Newcastle: Saturday 29th November

What happens in the audition?

Your child will be asked to perform one song from memory, accompanied. The performance should take no more than 3 minutes. They will also do some aural tests including musical memory tests and singing chords and some sight singing (see examples on the NCCGB website). The audition will take around 20 minutes.

More details can be found by clicking here.

A reminder that we are hosting an information event in school on Monday 6th October next week at 6pm.

At this event we will share:

  • how you can support your child through this important year.
  • the exam timetable and wider calendar for the year, including the plan for after the final examination
  • information about Post-16 routes and the local offer

It was great to hear from some students this week about their reflections after having visited open events at Newcastle Sixth Form College and Newcastle College.

Gateshead College have now confirmed that their Open Evening will be on Monday 13th October from 4.30pm – 7.00pm. Registration for this event is needed. You can do that by clicking here.

So that you can plan for your Summer, the leaving date for G28 students following their exams will be Friday 26th June 2026.

Next week there is a virtual work experience opportunities with HSBC. There are two experiences for students in year groups 7-9 (First Step) and 10-11 (Next Step). These events are taking place outside of school hours, so you students would sign up and then access them from home individually.

FIRST STEP – Years 7-9

Wednesday 1st October May at 4.30pm (virtual session hosted on MS Teams)

“Pitch for a Purpose: Plan the Ultimate Charity Event with HSBC”

  • A 45-minute briefing with the HSBC team
  • Complete the career challenge at your own pace
  • Certification awarded on completion
  • Register now! (students)

NEXT STEP – Year groups 10-13

Thursday 2nd October at 5pm (virtual session hosted on MS Teams)

“HSBC the National Trust – Nature Projects That Make a Difference”

  • A 45-minute virtual briefing with the HSBC team
  • Complete the career challenge at your own pace
  • Certification awarded on completion
  • Register now! (students)

An important part of this year will be considering Post-16 options for the next stages in your child’s education and training. Throughout this year, we will continue to work with students to help them to make good decisions about what they want to do and where they want to go after their time at XP.

G28: GCSE and Post-16 Information Evening – Monday 6th October

We will be hosting an information evening for all G28 families on Monday 6th October at 6pm. This will include information on supporting your child through Year 11 examinations, as well as guidance around helping them to make choices for Post-16 pathways.

 

Our local colleges and sixth forms also host a range of Open Evenings for students and their families to find out more about the courses that they offer. We are sharing these links and dates (where published) now so you can plan if you would like to attend.

Gateshead College

Gateshead College offer a range of A-Levels, Level 2 & Level-3 vocational courses and T-Levels.

https://www.gateshead.ac.uk/support/16-18-how-to-apply/

Gateshead College will publish their Open Evenings here.

Newcastle College

Newcastle College offer a range of A-Levels, Level 2 & Level-3 vocational courses and T-Levels.

https://www.ncl-coll.ac.uk/study-areas/16-18-college/

Newcastle College Open Evenings:

Newcastle Sixth Form College

Newcastle Sixth Form College offer a range of A-Levels and a Year 12 access course. The college is adjacent to the Rye Hill Newcastle College campus.

https://www.newcastlesixthformcollege.ac.uk/subjects

Newcastle Sixth Form College Open Evenings:

  • Wednesday 1st October 2025: 4:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Wednesday 5th November 2025: 4:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Wednesday 3rd December 2025: 4:30pm – 7:00pm

Gateshead Sixth Forms

The following schools in Gateshead have sixth forms as part of their provision, see their websites for more details:

Gateshead Youth Assembly – Exciting Opportunity!

Gateshead Youth Assembly (GYA) is now recruiting new council members! This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the local community. As part of GYA, you’ll represent young people in Gateshead, work closely with decision-makers, and help shape the future of services for young people in the area. Plus, you’ll have a lot of fun while doing it!

Over the past year, GYA members have designed, delivered, and evaluated various social action projects. They’ve also collaborated with local leaders on initiatives like the future planning of Gateshead town centre. You can read all about their achievements in the GYA Annual Review. Being part of GYA is a big deal—past members say it significantly boosted their personal statements for university and job applications.

GYA full meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month, usually at Gateshead Civic Centre. Other Tuesdays are reserved for project work, social events, training, and activities, all planned by GYA members. Meetings continue during school holidays, except when our support workers are unavailable (typically during the first and last weeks of the month).

This year’s Training Weekend, which kicks off the GYA year, will be held on Saturday, 2nd, and Sunday, 3rd November 2024, from 10am to 4pm at The Lobley Hill Building, Lobley Hill Road, Gateshead.

Youtube video from GYA 

Training weekend sign up

Membership form

Please let Miss Jones if you are planning to join up. Valarie from the GYA will be in school on Monday and would love to meet with possible new council members!

 

There is an exciting opportunity to take part in Film&Screen and Art&Design Club at  Gateshead College?

Apply HERE

Dates / Saturdays 10.00am -13.00pm, 12th October 2024 to 12th April 2025

Venue / Gateshead College Baltic Campus, Quarryfield Rd, Quarter, Gateshead NE8 3BE

Skills Film&Screen / if you’ve ever dreamt about seeing your creations on the big screen – you will have access to broadcast quality cameras, Premiere Pro and After Effects to produce Music Videos, Horror Films, Adverts and Documentaries in our brand-new purpose-built TV studio – using camera skills, filming on location & in a studio with green screen using Video Editing Motion Graphics & Soundtrack Production.

Skills Art&Design / building on your existing creative abilities, learning new skills and possibly working on a specialism that challenges and excites you – Fine Art, Digital Arts & Entertainment Design, Illustration, Digital Design, Photography, Fashion Design.

   

Free Visits / Club members have the chance to take part in national events including Masterclasses with leading industry professionals and the Summer Show, where all Club members exhibit their work in a public showcase – all for free!

Apply / For more information and to get young people involved, please click this link: saturday-club.org/join , it is open to any students who are interested in these creative fields.

Take your singing to the next level with National Youth Choir!

  • Elevate Your Skills: Learn exciting songs, develop your musicianship, and dive deeper into singing techniques, practise and performance with vocal leaders who will take your musical abilities to new heights.
  • Meet Other Young Singers: Sing alongside other like-minded young singers and make new friends!
  • Explore Your Creativity: Get ready to unleash your creativity in fun and engaging workshops designed to inspire and ignite your passion for music.
  • Experience the Next Level: Take a sneak peek into what it is the National Youth Choir do!

Free to take part!

Whatever your musical interest or experience, everyone is welcome!

Ready to be part of something special? Visit the website or click the link below to reserve your spot now!

Sign up here!