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!
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, 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.
On1st (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).
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.
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!
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!
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.
We are delighted to begin the application process for places on the Valencia 2026 Languages and Cultural Heritage fieldwork, which is open to all students in C29. This is an exciting opportunity for students to visit Valencia, build their confidence in spoken Spanish (if they study it), and participate in cultural activities. We aim to take around 40 students.
The activities are yet to be finalised based on student numbers, prices, and availability, but they will include a selection of the following: Paella cooking workshop, Flamenco dance workshop, Mestalla stadium tour (home to Valencia FC), visit to the City of Arts and Sciences (science museum and/or aquarium), Bioparc (zoo), exploring the Old Town, Valencia Cathedral, the Torres de Serrano (tower of the old city walls), and the Turia Gardens.
The provisional dates for this fieldwork are Friday 27th February – Monday 2nd March 2026. We are awaiting price quotes from the accommodation and airlines, but the total trip price is estimated to be around £750 per student, which includes hotel accommodation, flights and transfers, all activities, morning and evening meals, travel insurance, and coach hire within Valencia if and when needed. Students would need to bring a bit of spending money for drinks, lunches and any souvenirs they wish to buy.
If students wish to apply for a place, they should complete the application form using their XP account/email address (the form has been emailed out to C29 students and can also be accessed via this link: Valencia 2026 Student Application Form) by no later than Friday 16th May.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at nbarton@xpschool.org or hwarwick@xpschool.org
We’re looking forward to reading your applications!
We are pleased to confirm that all parents and carers of children who have been successful in their application to visit parliament have now been contacted via email.
If you have not received an email please do not complete the form.
Please find the official confirmation letter attached. We are so proud of the high quality applications which we have received!
Please complete the consent form linked to confirm your child’s attendance and to acknowledge the early drop-off time. This must be completed by Friday 6th June at the latest, without it your child will not be able to attend.
Important note for C28 students who have been successful: Students taking part in work experience that week will attend their placement for two days instead of three to fully participate in this valuable opportunity. If needed, there may be flexibility to rearrange work days—this must be discussed and agreed with Mrs Burns individually.
Please note that attendance on this fieldwork is conditional. Should a student’s HOWLs, behaviour, or attendance decline before the fieldwork, their place may be reconsidered.
We are really looking forward to this exciting and enriching day of learning in the heart of our democracy.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
