Dear Families
Over the next few weeks we will be fully into preparation for Presentations of Learning (PoLs). As stated in our core practices:
At XP we make our work public. One of the most important ways we do this is through PoLs. They are used as an opportunity for students to showcase their learning from their most current learning expedition. PoLs enable students to grow their character and further embed their learning through presenting their work in front of a range of authentic audiences and in a variety of contexts. In addition, students develop oracy skills by presenting to different audiences and in different contexts which builds confidence and further allows students to grow their character whilst developing key skills.
We look forward to seeing all families at the following Presentations of Learning for their children:
- G31’s PoL will be on the evening of Monday 16th December at St. Mary’s church in Heworth at 4.30pm.
- G30’s PoL will be on Wednesday 18th December in school at 4.30pm.
- G29’s PoL will be on the evening of Wednesday 11th December at the Farrell Centre and Great North Museum in Newcastle University Campus at 3.45pm.
- G28’s PoL will be on Thursday 19th December in school at 4.30pm.
Staff Days
On Friday our support staff were trained in First Aid, part of our ongoing training programme to ensure that we can support students. This week Year 9 have the opportunity to receive similar training as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award in readiness for their outdoor expeditions later this academic year.
Our teaching staff spent the day at Newcastle University discussing connections that can be made with the University and researchers to further contextualise our expeditions, connect with cutting edge research and also continue to raise aspirations for students about their future and possible pathways.
Today we have spent the day focussed on long term planning, in particular future expeditions and our wider support and pastoral provision for all students.
The Week Ahead
G29 Student Led Conferences
This week sees the second week of SLCs for Year 9 students. All families should have booked their SLC slot. Please contact [email protected] if you need more support with this.
G31 Expert in school tomorrow
Tomorrow students in G31 will meet Bill Elliott a local folk singer who is supporting students in their preparation for their presentation of learning. Next week students will work with Bill to complete their folk song compositions.
G28 In School PoL on Wednesday
On Wednesday afternoon, G28 will host their PoL connected to their studies of A Christmas Carol. This is an afternoon tea for members of the community that typically experience loneliness, especially around Christmas, all of which connects to their GQ: “Is charity enough?”
Families of G28 please note that this event will finish at around 4pm.
G29 First aid training on Wednesday
All G29 students will have First Aid Training on Wednesday this week. This is in preparation for their DofE expeditions later in the academic year.
PE sessions this week
Our PE sessions this week are as follows. Please ensure that your child has their full PE kit.
- For G30 students (Year 8)
- Due to the staff day there is no PE session this week.
- For G31 students (Year 7)
- G31 Class 1 students have PE on Tuesday.
- G31 Class 2 students have PE on Wednesday
- All G29 students (Year 9) have PE on Thursday.
- All G28 students (Year 10) have PE on Thursday.
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