E28 Explorer writing their opinions on deforestation.

E28 Explorer worked really hard on Friday writing their opinion on deforestation, which is the end of their second case study. Students have been learning about the impact that humans have on the natural world as part of their expedition ‘What is our relationship with the natural world?’.

Madrid 2022 – fieldwork countdown…..

We are counting down to the Madrid fieldwork visit due to depart from school next Friday 24th June at 5.00 a.m. There are some important procedural and practical matters (found in the schedule and itinerary that was e-mailed out to parents) that we’d like to remind you of:

Tuesday 21.06.22 from 12.45 p.m. onwards – students that have not been double vaccinated against Covid-19 need to complete a PCR test and report the results to school. Insurance against the possibility of receiving a positive Covid-19 result is advised. Students that have been double vaccinated must provide proof of their vaccination status to school.

Wednesday 22.06.22 – Thursday 23.06.22 all participants need to complete the online health declaration form found at this address: https://www.spth.gob.es

Friday 24.06.22 – meet at school at 4.40 a.m. latest for a 5.00 a.m. departure by coach transfer to Manchester Airport. Any medication needed by students must be in date and clearly labelled and handed over to Mrs Mawby. Students will need to bring a packed breakfast and / or pounds sterling in order to purchase food and drink in the airport. Cash payments are NOT currently accepted on board our chosen flight carrier.

Please refer to the FAQs section of the documentation already provided, for details of the recommended kit list, ensuring that your child adheres to the dress code expected of them during this visit. Also, please continue to check our website for further reminders and updates. Thank you.

“Something wicked this way comes.”

On Monday 13th June 2022, C25 were treated to a visit from Dr Todd Borlik from the University of Huddersfield. Dr Borlik is a published author with expert knowledge of Shakespeare and ecocriticism. The lecture was a great opportunity for pupils to strengthen their understanding of the social and historical contexts of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’, and to test their knowledge of the play so far. 

Pupils were impressed by our visitor’s ability to remember lengthy quotes from the play and that he could change “his tone of voice and facial expressions for different quotes.” This will really help the pupils to understand the importance of performance and stagecraft when writing about ‘Macbeth’.

Revision Skills Workshop

On Friday 10th June 2022, C25 pupils took part in a revision skills workshop. The workshop was delivered by visiting experts from the University of Lincoln and included guidance on how to use mind-maps and memory training to improve revision. There was also an activity on Cornell note-taking, along with supporting resources.

E26 Edale Fieldwork Friday 17th

Sun, sun, sun!

The weather forecast for our fieldwork on Friday is looking lovely at 25 degrees C – a bit of cloud at first but then sunshine from midday onwards.

Please make sure that E26 come prepared for this with suncream, hat, and cool breathable clothing to cover shoulders and avoid sunburn – there is limited shade so students need to come prepared for the weather. Water is also essential – they need to have enough to last all day as there is nowhere to refill.

Please see the KIT LIST from the original website post for what to bring.

C24 (Year 11) Closing the circle: Final week plans for C24

It really is hard to believe that C24 are coming to the end of their XP/XPE journey. We would like to appreciate them all for their impeccable focus, behaviour and resilience during this exam period – they are making us proud until they very end!

After the final exam on Monday 27th June, we still have 4 precious days together before Y11 officially leave on the 1st of July.

Key dates:

Here are some key dates for the final week, with more details below:

28th June: Optional fieldwork to Malham Cove – Students have signed up to this already.

29th/30th June – Final Word appointments – schedule to be released. 

30th June: C24 Celebration Evening 5.30-7.30pm

1st July: Alton Towers

Malham Cove: 28th June

We have arranged to go back to where we first became Crew – Malham Cove – which seems a fitting place to close our crew circle and reflect on what crew has meant to us over the past 5 years. Please read the important information below:

All students need to be at school between 7.30-7.45am, ready for prompt departure at 8am, and we will return at approx. 5pm.

Any medication should be sealed in a bag with student’s name and dosage instructions and handed in to their Crew leader at registration. Please ensure your child takes any travel sickness medication and/or antihistamines (if required) before they get to school.

Here is the mandatory kit list for the day:

  • Trousers/knee length shorts suitable for walking – not cotton or denim as these are likely to get wet.
  • Comfortable/practical closed toed footwear – walking boots are best if available, but sturdy trainers are fine. No sandals or flip-flops!
  • A rucksack big enough to hold the following:
  • Pack-up lunch – please note that a lunch will be provided for those students in receipt of free school meals.
  • A large water bottle – please send with plenty of water, no fizzy drinks, sports/energy drinks or milkshakes.
  • Sunscreen and hat (we’re hoping for nice weather!)
  • A small towel.
  • Bin liner for wet clothes.
  • Spare dry trousers.
  • Spare dry top.
  • Spare dry socks and footwear – these can be open toed as they will only be for the coach ride home.

Celebration Evening: 30th June

On Thursday 30th June we would like to invite C24 and their families to a Celebration Evening. This will be held in The Lorax area at XP East, and will include our awards ceremony and buffet.

Look out for your formal invite later this week!

Alton Towers: 1st July

As a final hurrah (or should that be hur-aaarrrrgggghhhh!) we have arranged a trip to Alton Towers on the last day.

This is an optional visit and we are asking for a contribution of £8 towards the entry fee. This can be paid in cash to Mrs Parker or Miss Cocliff, or there will be an option to pay on ParentPay next week – we will let you know when that’s live. Students can take a packed lunch or money to buy lunch in Alton Towers.

So, lots to look forward to after the exams!

Mrs Parker and Miss Cocliff x

C24 (Y11) Leavers Hoodies!

We have managed to secure a supplier for C24’s leavers hoodies!

They will look similar to the one below – but our hoodies will be black, with orange writing (XP) and Blue writing (XPE).

Leavers’ hoodies will be £15 each and they are available to pre-order on ParentPay. We need orders by 4pm Thursday, 16th June please – we know this is a very tight turnaround, but this gives the supplier the time to make and deliver hoodies to us before July 1st. 

Sizing is as follows:

XS – to fit chest size 34″

S – to fit chest size 36″

M – to fit chest size 40″

L – to fit chest size 44″

XL – to fit chest size 48″

XXL – to fit chest size 52″

XXXL – to fit chest size 56″

4XL – to fit chest size 60″

5XL – to fit chest size 62″


Please make a note on the notes section of ParentPay for the size you require. Please note that orders cannot be made after Thursday 16th, and no hoodies will be ordered without payment in advance.

Mrs Parker & Miss Cocliff x 

Bronze School Games Mark 21/22

Huge well done to XP and XP East schools for achieving the Bronze School games mark. Have a read at all the fantastic activities that have been happening.