Congratulations to the following sporting stars from G31 Crew Shakespeare in their recent achievements:

Olivia T:

1st and 4th place in 1.2m events

1st place in 0.9m showjump event

Evie:

Gold in Under 13s shot put at North East County Championships at Shildon a few weeks ago, followed by a team win beating her own PB for shot put throwing 6.51m at the weekend!

Abbie:

Recent player of the month for Whitley Warriors ice hockey team followed by a trophy at the team presentation evening.

Crew Shakespeare are so proud to have so much talent! Well done girls.

Proud partners Olivia and Jet

Evie representing Gateshead Harriers and taking home a win from her shot put event

Abbie doing Whitley Warriors ice hockey team proud!

On Wednesday, G29 students will be taking part in a fieldwork visit to the Ouseburn to explore interdependence within ecosystems.

They will be working with expert ecologist Dr. Mike Jeffries, a lecturer from Northumbria University. As part of their investigation, students will carry out species surveys in the ponds and meadows to assess the impact of rewilding. In addition, they will be taking photographs of the area to support their art work.

The current forecast predicts sunny weather and temperatures of around 22°C. Please ensure your child comes fully prepared with:

• A full water bottle

• Suncream

• A sun hat

• Their full school kit

We are scheduled to return to school by 3:15 PM. Any updates, including potential delays, will be posted on the school blog.

Attached are examples of the beautiful work students have been producing in Human sessions to build context around this environment.

As we approach the end of G30’s second year at XPG, we find ourselves reflecting on what a fantastic and jam-packed year it has been. The third and final Presentation of Learning (POL) for Year 8 will take place in school on Wednesday, 16th July at 4:30 PM.

This event will feature a Hosted Gallery Walk, during which your child will guide you through images from their current expedition, ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go?’ The guiding question for this expedition is ‘Was Migration Worth the Risk?’ Students will also present their final product: a piece of artwork inspired by Islamic art, incorporating both visual storytelling and mathematical analysis.

Drawing on their learning in both Art and Maths, students explored the use of geometric pattern and calligraphy in Islamic art—connecting this to stories of migration. Purposeful imperfections in their tile designs were used to symbolise outliers in data, linking to their work on scatter graphs. The project culminated in students digitally arranging their artwork to reflect statistical patterns, blending creativity with analytical thinking.

Throughout the event, students will explain their learning journey and the knowledge they have acquired. This will provide insight into the rigour of our academic curriculum and highlight the development of their HoWLs (Habits of Work and Learning): Work Hard, Get Smart, and Be Kind, along with our core character traits: Respect, Courage, Craftsmanship and Quality, Integrity, and above all, Compassion.

We ask that students dress in a more formal manner for Presentations of Learning. This helps foster a professional mindset and emphasises the importance of the event and its audience. Students may choose to wear a shirt/blouse, trousers and shoes, or a formal dress. Our branded polo shirts are also appropriate for this occasion.

Students will remain in school on the day for a walkthrough rehearsal to ensure the evening runs smoothly. They may bring a healthy snack to enjoy after the school day ends.

It is essential that each student has at least one family member in attendance. Presentations of Learning are a key component of our educational model, designed to help students develop character, showcase their beautiful work, and reinforce the vital partnership between family, school, and students in their academic and personal growth.

We look forward to welcoming you for the final time this academic year and celebrating the incredible achievements of our students.

Happy Easter Sunday to all our students, families and friends who celebrate today.

Happy Vaisakhi’ to our Sikh friends at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha and Rav Singh from Little History of the Sikhs.

Ramadan, a significant month in the Islamic calendar, is being observed by Muslims around the world. This fast, known as Sawm is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and during this time, many Muslims fast (refraining from eating and drinking) from dawn until sunset, dedicating themselves to reflection, prayer, and acts of kindness.

We recognise that fasting is an important commitment during this time, and we want to extend our understanding and encouragement to those in our school community, and their families, who are observing Ramadan.

Ramadan will continue until 30th March, and we encourage everyone to be mindful and considerate of those who are fasting.

To all who are observing, we send our warmest wishes during this special time.