Make sure students have a water bottle as the weather is getting hotter this week.
Bring suncream to school.
Parents/ guardians please email or write a note if students are excused from PE and students still need to bring full PE kit if excused so they can take part as a coach/ referee.
All students in Year 7 and 8 should be wearing their PE t shirt for PE.
Any questions please email cogrady@xpschool.org, dcurrie@xpschool.org and aboswer@xpschool.org
The Power of PE: A Celebration of an Incredible Few Weeks of Sport
The last few weeks have been nothing short of phenomenal for our PE department, with a whirlwind of achievements, competitions, teamwork, and unforgettable experiences. From athletic victories to inspirational fieldwork and whole-school events, the power of PE has truly been on full display.
D&D Athletics Competition 🏃♂️🏅
We’re incredibly proud to share our success at the recent D&D Athletics competition, where our students put on outstanding performances. A special congratulations goes to our Year 8 boys, who stormed to victory in both the 100m sprint and the relay event. Their determination, speed, and teamwork made for some thrilling moments on the track and are a true testament to the talent and hard work within our school.
Rounders Tournaments – Resilience and Teamwork in Action ⚾
Both Year 7 and Year 8 rounders teams recently took part in their respective tournaments, showing amazing sportsmanship and resilience. Regardless of the result, every single student gave it their all, working together and supporting one another throughout. The teamwork and positive attitude on display were just as impressive as the gameplay, and we couldn’t be prouder of their efforts.
National School Sports Week
What a brilliant week we had celebrating National School Sports Week at XPD. It was great to see everyone involved in sport with a smile on their face throughout the week. We had a crew step challenge going on as well as sporting tournaments during active lunch. We also had lots of extra curricular and students getting involved in sports outside of school.
Exploring Sports Careers at Sheffield Hallam University 🎓🏋️♂️
Our C28 BTEC Sport students had the incredible opportunity to visit Sheffield Hallam University for a fieldwork day focused on careers in sport. It was an inspiring and eye-opening experience, where students explored the vast range of career pathways, courses, and opportunities available in the sporting world. They also had the chance to dive into sports science, learning about the components of fitness through engaging, hands-on activities. A brilliant day of learning, discovery, and motivation for their futures.
🏅🤝 Leadership in Action: Sports Leaders Support Primary School Event
Shortly after, our talented Year 8 and 10 Sports Leaders stepped up to run a primary school sports event—an incredible experience that gave them the chance to apply their leadership skills in a real-world setting. They planned and delivered engaging activities for younger pupils, demonstrating confidence, responsibility, and teamwork throughout the day. This opportunity helped them develop vital transferable skills such as communication, organisation, and problem-solving—skills that will serve them well in future careers, education, and work experience. A huge well done to all involved!
Sports Day – A Whole-School Celebration of PE 🎉⚽🎨
This year’s Sports Day was one to remember! Every single student in our school took part in what was a celebration of inclusion, competition, and school spirit. From team-building challenges, mascot design competitions, dodgeball, football, and rounders, there was something for everyone to enjoy and get involved in. The event was brought to an energetic and uplifting close by an incredible performance from our cheerleaders, who wowed the crowd and lifted spirits even higher. Look out for more on the sports day video.
The Power of PE 🌟
What an amazing couple of weeks it has been. From competitive success to inclusive participation and career exploration, the recent events have highlighted just how powerful and impactful Physical Education can be. The diversity, teamwork, and enthusiasm seen across all activities has been truly outstanding. Here’s to even more achievements, memories, and inspiration in the world of PE!
Next Wednesday, 16th July 2025, XP will be hosting a Police Day for students in Years 7 to 10 across XP and XP East.
This is a pre-planned educational event and part of our wider curriculum focused on citizenship, personal safety, and community engagement. Students will take part in a range of age appropriate sessions including workshops, talks, and demonstrations led by members of South Yorkshire Police and other community safety organisations.
Throughout the day, there will be a high and visible police presence on site, including:
Police officers in uniform
Police dog demonstrations
Police vehicles and equipment
Community safety teams
This is nothing to be concerned about; all activities are designed to support learning and build positive relationships between young people and the police. We look forward to an exciting and meaningful day! Students will need pack lunches (FSM are provided). If you have any questions or concerns please email Miss Wilkinson, Mrs Burrows or Mrs Poncia.
As we approach our exciting fieldwork visit to the Houses of Parliament, please take note of the final arrangements to ensure a smooth and successful day.
Key Information:
Date: Wednesday 9th July 2025
Departure from XP: Students must arrive at school no later than 5:00amfor a prompt 5:15am departure
Estimated Arrival in London: 10:00am
Return to XP: Approximately 5:30pm
We will share updates on our journey and arrival times via the school blog and email.
To make the most of the day and stay comfortable throughout, please ensure your child comes fully prepared with the following:
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Packed lunch and snacks
Students eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) will be provided with a packed lunch
Breakfast to eat on the coach journey (bag for rubbish)
Two bottles of water or a large reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
A jacket appropriate for the weather – it may be warm, but layers are recommended
Comfortable footwear for walking
A device for use during activities
Any necessary medication (e.g. inhalers, travel sickness tablets) clearly labelled
Reminder: C28 students who will be on work experience will attend their placements for two days instead of three this week, in order to allow them to fully participate in this valuable fieldwork opportunity. This must have been agreed with Mrs Burns on an individual basis in advance of Wednesday.
The spirit of Crew really shone today in Crew Irwin’s first XPD sports day. It was so lovely to see them cheering each other on and working together as a team.
During the morning they took part in two events, either rounders or football and then either an athletics event or dodgeball. A huge shout out to the relay team for an amazing win for our crew!!
We then had some time to grab an ice cream or ice pop before going back to our crew rooms to design our crew mascots, recreate a sporting photo and tackle the 2025 XPD sports quiz.
To round the day off we all went out for the final results and to see XPD’s very own cheerleaders show off their skills, two of the squad being from our crew.
Overall we came a respectable 2nd in X31!
One very proud crew leader for the effort everyone has put in today and for making the day so enjoyable
On our first day back (Tuesday 26 August), Year 11 students will be completing a hike around Langsett Reservoir. An information letter, kit list, and consent form has been sent to parents separately by email. Please return the consent form by Friday 11 July.
XP students should be at school by 8:15 on Tuesday 26 August for an 8:30 a.m. departure. Students will return to school by 2:30.
XPE students should be at school for the normal time, with a departure of 9:00 a.m. and returning to school by 3:00 p.m.
All students will need a packed lunch. If your child is in receipt of free school meals, a lunch will be provided for them.
Huge well done to the year 8 rounders team who ended their season at the tournament last night. It was fantastic to be able to take 2 teams to a tournament. The weather conditions let us down a little with the wind but the students kept on trying. Keep up all the great work at enrichment and see you all next year.
A quick reminder that everyone attending the XP Festival of Arts & Culture must have a ticket to enter the event – this includes parents and family members of children who are performing.
Tickets are free, but spaces are limited, so please make sure you’ve booked yours in advance to avoid disappointment.
