Phoenix Dance Theatre Project 2025

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This week, we had the fantastic opportunity to welcome Phoenix Dance Theatre back into school to work with some of our students — and what a brilliant start it was!

We kicked off the session by getting to know each other and meeting our inspiring instructor, Emma, who brought great energy and expertise to the room. From there, we moved onto contemporary dance technique, focusing on fluidity and using our whole bodies to express movement.

The students then explored their creativity through collaborative tasks, experimenting with intricate shapes and physical storytelling with their peers. We wrapped up by reflecting on the idea of community — sharing thoughts on what it means to us to be a part of a community and how we might bring this theme to life through movement.

We’re already excited for our next session, where we’ll begin shaping our final performance piece for the XP Arts Festival in July. Watch this space — something special is in the making!

Miss Mitchell

Crew Brunel: Wrapping Up Another Half Term!

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As we come to the end of another half term, Crew Brunel has had a chance to reflect on our journey so far in Year 8. It’s been a mix of highs and challenges, but every experience has been a learning opportunity. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we’re even more determined to work on our areas for improvement as we head into the final half term of the year!

We’re especially proud to highlight two amazing members of our crew this half term:

Chloe was recognised as Artist of the Week last week for her stunning artwork and beautiful techniques. Her craftsmanship and quality have truly stood out!

Pippa has shone brightly too, receiving the most praises in Crew Brunel this half term — an incredible 26 praises in total! Pippa’s commitment to her learning and the kindness she shows to those around her make her a true inspiration to others. 

As we gear up for our last chapter of Year 8, we’re ready to support each other, aim higher, and finish the year strong. Let’s go, Crew Brunel!

Miss Mitchell

Alumni Activism

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At XP, we truly get to experience and learn the strength of community, both in times of celebration and challenge. And right now this means more than ever before.

Recently, a fellow former student who was part of the very first cohort at XP. School, as well as mine and Miss Scott’s best friend since childhood, has been diagnosed with lymphoma – a type of cancer. 

It is a tough reality to face but we knew we wanted to do something to support and bring awareness!

Together, we have launched a fundraiser to raise money for the fight against cancer!

We are taking part in two different fundraising events for two charities. The first is the Bridges of London 2025 walk, run by the incredible Lymphoma Action charity where we will journey 7 miles across London to raise money. The second event is the Pretty Muddy 5k that is organised by the Cancer Research Race for Life team.

Please find our fundraiser from the following link: JustGiving Fundraiser

By doing these events we hope to raise money for these amazing charities in the hopes that we can support so many people, including our best friend. 

The following links offer an abundance of great information on both charities and how your donations can help: Lymphoma Action and Cancer Research UK

We’re inviting our wider school community – staff, students, parents, and alumni – to get involved. Whether that means donating, sharing the fundraiser, or simply spreading awareness, every small act of support and kindness matters.

Already we have raised £2.5k, halfway to our current £5k goal! We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve already received, and we know that this school community, past and present, has a huge heart. 

Thank you for standing with us.

With thanks,

Emily Poncia and Holly Scott x

DONATE HERE!

Sharing our Stories: 23/05/2025

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Beautiful Work This Week

Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust from this week. To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.

Top of the Blogs

Amazing Experience in Class 6 @ Green Top

LKS2 Young Readers @ Plover

Astronaut Experience Day @ Carcroft School

Weekly update for families @ XP Gateshead

Friendship blocks @ Norton Infants

This week in PE @ XP

Share your stories with us!

We now have a new dedicated news email so that you can send your stories, updates or ideas about potential news articles directly to us in Comms.

It might be something you or your students have achieved, a charity you’re supporting or anything at all that deserves a wider audience.

Write to us at news@xptrust.org –  we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!

Valencia Fieldwork 2026 Applications Update!

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Thank you for your applications! We have had many great applications and so the selection process is taking a little longer than expected. We will let students know if they are successful as soon as we can!

Once the places have been finalised, we will be in touch with students and parents about the next steps.

Thanks,

Miss Warwick and Miss Barton!

Be Part of Something Bigger – Learning Coach at XP Gateshead

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At XP Gateshead, we believe that every child can achieve extraordinary things — and every adult in the building plays a part in making that happen.

We’re looking for a Learning Coach who is passionate about helping young people thrive. Someone who brings positivity and the belief that relationships are the foundation of great learning.

If you want to make a real difference, work in a strong and supportive team, and be part of a school that values kindness, collaboration and creativity — this is the role for you.

Apply here: https://xptrust.org/learning-coach-teaching-assistant-xp-gateshead/

This week in PE:Superstar rugby team

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We took a team of Year 7 girls to Castle Park to compete in a tournament against other schools in Doncaster. The girls showed brilliant resilience and determination,improveing as every game went on. The girls went into the final winning all of their 3 games, however unfortunately fell short at the final hurdle and lost against Hall Cross.

Finishing the competition in second place with some great new skills to take away.

This week in PE

Wednesday – Rounders and boys football practice – 3.30-4.30

Thursday- Cheerleading practice and athletics practice 3.30-4.30

Crew Nightingale DofE Bronze practice

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The crew has smashed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze practice! They’ve tackled bag packing like pros, cooked up meals on a Trangia, and powered through long treks with heavy backpacks. They’ve mastered putting up tents, spent the night under canvas, and packed it all away like seasoned adventurers. From de-gunging their gear to pushing beyond their comfort zones, they’ve embraced every challenge — ticking off loads of firsts and proving just how capable they really are! Bring on the expedition in June!