On 21^st November, Year 12 English Literature pupils visited Derby University for a masterclass exploring ‘Frankenstein in Context’. 

The group is studying Mary Shelley’s iconic novel ‘Frankenstein’ alongside Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ as part of the prose element of their A Level.  The focus of this unit is ‘Science and Society’, and, with Frankenstein, the historical and social context is central.  Pupils have already explored the clashes between Enlightenment and Romanic ideals during their lessons, and this Masterclass reinforced and developed their understanding even further. 

Through an exploration of Shelley’s family background, influences of the Industrial Revolution and the French Revolution they were able to understand more about influences in Shelley’s writing.  Through the ‘dynamic lecture’, favoured by tutors at the University of Derby they were engrossed in discussion of these influences connecting them to pertinent excerpts from the novel.

Following the lecture, they were taken for a tour of the University, seeing a wide range of the resources available to students who choose to study at Derby; marine biology labs, forensic labs, a 3-floor library with fantastic loanable laptops and resources, not to mention the open-plan atrium housing both Starbucks and Subway as well as a delicious looking brownie pop up stall and plenty of seating to catch up with friends between lectures.

All were impressed by the facilities on offer and the welcome received from staff at the University.  No surprise that it is ranked 31 out of 104 universities in the UK and has won awards in 2025 for top student well-being, top student accommodation and was shortlisted for best customer service.  

Year 12 had a great day at Clare College, Cambridge University today. They attended key sessions focused on making a competitive application, the Oxbridge structure, and an introduction to ‘supervisions’ alongside a tour. It was fantastic to see students connecting with university life and raising their aspirations.  

On Friday, 7th November 2025, all schools across our Trust came together to mark Remembrance Day — a time to honour and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have served, and continue to serve, in our armed forces.

The event was led by the Cadet Forces from each school, who played a central role in the commemorations, including readings, the laying of wreaths, and leading the Trust-wide act of remembrance. Their pride, discipline, and respect set the tone for a moving and meaningful occasion.

At 11:00am, pupils, staff, and guests across the Trust joined together in the Two Minutes' Silence, uniting as one community to remember those who gave their lives in service of others.

We are incredibly proud of the way our schools came together — standing side by side to honour the past, reflect on the present, and look with hope towards the future. A huge thank you to Etone College for hosting the event and to Elmwood School for joining us for their first trust wide event.

"We will remember them."

This week Year 12 biology students were inspired by a lively and thought-provoking careers talk exploring the many paths a career in Science can take. Titled “Not All Heroes Wear Lab Coats… But Some Do,” the session highlighted the exciting opportunities available in Biology, from research and healthcare to environmental and technological roles. Students heard about a variety of careers, learned about the skills needed to succeed, and left with a renewed sense of excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead in the scientific world.

Last night we invited Year 12 and 13 parents into college for a session on Understanding Student Finance and how your child can afford to go University. This was delivered by Ahmar Ehsan. Ahmar has been working at the Student Loans Company since December 2016 as part of the wider Funding Information Services Team as the Regional Account Manager for the Midlands & supporting wider regions in England. 

The session enabled parents to gain a better understanding into student finance and the variety of loans available to students to support them in pursuing higher education. Parent feedback was positive with one parent stating the session was 'really interesting and highly informative' and another stating that they 'knew nothing about student finance before but now do as it was very clear and detailed'. 

Year 12 students had a fantastic talk today from Warwick University about their Access Programmes. The University of Warwick’s Access Programmes help Year 12/13 students from underrepresented backgrounds prepare for higher education. They offer academic support, mentoring, and insights into university life through schemes like Warwick Scholars, Pathways to Professions, and Realising Opportunities. Participants gain skills, guidance, and experiences to strengthen their university applications. Those who complete programmes like Warwick Scholars may receive lower grade offers and financial support. These initiatives aim to widen participation and support students in achieving their university goals and was a brilliant opportunity for our Year 12 students.

On Tuesday 30th September our Year 13 students went the University Careers Fair event at Leicester Tigers Stadium. This exciting and informative event provided students with the opportunity to speak to a multitude of exhibiting universities and apprenticeship providers. These included; Russell Group, red brick and modern institutions, as well as apprenticeship providers and local colleges. The fair also had a wide range of vital seminars including: UCAS Personal Statement & Application Advice, Why take an Apprenticeship, Choosing a University Course, Higher and Degree Apprenticeships and Student Finance. This gave the students the opportunity to ask universities directly any questions they had about their course and obtain up to date information about their career pathways to help prepare them for post sixth form life!

Monday mornings are always exciting for Etone College’s Sixth Formers! Period 2 gives way to our students to select modules of enrichment that provide opportunities to build Employability Skills and showcase Etone and Matrix Values.

This week our students had the opportunity to;

Develop life long skills in the cooking room. This week students were able to make “Chunky Veg Pasta Sauce” developing their skills at chopping, seasoning and of course tasting. With this dish set to cost a student on average 50p a serving, it make it not only cheaper than a Pot Noodle - But more nutritious and in our view tasty!

Monday mornings are always exciting for Etone College’s Sixth Formers! Period 2 gives way to our students to select modules of enrichment that provide opportunities to build Employability Skills and showcase Etone and Matrix Values.

This week our students had the opportunity to;

Get active by taking part in our sporting block, this week… Bench Ball! Students were able to work together in teams to build communication and confidence whilst playing this simple, yet highly competitive game. Needless to say our students had a great time as they took to the court for the Ultimate Champions to be crowned!