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

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

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

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

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

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