XP East

Today, Crew White took part in an activity called Connections, inspired by an idea Mrs Fowler brought back from the staff day, shared by Mr Sprakes.

The challenge was simple but powerful: one person stands and says something they like. Anyone else who shares that same interest joins them in the circle. Then the next person shares, and the circle grows until eventually everyone is included.

What surprised us most was how quickly it happened. In just six statements, every single one of us was standing together in the circle. It was a vivid reminder that, despite our differences, we have more in common than we might think.

The activity highlighted how strong our crew really is — built on shared values, interests, and connections that sometimes only take a moment to uncover.

It has been a wonderful start to Year 7 for our crew, and we couldn’t be prouder of the way everyone has settled in. The transition to secondary school can feel like a big step, but our crew have shown maturity, positivity, and a real sense of community from day one.

One highlight worth celebrating is the fact that we have had zero conducts and an incredible 210 praises since the start of the year. This is a huge achievement and reflects the consistent effort, kindness, and determination our crew have shown in lessons, around school, and in how they treat each other. These numbers aren’t just statistics – they show the values of XP in action every single day.

To mark this brilliant start, we organised a celebratory game of dodgeball. It was fantastic to see the crew working together, showing great sportsmanship, and (most importantly!) having lots of fun. The energy in the room was amazing, and it was a lovely reminder that celebrations are even better when we share them as a team.

In our crew sessions, we’ve also been focusing on building strong relationships and learning how to support one another. From check-ins to discussions, everyone has been contributing thoughtfully, and it’s clear that trust and respect are growing week by week. These early steps are so important, as they set the foundations for the kind of crew we want to be throughout our XP journey.

A special thank you also goes to the members of our crew who kindly stayed behind to support the Student Showcase Evening. Their maturity, enthusiasm, and willingness to give up their own time to represent our crew and our school was fantastic to see. They were brilliant ambassadors, and we are really grateful for the way they helped make the evening such a success.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue strengthening these bonds, celebrating achievements big and small, and tackling challenges together. If the first few weeks are anything to go by, this is going to be a truly special year for our crew.

Here’s to even more praises, even more teamwork, and even more reasons to celebrate in the weeks ahead!

Crew Boseman have made a great start to the year, with every member of crew working hard consistently across all of their sessions! As a result of this, we have earned 129 praises in the first 4 weeks of the term, with every student contributing to this total. Students who have earned conducts since the start of the year have been making pledges in crew, making apologies in community meeting, and subsequently are earning fewer conducts week by week.

As well as this, 8 students in crew boast 100% attendance over the opening 4 weeks, which is vitally important now that they are in year 11 and closing in rapidly on mock exams and GCSEs.

A great start to the year, long may it continue!

Mr Eagle & Mrs Elliott

Its been a great start to the year for Crew Rosa Parkes. Take a look to see what they ave been upto.

Last week Crew Moore had the privilege of visiting Burghley House, one of Lincolnshire’s most extraordinary Elizabethan landmarks. This remarkable house, built in the 16th century for Sir William Cecil, chief advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, offered our students an unforgettable opportunity to step into history and experience first hand the grandeur, quality and craftsmanship of the past.

The day provided a unique lens through which to explore the connections between history, art, literature and culture which is essential content to strengthen their GCSE studies.

This was a brilliant opportunity for our students to learn in such a real and authentic environment. Fieldwork at Burghley House encouraged curiosity, conversation and close observational skills not just for exams but for lifelong learning. Our students asked thoughtful questions, took notes and engaged fully in the surroundings showing both respect and enthusiasm.

This experienced offered E28 more than just Fieldwork , it provided a shared experience that will stay with them as they continue their GCSE journey, reminding us that the best learning often happens when we step outside the classroom walls.

What a great week we have had this week in PE. The netball team had there first netball game. Year 8 and 9 team travelled to Hungerhill. Despite their defeat the girls showed great dedication and team work for their first game back.

Later on the week we had our student leaders supporting with the XP student showcase, the students where brilliant and represented everything we do in PE. Super proud of those students.

Coming up this week;

Wednesday 3:15 – 4:30pm Netball and boys football practice

Thursday 3:15 – 4:30pm Cheerleading. Girls football practice starts this week.

Friday – Year 11 National cup game @home finishing around 5pm

Last Thursday, students from our crew phase stepped up brilliantly to be ambassadors during our student showcase. They welcomed Year 5 and 6 visitors and did a fantastic job of sharing what makes our school unique – from explaining expeditions to giving a real insight into our curriculum model.

It was wonderful to see them speaking with such confidence, passion, and pride in their learning. They represented our crews, and our school, with maturity and warmth – helping younger students feel excited about starting their own XP journey.

I’m so proud of the way they rose to the occasion and showed just what our community is all about. A huge well done to our ambassadors and a special shoutout to my crew who volunteered: Well done Jacob, Clara, Delilah and Cora!!

Miss Buckley, Crew Dufton

We’re thrilled to invite you to C29’s Presentation of Learning on Monday 8th December, 4:00–5:30pm.

This special event is a chance for our students to showcase the beautiful work they’ve created during their expedition, as well as the acts of kindness they’ve carried out along the way. It promises to be an afternoon filled with creativity, compassion, and community spirit.

The POL promises to be a festive celebration, filled with inspiring stories of learning and kindness, a vibrant showcase of student work, and plenty of holiday cheer to kick off the season.

So, dust off your Christmas jumper, pop some bells on, and join us for an afternoon of joy and celebration. Let’s come together to recognise the hard work, generosity, and festive spirit of C29.

Date: Monday 8th December
Time: 4:00 – 5:30pm
Location: XP School
Dress code: Christmas jumpers encouraged – the more festive, the better!

We can’t wait to see you there!

C29 team

Beautiful work this week

Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust!

To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.

Top of the Blogs

Reception: Crew champion music makers @ Green Top

Demonstrating the character trait courage @ Plover

Bye-bye litter! @ Carcroft School

First week back – CREW CHIPS @ XP

Star of the week @ XP East

Rain or shine: Learning outside every time @ Norton Infants

G28 morning fitness, breakfast, revision! @ XP Gateshead

Share your stories with us!

We now have a new dedicated news email so that you can send your stories, updates or ideas about potential news articles directly to us in Comms.

It might be something you or your students have achieved, a charity you’re supporting or anything at all that deserves a wider audience.

Write to us at [email protected] –  we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!

Crew CSP have dived head first into the new school year, and from the get-go, they’ve shown impressive enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Their positive attitudes and hard work has earned them plenty of praises from their teachers.

It’s been a close call and only 1 praise in it, butThe star of the week goes to Roza who continues to push herself everyday to be the best version. Well done and keep up the amazing work!