Dear Families,

We are pleased to offer your child the opportunity to purchase a Classic Art pack, an excellent resource to support their studies at GCSE Fine Art. We highly recommend this excellent resource as a valuable tool to support students to access the course, complete high quality extended study and make great academic progress

Pricing:
By purchasing through school you will be able to buy these packs at a discounted price of £12.99.

To buy this, please use the XP Trust Shop using the link below.

Classic Art Pack

If required, could you please order before Friday 28th March – we will then place the order for delivery the first week back after our two week holiday.

Within the pack are:
• Watercolour Tablet Tin Set of 14 Assorted
• Synthetic Round Short Handled Brush Size 4
• Spectrum Graphites HB Pencil
• Spectrum Graphites 2B Pencil
• Spectrum Colour Pencils Set of 12 Assorted
• Spectrum Synthetic Eraser
• Pencil Sharpener Single Hole
• Shatterproof Plastic Ruler 30cm
• Specialist Crafts Scissors 152mm/6″
• Specialist Crafts Glue Stick 40g
• Premium Stapled Sketchbook 150gsm 20 Sheets A4

More success for Brooke!

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Brooke was very very proud of herself she got the highest score she has ever achieved whilst competing! (27.000 out of a possible 30.000)
Brooke and her partner placed 2nd in grade 2 women’s pairs in all of the North East region!
They will now move up to compete at the next grade (grade 3) in the new competition season.Ā  What a way to finish grade 2, 2nd place and a personal best!

Dear Parents/Carers

Welcome to the final week of our Spring Term.

Last week was definitely a week full to the brim with high quality work and learning with staff crew on Monday, G29 Passage Presentations across the week, Crew Day for G31, G30 and G28, a regional Lego tournament and three days of teacher interviews. It is a testament to staff and students alike that we are able, as a small school, to continue to thrive during weeks like this with every visitor to school (40+ experts, 12 teachers on interview and 50 families supporting their children through passage). This is a product ofĀ  the strength of our school culture, the character values shown by students and staff and high quality work seen across our school. Our expectations are high at XPG and I know, we set the bar high but time and time again our students step up to this challenge.

G29 Passage Presentations

Without a doubt, Passage Presentations are one of the highlights of the year at XP Gateshead and last week we saw our G29 students stepping up to, and indeed surpassing, the high expectations and demand of Passage.Ā 

Over the past three weeks we have seen our Year 9 students work hard to produce beautiful scripts to tell their XP journey to date with integrity and how they have developed as a learner. Students have supported and challenged each other to show real craftsmanship and quality in their writing, lifting each other to produce work better than they thought possible. The spirit of Y9 crew and compassion has underpinned all of this work and the success students have achieved.

G29 Families: We would love to get your feedback as families on the process. You can let us know your thoughts using this Google Form.

To stand and present to an audience takes real courage and maturity, as reflected by our panellists (families and experts alike)

Thank you again for the privilege of being part of your Year-9 students’ passage presentations – this was my second year. The honest reflections on their educational journeys was inspiring, as each student presented the ups and downs and the journey’s waypoints, recognising what they did and do well and what they have need to improve upon and intend to change, this included academic expectations and aspirations, and how their behaviour and attendance will contribute to success. As the students prepare for and embark on their GCSE studies, each was able to describe how their time at XP has and will influence the formation and development of character, their identity and future-self. (Expert panellist)

I’d like to say how thoroughly impressed I was with the Passage presentation, and the all-around concept associated with it, having attended yesterday. I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I can see the value in having the students self-analyse their overall performance and journey with a degree of honesty and bravery to be able to identify the good, the not so good and what they need to do differently in order to achieve their goals. (Expert panellist)

We feel so fortunate that our daughter attends XPG as seeing her stand and present today with such professionalism is a real testament to the work that you do. I knew that she had sought critique from her teachers but found out when we got home that she had done this independently and had asked each of her teachers to provide feedback for their subject section. I think this really illustrates the strength in the relationships that the students at XP have with their teachers and also the maturity and drive to critique and produce the best work possible. It’s wonderful to see and we’re so grateful for the amazing educational experience that she is receiving (Y9 Parent)

ā€œI honestly don’t think half the adults I know (including myself) could write such a structured, reflective piece of work and deliver it as well as you didā€ (Y9 Parent)

The words of Kurt Hahn couldn’t be more true

ā€œThere is more to us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives, we will be unwilling to settle for lessā€Ā 

G31, G30 and G28 Crew Day

On Tuesday whilst passages were taking place for Year 9, our Year 7, 8 and 10 students spent the day with their crews building and tending to crew and culture because, ā€˜If we get Crew right, we get everything’ right’

Crew days allow us to focus and build our strong school, attend to relationships in crew and ensure we are supporting and challenging each other to be the best versions of ourselves.Ā  Our strong culture and the shared commitment we all have to this is key to our success at XPG and all stakeholders (students, parents and carers, staff) play a part in this, understanding the positive impact we can have on each other and our community.Ā 

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Year 7 crews improved their teamwork skills with a real focus on collaboration and what great looks like and feels like. They spent time in the kitchen preparing some of the best yorkshire puddings I have ever seen and then took time for stewardship work in the local area carrying out a litter pick alongside another teamwork challenge.

Our Year 8 students prepared for a bake sale to raise money and awareness of their chosen crew charities. As well as making their goods, students worked on a costing and marketing strategy. The bake sale took place on Wednesday in school and their bakes were enjoyed by all, updates on the final amount of money raised will come soon. In the afternoon Year 8 enjoyed time in the outdoors producing land art which represented the meaning of crew.Ā Ā 

Our Year 10 students spent their crew day looking at revision techniques, trying out different strategies with a focus on healthy study habits. Students looked at planning time effectively, balancing revision revising for their upcoming Y10 assessments so they are equipped to look after themselves and rise to the challenge of GCSE exams.Ā Ā Ā 

Lego WinnersĀ 

On Monday this week some of our digital leaders competed in the regional First Lego League tournament in Gateshead and were awarded the trophy for best robot design. Well done to Ethan, Charlie, Evan and James!

Preparing for the culmination of expeditions

As always, the hard work continues in sessions at XP Gateshead. Students have been working hard on termly assessments, completing their final products for expedition and getting ready for presentations of learning (PoLs).Ā 

Year 7 have been preparing to record their presentation of learning which will be streamed via Youtube in the our first weekĀ  back after the Easter Break. They have working hard on their drama performances of the play White Poppies and drafting their creative writing, uplifting lesser heard voices of WWI. They also have a presentation in school this week with experts from Edberts House who will receive the food packages that students have designed to provide for families in need.

Our Year 8 students have been working hard on their Macbeth performances as part of the ā€˜What is Power?’ expedition. Our students are showing real courage and stepping up to the challenge of performing in front of an audience.Ā  This is another important moment in developing character, especially courage and we can’t wait for families to see the students’ work on Thursday evening this week.

Not content with knocking it out of the park for Passage, Year 9 are also now preparing for their Public Health conference which will take place in the next half term. As well as an expert panel, every student will host a marketplace on an issue related to tobacco. This week will see students working with more public health experts to help them to be ready for this event.

This week, Year 10 will be briefed on Work Experience which will take place in the final half-term of this academic year. In addition they are also working on preparing for their debate next half-term and stepping up their revision in readiness for their mocks.

As a reminder, please note the Presentation of Learning (PoL) dates. There have been some changes this term due to venue changes so please check these carefully.

PoL Dates

Year 7 HUMAN – Why is it important to honour all those who sacrificed in WWI?

This PoL will be recorded in school and steamed for families to watch with their children at home via Youtube. This will take place in the first week back after the Easter Break.Ā 

Year 7 STEAM – Is survival sufficient?

PoL on Monday 24th March with experts from Edberts House (this is not an event that families attend, students will present their food packages to the workers at Edberts House)

Year 8 – What is Power?

PoL on Thursday 27th March at Caedmon Hall, above Gateshead Central Library at 5pm.Ā 

ALL YEAR 8 FAMILIES: Please use this Google Form to let us know how many family members will be attending.

Year 9 – How can we continue to make progress on public health?

PoL on Friday 9th May in school from 2pm. This Presentation of Learning is in the form of a Public Health Conference, hosted by our students. Please note the earlier time for this.

Year 10 – Are we really free to choose?

NEW DATE AND VENUE: PoL on Wednesday 16th April at Newcastle Sixth Form College at 4:30pm.Ā 

Alongside the Presentation of Learning which is in the form of a debate, we will also be sharing important information with parents regarding work experience at this event as well as taking the opportunity to celebrate and award our students’ DofE success too.Ā 

Students will be using the campus earlier as part of the preparation for the PoL and also as part of their continued preparation for Post-16.

The week ahead

G30 PoL – What is Power?

Students have additional rehearsals this week, and will be travelling to Caedmon Hall on foot on Thursday. Students will have an earlier lunch so will not need a packed lunch unless usually provided. The forecast for Thursday is mild and dry. See this post for more details.

On Thursday G30 students will need:

  • Black (or dark) clothing for the performance, ideally as plain as possible e.g. black jeans and black t-shirt.. (XPG polo shirts are fine for this performance)
  • Usual full kit including fully charged iPad and water bottle
  • Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
  • A coat
  • Optional: A packed tea or healthy snacks if they want to eat before the presentation starts at 5.00pm.

PE this week

  • G31 (Year 7):
    • G31 Class 1 have PE on Tuesday this week
    • G31 Class 2 have PE on Thursday this week
  • G30 (Year 8)
    • G30 Class 1 have PE on Monday this week
    • G30 Class 2 have PE on Friday this week
  • G29 (Year 9)Ā 
  • G28 (Year 10)
    • Year 9 and Year 10 both have PE on Thursday this week.

Extended Study and Clubs

Due to preparations for the end of term and presentations of learning, our after school clubs are not running this week. Please ask your child to check student notices and our timetable for more details.

Easter Holidays

We break up for our Easter Holiday on Friday 28th March and return to school on Monday 14th April at the normal time. As is always the case at the end of terms, our students leave school earlier on Friday at 1:30pm to allow for a full school de-gunge and set up of areas for next term’s new expeditions and immersion.

As usual if you have any questions please contact your child’s crew leader in the first instance.Ā 

Thank you as always for your ongoing support.

Julie Mosley

As you know, Year 8 are working towards a presentation of learning for their current expedition ā€œWhat is power?ā€ which will take place onĀ ThursdayĀ 27th March and will start at 5.00pm.

The venue for this event isĀ Caedmon Hall, above Gateshead Central Library. We anticipate that we will be finished by around 6.30pm.

We will be rehearsing in the venue from 1pm so students will eat lunch in school, albeit earlier than the normal time.

We will be travelling to the venue by foot. The forecast is currently mild and dry.

On Thursday G30 students will need:

  • Black (or dark) clothing for the performance, ideally as plain as possible e.g. black jeans/trousers/skirt and black t-shirt. (XPG polo shirts are fine for this performance)
  • Usual full kit including fully charged iPad and water bottle
  • Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
  • A coat
  • Optional: A packed tea or healthy snacks if they want to eat before the presentation starts at 5.00pm.

Students have been working very hard preparing scenes from Macbeth, artwork inspired by their brief from the V&A, power structures in society, the power of the earth and the atom. We are so excited for you to see the way that students connect these ideas together in this PoL.

Due to the limited capacity of the venue, we ask that each student has a maximum of three family members at the performance on the evening please.

Please can you use this Google Form to let us know how many family members will be attending.

Sharing our Stories: 21/03/2025

Beautiful Work This Week

Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust from this week. To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.

Top of the Blogs

Class 8: Science Experiment @ Green Top

Y2 Dodgeball Crew @ Plover

How does light travel? @ Carcroft School

E29’s Wise Wednesdays @ XP East

Crew Shakespeare Sporting Stars @ 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!

G28 Are we really free to choose? POL date and location

The POL for the current expedition; Are We Really Free to Choose? needed to change due to crew day. This has now been scheduled for Wednesday 16th April, starting at 4:30 at Newcastle Sixth Form College. As always, it is important that every student has someone attend the POL to share in their successes and support them. There will also be important information regarding work experience which will be shared with parents at this event, as well as a celebration of DofE success too.
We are also excited that this will take place at Newcastle Sixth Form College. This is partially because our theatre in school is still out of action but also because it gives us the opportunity to familiarise the students with a possible post-16 destination. Students will be working ‘on campus’ in the college throughout the day, utilising the independent and collaborative work spaces, giving them a feel for campus style, post-16 learning. They will also be given a tour of the college and receive input regarding the Newcastle Sixth Form college offer. We feel that this is especially pertinent for this expedition as their post-16 destination is an important choice that students can only make ‘freely’ if they are fully informed around the opportunities available to them.
There is some free on street parking on the road outside the entrance to the college (Elswick E Terrace). For public transport, the nearest metro is central station (a 15 minute walk from the college).
Please fill in this google form to confirm your attendance and to confirm that someone will be taking your child home from the POL.
Please reach out to your child’s crew leader in the first instance if there are any problems with this.
Thanks for your ongoing support in helping our students to challenge themselves to become the best version of themselves.
We are pleased to offer your child the opportunity to purchase the CGP GCSE Combined Science AQA Revision Guide, an excellent resource to support their studies.
We highly recommend this revision guide as a valuable tool to support your child’s preparation for their GCSE Combined Science examinations.
Pricing:
By purchasing these through school you will be able to buy at a discounted price.
Foundation or  Higher Level Revision Guides: £6.75 (RRP £11.99)
Exam Practice Workbook – Higher or Foundation (includes answers): £7.50Ā (RRP Ā£11.99)
To buy these please use the XP Trust Shop. We would recommend buying the Higher editions as they contain all of the information for both foundation and higher entry. We can direct students at a later date to content that is relevant to their GCSE entry in year 11. Please select theĀ ā€˜pick up’ option at checkout.
In the first instance could you please orderĀ before Wednesday 26th of March,Ā so we can place the order. If you miss the deadline we will be organising a second order later in the next half term..
https://shop.xptrust.org/collections/xp-gateshead-revision-guides
Many thanks.
The Science Crew.

Crew Shakespeare Sporting Stars!

Huge congratulations to Crew Shakespeare (G31) sport stars Evie and Abbie on their beautiful work over recent weeks.

Abbie starred in her first competitive ice hockey match with the Whitley Warriors after lots of hard work to make the team and train – we’re mega proud of you Abbie!

Abbie geared up for her Whitley Warriors match

Evie took home a medal for her shot put event at her regional indoor athletics event and has been invited to start shot put training, as well as smashing her personal bests in her 60m sprints!

Evie taking her place on the podium

Our Year 8 students have been working incredibly hard during their Crew Day today creating delicious no-bake sweet treats that they can’t wait to share with the whole school.

These tasty treats will be on sale tomorrow at break time for both students and staff to enjoy. Prices will range from 65p to £1.25, with all profits going to Crew charities.

Come and treat yourself to something sweet while supporting great causes.

Change to lunches this week

There is a change to the advertised lunches this week. Tomorrow on Wednesday 19th March it will be Indian curry, and then on Friday it will be Southern Fried Chicken.