As we enter the final few weeks of year 7 (where did that year go?) I just wanted to make sure that everyone in my crew continues to bring their device every day fully charged as well as having the required equipment. I’ve noticed a real decline in students having a reading book on them at the start of session 1. Please make sure items like pencils pens etc are in their bags and that they are not bringing in energy drinks or sugary snacks and sweets.
We are working hard in lessons to get ready for this year’s arts festival, hopefully you come along and see just how much beautiful work has been produced during this recent terms work.
Today, witnessing our X29 (Year 10) students lead their TSLCs across the school with their subject teachers sat alongside them, was an amazing event!
With just 12 months between now and the culmination of their Key Stage 4 journey, today wasn’t just an ordinary check-in. It felt like a pivotal moment for our students as they begin to step into the final stretch toward their GCSEs.
Student Ownership
The “buzz” in the Lorax space this evening was unmistakable. It was the sound of authentic student voice in collaboration with their subject teachers.
What makes Student Led Conferences at XP so powerful is that adults don’t talk about the student; the student lead their narrative. Observing our students look their parents and subject teachers in the eye to articulate exactly their performance in mocks, where they stand academically and what they have identified they now need to be working on is incredibly moving.
Students gave sharp, honest, and self-aware reflections, identifying:
Their Successes: Celebrating the beautiful work they’ve crafted, the progress in their Habits of Work and Learning (HoWLs), and the concepts they have thoroughly mastered during their recent learning expeditions translated in their recent mock exams.
Areas to Focus Upon: Pinpointing the exact topics, exam techniques, and revision gaps they need to close. Hearing students confidently say, “I need to push my revision into higher-tier content,” and ‘” need to revise the key topics we studied in Year 9 which support the GCSE content” shows a level of maturity.
Culture is built together. Today simply would not have been possible without the shared culture of support for our students by both parents and staff.
The Final Countdown: 47 Weeks to Go
As positive as today was, it also served as a reality check. The clock to the GCSE exams is officially ticking.
Between now and the morning of their very first GCSE exam in May 2027, our X29 students have approximately 47 weeks.
The message leaving today’s TSLCs was loud and clear: Consistent, structured revision starts now.
Engagement in Sparx and Tassomai, utilising your Pinpoint booklets, reviewing your poetry anthologies, re reading your core texts, practicing 18 mark questions. I heard loads of other great tips from the staff tonight.
A pdf of our XP and XP East Study Guide is found below – check out some great tips, we’ll hand out tangible copies at our Y11 evening in September.
Monday 15 June – XP East Tuesday 16 June – XP School
As part of their Power and Prejudice expedition, E29 (Year 10) students will be taking part in fieldwork at the National Holocaust Museum. This visit will support their learning as they explore the Guiding Question:
“How does ideology impact people’s lives?”
Travel Arrangements
Students will depart school at 9:15am and are expected to return at approximately 3:15pm. Please note that return times may be affected by factors outside of our control, such as traffic. Any updates to arrival times will be shared via the school website.
What Students Need to Bring
Students should bring:
A packed lunch
A water bottle
A pen
Students who are entitled to free school meals will be provided with a packed lunch by the school.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the fieldwork, please contact Shannam at shannam@xpschool.org or speak to your child’s Crew Leader.
After a well-deserved half-term break, Crew Brunel returned to school ready for a busy and important week filled with opportunities, information, and decision-making. This half term is particularly significant as it marks the final half term of Year 9, making it an exciting and important period for all students as they begin preparing for the next stage of their educational journey here at XP.
On Monday, the whole school community came together for a Community Meeting to warmly welcome students and staff back after the half-term break. It was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect, refocus, and set the tone for the weeks ahead.
After the meeting, our Year 9 students were introduced to the exciting Valencia Fieldwork experience. Students learned about what the trip involves, the opportunities it offers, and the application process. There was plenty of interest, and we look forward to seeing applications from those keen to take part in this memorable learning experience.
From Tuesday through to Friday, we were joined by Crew Sinfield for a series of GCSE Taster Sessions. These sessions gave students the chance to explore their potential GLOBAL and CREATIVE option subjects for next year.
Throughout the week, students experienced a range of subjects, gained valuable insight into the content and skills involved, took part in activities and tasks linked to each course, and began thinking carefully about the choices that will help shape their future learning journeys. The sessions provided an excellent opportunity for students to ask questions, discover new interests, and consider where their strengths and passions lie.
It has certainly been a busy first week back, with lots of important information to take in and many decisions to consider. As we enter the final half term of Year 9, students are beginning to make important decisions about their GCSE pathways and future aspirations.
We are proud of the positive attitude and engagement students have demonstrated throughout the week as they explored their GCSE options and considered the exciting opportunities ahead. We look forward to supporting everyone through the options process and helping them make informed choices that reflect their interests, talents, and ambitions.
Well done, Crew Brunel, on a productive start to the final half term of Year 9!
It is always a privilege to step into different classrooms across our school, and today, I had the absolute pleasure of covering a session with our fantastic Year 7 maths group, X32 Skipper.
The lesson visit was doubly special because Mrs Tatum is currently completing the final stretch of her full-year induction into How we XP?—our model of teaching, learning, expeditions and crew culture. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to engage, observe, and see exactly how our Year 7s are thriving in their maths lessons.
I walked away from the lesson incredibly proud of the group. Throughout the session, the students beautifully modelled our core HoWLs (Habits of Work and Learning). Here is a snapshot of what I saw:
Working Hard: The focus in the room was brilliant. Every student was determined, tackling challenging mathematical concepts without hesitation, using our teaching and learning protocols to collaborate on their beautiful work.
Getting Smart: The academic progress today was awesome. Students showed a really strong understanding of square numbers and cube numbers. They then took it a step further, sharpening their calculator skills to accurately identify square roots and cube roots. Watching them connect these concepts so confidently was fantastic.
Being Kind: True to the XP spirit, the peer support in the room was wonderful. Students were naturally encouraging one another, sharing ideas, and ensuring that no one in Skipper was left behind.
It’s clear that X32 Skipper are setting a brilliant standard for what it means to be an XP student. A huge well done to the whole class, and thank you to X32 Skipper and Mrs Tatum for setting the conditions for me to engage into such a purposeful, positive learning environment!
If you want to continue to look at this work at home Skipper – please engage with the further challenges below at home.
🚀 Extend Your Learning at Home
For any students who want to keep pushing themselves and stretch their skills further, here are two excellent Corbettmaths resources to practice at home:
Join us this summer and get involved in our exciting enrichment activities! The PE department has plenty to offer, with a wide range of sports and activities for everyone to enjoy.
Why not take the opportunity to try a new sport, develop your skills, and have some fun after school? We also have a variety of events and competitions coming up, giving you the chance to challenge yourself and represent the school.
Whether you’re looking to compete, learn something new, or simply come along and enjoy playing with friends, there’s something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there!
