February 11^th marks Safer Internet Day, a key part of E-safety week at Etone. Recognising the national day, learners are encouraged to consider both the wonderous possibilities the online world offers, along with the harmful and dangerous aspects of the digital environment.

In our lifetimes the world has changed completely thanks to advances in modern technology and it has helped; end pandemics, bring people across the world together, share important updates and provide access to previously unobtainable events and products for all. However, with these joys there are dangers that we as a school work hard to raise awareness of and ensure that no pupils is left unprotected in the digital world.

To align with the national week pupils will have the chance to explore how to protect themselves online during assemblies delivered by our experts in the Computing department. Following this they will further be exploring the data, the headlines and the way the digital world is transforming around us in form time activities.

This is all topped off with our Computing departments annual “E-Safety competition” taking place with more details to be announced in lessons.

In addition to our provision in curriculum and learning for life we also regularly share updates and support for our parents. Check out the National Online Safety’s page on the National College for updates on how to support your child on the online world: https://nationalcollege.com/experts/national-online-safety

Students in year 11 and A Level gathered this week for a dynamic and informative workshop hosted by ASK Apprenticeships, aimed at helping Year 11 and A Level pupils enhance their job interview skills and discover exciting apprenticeship opportunities.

The event, held in the sixth form was tailored to guide young people through the critical skills needed to succeed in securing apprenticeships and employment after finishing their GCSEs or A Levels. With apprenticeship schemes becoming an increasingly popular career path for many students, ASK Apprenticeships recognised the importance of giving pupils the tools to navigate this competitive field.

Throughout the two sessions, participants engaged in a series of hands-on activities, including applying and searching for apprenticeships, interview techniques and group discussions. Professional career coaches and employers led the workshops, providing expert advice and offering insight into the hiring process. 

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many students reporting that they felt much more confident about approaching future interviews and applications. 

This week we hosted our first ever trust wide football competition between all our schools. The competition was hosted at Etone College and utilised the outstanding facilities and Football Academy provision to implement a very competitive and fun filled event. The day consisted of high quality and competitive football from Year 8 pupils from each of our schools. Our pupils showcased sportsmanship of the highest quality and their passion for football shone through as pupils enjoyed playing and meeting people from across the trust.

It was evident as soon as the group stages started, the games were going to be decided with a bit of magic, an error, or the dreaded penalties. The group stages ended Bloxwich Academy, Dame Elizabeth Cadbury, Etone College and Turves Green Boys’ School progressed to the semi-final stage.

The 7th and 8th placed playoff was a competitive affair which saw the Etone B team victorious over Wednesfield Academy on penalties. The 5th and 6th placed game saw Barr Beacon win the game 1-0. In the semi-finals there was very little difference between the four schools in what was a very competitive high-quality game and again the dreaded penalty shoot-out came into force, Etone College and Bloxwich Academy progressed to the final and Turves Green and Dame Elizabeth went into the third and fourth playoff game

The 3rd and 4th playoff game was a very exciting game that saw both teams miss chances and played some free-flowing exciting football, unfortunately both keepers were to remain unbeaten, and Dame Elizabeth took the third place on penalties. The final consisted of Bloxwich Academy and Etone College in which was anyone’s to win after the two teams had played out a 0-0 draw earlier in the day. Etone started quickly and scored an absolute thunderbolt into the top corner to make it 1-0, Bloxwich to their credit competed fiercely and played some fantastic football and deserved their equaliser to make it 1-1. With both teams going for the win Etone caught Bloxwich on the break to open them up and scored 3 late goals to take the game and the title 4-1.

A huge well done to all pupils and staff involved and a big thankyou to all those that contributed to the event. We are looking forward to getting the next event booked into the calendar to see where the shield will end up next year.

Check out our top tips to help you on the bluest day of the year!

Y12 EPQ students enjoyed sessions this week with Newcastle University. The webinars focused on where to find the best resources for research and how to select which to use. 

This year our pupils have chosen a diverse range of titles from Parisian architecture to how AI will impact the legal profession. From mental health to the impact of social media.  From how dentistry to the entrepreneurial mindset. 

It's always a privilege to peek into university life as well as to benefit from research advice. 

On Saturday 25th January the Etone choir will be performing at St Mary's Church with professional singers from Armonico Consort. The choir will be perform a new work by Hollywood composer David Buckley and Thomas Tallis' epic work Spem In Alium.

In order to prepare, the choir completed a workshop (almost entirely in Latin!) with Luke Fitzgerald, Assistant Conductor of Coventry Cathedral Chorus. Thank you for helping us develop our voices- especially that very low G!

Tickets are available from Armonico Consort's website (families of choir, please look out for a discount code in you inbox!)

At Etone College we are committed to developing a partnership with parents/ carers with the shared aim of ensuring our pupils make progress in everything they do.

Following our continued successful programme of sessions last year, we are excited to be hosting our next session. The goal of these workshops is to look at one element of school life consider how best our pupils can be supported both in school and at home.

All materials form these sessions will then be uploaded to our website.

We would therefore like to invite you to the next event:

Parent/ Carer Support Workshop: Using Technology and Communication at Etone

Location: Online

Date: Wednesday 26^th February

Time: 6:00pm - 6:50pm

As part of our ‘Life at Etone’ series of sessions this instalment will be a supportive session that looks to provide parents with information about how to use our communication systems, the approach in place to support pupils and where to find key information about the school.

As part of this there will be an opportunity to ask any questions or arrange troubleshooting sessions with a member of staff looking at; WeDuc, our website and other applications used by our school.

This event will be virtual and a link to join will be sent following confirmation of attendance. If you would like to attend this event, please book HERE & comple the form.

If you have any questions, please contact the school. We look forward to welcoming you to the event online.

Check out our poster for Wellbeing Week this year. Starting on Monday 20^th January Etone will promote Blue Monday. With this being the date scientists believe to be the biggest ‘down point’ in the year, our school is joining others to take part in activities to wipe away the Monday blues and keep the smiles on our faces. With positive pineapple hunts to Just Dance and Positivity Postcards there is something for everyone.

Extending on this across the week our pupils will have the chance to take part in lunchtime mindfulness colouring, Brew Monday and of course our Walk and Talk during form time, across the week pupils will get the chance to practice positive mindfulness activities. As an important aspect in our Personal Development curriculum, the week is an opportunity to show our support for keeping positive mindsets.

With more details to follow join us in celebrating LGBTQ+ History across the week with assemblies hosted by Mrs Price and rainbow ribbons to show our support for the community.

Autism as you will be aware lasts for a lifetime. Whilst this is not in itself an automatic concern it can lead to developmental difficulties in how we interact and communicate in the world.

However, with over 75 million people being diagnosed equating to 1% of the world’s population it is important for us to recognise both these difficulties but also the inadvertent success those with autism present across time.

Whilst 1 in 100 people are due to be diagnosed with autism within their lifetime, it can lead to that ‘lateral thinking’ which provides so many different and wonderful views on life.

During the day itself we will be wearing blue socks in support and encourage you to do the same. Stay tuned.