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!
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 “A Chance to Dance” 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 “A Topsy Turvy Tea Party”. 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.
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.
What’s happening at the XP Festival ’25? @ XP Trust
Stay and Read in the sunshine! @ Norton Infants
Crew Sinfield – back and getting SLC ready! @ XP
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!
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.
‘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.
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.
Crew Attenborough Charity Event @ XP Gateshead
EYFS Community Meeting @ Norton Infants
Where is Doncaster on the map? @ Norton Juniors
XP Festival of Arts and Culture – Tickets available now!
At Doncaster Tennis Lawn Club, a team of key stage 2 pupils from NJS took part in Legacy Sport’s tennis tournament. Each member of the team played three competitive games each of them performing brilliantly: some started strong with others growing in confidence with each game.
The result of the competition surpassed expectations when NJS achieved not 3rd, not 2nd… but 1st place!
Amazing effort from all the team!
As part of their geography case study, Year 5 have been using the internet to learn more about the United Kingdom, more specifically England and it’s major cities. 5CC began by learning the difference between the United Kingdom and Great Britain, before exploring a map of England’s counties. Year 5 lastly finished off by locating a list of the UK’s largest cities on the map, as well as plotting the location of Doncaster.
On Friday 11th July, the XP Festival of Arts and Culture returns to XP Doncaster, bringing together students, families, staff and artists for a joyful celebration of creativity and community.
Throughout the day, you’ll experience live music, powerful performances, vibrant art installations, and the beautiful work that defines XP. Students from every XP Trust school will be contributing, sharing their talents and passions through exhibitions, dance, storytelling, and more – all designed to connect, inspire and make a difference.
The festival is a key moment in our XP Live programme – a growing Trust-wide initiative that gives young people authentic opportunities to produce, perform and create. It builds on our commitment to purposeful learning and supports our belief that every child can do meaningful, creative work that impacts the wider world.
More details on the line-up will be shared soon – we can’t wait to welcome you.
Last week, we worked extremely hard drafting, critiquing and re-drafting our final product for this term’s expedition. 3SG focused on wildfires and were particularly inspired by the artist Stephanie Peters. We used long brush strokes and layered paint to create a similar effect to Stephanie.
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.
Weekly update for families @ XP Gateshead
Once upon a time… @ Norton Infants
Phoenix Dance Theatre Project 2025 @ XP
When NJS met a Gladiator @ Norton Juniors
