Final Post of 2025
Thanks to our families for your support this term, the last couple of weeks of Presentations of Learning (PoLs) are always a special time, giving students an opportunity to present the best versions of themselves to their families. We have had fantastic feedback from all who attended the PoLs in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 and look forward to showcasing work on our website where we will curate each expedition and link to our final products.
G32 PoL at St. Mary’s church in Heworth, Tuesday 16th December
What a fabulous first PoL for our Year 7 students. This was a truly impressive and packed culmination of their cross-curricular expedition. It seamlessly interwove centuries of North East history, from the Romans through the Industrial Revolution, with core science concepts, culminating in a published book of creative writing and compelling performances of music and drama. The deep dive into local figures and events like the Felling Pit Disaster demonstrated a profound and personal connection to their community’s story.
What a great way to finish the term, alongside their fantastic advent challenge.
G28’s Final PoL at XPG, Wednesday 17th December
G28’s final PoL was a truly spectacular and powerful abridged performance of Romeo and Juliet, staged across a range of spaces within the school to immerse the audience in the world of the play. The students delivered their lines with passion and provided insightful scene analysis, demonstrating a deep understanding of the text’s themes and characters. It was a production that truly made their final PoLone to remember! As one might say, ‘O, it doth teach the torches to burn bright!’
Staffing Update
As you may be aware, we have recently advertised a Learning Coach/Crew leader role and a Pastoral Leader (Phase Leader) role at XP Gateshead (see website post).
We are unfortunately losing Saoirse Blaine from our team at the end of our first week back to school in January. Saoirse is resigning from her position as Learning Coach and Y8/9 Phase Leader at XP Gateshead and going to work with the NHS as a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner.
Expert in school – Craig Buglass
On Thursday, Craig Buglass Co-Founder of Spark Design Academy and world-renowned designer spent the morning at XPG talking to our students from Y8, 9, 10 and 11 about his work in design and his creative career which has ranged from fashion design to football kits including world cup winning Brazil shirts and the Arsenal invincibles team. Craig also talked about his progression to leading teams of designers and consulting for organisations on their brands.
It was great to hear Craig talk honestly about his journey, stressing the importance of curiosity, resilience, and backing yourself, and how unconventional pathways can still lead to meaningful and fulfilling work.
Craig has since been in touch with high praise for our students and school culture:
“It was genuinely inspiring to see the school in action. The sense of purpose, strong Crew culture, and the way learning is brought to life through expeditions and real-world relevance really stood out. I was grateful for the opportunity to share my own life journey and introduce the work we’re doing with Spark Design Academy. The learners’ openness and thoughtful questions were brilliant. I left feeling genuinely energised and optimistic about what schools like XP Gateshead are enabling young people to become.”
We want to thank Craig and the team at Spark Design Academy for the time they have given to our students and are excited to be at the start of a partnership with their organisation.
XPG – above all, compassion
As is always the case at Christmas, our crews come together to support charities and this year it was great to see G32 support Gateshead Foodbank in their Reverse Advent Challenge – see post..
Crews from the rest of the school put shoeboxes of kindness together to support the CHUF (Children’s Heart Unit Fund which delivered to the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital – see post.
Finally, we would like to thank you all for your ongoing support this term and the contribution you make to our crew. Can we take this opportunity to wish all of our students and families a very Merry Christmas and restful holiday period.
We return to school on Monday 5th January 2026 and look forward to another successful New Year at XP Gateshead.
Julie Mosley