G30 – Final Year 8 Presentation of Learning

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.

 

 

Eid al-Adha – Eid Mubarak

We would like to wish all our students, families, and staff who are celebrating Eid al-Adha a joyful and peaceful occasion.

Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones. May this special time bring happiness, reflection, and a sense of community.

G29 Duke of Edinburgh Update

Many thanks to all parents who supported G29 with getting their kit ready for Monday’s Crew Day. The vast majority of bags are now packed and ready for Friday’ practice expedition.

There were a small number of G29 students who were absent or did not have their kit with them on Monday and so did not pack their bags. In order to ensure that they are ready for Friday, we are asking any students to whom this applies arrive by 8:15am at the latest on Friday with their full kit so that they can pack their bags ready for a 9:00am departure. Failure to do so could result in a delay of the entire year group.

Students will navigate between Brockley Whins and Seaburn Metro stations on Friday using the OS Maps they have been studying in school. They will have to work together to find their way (device free!) and make sure that they support one another when things get tough. Students will need a packed lunch and snacks suitable for sustaining a day’s walking as well as a water bottle for hydration.

When they arrive back at school they will be asked to pitch their tent, cook a meal on a Trangia stove and pack away. All students must complete this before they leave on Friday. A reminder that as a result of this, G29 will finish at the later time of 4:30pm on Friday.

We also would like to encourage students to try out some foods they may want to eat on the real expedition, so would recommend bringing something to cook on the stove (e.g. dried “instant” pasta or noodles).

As always, if you have any questions about Friday’s practice expedition, or anything else to do wit DofE, please contact Rebecca Marshall or your child’s Crew Leader.

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): £7.50 (RRP £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 the ‘pick up’ option at checkout.
In the first instance could you please order before Wednesday 26th of March, 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.

Acknowledging Ramadan in Our School Community

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.

G28 Revision and books

Happy Half Term!

G28 have brought home their History books to enable them to complete their History extended study which is revision of CS2 in preparation for an assessment in the first week back (date to be confirmed but students need to be prepared for it to potentially be the Monday). All instructions for the specific task are on their google classroom.

I rarely allow students to take their books home as their books are such an important resource, rich with all of their accumulated learning and knowledge. For this reason, it is so important that they are taken care of and kept safe. Please can you remind students of this and support them with this if necessary.

They will all need to bring their books back into school with them on Monday 3rd March.

Thanks for your support and I hope you have a lovely half term.

G28 Teacher / Student-Led Conferences

Apologies, in the previous post it should have said:

  • For G28 Class 1 this event will take place on Monday 10th February between 4pm and 7pm.
  • For G28 Class 2 this event will take place on Tuesday 11th February between 4pm and 7pm.