Archive

Crew SLE: A brilliant start to year 7

This week has been an exciting one for Crew SLE as they have settled into life at XP and begun their journey in Year 7. Starting secondary school is a big step, but our crew have already shown just how ready they are to rise to the challenge.

From day one, Crew SLE have impressed us with their positivity, teamwork, and willingness to get stuck in. They have embraced the routines of XP with enthusiasm, supporting one another as they find their feet and learn what it truly means to be part of crew.

We have been particularly proud of how quickly friendships are forming and how kind and considerate they have been to each other. Whether it’s helping a classmate find their way, showing resilience in new learning, or contributing to thoughtful discussions, Crew SLE have already begun to live out our values of respect, courage, and compassion.

It has been wonderful to see the confidence of individuals grow throughout the week. Each member of Crew SLE has brought something unique to the group, and together they are already building a strong, supportive community.

We are so excited to see what the rest of the term will bring. If this week is anything to go by, Crew SLE are going to have a fantastic year ahead at XP!

Crew MNO – Outward bound 2025

Maddison Norburn

Crew MNO had a fantastic start to year 7, completing the first week away at Outward bound in Ullswater!

Crew MNO demonstrated the XP character traits every day, encouraging and supporting each other to complete different activities ensuring to show compassion at all points in the week. We did activities such as abseiling and jog and dip which all of crew LOVED, they really threw themselves into all of the activities even ones they were unsure about, showing extreme courage.

I’m really proud of crew and how they conducted themselves throughout the trip last week and I can’t wait to see how they grow as a crew throughout year 7 and the rest of their time at XP !!!!!!!

Well done crew!

Miss Norburn

Crew Kelly First Week Back!

hannah warwick

Crew Kelly had an amazing first week back in school!

On Tuesday we revisited our Crew norms, reflecting on why Crew matters, and in the afternoon participated in a mini game of 99 to Beat with the rest of C29. On Wednesday, we headed into Doncaster town centre for an A–Z challenge, explored key landmarks and uncovered interesting facts about our city. Crew Kelly fully immersed themselves into the tasks with enthusiasm and team work.

As we move into Key Stage 4, we know the year ahead will bring big challenges, but judging by the way Crew Kelly have returned – with such positivity and commitment – it’s clear that they are ready to take it on and succeed.

Well done Crew Kelly, I can’t wait to see you all flourish in KS4!

Year 7 XP: Immersed in History and Launching Their First Expedition

Eleanor Wilkinson

This week marked an exciting milestone for Year 7 at XP: their very first immersion week in lessons and the launch of their expedition, This Land is Your Land. The guiding question is, “What’s the story of our community?”

Students have worked as historians, piecing together evidence and time-travelling through four key periods of history:

Medieval
Early Modern
Industrial
Modern

Each lesson gave them a snapshot of how people lived, worked, and shaped the world around them. Together, they began to see how the past connects to the story of our community today.

Immersion also included fieldwork to Murton Park, where students stepped into the past to experience Viking history first-hand. Immersion week has given Year 7 a strong start: asking questions, working as a crew, and beginning to think like historians. We’re excited to see where their expedition journey takes them next.

See photos from the week below! Some scary Vikings in XP Year 7!

Crew Peake’s Super Sportsman

Melissa Cocliff

Leo, who plays football outside of school, is involved with both Rotherham United and Manchester City. Manchester City’s photographers have captured some incredible photos of Leo, and will also be looking at his pre-match routines. Keep up the amazing work, Leo – your dedication to football is admirable!

Sharing our Stories: 05/09/2025

Geoff Hewitt

Beautiful Work This Week

Welcome back!

Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust from the our first two weeks back! To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.