Has 8Pioneer been replaced by university students?

By H Hickson7th September 2019

8 Pioneer have got off to a flying start in their Hums immersion week! I’ve been so impressed with how they have stepped up to being in year 8 and there’s a noticeable increase in maturity in the class that has developed since year 7. The new expedition will be revealed on Monday and I am super excited about this one – I think it’ll be the best yet! I’m already blown away by how hard the class is working and how focused and insightful they are in their discussions and work when trying to figure out the content and guiding question of this expedition. At times I felt like I was back at university – it’s easy to forget these students are only 12 due to their attitude towards learning.

Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to this week:

We began with a Quiz Quiz Trade protocol to learn new vocabulary which will be central to our anchor text and we found out some hints about where the text (and some of our expedition will be set)  –  a few miles south of Soledad.

We were lucky enough to have a visit from Geoff, our expert, who spoke to the students about what makes a good film and the various different roles that are involved in pre-production, production and post-production. It was then over to the students to create a film which followed their brief. Geoff then visited us again to watch the films and give feedback on what went well and how they can be improved. I’d like to mention Marcus and Ralph’s carefully crafted interview scene which was comedy gold and we all thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Maybe we have some future Oscar winners amongst us!

 

Next, we completed a gallery walk – this has definitely been the best one Pioneer have done so far. The focus and insight shown when thinking of questions, wonders, connections between the images, to their prior knowledge and society was another level of brilliant.

Building on from our Quiz Quiz Trade protocol we analysed the opening extract of our unknown anchor text to understand the setting. We really got to grips with the imagery of the text by following a ‘paint what you hear’ protocol – we will finish these next week but its wonderful to see how each student has began to interpret the words of the text.

I cannot praise Pioneer enough for their work this week and if they continue at the rate they are they will get so much out of this expedition – I’m super proud of them all!

Crew Finch are back on it!

By A Parker6th September 2019

 

If I had to sum up Crew Finch’s first two weeks back at school in just one word it would be:

 

WOW!

 

I have been absolutely blown away by each and every one of my Crew’s positivity and eagerness to begin their Y9 journey.  In just 2 weeks they have had all sorts thrown at them: Careers, GCSEs, Passage Presentation and Duke of Edinburgh, alongside the usual fieldwork, immersion activities and expert visits.

Oh, and an 8 mile hike on the Monsal Trail. 

And they haven’t batted an eyelid, even though they know that they will have to work harder than ever before to face the challenges ahead.  They know that there may be struggles ahead but while there’s Crew, they’ll get each other through (there’s a song in there somewhere!)

So, my first blog of Y9 is to give a MASSIVE appreciation to Crew Finch for being so enthusiastic and positive about the new school year and everything Y9 has in store for them.  An appreciation for getting straight back into the business of learning and – perhaps most importantly – getting straight back into the business of being Crew.

Year 9 – we’re ready for you!

XP UKES!

By Marc Robins6th September 2019

Next Thursday (12th September) will see the start of our school ukulele band (XP UKES), rehearsing from 3:30 – 4:30 in P13. All students from all years (Y7 – Y12) are welcome. We will meet weekly and aim to get out in the community performing before Christmas! Ukuleles can be provided and no previous experience is needed, just a willingness to learn to play and sing! We will cover everything from George Ezra to the Jungle Book (even a little Elvis).

A blistering start, and end, from Y8/E25 Explorer in Spanish

By D Pearson6th September 2019

A hugely impressive start from E25/Y8 students in Spanish. Within less than three minutes after the end of break they were engaged with their “do NOW!” task…..and falling for my “number trap”. Three minutes before the end of the session they were still “heads down” and focused on their revision of Spanish numbers. Their adherence to our Habits of Work and Learning (HOWLs) was excellent. A great start to the new school year!

Crew Mistry: Checking in for the first time!

By Henna Mistry5th September 2019

After sleeping on the beach, hiking in the pouring rain and gorge walking down a river, our crew are now rested and have been getting stuck into their first week of Y7!

Although we quickly learnt about each other in Wales, we have been getting to know one another even more. We found out Abi likes sleeping with her dog, Leyton used to breakdance and our very own Maddison models for Disney!

We have now been focusing on what is means to be crew and our expectations of each other. Our crew split into two groups (boys vs girls for a bit of rivalry) to discuss and write their ideas down. These ideas were whittled down to 13 statements and will be displayed in our crew room.

Crew Mistry have all contributed, had an excellent attitude and I couldn’t be more proud of their fantastic start to XP East.

And now… we are checked in.

 

PE days and activities for next week

By James Walker5th September 2019

The timetable has now been finalised so these are the days when students need to bring their PE kit.

E26- Thursday (boys – rugby, girls – football)

E25 – Thursday (boys – rugby, girls – football)

E24- Friday (boys – rugby, girls – netball)

Thanks

E26 (Year 7 ) Paying for Lunches

By Michelle Jones4th September 2019

Students will be sent home with a ParentPay letter today. This will provide details on how you can pay for your child’s lunches.

Please pay enough money for the current week’s lunches each Monday. This will usually be £12.50 per week unless we have staff days. We use ParentPay to collect all money, we do not accept any cash or cheques.

Any lunches students have had this week have been added to their account.

Please find details of our Credit Control policy here.

Showing we are ready to start

By J Smith3rd September 2019

E24/Y9 completed an 9 mile hike in the peak district.

Why? Because for the students to understand the planning, preparation to start GCSE and Duke of Edinburgh, where better place to start than meeting the demands of the great outdoors as a first crew expedition. All students were a credit to XP East whilst on the hike, watch this video to see more!

 

 

Immersion Week: 7Explorer are on it!

By K Poncia3rd September 2019

Today, 7Explorer started Immersion Week in preparation for their first expedition at XP East.

Students watched two mystery pieces which might be linked to the theme of the expedition.

Take a look at one of the clips:

From this, students had to make notes about what they noticed, wondered and any questions they would like to ask to further their thinking.

All 7Explorer were 100% focussed on their learning.

In addition to this, take a look at the levels of Craftsmanship and Quality.  I’m sure you’ll agree that the standard of presentation is excellent!

Well done, Explorer!

E24 (Y9) Fieldwork: Thursday 12th September

By A Parker3rd September 2019

9Pioneer and 9Explorer will be out on fieldwork on Thursday 12th September.  The location and planned activities relate to our current STEAM expedition (the guiding question will be revealed later this week!)

The fieldwork arrangements are as follows:

  • All students to arrive at school by 7:45am for a prompt departure at 8am.
  • Students will need to bring a packed lunch and bottle of water (no glass bottles or fizzy drinks or sweets.) A packed lunch will be provided for those students receiving free school meals. 
  • Please bring any prescribed medication required, clearly labelled in a plastic bag or envelope with your child’s name and required dosage.  This includes travel sickness tablets where necessary as we will be travelling by coach for approximately 1hour 30minutes.
  • Sensible clothing, coat and shoes need to be worn.  We will be outside for part of the day, so please make sure clothing is weather appropriate (we’ll keep an eye on the weather and let you know if anything ‘extra’ is required!)
  • Students will return to school at approximately 4pm – although we will post updates on the school’s twitter account and the  XP East Parents/Carers Facebook group.