Data drops and highs!

By A Parker26th June 2019

We’ve been analysing and discussing our DD3 (data drop) grades and, whilst I’m pleased with Crew’s progress, there have been a few slight drops in grades which unfortunately will see us slipping down the HOWLs league table.

Having said that, I’d just like to take a moment to celebrate Bryn’s progress.  It’s fair to say that he didn’t display the best learning behaviours at the beginning of the year, and this was reflected in DD2’s habits of work and learning grades.

This was discussed during his last SLC and, since then, we’ve been having regular check-ins to make sure he has been working hard, getting smart and being kind in all lessons.

Just take a look at the difference between DD2 and DD3 (in bold):

HUMS STEAM MATHS
Work Hard Get Smart Be Kind Work Hard Get Smart Be Kind Work Hard Get Smart Be Kind
DD2 2.8 2.5 3.0 3.0 2.9 3.5 2.3 1.8 2.5
DD3 3.2 3.3 3.2 3.2 3.3 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0

I’m sure you’ll agree that Bryn’s improvement in his HOWLs are outstanding. Jaw dropping, in fact!

He knows that he still has to put more effort in towards working hard and getting smart, particularly in relation to extended study and he discussed this during his SLC.

Crew would like to say a massive “Well Done” to Bryn for responding to feedback after his last SLC and DD2, getting his head down and working exceptionally hard.  His class members tell me that he has been showing perseverance and resilience in all classes, particularly in Maths.  I’d also like to thank his teaching staff, especially Mr Ryder, for always pushing him, supporting him and making Bryn realise his own potential.

Keep it up, Bryn.  You’re absolutely flying into Year 9!

But don’t forget to do your homework 😉

Kicking off our SLCs!

By A Parker25th June 2019

A big well done to Noah and Mackenzie for kicking off Crew Finch’s last Student Led Conferences of Year 8!

Both boys spoke articulately and with confidence about their learning and progress to their guests, as well as reflecting openly and honestly about the areas they need to improve on.

For example, Noah said that he needed to try harder to manage his distractions in class and stay 100% focused at all times.

Mackenzie acknowledged that he needs to get better at doing his homework.  He has therefore pledged to stay for extended study at least once a week, either to complete his homework or just to extend his learning by using the resources on the Expedition website.  He recognised that this would help him improve his grades moving forward into Year 9.

We’ll be checking-in weekly to make sure that both boys are sticking to these pledges!

I’m really looking forward to attending the rest of my Crews SLCs over the next couple of weeks.  If any Crew Finch parents haven’t yet booked a slot, you can book here:  Crew Finch SLC Booking (June 2019)

 

Crew Young – our SLCs have begun

By D Pearson24th June 2019

This afternoon three members of Crew Young delivered their final Student-Led Conference of the current academic year. Isabel, Ella and Aaron shared their learning and progress with their guests, and they found the process to be academically rigorous as they were at times challenged to evidence their assertions. All three were a credit to their parents and have set the standard for others to follow. Well done Isabel, Ella and Aaron

Taking responsibility for our own learning

By A Parker19th June 2019

As Crew prepare for their SLCs, they have been given their new HOWLs grades.  I’ve encouraged them to compare their Data Drop 3 grades to their Date Drop 2 grades, and reflect on why they may have scored lower or higher than last time.

One member of my Crew has respectfully challenged the grades given to her here, and it shows how students at our school feel comfortable and confident enough to approach teaching staff to talk about elements of their learning and behaviour.

This message is a good example of how much our students care about their learning and grades – they’re not just numbers in a spreadsheet.

Churchill Clean Up Crew!

By K Poncia12th June 2019

As students of XP East School we know that we have a key role to play in the stewardship of our school and its surrounding area.  To ensure that our school grounds, both inside and out, are kept in top condition, each crew takes part in ‘Clean Up Crew’.

Last week, it was Crew Churchill’s turn so, armed with grabbers and gloves and dressed in our high-vis vests, we tackled the rubbish in Car Park 3.

We collected five bin bags full of rubbish, ranging from McDonald’s packaging, to nappies to car parts!

Churchill always work hard during Clean Up Crew and feel proud that they have had a role in keeping our environment clean and tidy.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

By A Parker11th June 2019

Well, I think so anyway!

Yes – it’s student-led conference time, where our students get to share their learning and targets with their family.

Crew will spend the next couple of weeks preparing for their SLC, which involves reflecting on their learning and selecting the work that:

  • they are most proud
  • they could improve on, and
  • shows mastery in a particular subject.

Crew will also reflect on and discuss their HOWLs, extended study record and general conduct.

I have set my Crew an extra challenge this year of setting a Year 9 Pledge, to get them focussed on the year ahead and their Passage Presentation.

SLCs will commence week beginning 24th June and will run on selected days over the following 2 weeks.  An email with the booking link will be sent to parents before the end of this week.  Hopefully there will be a convenient time slot for you to book but if not, please email me on [email protected] to discuss.

See you soon!

Our final round of SLCs this year

By D Pearson9th June 2019

Last week Crew Young began to prepare for their final round of Student-Led Conferences of the current academic year. Following the success of their recent Presentations of Learning for work completed in HUMS and the quality of their final products that are nearing completion in STEAM, it promises to be a very positive and comprehensive appraisal of their learning this term.

Further details will be circulated nearer the time, and as before, we are looking at the quality of students’ portfolios and the content and delivery of their presentations.

 

 

 

 

What an evening!

By J Smith7th June 2019

Today as crew leader I was incredibly proud of the crew for showing the courage to once again speak in front of the entire year group and 50 parents for the latest HUMs expedition. 

In particular, the moment where Corey spoke about his family to the audience brought the entire crowd close to tears! It was an emotional evening and all students produced high quality work, this was highlighted by Frida’s explanation of the Macbeth story and how this contributed to ‘fake news’

Building Circuits

By J Smith26th May 2019

The crew have conducted their own revision session on current resistance and voltage today. Corey and Raven led the revision session where students were asked to construct series and parallel circuits and compare the difference between current drops. 

Raven noticed that when a component in a parallel circuit is removed, other bulbs and components still allow for electrons to flow, Raven also noted that this is why houses use parallel circuits and not series!

Student Led Crew: Hot Seat

By Thomas Dawson24th May 2019

An Amazing Crew Session.

Blog written by Tom & Mackenzie.

Today we led the crew session with an activity called ‘Hot Seat.’

The person in the hot seat had to listen to nice comments about them from their crew members. Once the crew had done the whip around, the person in the hot seat had to say how the comments made him/her feel. 

Most of crew agreed that even though it was nice to listen to the nice comments, it was a bit embarrassing!

Mackenzie said that it was “nice to know what people think about me” and Libby said that the activity made her feel more positive.

Here are some of the comments made about members of our crew:

Megan: “Hardworking and helpful.”

Libby: “Compassionate, perseveres and always kind.”

Ali: “Funny. Very determined.”

Noah: “Helps everyone.”

However a surprise the crew weren’t aware of was that at the end they had to sit back in the hot seat and list all the positive comments they’d received!  The reason we did this is so we could check if they were listening and taking them on board, as well as making the comments more ingrained in their memory so they don’t forget them as easily.

On the whole I really think the crew session was a blast owing to the fact that our crew managed to engage in the activity very well.