XP East

Day 6 (D6!) will begin this Saturday for our Y11 students! 

The session will run from 9:30am-12pm – it’s an optional/voluntary session, where students are able to access additional support with learning – or just have a relaxed space for focused self study away from potential distractions away from home. Students can come and go as they wish, and do not have to stay for the whole session – they’ll just need to sign in and out. 

In the past, D6 has been supported by Student Coaches – ex-students of XP & XPE –  who have returned to provide our current students with peer to peer academic study support. We’re in the process of recruiting coaches to support. 

Please encourage Y11s to come along to squeeze in some extra revision time. They’ll see the benefits on results day!

Monday – Badminton practice- 3.30-4.30

Wednesday- Netball practice 3.30-4.30

Thursday- Cheerleading practice 3.30-4.30

Any questions please email Team PE.

As we come to the end of a busy and exciting first term, Team PE would like to reflect on what has been an incredible few months full of hard work, dedication and enthusiasm from our students.

This term has seen a huge range of extra-curricular training sessions and fixtures take place, with pupils giving their all both in lessons and after school. It has been fantastic to see such high levels of commitment, teamwork and school spirit across all year groups.

We have celebrated great successes in both girls’ and boys’ football. In particular, our Year 7 boys’ football team have shown outstanding determination and teamwork, progressing through the cup and representing the school with pride. Our girls’ football teams have also had a very successful term, continuing to develop their skills and confidence on the pitch.

The netball team have made impressive progress this term, building strong bonds as a team and putting in consistent performances. Their hard work has paid off with several well-deserved wins, and it has been wonderful to see their confidence grow with each match.

Our cheerleading squad have been working incredibly hard in preparation for upcoming competitions and performances. Their commitment, energy and positivity have been inspiring, and we are excited to see them showcase their routines in the new year.

We are incredibly proud of all our students for their effort, resilience and sportsmanship this term. We now look forward to continuing this momentum after a well-earned and restful Christmas break.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

Team PE

A number of deaf and hearing pupils from Plover School and the ARChi team have been working collaboratively on a British Sign Language version of the Twelve Days of Christmas. 

This is another example of diversity and belonging that runs through our schools and is a concrete example of our culture of Crew.

On behalf of XP Trust, we would like to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Andy Sprakes

Chief Academic Officer 

XP Trust

Beautiful work this week

Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust!

To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.

Top of the Blogs

Reception Christmas Performance @ Green Top

Reception Christmas Party Day @ Plover

Year 4 Writing @ Carcroft School

Crew Rosa Parks @ XP

Christmas Crafts @ Norton Juniors

Crew CSP @ XP East

G32 Reverse Advent @ XP Gateshead

A Very Special Visit from Santa @ Norton Infants

Share your stories with us!

We now have a new dedicated news email so that you can send your stories, updates or ideas about potential news articles directly to us in Comms.

It might be something you or your students have achieved, a charity you’re supporting or anything at all that deserves a wider audience.

Write to us at [email protected] –  we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!

We have had fantastic half term in Crew Rosa Parks. Some amazing praises received across the group. We hope that this continues in 2026. Have a fantastic Christmas and Happy New Year.

Crew GAS had a crew breakfast yesterday and exchanged Secret Santa gifts. It was wonderful to see how much thought the students put into each other’s presents and how appreciative everyone was.

A huge Merry Christmas to everyone! 🎄

We have so much to look forward to next term, from showing how ready you all are to begin your GCSE content through strong engagement in lessons, to continuing with DofE preparations as we get ready for our expedition.

Our Crew Champion this term for working hard, getting smart, being kind. Adapting well to the class change and improving the amount of conduct this term. As a crew we are super proud of Nate and agreed as crew for this student to be our crew champion.

See you in the new year Miss Askin

As we come to the end of our first term at XPE, I want to take a moment to appreciate every member of our crew. Your hard work, your willingness to get smarter every day, and your kindness toward one another have not gone unnoticed.

We have truly come together as a crew, and that sense of unity has made my time as a crew leader phenomenal. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and the culture we’ve built together.

Here are a few photos from our Christmas morning today — a small snapshot of the memories, laughs, and teamwork that made this experience so special. Thank you all for an unforgettable memories so far.

Merry Christmas from Mrs Stephens

This week in PE we had the privilege of more super sporting experts.

The BTEC Sport students had an expert session from Doncaster Pickleball coach. Students demonstrated their amazing skills and took on board some coaching from the expert.

We were also joined by Legacy sport this week who delivered a glow in the dark Zumba session.It was filled with fun and laughter.

 Early Finish Tomorrow

A reminder that school will close early tomorrow for the start of the Christmas break. Students will be dismissed at 1:30 PM. 

 Looking Ahead: Return Dates

We hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved rest over the next two weeks. We look forward to welcoming all students back to start the new year on: Monday, 5th January

Happy Holidays!

On behalf of all the staff, we would like to thank our families for your continued support throughout this term. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful, relaxing break with your loved ones.

See you in 2026!