This afternoon I have had a great time! I managed to visit all year groups who were in session at XP East and see how settled our starts to afternoon sessions are. In the STEM and HUMs lessons I visited , the focus was immediate. Students wasted no time opening up their books or logging into Tassomai, swiftly immersing themselves in independent reading and targeted retrieval practices.

Craftsmanship on Display in E29

Meanwhile, in the E29 3D Art classroom, a completely different kind of focus was underway. The room was a hub of deliberate, high-quality craftsmanship as students worked diligently on their 3D products.

The attention to detail and standard of work on display today highlighted true pride in curation. From initial structural choices to the final meticulous finishes, our students are proving themselves to be true artisans, pushing the boundaries of their creativity and technical skill.

It has been a fantastic, deeply productive start to the afternoon here at XP East. A huge well done to all of our students for maintaining such high standards and bringing their best selves to their crews today!

I was invited into to the official relaunch of Embrace today — our dedicated hub designed to support wellbeing, foster connections, and provide a safe, structured environment during social times.

We are only a few days into the relaunch, and we are already seeing a massive, positive shift in how students utilise their lunchtimes. While unstructured free time is important, it can sometimes feel overwhelming or isolating for students. By providing a well-structured shared space, Embrace has bridged the gap.

We are already noticing;

1. A Sanctuary for Wellbeing

Navigating the school day can be draining for some of our students. Embrace offers a calm, regulated environment where students can decompress, take a breath, and reset before their afternoon classes. It has quickly become a cornerstone of our daily mental health support.

2. Meaningful Social Interactions

Because the space is structured with intentional activities, board games, and relaxed seating arrangements, breaking the ice is easy. We are seeing students from different year groups sit down together, share, and build new friendships that might never have formed.

3. Reduced Social Anxiety

The environment naturally invites participation, giving everyone a clear sense of belonging and a safe place to land. Staff and Students – Next time you pass by during lunch, take a peek inside!

From discussions about health, wellbeing and personal safety to debates around democracy, British Values and life beyond school, students across XP Doncaster have engaged in thoughtful and meaningful learning through Wise Wednesdays this term. This newsletter celebrates some of the beautiful work taking place in Crews and provides a preview of the important topics students will be exploring next term.