This week in Crew Brunel we’ve enjoyed a mix of teamwork, reflection, and celebration. We refreshed our crew photos so staff can easily identify us, and created a playlist full of songs we love – a fun way to share more about ourselves. We also spent time reading individually, progressing with our own books, and worked in groups to take detailed notes during our Wise Wednesday session.
Towards the end of the week, we reflected on our praises and conducts. A huge well done to Elliot and David, who have achieved a no-conduct week again – an excellent start to Year 9 for the two, and a clear sign of the fantastic progress they’re both making. Crew Brunel are very proud of you both! We rounded things off with our whole-school Community Meeting, sharing appreciations, apologies, and stands, and celebrating what makes our school community so strong.
Crew Brunel continues to impress with positivity, focus, and teamwork – a great way to begin the year!
This week, Year 8 students at XP were given an exciting opportunity to immerse themselves in their new expedition with a visit from professional artist Michelle Clarke Stables (MC Stables).
Michelle worked with all Year 8 groups, bringing energy, expertise, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live and work as an artist. She inspired students by sharing her personal journey and creative story, showing that art is not just about making something beautiful—it’s about expressing the human experience.
One of the highlights of the day was when Michelle introduced her original artwork and a powerful sculpture titled Entrapment. This piece explores themes of fear, anxiety, and the barriers we sometimes create for ourselves, sparking deep conversations among students about how art can communicate emotion and connect with audiences in powerful ways.
Students also had the rare chance to closely examine Michelle’s original pieces. This hands-on immersion gave them valuable insight into materials, processes, and the layered thinking that goes into creating professional artwork.
The workshops challenged Year 8 to explore expressive mark-making, colour, and words in new ways—laying a strong foundation for their expedition learning. By experiencing art firsthand, students began to see how creativity can give voice to complex ideas, emotions, and stories.
Michelle’s visit has raised the profile of Art across the school, showing students that the subject is not only about developing skills, but also about asking questions, telling stories, and making meaning. She has kindly donated, on loan, some of her pieces to be exhibited within the XP and XPE community which will enrich the arts experience for the whole school; its staff, students, parents and our visitors.
The buzz in classrooms following her sessions has been undeniable, and it’s clear her visit will leave a lasting impression on our budding artists.
“Michelle inspired our artwork in class. I enjoyed that we were able to express ourselves freely through the marks we made. I think it’s good to have authentic artwork around the school. I added XPs Character traits to my own work.” – Jensen E31
What a wonderful start to the year with C31. I’m looking forward to seeing how their work progresses!
Morning from the not so sunny hills of Stockbridge, students have began there journey and are in great spirits. Heading for a memory filed 3 days see you on the other side
The survey closes on Monday 15th September 2025 at 09:00a.m.
We would also very much appreciate your support in sharing the survey more widely through your communication methods/websites/social media etc
The survey will help us to understand the childcare needs across Doncaster moving forward and support the production of our Annual Childcare Sufficiency Assessment.
Thank you in advance
Why and How do we need this information and why is it so important?
So we can better understand opinions and perspectives of parents.
To make improvements in Learning Environments.
To spark discussions with parents
To improve family retention and lower vacancy rates.
To highlight areas requiring improvement
To provide opportunities for recognition, motivation and empowerment
C30 students during the first week back took part in a colour run hosted on the back field to raise money for Diabetes UK and Age UK. The event was a huge success and all students involved gave it a 100% effort whilst having fun and laughter. Thank you to all the staff, students and parents for their support.
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!
