Dear Families
Our students have returned well after the half term break and quickly got back into the swing of things, working hard and enjoying the great learning opportunities they have had this week. We’ve had some amazing expert sessions in school which continue to feed into current expedition work supporting our students in their response to their guiding questions.
Working with experts
G31 – What does it mean to be human?
Our Year 8 students interviewed Humanist experts in school on Monday. Our experts supported students to build on their learning about the golden rule of humanism, and uncover more about Humanist beliefs.
Our students enjoyed their session with the Humanist experts who spoke to them about the Humanist belief that we have one life and therefore should ensure we make the most of our time on Earth by living the best life possible for ourselves and others, including future generations. As is always the case, the experts praised the high quality questions and discussions they had with our students and the maturity they demonstrated.
G32 – How are structures important in helping us to explain our world?
On Thursday our G32 students had an expert session with Kate Osborne Member of Parliament (MP) for Jarrow and Gateshead East as part of their current expedition ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ with students working to answer a guiding question ‘How are structures important in helping us to explain our world?’. As part of their work students have been looking at political structures in Government and been investigating housing policy of the Labour Party and other major political parties in the U.K. Our Year 9 really took the opportunity to ask Kate questions and discussions covered climate action, sustainability, housing policy, immigration along with more personal questions around Kate’s passion for politics and the North East.
Beautiful work
G32’s handmade poppies in preparation for Remembrance
G31’s stunning Memory Lane Radio broadcast
I think that the biggest highlight of the week though must be our G31’s final product from their 7.2 expedition ‘Do your bit‘ radio broadcast. This was played on Memory Lane Radio on Sunday 9th November as part of a programme of their Remembrance programme. The segment features excerpts from students’ creative writing on the theme of unheard voices from World War I. Their work explores and responds to the guiding question: ‘Why is it important that we honour all who sacrificed in WWI?’
Listening to the beautiful voices and words of all 50 of our students was simply stunning, their writing was powerful and really emotive. If you didn’t get the chance to tune in on Sunday, I highly recommend you get a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy the programme.
You can listen here.
Charity work
Crew Stanton’s Halloween Disco
On Tuesday, Crew Stanton ran another successful school disco to support their crew charity Tiny Lives. Tiny Lives is a charity in Newcastle that supports premature and unwell babies and their families. Crew Stanton have supported Tiny Lives for the past 3 years, running a range of charity events. They were very keen to run a final event before they leave XPG. I would like to appreciate the students for really leaving a strong legacy at XPG for what Crew charities can really achieve. Across the last 3 years, they have raised over £3000! Crew Kahlo also be ran some additional Day of the Dead and Frieda Kahlo themed games to raise money for their Crew Charity,
It was a great evening, enjoyed by students and staff alike and there were some fantastic halloween outfits on the evening
Our week ahead
Anti-Bullying Week 2025: Power for Good
Every November schools right across the UK take part in Anti-Bullying Week. This is an opportunity to highlight bullying and consider the steps we can take together to stop it. Anti-Bullying Week 2025 takes place from Monday 10th – Friday 14th November with the theme ‘Power for Good’ . It is coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, which is based at leading children’s charity the National Children’s Bureau. This year the organisation has worked with children and young people up and down England, Wales and Northern Ireland to decide the theme. This Anti-Bullying Week they urge adults and young people alike to come together to have discussions about how we can use the power we have for good, to bring bullying to an end.
Please see the Parent and Carer pack for more details
G28 November Mock Exams
This week our Year 11 students will undertake a set of mock GCSE exams:
Please note that students will not sit an exam for every component of their examinations in this mock window. There will be another mock session for G28 in February where all components will be examined.
G32 Fieldwork to Beamish – Wednesday 12th November
As part of G32’s current expedition of learning, students will be taking part in important fieldwork at Beamish Museum in County Durham on Wednesday 12th November.
This visit will provide an authentic and immersive learning experience, supporting students’ studies of the Industrial Revolution and the importance of coal in shaping life in the Northeast. The workshops will encourage speaking, listening, and historical investigation, helping students make meaningful connections between their Human studies and their work in STEAM where students have been building on their understanding of state changes and learning how learning how George Stephenson applied these principles to experiment with the development of steam engines and machinery that powered the Industrial Revolution. The visit will allow them to see these concepts in action and understand how scientific innovation transformed industry and everyday life.
For full details, see the website post
G29 GCSE Geography Urban Fieldwork – Friday 14th February
G29 Geography students will investigate the regeneration of the Ouseburn area in Newcastle, building on their first unit of study, where they explored the question: “Is Newcastle a city of opportunity or challenge?” We will be joined by Northumbria University geographer Michael Jeffries, who will provide valuable insights into the history and geography of the Ouseburn.In the coming weeks, students will analyse their findings and answer the fieldwork question: “Has regeneration had a positive impact on the Ouseburn?”
Students will spend the full day conducting fieldwork. They should bring their regular kit, including their iPads, a packed lunch and be prepared for the weather. The current forecast is cool with a strong chance of rain.
PE sessions this week
Our PE sessions this week are as follows. Please ensure that your child has their full PE kit.
- All G32 students (Year 7) have PE on Monday..
- All G31 students (Year 8) have PE on Tuesday.
- All G30 students (Year 9) have PE on Thursday
- All G29 students (Year 10) have PE on Monday.
- G28 Class 1 students (Year 11) have PE on Monday.
Extended Study and Clubs
Our clubs will all run this week (see schedule below) along with extended study sessions every day except Friday.
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].