Year 12 Law pupils recently learned about the significance of Stephen Lawrence Day, which is held annually on the 22 April, the anniversary of Stephen's death. The day was established by Prime Minister Theresa May, who wanted a national day of remembrance to honour Stephen's memory and to promote greater equality and inclusion in British society. 

Stephen Lawrence was a young black man, aged just 18, who was brutally murdered in a racist attack in London in 1993. Stephen was a promising student with ambitions to become an architect. Despite a lengthy police investigation, it took nearly 20 years for two of Lawrence's killers to be convicted.

The Stephen Lawrence case became a major symbol of the challenges of institutional racism. The 1999 Macpherson Report, led by Sir William Macpherson, found that the investigation was not handled well, there was a collective failure to provide an appropriate and professional service. The report recommended better training on racism and diversity. 

In their reflection, Year 12 students linked the story of Stephen Lawrence to our Fundamental British Values and Etone Values. They saw strong links to the importance of the Rule of Law, as well as the importance of Mutual Tolerance and Respect. There were also links established to the Etone Values of Caring and Integrity. 

Prisha G, a Year 12 student and one of our Diversity Ambassadors, has played an active role in co-delivering a series of multi-faith assemblies to younger pupils throughout this year. Alongside this, she has written two informative articles on key Hindu festivals, Navratri and Holi. We are proud to celebrate and represent a wide range of faiths and beliefs at Etone College Sixth Form, helping to broaden students’ understanding and appreciation of different religions and cultures! Well done Prisha! 

Over the past several weeks, our Art Class Enrichment students have been working on a truly inspiring project, the creation of a large scale whale sculpture made entirely from reused plastic bottles. This initiative, rooted in artivism (art + activism), highlights not only the importance of environmental awareness but also the power of creativity and collaboration. The whale, carefully constructed from dozens of collected plastic bottles, stands as a powerful visual reminder of the impact plastic waste has on our oceans. By transforming discarded materials into something meaningful and eye catching, students have taken a stand for sustainability while demonstrating how small actions can contribute to a larger message.

A Sustainable Sixth Form in Action

This project reflects our ongoing commitment to becoming a more sustainable Sixth Form. Rather than allowing plastic waste to end up in landfill, students actively gathered and reused materials, giving them a second life. It’s a simple but impactful way of showing that sustainability doesn’t always require grand gestures, it can start with everyday choices. The whale itself symbolises marine life affected by pollution, encouraging everyone who sees it to reflect on their own habits and the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.

More Than Just Art: Building Skills for the Future

The plastic whale was created as part of a weekly enrichment programme, designed to give students opportunities beyond the classroom. Throughout the process, students worked together in teams, developing key interpersonal skills such as communication, problem solving, and collaboration. From planning the design to assembling the structure, each session required teamwork and creativity. Students learned how to share ideas, overcome challenges, and support one another, skills that are essential not only for academic success but for life beyond Sixth Form.

Our Year 12 English Language students recently took part in an insightful subject session led by Dr Chris Montgomery from the University of Sheffield, focusing on the perception of accents across the UK. The session directly supported their preparation for AQA English Language Paper 2: Language Varieties, enriching their understanding of how accent, identity, and social attitudes intersect.

Dr Montgomery introduced students to current research on perceptual dialectology, exploring how people map, judge, and categorise accents—even when their perceptions don’t always align with linguistic reality. Students examined how stereotypes form around particular regional varieties, why certain accents are socially privileged, and how media representation shapes public attitudes.

The session deepened students’ analytical skills and provided rich, contemporary material they can now draw on in their Paper 2 essays. It also sparked thoughtful discussion about language prejudice and the power dynamics embedded in everyday communication.

For the past several Mondays during enrichment, our Year 12 and 13 students took part in a workshop focused on understanding the different pathways available after school or college, including university, apprenticeships, and full-time work, and how each option can impact their finances. They explored the real costs associated with living independently, such as rent, bills, food, transport, and other everyday expenses. Students learned how to create and manage a budget by identifying income, fixed expenses, and variable spending. The session also highlighted the importance of planning ahead, saving regularly, and making informed financial decisions. Overall, the workshop helped students feel more prepared and confident about managing their money and making informed choices about their future.

Students from Etone College regularly spend their weekly social hour with residents at Attleborough Grange - it’s something they all look forward to.

Over time, they’ve built lovely relationships by popping into the Nuneaton care home to see everyone and enjoy a mix of activities together, from painting sessions to sing-alongs with our Community Musician, Warren.

Last week, they helped decorate the tables for Valentine’s Day by making paper flowers. As they worked, the conversation soon turned to memories of getting ready for dates in their younger days. Residents laughed as they shared how they would curl and pin their hair and even use tea to tan their legs. 

Social Activities Manager Sherie said, “It’s lovely seeing the connections being made here at Attleborough. Thank you to all the students for spending time with our residents. It might only be an hour of their time, but it can make someone’s whole day.”