Over the last three weeks our Year 13 pupils have had a Money workshop which has taught them essential like skills such as budgeting and how to make your money last longer. The sessions were tailored to support all pupils including those going to apprenticeships and university. Each session gave pupils an insight into how loans and student finance worked, how much you are paid on average during an apprenticeship and some top tips for saving. Pupils were highly engaged and positive about the sessions and participated in a variety of activities, including being given a budget and justifying how you would spend your money each month. 

On Saturday 25th January, members of the Etone choir once again had the incredible opportunity to perform alongside Armonico Consort, directed by Christopher Monks.

Students performed a premiere of the work Supersize Polyphony 2 by Hollywood composer David Buckley as well as the incredible Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis. Spem in Alium has a staggering 40 different vocal parts so singers need to be very good to perform these different lines simultaneously.

Students were able to listen to professional performances as well as getting to perform alongside the amazing professional singers. We were treated to a diverse programme of vocal works in full surround sound (16th century style) which even included music by the composer Hildegard Von Bingen (11th century).

What an incredible evening and thank you very much for inviting us to have such an incredible opportunity.

This week we have celebrated the achievements of pupils at Etone through our Progress Praise year group assemblies. Our expectation is that everyone in our school gives 100% all day, every day. Therefore, the categories for outstanding achievement include most progress in each subject, highest attainment in each subject, outstanding attendance (100%) and outstanding behaviour (100% positive behaviour ratio).

Pupils have also been issued certificates and badges for reaching house point milestones and demonstrating our employability characteristics.

Pupils who have been issued certificates and have been nominated for awards are demonstrating our Etone values which are fundamental traits to prepare pupils for society and their working adult life.

All winners in each year group have been placed into a draw. Three winners have been picked per year group. The prizes are:

1^st Prize - £50 Amazon voucher for the pupil and a £50 Just Eat voucher for their family to have a celebratory meal.

2^nd Prize - £50 Amazon voucher for the pupil and a £25 Just Eat voucher for their family to have a celebratory meal.

3^rd Prize - £50 Amazon voucher for the pupil

Well done to everyone nominated.

Today, 47 Year 10 pupils attended a free bowling and pizza trip as a reward for their outstanding behaviour and attendance between November and January. To qualify for this reward the pupils maintained attendance above 97% and a positive behaviour ratio of over 95%. Many of the pupils attending had 100% attendance and positive behaviour for this period. In total, 59 pupils qualified for the experience. A huge well done to all pupils who met platinum criteria.

We now have our own Air rifles and are able to deliver lessons in handling the BSA Scorpion air Rifle. Recently 4 cadets and two staff trained on the rifles and ended up passing their weapons handling test that they must complete, every six months to safely fire the rifle.

Last weekend a cohort of cadets attended joined other members of the MATRIX CCF at a Methods of Instruction Course at Barr Beacon, which teaches the Cadet how to plan and deliver lessons from the CCF (RAF) Syllabus. I am happy to inform you that 5 of our cadets passed the course and received their yellow lanyard that they can wear that signifies to other cadets that they are qualified to instruct.

At the same event one of our cadets illustrated his abilities to the instructing staff and was promoted to the Rank of Cadet Lance Corporal, Well Done L\Cpl Parker.

In addition, one of our NCO’s was awarded her Senior Cadet award, which is a recognition of the cadet’s determination to continue to study the RAF syllabus after studying and passing exams on a further three subjects.

Finally we have received our very first, limited edition Class of 25 badges. These are being given out to pupils in Year 11 as a push to enhance their own self-value as we begin the build up to mock exams. Well done to all who are supporting Year 11 and 13 in this critical year.

On Wednesday a group of Year 7,8 and 9 pupils travelled to our capital city, London for a jam packed journey through time as part of the History Departments Enrichment Week provision. 

First up was the coach ride, whilst it was clearly an early start for some, as the sun rose it was great to see the landmarks across the country as we headed nearer to the ‘Hub of Britain’. 

Arriving in the big city, our pupils departed the coach and stretched their legs before heading to our first stop, The Natural History Museum. As the pupils delved into the delights of the natural world they were amazed to see first hand how the world around them has developed so drastically. A particular highlight being the mammals on display. Whilst the elephant was impressive the whales were gigantic and the pupils were able to make links between History and Science, something we know Mr Clinton and the Science team would be proud off. 

Next up on day 1 was a visit to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The pupils were in awe of the splendour of it all and very impressed by the dedication and resilience shown by the guardsmen. One pupil considered “They would make a good Etone Learner with their skills.” Something that of course would delight Mr Smith back at Etone, as pupils reflect on the skills and values of Etone and how they fit within the wider world.

In the afternoon the pupils enjoyed a walk in the park and an ice cream courtesy of Miss Kelly-Smith before heading to Bella Itallia where the group enjoyed a two course dinner. We were particularly pleased to be complimented on the way our pupils upheld themselves once again showing our Etone Values in action.

With pupils excited and energised from their meal there was just enough time for a very competitive game of bowling, before heading back to the hotel for a well deserved rest. 

Day 2 – The Tower

After a hearty breakfast with the sun shining down, our group of ‘Londoners’ for the week arrived at the Tower of London where they explored the history of the building and it’s importance in our country’s foundations. Whilst there the group were encouraged to take part in an impromptu performance by the Tower Players who shared the story of trials and monarchs of old.

In the afternoon our pupils had the chance for some more sight seeing with Tower Bridge on the map for a final group photo before getting back on the bus for the journey home. Thank you London for such an amazing time.

On the last week of the Spring Half Term 1 we issued a challenge to all Form Groups to achieve the best attendance over that week in their Key Stage. As we announced last week this was achieved by:

• 8P1 for KS3, led by Mr Bishop
• 11P1 for KS4, led by Mr Randall and Mr Griffiths
• 12G1 for KS5, led by Miss Taylor

As part of their reward, they received their special breakfast celebration on Monday complete with toast, hot chocolate, treats and a special guest appearance by Mr Smith. During the event, there was the opportunity to share the school’s gratitude to our pupils who diligently attend and make sure that they are making the most of their chances. It was good to share some stories with the pupils about how excellent attendance leads to success and praise those who deserve it.

The pupils really enjoyed the session and the chance to catch up across the key stages. One Year 12 pupil had the following to say “I am so proud that we had the best attendance. I know that attending school is important and I had 100% all throughout Covid and still have it now in Year 12. It’s nice to be rewarded and to get our opportunity to share it with the younger years.”

Mr Bowley had the following message for the pupils “Across the school, our pupils know how important it is to attend school. Whilst they might like the treats and rewards, they attend not for these but for the intrinsic value of education, for their futures. I want to congratulate all of our excellent attendees and this is a great opportunity to do this.”

On Monday 7^th November the Charity Committee held their inaugural meeting. The committee is made up of pupils from across the school, from Year 7 to Year 13 at its core are those individuals who are particularly committed to raising funds and awareness for good causes and charities globally, nationally and locally. 

With the first meeting, pupils were treated to toast and juice as they talked about what the plan would be in raising funds for this academic year. Last year the school raised £2,500 in total and was featured in the Nuneaton News several times as a reward for their strong efforts. In addition to the funds over 300 items of food were donated to the Nuneaton Foodbank and nearly 200 toys and games as part of the Salvation Army’s annual Toy Drive. 

This year so far the school has raised nearly £400 with over £350 raised for Macmillan Cancer Support and over £30 raised for the Sixth Form Charity. The committee is charged with adding to that figure and was excited to discuss their first assignment. Children in Need. On Friday 18th November the school will be holding a Non-School Uniform Day in a bid to raise £1000 towards the national event. Over in the Sixth Form, our committee and the elect are hoping to host a bake sale along with a ‘Pyjama’ themed fancy dress with the aim of raising more than £100 for the cause.