Y11 have had an absolutely fabulous start to their final year and have not even been fazed by being thrown straight into preparing for and presenting their English speaking exams!
Academic Crew and Learning Labs will be running this week – full details in the Weekly Planner above.
We would also like to take this opportunity to invite all Y11 parents and students to our GCSE Revision Evening on Wednesday 11th September, 5pm-6pm. Again, details are in the planner.
As ever, if you have any questions please contact your student’s Crew Leader in the first instance or Y11 Phase Lead for your school: Angella Parker for XP East (aparker@xpschool.org) and Mel Cocliff for XP (mcocliffe@xpschool.org).
Wow! After an action packed few days at Outward Bound where Crew KBA really had to learn the art of working together to ensure everyone (myself included) made it through the experience.
We had tears and lots of laughter through out the activities but I am proud to say that every member or our crew made it to Friday.
We completed a range of activities from packing our camping bags, to a jog and dip, rock climbing and boating. Each had its own challenges but we worked through these together.
This week Crew KBA have been navigating yet again but this time it was between their sessions and rooms. I have seen lots of praise being added and last time I checked every single crew member had at least one praise!
I can’t wait to see what the next few weeks hold for us as a crew and I look forward to seeing each of them grow and develop.
We had a great week on Outward Bound. Everyone in the crew tried something new and was challenged to show courage. The week began with a quick plunge into Ullswater which certainly woke us all up after a long coach journey! The challenges continued with gorge walking, waterfall climbing and a lengthy hike up Hallin Fell. Pupils were very tired, with many even asking for an earlier bedtime so they could get some much needed rest.
One of the most memorable experiences was the overnight camp. Pupils set up their shelters at the lakeside, hunkering down in their sleeping bags until it was time to wake up and enjoy the sunrise over the water. The ration packs were surprisingly tasty, with macaroni cheese and full English breakfast gaining rave reviews.
Although everyone was pleased to get home and enjoy the comforts of their own beds, we had a wonderful time getting to know each other.
We had a busy time in crew last week and were really proud to be able to share our efforts with parents who were able to come in for our little presentation of learning on Friday.
We are thrilled to share the incredible journey that our crew embarked on during their week at Outward Bound. It was a week filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable memories as we explored the great outdoors and built bonds that will last a lifetime.
Building Our Crew: The Heart of the Experience
At the core of this expedition was the concept of building a crew. We were not just a group of individuals; but a tight-knit team, learning to trust and support each other. Through shared experiences and challenges, we developed a deep sense of what it means to be ‘Crew’.
A Week of Growth and Discovery
This Outward Bound experience was more than just an outdoor adventure; it was a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. We were challenged in ways we may never have been before, and they rose to the occasion with resilience, determination, and a spirit of adventure. We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished.
A quick ride on the motor boat!
The Hike: We embarked on a challenging hike through breathtaking landscapes to the top of the mountain. This wasn’t just a walk in the park; it required physical stamina, mental resilience, and teamwork. But wow! What a view at the end!
Here is where we finally saw some blue sky after two days of rain! The best views come after the hardest climb.
Wild Camp: We spent a night under the stars after learning how to set up camp, cook meals, and appreciate the simple beauty of nature.
Gorge Walk: The gorge walk was a highlight for many. We navigated through rocky streams, scrambled over slippery boulders, and braved the cold waters—all while supporting one another through every step. This activity not only built physical strength but also fostered trust and teamwork.
We are incredibly proud of what our crew have accomplished, and we have come away from this experience with a deeper understanding of what it means to be Crew.
Like we say at XP…‘If we get Crew right, we get everything right.’
I am sure you have all had excited students return home from school today, eager to set up their devices! They were all sent with a number of instructions, in support of the questions I have been emailed I am sharing information below:
Screen protector
The screen protector must be installed to keep the Applecare warranty on the iPad valid, please do this first to ensure the most successful installation.
You can follow the written guide below or use our instructional video here. Please note the password for this year is not enrolment as stated in the video, it is summer2024
Don’t unbox the iPad until you are ready to install the screen protector.
Make sure you have lots of space and a clean dust free flat surface before you start.
Remove the screen protector from its case and the iPad from the box.
Take care not to touch the iPad screen before installing the screen protector.
If any dust particles fall on the screen you can remove them with the stickers in the toolkit.
Very carefully remove the protective film from the screen protector, take care as the screen protector is made of glass.
Using the paper tab on the protector, remove the plastic protective film protection.
Align the cutout for the home button and applying a small amount of pressure to the middle of the protector touch it down to the middle of the screen.
If there are any air bubbles under the protector you can push these to the side using the polishing cloth.
Installing the iPad in the logitech keyboard case
This is really nice and easy, open the case from the box, align the camera on the rear to the top right of the case and clip it in.
First time login
Select English as your language
United Kingdom as your region (this is really important)
Select “Set up Manually” from the bottom of the page
Select your Wi-Fi
Enter the password and tap “join” and then “next”
Wait while the iPad activates (this may take a few minutes)
A screen with the title “Apps & Data” will appear – select “Don’t Transfer Apps & Data”
A new screen will appear with the title “Remote Management” – click “Next”
A page with a login box will appear
Add your username. This is the start of your school email address. Eg. if your email address is firstname.surname31@xpschool.org OR firstname.surname31@xpeast.org (this is dependent on the school your child attends.
Then then username would be firstname.surname31
(We apologise if the surname is not the preferred surname – these were set up using the information provided from your application to the school during Year 6. These usernames will only need to be used once.)
The default password this year is “summer2024”
The next page will ask you to click to “Enroll this device” tap the blue button
The next screen will ask you to “Enable Location Services” please make sure this option is selected.
Your enrolment is now complete and default applications will now start to download.
After school your child’s iPad behaves exactly like any other iPad. During the day we manage the iPads so that only certain apps are available.
In order to download apps at home that you have agreed your child can have, you will need an Apple ID. If you do not have one, you can find instructions on how to set one up here.
If you have separate Apple ID’s – for example if your child already has an apple device – you can link Apple ID’s in a family sharing group. More info on that can be found here.
Screen time and other parental controls are also available. You can find guides to these here.
For additional protection we recommend that you filter what your children can access at home using your own Wifi. Most hubs for your Wifi at home will have settings that will also restrict content. Log in to your broadband provider account and search for parental controls.
Please note: If you chose not to purchase a school iPad and bought your own, in order to be used in school we must add it to the JAMF system. This will ensure the same safety features are enabled and the iPad will be restricted during school hours. Please email the serial number to your child’s Crew Leader to ensure we are able to do this in a timely manner, in support of your child’s learning.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to email your child’s Crew Leader in the first instance.
How can Crew help me finish my XPE journey as the best version of myself?
An emotional but fun filled week for Crew Rashford on our first week back. It was amazing to share our summer stories and build relationships with each other. The positive impact this has on Crew and students will set up for the challenges Y11 face and are ready to smash.
Our focus was to return to Crew and think about how we are going to work towards closing our crew circle.
We also created our own academic road map listing key dates and events on the run up to GCSEs. We will use this to keep us on task and focussed in Crew.
After a long summer off, crew have reformed with some surprising new attitudes. We have had a tough week getting to grips with being back but in the end we came to realise that we are crew and how we are going to navigate our final year together. Well done guys great work!
