Dear Families
As we come to the end of term, we celebrate our expedition work with Presentations of Learning where our students publicly share their final products and answers to their guiding questions with an audience of peers, staff, families and invited guests.
Last week was the chance for our G28 students to share their work from this term’s expedition with the GQ: How are structures important in helping us to explain our world?. We also took the opportunity to premiere the film produced in last term’s expedition: Should I stay or should I go? We returned to Newcastle University where our students also got the opportunity of a campus tour and time with a student, Mary and Isaac from ‘The 93% Club’ who shared their experience of attending University. What made it even more special was that Mary was one of XP Doncaster’s pioneer students!
Our students took over the Farrell Centre at Newcastle University creating a living expedition over three floors! They shared their knowledge around art and architecture, atomic structures in science, including isotopes and radiation, structures in government and society and made connections to the anchor text for this expedition, Lord of the Flies. Standing back and listening to our students ‘lead the learning’ in every sense of the word was simply stunning and we all could not have been prouder of G28.
The film premiere of ‘Should I stay or should I go’ (GQ: Is migration worth the risk?) at the Herschel Lecture Theatre was another moment of real pride and an emotional experience for students, staff and families alike.
Here is just some of the feedback we have received from families who attended the evening:
“I was really blown away by the young people at the PoL on 14 December at Newcastle University. There is an obvious pride and enthusiasm for their work, and they were not fazed in the slightest at talking to family members and visitors. Their knowledge and understanding of the subjects showed real depth of learning, and I could not have been more impressed. It’s almost impossible to get my child to tell me about his day, yet when he was there and given responsibility he didn’t come up for air.”
“Special mention to the young man who was talking about brutalist architecture by the bottom of the stairs to the top level. He has a brilliant future.”
“I wholeheartedly agree with taking the students to a university so they know what it is like and recognise it as a place for them too. I was the first in my family to go to Uni (Newcastle) and did not have a clue what to expect, and if I am honest it was a culture shock. I also suspect that these visits benefit families that did not have these opportunities, to put them at ease and encourage their children to consider higher education.”
“Outstanding performance from G28! Such hard work, determination and knowledge shown in so many creative ways. A credit to all of them! Well done staff as well for inspiring!”
“Another amazing PoL from G28. The film the kids produced was amazing, they should be so proud, and such a relevant work. Talking to the kids about all their work was unreal as well, learning all about the Byker wall from a student was amazing. I love the piece of Art that the kids created. It needs a permanent home somewhere.”
“Blown away by our amazing kids once again. Great night at Newcastle University with G28 and a sneak peek for Evie (G30) for the future. The depth of knowledge these kids have and the way they present is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. The film in particular was stunning and gave real insight. Brilliant night! Well done everyone and thank you amazing staff.”
“Wow wow wow! Another amazing PoL from G28 the knowledge, presentation and confidence you all showed this evening was outstanding. The bonus was the film you all have had a hand in making you should all be proud of yourselves.”
We owe a huge thanks to all of the people who supported us and gave our students another opportunity to spend time at Newcastle University – Professor David Leat and his Masters in Education students, Mary Waring (former XP Doncaster student) and Isaac Biddle from the 93% Club, Lorna Burn and all of the team at the Farrell Centre.
Our week ahead
No Extended Study or after school clubs
This is due to the Presentations of Learning and Christmas events taking place this week.
PE sessions this week
Our PE sessions this week are as follows. Please ensure that your child has their full PE kit.
- All G30 students (Year 7) have PE on Tuesday this week.
- All G29 students (Year 8) have PE on Wednesday this week.
- All G28 students (Year 9 )have PE on Thursday this week.
Presentations of Learning this week
A reminder that students will stay in school until they present. If you want to provide healthy snacks or a packed tea, students will be given some time during the afternoon to get a break between rehearsals.
Students should dress smartly for these occasions.
G30 Presentation of Learning – Monday 18th December at St Mary’s Church in Heworth at 6pm.
G30 will be presenting their learning from their first expedition – What do the communities of NE England owe to the miners?
More information can be found here.
G29 Presentation of Learning – Tuesday 19th December at at XP Gateshead at 6pm.
G29 will be presenting their learning from their current expedition – What does it mean to be human?
More information can be found here.
And finally…
Christmas events this week:
- Christmas Party event from Crew Angelou, Wednesday 20th December 4:30-6:30pm. Tickets are on sale tomorrow for £1.50.
- XPG Christmas Lunch will take place on Thursday 21st December
- Crew Franks’ Christmas Raffle in support of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation continues this week with tickets sold up until Thursday 21st December. Thank you to all who have bought tickets to support the raffle so far.
As usual if you have any questions about your son or daughter please get in touch with your child’s Crew Leader in the first instance or email general enquiries to [email protected].
Julie Mosley