Miscellaneous
Swimming Test
Every new boy, unless medically exempt, is expected to take a swimming test during his first few days in the School. Boys who are unable to pass this test are given extra practice and instruction each week, and are re-tested at regular intervals. No boy is allowed to engage in water sports until he has demonstrated his competence by passing the test.
If your son is a weak swimmer, he would be well advised to practise the necessary skills during the holidays. He might also like to know that the test is taken in games shirt, shorts, long socks, and gym shoes. He will have to enter the water from the edge of the bath and submerge totally. He must then swim 50 metres (2 lengths) unhurriedly using breast stroke, tread water convincingly for at least 30 seconds, and finally swim 25 metres on his back (any stroke), all without taking a rest or touching the bottom or the side of the pool. It is recommended that a clean but old pair of gym shoes is worn for the swimming test.
Calculators
The scientific calculators most boys use at preparatory school are not equal to these demands, and so we nowadays provide all new boys in F who do not already possess one with a Casio FX85-ES, a powerful and inexpensive solar-powered calculator, which we can offer at a substantially discounted price since we buy such huge numbers. For further information, contact the Head of Mathematics.
Computers
On arrival at Eton the computer you have provided for your son should connect with both wired and wireless points throughout the school. A network cable will be required for your son to connect his computer to the network socket in his room. Network cables are available at a small charge from the IT Department, or you can provide your own.
At various points, such as School Library, there are wireless facilities which will cater for mobile devices that do not have a wired network connection, such as smartphones and tablet computers including iPads.
The IT Department will offer help and advice to all boys attempting to connect to the network and any of the resources provided by the school. The department is also able to assist with warranty calls by acting as a collection and return point or a place for an engineer to visit, but your son will need to deliver his computer to the IT Department and we need to be told what action is required prior to the courier/engineer arriving.
If you have any questions about these matters, please contact the IT Department at our email address boyslaptops@etoncollege.org.uk or our main telephone number 01753 671428.