XP School

We’ve got vacancies for cleaners across our Trust – visit xptrust.org/vacancies to find out more and #JoinOurCrew

Find out more and apply here to #JoinOurCrew: https://xptrust.org/green-top-send-learning-coach/

Reimagining Art History 

What happens when young artists are invited not just to study art history, but to re-shape it?

Learning began in the Year 10 expedition, A Change would do you good, students  started their exploration into syncretism—the merging of ideas, styles, and belief systems—to reimagine artworks through the lens of multiple isms. Rather than treating movements as fixed points in time, students asked richer questions: What if these styles collided? How can I place myself within it? What new meanings might emerge?

This wasn’t about copying a style. It was about intentional synthesis. Each piece demonstrates thoughtful decision-making—where students selected, adapted, and fused visual languages to communicate something new.

Making the Familiar Unfamiliar

By layering isms, students disrupted the “single story” of art history. A familiar portrait becomes unfamiliar again. Mood shifts. Meaning deepens. Viewers are invited to pause, question, and look again.

This approach mirrors how artists have always worked—borrowing, remixing, responding. Our students weren’t just learning about art movements; they were working like artists, positioning themselves within an ongoing creative conversation that spans centuries.

Students took intellectual risks, embraced ambiguity, and trusted their creative instincts. The outcome is work that is confident, personal, and skillfully beautiful.

Displayed together, these artworks form more than an exhibition—they tell a story of curiosity, courage, and synthesis. A reminder that art history isn’t static. It’s alive. And our students are part of shaping what comes next.

Beautiful work. Powerful thinking. Art history—reimagined.

#X29 #Art #Beautifulwork

We’ve had a wonderful time in Valencia over the past few days – flamenco dancing, sightseeing, exploring the aquarium, and visiting the Cathedral. 

We are ready for our paella cook-off this morning before heading home. Who will prove to be the better chefs – XP or XP East? 

An Unforgettable Ski Trip to Pila with Our School Students

There are school trips you enjoy, and then there are school trips that stay with you long after the snow has melted. Our recent ski trip to Pila, tucked high above the Aosta Valley, was absolutely the second kind.

From the moment we arrived, it felt like we’d stepped into a postcard. Fresh mountain air, sweeping alpine views, and perfectly groomed slopes set the stage for a week that balanced adventure, learning, and plenty of laughter. For many of our students, this was their first time skiing in the Alps—and Pila turned out to be the perfect classroom.

Each morning began with excitement buzzing through the group as helmets were fastened and skis clipped on. The students were split into ability groups, and it was incredible to watch their confidence grow day by day. Beginners went from tentative snowploughs to smooth, controlled turns, while more experienced skiers challenged themselves on steeper runs and longer routes. The sense of achievement at the end of each day was written all over their faces.

But this trip wasn’t just about skiing. It was about teamwork, resilience, and independence. Students learned how to support one another on the slopes, how to persevere after a fall, and how to manage their own equipment and schedules. There were moments of nerves, moments of triumph, and countless moments of encouragement shouted across the snow.

Off the slopes, Pila delivered just as much magic. Evenings were filled with shared meals, games, and stories from the day—often accompanied by sore legs and big smiles. These quieter moments gave students the chance to bond, step outside their usual friendship circles, and build memories together that simply don’t happen in a classroom.

One of the highlights was watching students who were initially hesitant completely transform by the end of the trip. Seeing them proudly ski down runs they would have avoided just days earlier was a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when they’re challenged in the right environment.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible instructors and staff in Pila, who were endlessly patient, encouraging, and enthusiastic. Their expertise helped keep everyone safe while making sure the experience stayed fun and motivating for all abilities.

As we packed up and headed home, the tiredness was real—but so was the sense that we’d shared something special. The trip to Pila wasn’t just an amazing ski experience; it was a chance for our students to grow, connect, and discover what they’re capable of beyond the school gates.

If the goal of a school trip is to inspire, challenge, and create lasting memories, then our time in Pila exceeded every expectation. We’re already counting down until the next adventure. 

Check out the highlights – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3pVpo1E3d0

What an incredible week in PE from fieldwork to leadership experts. This week Sports leaders supported the school games primary indoor athletics. Students showed great courage and communication skills when leading their own events. On Wednesday we took fieldwork to the Etihad stadium to watch Manchester City get through to the finals of the Carabao cup.

To finish the week students competed at the EIS indoor athletics. There were some outstanding performances on field and track. Well done to everyone this week, keep it up.

Next week in PE W/C 9th Feb

Monday- Badminton Practice 3.30-4.30

Wednesday – Netball fixture at home finish at 5pm Year 8 and 9

Thursday- Cheerleading practice 3.30-4.30

Beautiful work this week

Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust!

To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.

Top of the Blogs

KS1 Legacy Sports Gymnastics @ Green Top

Beautiful Family Learning @ Plover

Active Bodies, Active Minds! @ Carcroft School

Crew Brunel: Final Prep Push @ XP

Weekly Update for Families @ XP Gateshead

Navigating our way to a secret message! @ Norton Infants

Year 9 DofE Skills Session @ XP East

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 comms@xptrust.org –  we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!

We have arrived safe and sound in Valencia, and we are set to check into the hotel and explore the Old Town and the Cathedral today. All very tired but equally very excited!