The Year 11 students at XPE have demonstrated exceptional Habits of Work and Learning (HoWLs) as they diligently prepare for their upcoming English Spoken Language assessments. Across both Miss Buckley’s and Mrs Desborough’s classes, lessons have been driven by outstanding focus, active engagement, and dedicated craftsmanship and quality, ensuring students refine their delivery, structure, and techniques to present with confidence. This commitment is clearly reflected in the exciting and diverse range of topics chosen by the students, spanning pressing social issues, personal passions and curiosities. Their hard work, positive attitude, and thorough preparation promise a brilliant and engaging set of spoken presentations.

Walking down the corridors at XP this week, it has been impossible not to notice the atmosphere of working hard and getting smart across Year 8. Everywhere I visited I saw our students demonstrating incredible learning behaviours—locked in, on task, and pushing themselves to be the best version of themselves.

Here is a glimpse inside two of the fantastic classrooms where our students have been shining this week.

Making Connections in Spanish with Señorita Warwick

In Señorita Warwick’s Spanish classroom, X31 Admiral were put to the test with a high-level inference challenge. Rather than simply memorising vocabulary, students were asked to act as linguistic detectives.

Drawing on their background knowledge and applying their understanding of cognates—words that share similar roots across languages—students worked together to connect visual pictures directly to Spanish terms. The level of critical thinking in the room was superb: students were justifying their choices, testing ideas, and making sophisticated language connections with confidence.

High Expectations in Miss Wilkinson’s Room

Just a few steps down the corridor in Miss Wilkinson’s classroom, the exact same high standard of engagement was on display.

Working with X31 Skipper, students were hooked into the immersion phase of their new expedition by responding to a series of powerful provocations. The depth of discussion and the quality of their written responses reflected the high expectations that make the XP so special.

What stands out most across Year 8 this week isn’t just what the students are learning, but how they are learning it. To see two classrooms maintaining such focus, high energy, and mutual support shows just how much our Year 8s care about their craftsmanship and quality.

A massive well done to Year 8, Señorita Warwick, and Miss Wilkinson for setting such a powerful standard for the term ahead!