To welcome all the new F Blockers (Year 9) on their first day at Eton, the boys participated in a carousel of activities across the School.
Starting at 9am, the boys gathered in Concert Hall to hear all about the diverse musical opportunities to get involved in. Mr Fairbrother, Head of Contemporary and Commercial Music, encouraged them to attend the society meetings which offer “a glimpse into the music industry” and has hosted speakers such as Andrew Lloyd Webber and James Blunt.
B Blockers (Year 13s) listed the huge range of options, from big commitments like the College Chapel Choir and School Orchestra, to more niche interests like bagpipe lessons and Music Technology. One boy advised them that whatever their instrument or grade level, there is a place for them: “You should definitely get involved with music at Eton, it would be a shame not to.”
The boys then raced to the Fives Courts to play the Eton-originating sport in their tailcoats. The preceding group looked very reluctant to leave when told their time was up, only to brighten again after realising Rackets was up next. Before they left, the Beaks (teachers) listed the practice times for both recreational and competitive sessions: “Come along and give it a go, it’s open to everyone”.
During Rackets, the F Blockers huddled against the wall waiting for their turn to go up against some of the best B Block players in the School. “Don’t laugh until you’ve done it yourselves,” the older boys told them. “It’s harder than it looks.”
Afterwards, the House Captains led the boys back to their Boarding Houses for an hour break. In WING (The Timbralls), they helped themselves to freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, fruit, and hot drinks.
On their arrival, their House Master who had been waiting for them, asked the boys how the morning had been: “Who thinks they’ll be a future rackets player?” The F Blockers hesitated. He changed tact: “Who’d like to give it another go?” This time their hands shot up.
After the interval, the boys headed out again, for the next event in the carousel: a drama performance in The Empty Space theatre. While waiting for the F Blockers to arrive from touring backstage, the performers got into position, joking: “Don’t get stage fright” and “break a leg”.
The show was a dramatised version of what goes on behind the scenes of an Eton play. The six Keepers then introduced themselves and explained that even if you’re not an actor, there’s plenty to get involved with including: lighting, sound, stage management, wardrobe, and design.
In Upper School, the new starters had the chance to ask B Blockers about Eton life in small groups. They wanted to know who was the nicest teacher—“They’re all nice,” was the response—and practical questions about switching between sports and managing their timetable: “If you’re on time things run more smoothly”.
The last session of the day was concerned with settling into Eton and mental health, ran by staff from the School’s Stephenson Centre for Wellbeing. They detailed the process for booking an appointment, stressing that they were welcome anytime and that “mental health is a state not a trait”.
Finally, Abdi K, President of the Eton Society, gave a speech urging the F Blockers to approach everyone with kindness and enjoy developing lifelong friendships: “Be your authentic selves, don’t pretend, friends will come.”
Now in his final year at the School, Abdi spoke about his experience and told boys to contact him if they needed any support. He left them with some thoughtful parting words: “I don’t believe there’s one type of Etonian. Rather than there being a mould, the School moulds around you.”
