Dear Families
Our first case studies in our new expeditions started well last week. On Monday, expedition guiding questions were revealed after much curiosity and speculation from our students.
Our G28 students have one expedition this term, ‘Should I stay or should I go?’ with the guiding question ‘Is migration worth the risk?’. Students will study push and pul factors of migration with specific case studies in India and using Of Mice of Men as an anchor text against the backdrop of the Great Depression in the USA. Students will also study energy production and how more sustainable processes can reduce forced migration, especially important as part of our curricular seam of the Climate Emergency. Students will interview migrants to hear and honour their stories as part of their final product for this expedition. More details in due course.
Our G29 students’ expedition is called ‘Hold back the river’ and has the guiding question, ‘How does water shape our world?’. In this cross-curricular expedition students will explore physical processes in rivers and coasts and the impact that this has on humanity. We will also look at the importance of rivers and coasts as habitats for species. Students will carry out important fieldwork, collecting live research data on oysters and water voles to help local conservationists to work out how better to protect these species and their habitats.
Transition for new students
Last week, we published our transition plans for our new G30 students and their families.
As you know, we had a lot of applications for places this year and we are delighted to be welcoming the next cohort (G30) to our crew. We ask that you will support these new families too as they sign up to the ‘Parents of XP Gateshead’ facebook group. I’m sure you will remember what a big step starting secondary school felt like, so your friendly advice is most welcome.
Holiday dates consultation
Thank you to all who responded to the consultation on term dates put out on our website last week. Your comments gave a real insight into how families currently manage holidays and how having different term dates to other Gateshead schools affect our students. We will share our decisions for term dates 2023/24 and 2024/25 with you in the next week.
Beautiful work from Carol and Karen
We would like to congratulate our cleaners Carol and Karen who had an inspection last week and passed with flying colours. Their work was commended and they gained 100% in the grading. We are really lucky to have such a great support team at XP Gateshead who go over and above for our students and staff – true craftsmanship and quality!
This week
NEU Strike Action, Tuesday 2nd May – Y7 only in school.
When students are not in school they can work independently on extended study tasks. There will be extended study after school on Tuesday, but no sports due to the strike action.
PE sessions
Due to timetable changes and a shortened week, there are no PE sessions for students this week.
Coronation Picnic, Friday 5th May
To mark the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort we will be enjoying a picnic lunch on Friday, weather permitting. Our catering team, Suzanne and Cheryl, will be working their usual magic to make our lunch special.
Looking Ahead:
Coronation Bank Holiday – Monday 8th May.
School closed for all.
As usual, if you have any questions please contact your child’s crew leader in the first instance.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Julie Mosley
Co-Principal