Crew Brunel: Reflecting on the End of Year 8

As Year 8 draws to a close, Crew Brunel can look back with pride on a journey that’s been anything but ordinary. It’s been a bumpy ride at times — full of ups and downs, new challenges, and moments of reflection. But through it all, the students of Crew Brunel have shown resilience, growth, and a developing sense of who they are.

This year has been about more than just lessons and work. It’s been a time for each student to start finding their place — not just in Crew Brunel, but within themselves. Whether navigating friendships, academic challenges, or personal growth, every student has taken steps forward.

We’ve taken part in several Student-Led Conferences (SLCs), Presentations of Learning (POLs), and reflective crew sessions, where our crew members stood up and reflected on their academic journeys with honesty and confidence. These moments gave us all the chance to celebrate progress and set fresh goals.

We also threw ourselves into whole-school events — Sports Day was full of energy, team spirit, and a healthy dose of competition. The XP Arts Festival, Brooke, Lily, Chloe, Livvy and Matilda took to the stage with amazing performances that made Crew Brunel beam with pride. Crew Drop Down Day was a highlight of ours, where we welcomed local police officers into school. They delivered powerful and informative talks about the dangers of knife and gun crime, the important role police dogs play in their work, and even gave us the chance to explore some of their equipment — including uniform, vehicles and protective gear. It was a valuable and eye-opening experience for everyone involved.

And of course, we’ve had some incredible achievements to celebrate within crew itself. A huge shout-out to Pippa, who continues to lead the way with a staggering 194 praise points this year! Her consistent effort and work ethic have set a shining example. And let’s not forget Ayden, who’s been named our Crew Champion. His commitment to improving and pushing himself this year has truly paid off — what a journey he’s been on!

As we step into the summer break, we do so with pride and hope. Year 9, here we come — stronger, wiser, and ready for whatever comes next. Well done, Crew Brunel!

Miss Mitchell

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

C30 POL Information

We are delighted to be able to invite all the parents and carers of C30 to join us for their POL on Monday the 14th of July from 4:15-5:15pm.

This is to demonstrate the amazing work the students have completed during their expedition ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go?’. It promises to be an excellent evening.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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

Crew Brunel: A Strong Start

Although it’s been a shorter week, Crew Brunel has hit the ground running after the two week break!

We’ve taken these first few days to re-establish our routines, remind ourselves of the school norms and non-negotiables, and get back into the flow of learning. It’s been great to reconnect, shake off the holiday haze, and start strong as a crew. This week also marked the beginning of our new Expedition, and we’ve jumped straight into immersion.

But it’s not all been work and no play. One of the highlights was ending the week with a fun, Easter-themed Crew session. From sweet treats to light-hearted activities, it was a lovely way to wrap up our return and celebrate being back together.

Here’s to a strong start and an even stronger term ahead!

Miss Mitchell

Crew Brunel: A Term of Reflection

As we reflect on another incredible term, Crew Brunel has shown what it means to work together, embracing challenges, and celebrating each other’s achievements. This term has been filled with successes, meaningful reflections on our Habits of Work and Learning (HoWLs), and unforgettable moments of community spirit.

One of the shining stars of our school celebration was Pippa, our Crew Champion for the term! Pippa earned the most praise points for our crew, a true testament to her work ethic and positive attitude. Her consistency in both her academic work and her supportive nature towards others has made her a role model for the rest of the crew. We are all so proud of her and look forward to seeing her continue to shine in the future.

As we head into the next term, Crew Brunel is more motivated than ever to continue growing and achieving together. We know that success isn’t just about grades; it’s about the relationships we build, the challenges we overcome, and the way we support each other along the way. Crew Brunel has shown that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to our HoWLs, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Here’s to another fantastic term of success, learning, and community.

Have a wonderful Easter break!

Miss Mitchell

Crew Brunel: World Book Day!

This World Book Day, Crew Brunel brought Alice in Wonderland to life by dressing up as iconic characters from the classic tale. From Alice herself to the Cheshire Cat, the team fully embraced the playful magic of Wonderland while promoting the joy of reading. Their creative costumes were a fun way to inspire imagination and encourage everyone to explore the world of books. 

Well done, Crew Brunel!

Miss Mitchell

Crew Brunel: Stewards of the XP Community

This week, despite the rainy weather, Crew Brunel showed incredible dedication by coming together for a litter picking session to help maintain the cleanliness of our community space. As stewards of the XP community, it’s important for us to take pride in our environment, and this teamwork was a perfect example of our shared responsibility. We also teamed up to clean and organise our crew space, and with everyone’s small effort, we made a big difference. The transformation showed how much can be accomplished when we work together.

Together, we’re not just cleaning up – we’re building a stronger, more supportive community.

A special shout-out goes to Matilda, who earned the highest praise points this half term with an amazing 36 points! Matilda has shown outstanding HoWLs this half term, and it’s reflected in her receiving the most praise points in our crew. Her dedication and positive attitude continue to inspire us all. Keep it up, Matilda!

I hope everyone has a fantastic February half term, full of relaxation, fun activities, and quality time with family and friends. Whether you’re taking it easy or going on an adventure, enjoy the well-deserved break! Take this time to recharge, and I look forward to seeing everyone back refreshed and ready for the next half term.

Miss Mitchell

Crew Brunel – Week 20 Update

This week, Crew Brunel have worked closely with their class buddies to reflect on their Habits of Work and Learning (HoWLS) throughout the half term. This collaborative process encouraged open dialogue, where they shared insights on their personal growth and set SMART targets for further improvement. By working together, they not only built a stronger sense of community but also held each other accountable for their progress. The reflection session provided students with a clear understanding of their strengths and areas for development, creating a nurturing, growth-focused atmosphere where everyone could thrive.

Also this week, Matilda and Chloe have earned the spotlight as star students of Year 8, receiving the most praise points for their outstanding contributions and hard work. Their dedication to excellence in both academics and behavior has set a great example for their peers. Matilda and Chloe’s consistent effort and positive attitude have truly made a lasting impact, earning them well-deserved recognition. Keep up the great work, Matilda and Chloe!

Miss Mitchell

Y8 Art Fieldwork – Wednesday 27th November

Year 8 have the amazing opportunity to take part in a day of art workshops in Leeds for fieldwork to do with their ‘Being Human’ expedition. 

One of the basics of humanity is our ability to create, and the students will be involved in practical workshops from the Leeds Art Gallery and the Henry Moore Institute on Wednesday the 27th of November.

This fieldwork will take place during the school day so it is important that your child arrives on time for the coach which will leave during crew.

Please make sure your child brings a packed lunch, as they will be eating in the gallery spaces. Free school meals will be provided for students who usually have them.