E30 Pioneer have really engaged with our current anchor text ‘Lord of the Flies’. This week after reading chapter 3 they considered whether the island is a utopia or a dystopia. We explored the etymology of the words and offered their own opinions and definitions.
Then we looked closely at an extract about the den/shelter that Simon finds in the jungle. The students were tasked with finding evidence to support the statement that this place was Simon’s utopia. They then used this evidence in some analysis.
Many of the comments and inferences offered really considered the implications of being on an island free from structures and rules and how this would affect people in different ways.
Some very impressive work and superb focus. Well done guys!
This week, Year 8 students at XP were given an exciting opportunity to immerse themselves in their new expedition with a visit from professional artist Michelle Clarke Stables (MC Stables).
Michelle worked with all Year 8 groups, bringing energy, expertise, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live and work as an artist. She inspired students by sharing her personal journey and creative story, showing that art is not just about making something beautiful—it’s about expressing the human experience.
One of the highlights of the day was when Michelle introduced her original artwork and a powerful sculpture titled Entrapment. This piece explores themes of fear, anxiety, and the barriers we sometimes create for ourselves, sparking deep conversations among students about how art can communicate emotion and connect with audiences in powerful ways.
Students also had the rare chance to closely examine Michelle’s original pieces. This hands-on immersion gave them valuable insight into materials, processes, and the layered thinking that goes into creating professional artwork.
The workshops challenged Year 8 to explore expressive mark-making, colour, and words in new ways—laying a strong foundation for their expedition learning. By experiencing art firsthand, students began to see how creativity can give voice to complex ideas, emotions, and stories.
Michelle’s visit has raised the profile of Art across the school, showing students that the subject is not only about developing skills, but also about asking questions, telling stories, and making meaning. She has kindly donated, on loan, some of her pieces to be exhibited within the XP and XPE community which will enrich the arts experience for the whole school; its staff, students, parents and our visitors.
The buzz in classrooms following her sessions has been undeniable, and it’s clear her visit will leave a lasting impression on our budding artists.
“Michelle inspired our artwork in class. I enjoyed that we were able to express ourselves freely through the marks we made. I think it’s good to have authentic artwork around the school. I added XPs Character traits to my own work.” – Jensen E31
What a wonderful start to the year with C31. I’m looking forward to seeing how their work progresses!
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.
Over the last half term we began a project focused on the documentary ‘Blackfish’ about the plight of orcas at Seaworld.
After completing our research and extending our comprehension skills last half term, this half term we are starting to apply this to our GCSE Component 2 English Language Transactional Writing tasks.
Today in LOOL students started to plan a persuasive e-mail which we will be sending to the governor of Orlando, Florida explaining why we feel orcas and other sea animals should no longer be held at Seaworld.
The focus and engagement of all the students involved has been superb and I am very excited to see what they produce.
I am super super proud of how Crew have started building a little Crew and working together to become the best versions of themselves. Although the weather has not been so kind to us, it has not managed to dampen their spirits. This has been a joy to get to know them and to watch them grow in this short time.All of them have shown strength In different areas and every single one of them has supported and encouraged each other. Yesterday, we packed our very heavy bags and headed out for an adventure. We rode across the lake and then hiked to camp. We dropped off our heavy bags and then climbed a mountain . This was tough for me and some of our young people, but we got each other up to the very top as you can see on the photos . We were very lucky that we could use two yurts.
On the other side of the lake. After making our tea and having a few games of wink murder, we made our bed and settled down for the night. the students had a sleepover rather than being In pairs in tents. are just packing up camp, then we will have breakfast and make our way down to the lake to enjoy canoeing. The purpose of this week is to ask the guiding question what is Crew? All our activities are built around this and exploring our character traits so that when we are back at school, we have a really good understanding of what it means to be Crew at Xp. We had a video call with Miss Wade who was back at school as our Crew were missing her during the week although she had been keeping up with what we were all up to.
There will be an information evening for the students and parents who are going on the fieldwork to Valencia, Spain in February 2025. The information evening will be held in XP East on 16 May at 16:30 and will last approximately one hour. This is an opportunity for us to go through the finer details of the fieldwork and to answer any questions you may have. Looking forward to seeing you on the 16 May at 16:30.
A Student Visit to Doncaster Museum In a quest to delve deeper into the history of World War I, If students from our school would be able to visit Doncaster Museum for extended study, this would broaden there knowledge immensely, Stepping into the museum, I was immediately captivated by the array of artefacts and exhibits dedicated to the Great War. From personal letters to authentic uniforms, each display offered a glimpse into the lives of those who lived through this pivotal moment in history. Guided by knowledgeable staff, I gained valuable insights into the local impact of WWI, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sacrifices made by our community. My visit to Doncaster Museum was more than just an educational experience—it was a journey of discovery and remembrance, leaving a lasting impression.
In the ‘Fight the Power’ expedition, Year 8 have been studying Macbeth as our anchor text. We have been focusing on the theme of power and how Macbeth’s power rises and falls during the course of the play as well as the power dynamics between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Students have been so engaged and working really hard getting their teeth stuck into Shakespeare so we are very excited about our upcoming fieldwork!
To support our expedition students, in Year 8 will be visiting Leeds Playhouse to watch a performance of Macbeth.
XP East will be attending on Wednesday the 13th March. We will be leaving during school time but as it is an afternoon showing we expect to be back at school between 4-4:30pm, depending on traffic.
XP will be attending on Tuesday the 19th March. Students will be setting off promptly so please make sure your child arrives no later than 8:30am.
Students will need to bring a pen, water bottle and packed lunch. Lunch will be provided for children on Free School Meals.
As always, the school will provide fieldwork free of charge but if you would like to support us please see our voluntary parental contribution letter.
Year 8 are currently studying the Fight the Power expedition. In Hums we are focusing on the theme power in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the power of the earth in geography, by examining tectonic processes and natural hazards, power in Christianity and the fight for and against power in history over time by studying the Peasant’s Revolt.
Today both classes undertook a workshop with the help of Miss Buckley who was joined by Alex and Deanna from year 9. We began in small groups by showing how power changes or is shown in key scenes focusing on Lady Macbeth, Macbeth and the witches. Finally each class prepared and performed Act 3 Scenes 3-4 where Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost. It was great to see the courage and talent shown by those who took on a leading role and everyone else getting involved, even if it was pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. Mrs Woodward and Miss Wilkinson give massive appreciations to you all!
