XP Life Skills – Master Chefs at Work

On Wednesday we embarked on a master chef challenge to make Sausage and Pasta Bake.

I think is safe to say that they rose to challenge and produced 3* Michelin star meal. 

Each of them utilised their culinary skills that they have been learning, these ranged from knife skills, kitchen safety and teamwork.

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I am looking forward to seeing what other delights each of them produced. 

Very impressed, well done to each and everyone of you.

Crew Finch have flown the nest

How can I find the words to describe what crew has meant to me over the last 5 years?

I think I could I write a book about the importance of crew, but I still couldn’t actually find the words that describe what crew actually feels like.

From hiking around Malham Cove on our very first day of crew, to riding the rollercoasters at Alton Towers on our very last day – and everything in between.

It was the best of times: winning the crew badminton tournament; student-led crew sessions; celebrating our successes; charity fund raising; crew breakfasts and the perfect cuppas; student-led conferences and Passage presentations.

It was the worst of times: supporting each other when things weren’t right; challenging attendance; a global pandemic (although not even Covid could stop us from ‘hanging out’!)

We’ve been through all the emotions together – sometimes the whole range during the same crew session! We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, Best of all, we’ve laughed until we cried!

I’m already missing crew so much.

I miss Mackenzie’s cheeky chat-back.

I miss Callie’s famous rants, and fabulous fashion.

I miss Kobe’s incessantly talking over me (yes, really!)

I miss Thomas’ eye rolls.

I miss Dakota’s RBF 😉

I miss Ali’s sarcasm.

I miss Noah’s bright smile and all round fabulousness.

I miss Tom’s expert opinion on absolutely everything (including the goss!)

I miss Bryn casually wandering in wearing his big coat, even in a heatwave!

I miss Aden’s cheery “morning, miss!”

I miss Libby’s kindness.

I miss Megan’s tenacity.

I miss them all for a million reasons more.

But it’s time to let go and they’re more than ready to move on!

Crew has given these amazing kids roots to grow, and wings to fly. They are leaving as some of the most amazing, compassionate, beautiful bunch of humans I’ve ever known and I’m certain they’ll continue to make a positive impact wherever they go.

Thank you all, for making me a better version of myself, too.

As we like to say here: “if we get crew right, we get everything right.”  And I think Crew Finch are more than all right 😉

So, how can I find the words to describe what crew has meant to me over the last 5 years?

Easy – I just speak from the heart.

And now, Crew Finch are checked out.

Mrs Parker xxxx

C26 PoL 20/7/22

C26 will be presenting their learning from the expeditions ‘You Give me Fever’ and ‘Hold Back The River’ on Wednesday 20th of July at 4pm.

The students will be showcasing their work and what they have learned in the last two expeditions of year 9. In Y.G.M.F the students were focused on the peoples health and the healthcare system and in H.B.T.R their focus was on how water has shaped our world.

We would like to invite all parents and guardians who can attend to see the beautiful work our students have created over the last few months.

E26 Edale Fieldwork Video

What a wonderful day our fieldwork was to Edale! Although it is coming up to a few weeks ago now, it’s been worth the wait to see the video footage.

The students were absolutely fantastic – we couldn’t fault the behaviour and conduct of anyone. Everyone got involved with loads of enthusiasm and had a great time. It helped that the weather and setting were gorgeous!

As part of our ‘Hold Back the River’ expedition which had the guiding question: ‘how does water shape our world?’ we have been focusing on the geography of fluvial landscapes. This included the processes and landforms that occur from source to mouth and how both human and physical factors affect flood risk. We were collecting data to find out how the river changes downstream by measuring width, depth and velocity. When we got back to school the students analysed the data in their maths lessons to discover if our data met the hypothesis that width, depth and velocity would increase downstream. Wait and see to find out the results, which will be incorporated into our PoL, at the end of term.

Overall, it was an absolutely brilliant day and I cannot praise the students enough for their enthusiasm and behaviour – what a lovely way to end the year!

Year 7 are going on fieldwork to Potteric Carr on Tuesday 12th July. They will be leaving school at 9.00am and will return to school at 2pm. Students will be travelling to Potteric Carr via coach.

As students will be out of school for the majority of the day they will need to bring with them a packed lunch, a large bottle of water, sun cream, strong insect repellant and a hat.

If students are on free school meals they will be provided with a packed lunch.

Students need to wear full length trousers / leggings and a full length top to limit susceptibility to insect bites.  Students also need to wear suitable footwear, preferably walking boots or old trainers.

The purpose of the fieldwork is to collect information on species habitats in the local area and for students to develop their knowledge on the specific species they have been assigned.

If you have any further questions please get in-touch.

 

Thanks,

Mrs Batty

GCSE Geographers in the Great Outdoors!

 

C26 and C25 GCSE geography students had a lovely time on Friday at the Longshaw Estate in the Peak District. They were collecting data on the width, depth and velocity of the river at two sites so they could analyse whether there were changes downstream to support Bradshaw’s Model.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In our lessons preparing for the fieldwork, students had to select our hypotheses, consider the suitability of the site and any risks involved as well as justify our sampling and data collection methods. But, we’re only half way through!  Next steps in our upcoming lessons after the fieldwork are to present and explain our methods of data presentation and evaluate the enquiry. During our evaluation of the enquiry, students have to consider any problems with their data collection methods, limitations of the data and suggestions for improvement. Finally, they will evaluate the extent to which conclusions are reliable.

 

No wonder Dylan, Rosie and Marcus fell asleep on Friday and Rihanna needed a hot chocolate boost – all this hard work is tiring!

C24’s Final Word!

As we approach the end of the year, and our wonderful Y11s prepare to leave XP, they are about to take on one final challenge – their Final Word presentations!

During these presentations, students will aim to provide an answer to their final guiding question: How has my time at XP or XPE shaped me as a person, and a learner?

Y11 Crew Leaders will be sending out invitations for students to sign up to a Final Word appointment time – please do look out for these. These appointments will be available between Wednesday, 29th June, through to Friday, 8th July – but may differ depending on Crew Leaders’ schedules. 

We are hoping these presentations will be a magnificent end to their efforts in GCSE exams – which have been really challenging! Students have worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to prepare for their Final Word presentations – we’re just not sure we’re ready!!!

Staff – please also keep an eye on your inboxes as I’m sure some invites will arrive!

Y9 & Y10 GCSE Geography Fieldwork

On Friday 1st July, Y9 and Y10 GCSE Geography students (Common Mission/Leading our Own Learning) will be going on fieldwork to Burbage Brook at the Longshaw Estate, Peak District. 

This is a required part of the GCSE and we will be studying changes downstream along the river.  If your child is in year 9, this is similar to the fieldwork they have undertaken as part of their expedition –  but the GCSE version and at a different location! 

Please find attached the kit list which details everything students need to be prepared. 

Students need to be at school by 8:15, ready for a quick briefing and ready to leave promptly at 8:45. We should be back at the end of the school day, traffic depending, and students will keep home updated with the travel progress. 

Any questions, please email me at [email protected] 

Burbage Brook in a pretty valley, Longshaw Estate - Photo

‘Take Me to the River’

Crew Rowling along with the rest of E26 went out on fieldwork last Friday to Edale. The feedback from staff that accompanied them expressed how impeccable their behaviour was, I love hearing such feedback as crew leader! It sounds like a great day was had by all. I also managed to get my hands on some gorgeous photos by Harvey and Olivia from the fieldwork.

Monday morning we took on the challenge of walking a mile in crew to promote sport within school. Luckily the sun was shining and C26 had a pleasant 4 lap walk around the 4G court.

Leading our Own Learning’

Students seem to be settling well into their chosen pathways on a Wednesday afternoon. I can’t wait to see them expand and further their knowledge in whichever path they are following. 

Keep up the good work guys!

Mrs Barnes and Miss Johnson

C24/Y11 Final Week

C24’s Final week is very nearly upon us!!

Next week we have lots to look forward to – fieldwork to Malham Cove on Tuesday 28th June – Students need to be at school between 7:30am and 7:45 am. You’ll find more information here.

On Thursday 30th June, we invite Y11 students, staff, and parents/carers to our C24 celebration evening, taking place from 5:30 – 7:30pm. 

On Friday, we have saved the best until last! C24 will be heading to Alton Towers to get their adrenaline pumping after a difficult exam period. This is now LIVE on ParentPay. 

As always, if you have any questions please contact Miss Cocliff or Mrs Parker, or your child’s Crew Leader.

Miss C & Mrs P x