Sharing our Stories: 04/07/2025

Beautiful Work This Week

Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust from this week. To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.

Top of the Blogs

XP FESTIVAL TICKETS @ XP Trust

Key Stage 1 Dance Workshop @ Green Top

Year 3/4 Rounders @ Plover

Experience Day @ Carcroft School

A visit from Donny Dog and Doncaster Rovers @ Norton Juniors

Year 8 Rounders @ XP

E28 Shine at Bradford Literary Festival @ XP East

Share your stories with us!

We now have a new dedicated news email so that you can send your stories, updates or ideas about potential news articles directly to us in Comms.

It might be something you or your students have achieved, a charity you’re supporting or anything at all that deserves a wider audience.

Write to us at [email protected] –  we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!

Y3/4 Rounders team triumph against the odds!

Despite last-minute dropouts leaving us with only 7 players instead of the usual 9, our team showed incredible determination and teamwork. They topped the group stage with an impressive 16 points — ahead of Carcroft, who finished 2nd, along with 3rd and 4th place teams all tied on 12 points.

The final was a tense match, with Carcroft threatening to steal the victory thanks to some powerful hits. But our resilient players held their nerve, securing a fantastic win. In a tense trophy reveal, XP trust comrades, Carcroft, were given the runners up medals whilst our amazing Y3/4 team secured the gold. Well done to everyone involved — you did the school proud!

Year 5 & 6 Author Visit

Last Friday, published children’s author Jodie Garnish visited Year 5 and 6 to discuss her books, her writing process and how she became an author. The pupils engaged in a writing workshop and had an opportunity to ask Jodie questions about being an author. The pupils really enjoyed the day and lots felt inspired to become writers by the end of the session!

Maths + Stories = Math’s Stories

The new library at NJS is well and truly up and running and mathematics is getting in on the party. Working with our FONCA group, we have been lucky enough to purchase a series of math’s stories for all ages which will further add richness to our mathematics offer.Ā  It is also of note, that this is precisely the sort of spend that is derived from fundraising such as yesterday’s Summer Fayre. Thank you FONCA; thank you families.

A visit from Donny Dog and Doncaster Rovers!

On Thursday 22nd May, we had a brilliant visit from Doncaster Rovers Football Club, who came into school to talk to the children about the importance of resilience, belief and setting goals.

Fresh from winning the 2024/2025 league title, the team shared their journey with the pupils – how they dealt with setbacks, worked hard together and stayed focused to achieve their goal of becoming champions. The key message was clear: believe in yourself, keep going even when it’s tough and never stop aiming high.

A huge thank you to Doncaster Rovers for taking the time to visit us and share such a powerful message with our school. What an experience for the children – learning about resilience from real-life champions of League 2!

Year 6 Final Word Preparation

Year 6 have been working extremely hard this week preparing for their Final Word presentations. We can’t wait to invite in families next week, who will listen to how the pupils have developed both in character and academically during their time at NJS.

Another One Bites The Dust

What a treat we had when Zak – a Gladiator also know as Steel- visited our school. Steel inspired us all to strive to be the best versions of ourselves and think like champions. As well as this, the children had the opportunity to take part in mini Gladiator games such as Dual and Unleashed. What a wonderful experience!

Chance to Dance 2025

Amidst the soaring temperatures in London last weekend, something magical was happening at the Royal Opera House on Saturday 21st of June 2025.  KS2 from NJS were taking part in ā€œA Chance to Danceā€ inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland. Chance to Dance is an initiative provided by the Royal Ballet Company that tours England’s schools and creates the opportunity for children of all backgrounds, gender and social circumstances to experience the arts and wonders of dance, in particular Ballet. The initiative breaks down barriers, stereotypes and exposes children to dance culture, the joy of performing and expressing themselves through movement. Allowing them ownership of how they express themselves through co-choreography of their performance, understanding and developing the techniques of dance, who may never have otherwise, had the chance. Ultimately allowing children to just have fun and feel alive and enthused about dance and the arts. 

Seven of our lucky NJS pupils, (all of differing dance levels and experience) earned a place on the programme and demonstrated musicality, passion and great storytelling in their section of the show which was ā€œA Topsy Turvy Tea Partyā€. In their psychedelic t-shirts the children performed as a variety of animals who came to visit the tea party, which was a colourful, tie dye experience hosted by the famous, ludicrous character the Cheshire Cat. 

Our pupils danced and performed beautifully in two showings, in front of their families, friends and paying customers of London. They did our whole campus and community proud and we are very excited to see if these children will continue to pursue their new or ongoing interest in ballet and the arts in the future! Well done Crew Norton, you were a joy to watch and what a fabulous experience and opportunity for you all to have, dancing amongst professional dancers in the elite and prestigious Royal Opera House. This will be something that our children will remember forever and  Norton Campus would like to extend a huge thanks to the organisers of Chance to Dance and Miss Wendy from our local Hazelbiz Dance Academy and Miss Rachel, Miss Chloe and Miss Sian from Doncaster Legacy Company and of course Monique Jonas and Jacob Wye, the professional dancers that came to rehearse with and inspire our pupils.

Sharing our Stories: 20/06/2025

Beautiful Work This Week

Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust from this week. To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.

Top of the Blogs

What’s happening at the XP Festival ’25? @ XP Trust

KS1 Community Crew @ Green Top

Turn up the volume! @ Plover

KS2 Girls Football Tournament @ Carcroft School

Stay and Read in the sunshine! @ Norton Infants

Beautiful work @ XP Gateshead

Crew Sinfield – back and getting SLC ready! @ XP

DofE Update @ XP East

Share your stories with us!

We now have a new dedicated news email so that you can send your stories, updates or ideas about potential news articles directly to us in Comms.

It might be something you or your students have achieved, a charity you’re supporting or anything at all that deserves a wider audience.

Write to us at [email protected] –  we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!

What’s Happening at the XP Festival 2025? Here’s a Sneak Peek!

On Friday 11th July, XP Doncaster will be transformed into a creative hub of performance, exhibition, and celebration – and we can’t wait to welcome you!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Live Performances & Music

Expect a packed line-up of student-led performances including original music, dance, spoken word and drama. From samba to saxophones, DJs to jazz, our young artists will take to the stage with energy, skill and passion.

Art Exhibitions & Creative Showcases

Wander through beautiful student work and installations created as part of Learning Expeditions from across our schools. These pieces reflect deep thinking, real-world issues and the craftsmanship we value across the Trust.

ā€˜XP Live’ Bands and Performers

Enjoy the latest in our growing XP Live programme – showcasing student bands, solo artists, and collaborations with professional musicians. This year, we’re proud to programme lots of  original music and elevate voices across every year group.

Community & Family

You can expect a welcoming atmosphere! The Festival is also a chance to bring together families and communities. Whether you’re here to watch your child perform or soak in the vibe, there’s something for everyone.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW HERE!