many opportunities this term for pupils to develop and expand their reading and literacy skills.  Reading underpins achievement at all levels across the whole curriculum and we promote a culture which celebrates the power of regular reading through the curriculum , library lessons and regular competitions and opportunities.

Year 7 pupils who have completed our Summer Reading Challenge have received their Bronze Etone Reading Badges this week and we are very proud of their achievements.  The prize draw for the Bonus Task will take place at the end of September when we will award the winners.

We would like to share with you the books that pupils will be reading in form to ‘Succeed and Achieve’ this year:

Year 7 ‘Can you see me?’ by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott

Year 8 ‘Refugee Boy’ by Benjamin Zephaniah

Year 9 ‘Shakespeare: The World as a Stage’ by Bill Bryson

Year 10 ‘Touching the Void’ by Joe Simpson

Our first Transition Reading Challenge is now available with books and entry forms available in the Hall / Cafe at break and lunchtime for Year 7.  Information about these books is available on our website.

Year 7 and 8 have been highly engaged in their first Reading Lessons, choosing their books from an amazing selection of 16!  This gift is one which they will certainly appreciate.  Book Buzz Bingo starts for Years 7 and 8 on 17th September and pupils will collect sheets from the library to take part in this.  We have amazing prizes to give away. Our prizes are:

First prize – Kindle, Second prize – £20 book voucher, Third prize – £10 book voucher 

We have an amazing calendar of events planned for this year. Find out more

On Friday 4th October our Year 7 parents are invited into Etone College to join us in supporting with MacMillan Coffee Morning.

The event raises awareness and funds for those who MacMillan help with research and support for cancer patients and their families. With increasing patient rates, it is a charity close to many hearts and something our Community Champions are passionate about.

During the event our Etone Choir will regale the visitors as they catch up with the Year 7’s.

The fun isn’t just for our pupils. Our staff will be taking part in the annual Bake Off to see whose delicious delights are crowned top of the pops. With Mr Clinton keen to regain his crown and challenges from many staff, it’s set to be a bigger match up than ever!

Year 7 parent? Join us on Friday 4th October.

A big well done to our two Successes of the Week in Year 11. Whilst only the start of the year this is a great way for pupils to be rewarded and ensure they feel success across the year instead of just the focus on the end goal.

At Etone, we know that preparing for exams is important. Although what school prepares you for in life is much more than just this, there is no getting around how important results are for a pupil’s future. To honour this we have a full package of support for pupils and their families in ensuring they are as prepared as possible.

This week in assembly Year 11 will be reminded of revision techniques and how to prepare for mock exams following their introduction to this during Drop Everything and Revise in Year 10.  Next week, they will be learning top tips for their well-being and how to beat exam stress during this time.  We use form time also to teach the specific way to revise along with pupils being given subject level advice throughout their lessons and additional support.  

However, we would also like to share this link to some top tips that have been provided for pupils HERE. 

Additionally, our KS4 Help Your Child Revise evening will be taking place on Wednesday 2nd November from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. To book onto this please click on the link and complete the Microsoft Form from the text sent out to KS4 parents on Monday 10^th October.

Etone college have celebrated National Fitness Day with a Fitness Wipe Out Challenge. Pupils earned house points from a range of fitness activities including press ups and sit ups. Competitors from each form had to complete as many reps as they could without stopping. 

Non-competitive events are also planned to get everyone involved and enjoying fitness. Thursday break time is aerobics and Friday Just Dance. 

Schools across Matrix Academy Trust have been recognising the International Day of Democracy (15th September).​

International Day of Democracy began in 1997 and it is based on the principles of equality, liberty, and justice. Democracy is essential for human rights and development.​

Schools will be considering the meaning behind the international day, but also our modern British values – democracy and individual liberty.​

We practise democracy in all of our schools by electing pupils to take on various roles and responsibilities on behalf of their peers including Form Captains, School Council Representatives, Personal Development Ambassadors, Anti-Bullying Ambassadors and Careers Champions.​

We will be celebrating democracy in our schools across the week by voting for our peers and encouraging our pupils to take on these fulfilling roles for the academic year ahead.

On Friday, 6th September, a small group of Etone pupils attended The Abbey Theatre to watch ‘Odyssey’. They hugely enjoyed the parallel narratives of modern day and Britain and Greek myths including Pandora and Prometheus, the highly physical performance was thought-provoking and pupils reflected on the meaning of specific sections with focus. We were especially proud that they confidently asked intelligent questions in the Q&A session at the end of the performance.

Pupils were also excited to be invited onto the stage to meet the director and cast and to explore parts of the set at the end of the evening.