Crew Kahlo’s second week in Year 11

During crew at the beginning of the second week, I asked members of crew Kahlo to share a quote that meant something to them. We then discussed how each quote could relate to the year ahead of them – in the run up to their GCSE’s.

Here are the quotes that crew chose:

Harrison – ‘Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value‘ by Albert Einstein

We linked this to the character traits that we value here are XP – how its important to be successful academically but also really important to be a good (well rounded) person.

Arthur – ‘Believe in yourself and you’re half way there

We discussed how it is really important that you believe in your abilities in school and to stop doubting yourself. Saying that you can’t do something is not very helpful and its important that everyone tries their best – especially in Year 11!

Kearan – ‘Nothing is certain except death and taxes‘ by Benjamin Franklin

Kearan chose this to show that you can’t predict anything – nothing is certain in life (apart from death and taxes). Linking to the fact that GCSE’s are defiantly going to be happening for Y11 – but lots of twists and turns and ups and downs might happen in the run up to them – we just don’t know! (But that’s why crew is important)

Max – ‘Don’t exist, live

Max is a very positive person who likes to push himself (especially in the gym). He is determined to do well in his exams and wants to do well. Just existing and getting through each day isn’t enough for Max – he wants to live!

Tammy – ‘Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead‘ by Benjamin Franklin

This was a bit of a curve ball for crew – but interesting to talk about. We spoke about secrets and how some people aren’t very trustworthy. How sometimes it’s better to keep things to yourself.

Billie – ‘Whatever you are, be a good one‘ by Abraham Lincoln

Crew spoke about the fact that if you’re going to do something – you may as well do it properly and well. Don’t just coast through Y11 and your GCSE’s – go for it, try your best – then reap the rewards on results day!

Bryan – ‘Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find‘ The Greek Bible

Crew spoke about asking for help when and if they need it this year at school. If you don’t understand something or you need some extra clarification – ask! Don’t be embarrassed or nervous – its your year, its important and if you don’t ask – you don’t get!

Olivia – ‘Never give up

Olivia wasn’t the most enthusiastic for this task (I’m not sure she is a morning person). But this is a good one. Especially this year – don’t give up, keep going. Its going to be tough – there are going to be days that you really can’t be bothered and you’re sick of everyone telling you that’s its important (blah blah blah). But you owe it to yourself to keep going and never give up.

Nida – ‘You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water‘ by Rabindranath Tagore

This is a good one and brought up conversations about the effort you put in during Y11. You’re not going to get the best GCSE’s you can by just turning up to school. That’s just the first step – what you really need to do is graft! Get your head down and concentrate, revise at home, get feedback from teachers and act on it.

Alex – ‘Without training they lacked knowledge, without knowledge they lacked confidence, without confidence they lacked victory‘ by Julius Ceasar

Crew didn’t fully understand this quote at first, but after a little discussion we spoke about the fact that this year is all about being a bit of a sponge – taking in all the information that your teachers are giving you – all the advice and the knowledge about each subject. But the most important thing is what you do with this – you learn it, remember it and apply it. Hopefully, as the year progresses you become more confident going into your exams – then, victory! Amazing GCSEs on results day!

Miss Jones – ‘Keep calm and carry on

This has been something I have said to myself for years. As my crew know, I get worked up regularly – I overthink things and can sometimes get a little overwhelmed with all the things I have to do. So I repeat ‘Keep calm and carry on’ to help reduce the noise in my brain. It sounds silly but it really does work. Maybe this will help you during year 11 when things get a bit much.

Crew Nightingale X29

First term completed in Year 7.

Aberdyfi – Climbing the mountain as a crew

It has been a wonderful first term for our crew and this week we now have the chosen name of ‘Nightingale’, presented outstandingly by Karina and Ruby. All of the crew have settled and are working hard and getting smart with learning in their new expeditions. The expeditions have also involved them going on fieldwork to: The National Coal mining museum in Wakefield, Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire and the evening at XP School with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band visiting. The majority of the crew are set up and working and learning from their iPads or laptops and completing extended study on Google classroom and have individual accounts with Accelerated reader where they gain access every school day with reading in the morning, afternoon and in Crew for Tranquil Tuesdays.

Crew Kahlo putting the hours in at home

I wanted to show some pieces of work that Olivia, Jessy and Nida have been working on at home.

All three girls have really impressed me with their work ethic and are showing how they ‘Get Smart’.

Olivias Hums work:

Jessy’s artwork:

Nida’s artwork:

Crew Kahlo starting Year 10

Crew Kahlo has made a great start to their fourth year at XP (How time flies).

Our crew week was a bit different this year which consisted of:

  • A crew day to check in with each other and set expectations for the year ahead
  • A day of team-building activities to help us communicate and work better together (which we won!)
  • A coastal walk at the lovely Flamborough to have a chance to walk and chat in the lovely fresh air
  • A crew presentation to answer the guiding question ‘How can we get everyone to the top of their mountain?’.

Crew Darling hits the fields!

Crew Darling, a wild adventure..

On Friday afternoon, Crew Darling embarked on a walk to the Lake. This was a reward for their fantastic improvement in their HOWLS this term!

This adventure involved football, refreshing water fights and hill top chats, with a lovely debrief at the end. Followed by a community meeting.  Crew really enjoyed this and clearly immersed themselves with the outside world! So much so, they wanted to document their journey in this blog post!

They were also joined by the lovely, Crew Southgate.

Blog post written by Crew Darling

(Leo is cool, Poppy has a pug, Mr Froginton, Daisy, Holly doesnt know, Anonymous Charlie, Olivia, Analeigh Pog, Logan, Joel doesnt know, Junior with all the animals, and Leighton).

 

This week in crew we have been working on our self esteem. In particular, understanding the importance of changing our perspective and seeing things we once saw as a negative, in a new positive light, in order to see ourselves more positively and the things we can do and achieve as positive. We have done this using XP character trait, courage. Courage for taking on a new perspective when it feels a little strange and the character trait respect, by having respect for ourselves.

These of course are key character traits we hold incredibly important here at XP school. We firmly believe that embracing the character traits are key to becoming the best version of ourselves. 

These character traits were further encouraged on our walk to the lake on Friday afternoon. We discussed how we would behave respectfully within the community, our community. We also discussed how we would be ambassadors for the school in the way that we present ourselves. We understood that this will determine people’s perspective of our characters. We decided that it was important to be part of a respectful culture that would help people in our community to feel safe by choosing how we engage in it.

We took the opportunity to compliment our crew members at observed opportunities and find out things about our peers that we didn’t already know by being respectful in our conversations and having the courage to praise where we may not have before. Students were very respectful to people in the community and behaved impeccably, which i am very grateful for. We also were able to enjoy the nature around us on our journey. It was a very lovely afternoon.

One of our crew was even able to score 5 skips when some of us tried skimming stones on the lake. Well done Joe!

 

 

— Developing Character Traits

Crew Kahlo at the end of Year 9

As they are coming to the end of Year 9, crew has been reflecting on their year. When thinking about their journey throughout the year, here are some of their highlights.

They have been looking at their HoWLs and AP grades from the last data drop. They have then made pledges each week to focus on small changes they can make to try and improve. Crew holds each other to account during this process, discussing whether they think they have been successful in achieving their pledges.

They have finished their second expedition of the year called ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’ by creating beautiful work. They looked at Islamic tiles and then used rotational symmetry to design their own patterns to paint with acrylic paint.

Here are some examples from Crew Kahlo:

 

Crew also chose their options for ‘Leading Our Own Learning’ that they will be studying next year. The crew has picked a range of options such as Engineering, Citizenship, Psychology, Further maths, ICT / Computing as well as some members of the crew decided to take up the opportunity to join the ‘pushing for 4’ group that will support them with Maths, English, and Science leading up to their exams.

They cant really believe that they are coming to the end of Year 9 and going into Year 10!

Being a creative crew

During our crew, Ben shared with me that he had a flare for photography. During their art session they were asked to take some composition shots and this is what he did. This beautiful work was definitely worth a share and a possible nod to a modelling career for Josh

Crew teamwork makes a dream work

This term we have seen some great inter-crew activities. One in particular was dodgeball. This was really great to see crew on a wider scale. Each crew was split and mixed into new crew/teams and worked together showing character traits of respect – for one another in how they worked together to follow the rules and instructions from staff. Compassion – the understanding of how to conduct themselves during team games taking into consideration others strengths and weaknesses. Craftsmanship and quality in our skills shown in the game making sure rules were followed. Finally, integrity by doing the right thing even when they thought no one was watching, calling out their own mistakes and following the rules. Well done guys

Brilliant action shots!

X28 Crew Darling (EWI) What do our HOWLS really mean to us?

During crew time, Crew Darling (EWI) have been looking at what our HOWLS really mean to us! Crew split into three groups, focusing on working hard, getting smart and being kind.. this was then followed with a fantastic presentation to the rest of crew, sharing their thoughts and ideas about HOWLS and how they can be the best version of themselves going forward!

Compassion and Care in our Community

Students in Crew Tubman have been making birthday cards to send to the Lovely Hilda

Doncaster woman who fled Nazis wants hundreds of cards for 105th birthday

As reported in a local news article, one of Doncaster’s oldest residents who once fled the Nazis, is wanting to celebrate her 105th birthday – with hundreds of cards from well-wishers across the country.

We can definitely help you out there Hilda!

After hearing about this amazing story from our very own Miss Cocliff during our community meeting here at XP, the students were inspired to create some lovely cards to send to her and make her wish come true.

Hilda Middleton who turns 105 Years young on Tuesday inspired the students with her stories of travel and positivity which she says keeps her young. If you too, like our students, would like to send Hilda a card please send them to: Mrs Hilda Middleton, Chapel Garth Care Home Central Avenue, Bentley, Doncaster. DN5 0AR.

Some of the lovely quotes from inside the cards

“Out of all your days i hope this is one of your happiest”

and “hope your special day is as special as you.

One student added, “she doesn’t look a day over 70! She looks really good for her age!”

Happy Birthday Hilda, hope you have a lovely day from all of us in Crew Tubman