🚓 Police Day at XP – Important Information for Parents

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.

Parliament Fieldwork – Wednesday 9th of July

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 5:00am for 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.

Crew Irwin X31 – Sports day round up!

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

Mrs Barnes 🙂

Crew Brunel: Baking A Difference!

At the start of the week, Crew Brunel hosted a charity bake sale, all in support of their chosen charity – the Coral Reef Alliance.

The Coral Reef Alliance works to protect and preserve coral reefs around the world, helping marine ecosystems thrive. By supporting their work, Crew Brunel is contributing to a healthier ocean and a brighter future for our planet.

With a table full of cupcakes, brownies, and cookies, students and staff were tempted by the sweet treats, all freshly made and sold with a smile. Crew Brunel worked hard to plan and bake for the event, and their efforts paid off – raising a fantastic £60 for a cause that’s close to their hearts.

A big thank you to everyone who baked, bought, and supported the sale. Your generosity and sweet tooth made a real difference!

Miss Mitchell

X28 Debate: Does the Soul Exist?

This week, X28 took on the big question: ‘Does the soul exist?‘ After exploring philosophical, religious, and scientific views, students in X28 Ethics prepared and delivered powerful debates, showcasing critical thinking, teamwork, and real passion for their given argument!

The debates were thoughtful, respectful, and often fiery! Students presented clear arguments, challenged one another with sharp rebuttals, and reflected deeply on what it means to exist and a be a good human.

MASSIVE SHOUTOUT TO OUR VOTED MVPS; ANNA AND TYLER!

C31 Rivers Fieldwork – Reminder

C31, Year 7’s current expedition ‘Hold Back the River’ has the guiding question, ‘How does water shape our world?’

During this expedition, our geography content is focusing on river characteristics from source to mouth, river processes, formation of landforms as well as the cause, impacts and responses of flooding. As part of this, we are applying the theory of river processes and characteristics to the field.

On 1st (XP)  and 2nd (XPE) of July, students will visit Endcliffe park in Sheffield. They will work together to collect data regarding the width, depth, velocity and load of rivers. We will also be capturing the beauty of a river by completing artwork. This data collection will allow us to accept or reject our hypothesis once we have analysed our data in our maths lessons.

Students will need to arrive at school no later than 8.00am so that the register and kit check can be completed before leaving school.

It is also essential that all students bring all of the kit on the KIT LIST so that they are fully prepared for the fieldwork; this includes a packed lunch and water to drink. Students who receive free school meals will be provided with a lunch.

Students will need to ensure they have suitable walking boots/trainers as well as wellies or a pair of trainers they can get wet – we’ll be going in the river to collect the data!  If there are any problems in getting the appropriate kit before this, please email your child’s Crew Leader. 

Students will be returning to school by the end of the school day (traffic dependent).

C28 Fieldwork to Bradford Literature Festival

This is a reminder that pupils in Year Ten will be out on fieldwork next week as part of their English studies. X28 will be out on Tuesday 1st July and E28 will be out on Thursday 3rd July.

 Here is a link to the Festival’s website. Letters about this were available in paper copy at the Teacher Student Led Conference and copies were emailed to all parents on the 6th June so you should already have all of the details.

We will travel by coach, departing shortly after morning registration is taken at 8.30am and hope to be back at school for 3.15pm but this is traffic dependent.

Pupils will need their usual school supplies plus a packed lunch with water as there is nowhere to buy food there. We have ordered a school packed lunch for those in receipt of free school meals. 

Phoenix Dance Theatre Project 2025

This week, we had the fantastic opportunity to welcome Phoenix Dance Theatre back into school to work with some of our students — and what a brilliant start it was!

We kicked off the session by getting to know each other and meeting our inspiring instructor, Emma, who brought great energy and expertise to the room. From there, we moved onto contemporary dance technique, focusing on fluidity and using our whole bodies to express movement.

The students then explored their creativity through collaborative tasks, experimenting with intricate shapes and physical storytelling with their peers. We wrapped up by reflecting on the idea of community — sharing thoughts on what it means to us to be a part of a community and how we might bring this theme to life through movement.

We’re already excited for our next session, where we’ll begin shaping our final performance piece for the XP Arts Festival in July. Watch this space — something special is in the making!

Miss Mitchell

Crew Brunel: Wrapping Up Another Half Term!

As we come to the end of another half term, Crew Brunel has had a chance to reflect on our journey so far in Year 8. It’s been a mix of highs and challenges, but every experience has been a learning opportunity. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we’re even more determined to work on our areas for improvement as we head into the final half term of the year!

We’re especially proud to highlight two amazing members of our crew this half term:

Chloe was recognised as Artist of the Week last week for her stunning artwork and beautiful techniques. Her craftsmanship and quality have truly stood out!

Pippa has shone brightly too, receiving the most praises in Crew Brunel this half term — an incredible 26 praises in total! Pippa’s commitment to her learning and the kindness she shows to those around her make her a true inspiration to others. 

As we gear up for our last chapter of Year 8, we’re ready to support each other, aim higher, and finish the year strong. Let’s go, Crew Brunel!

Miss Mitchell

Valencia Fieldwork 2026 Applications Update!

Thank you for your applications! We have had many great applications and so the selection process is taking a little longer than expected. We will let students know if they are successful as soon as we can!

Once the places have been finalised, we will be in touch with students and parents about the next steps.

Thanks,

Miss Warwick and Miss Barton!