Try, try and try again…
We had a tricky maths problem to solve in 4GC today. However, not to be deterred, our marvellous mathematicians worked tirelessly to solve this puzzling problem. Alas, 4GC’s persevering parrots.
Why Earth?
This term, Year 5 delved into an exciting scientific question: How does Earth support life? The students were captivated as they explored our planet’s unique position in space. Located at the perfect distance from the Sun, Earth sits in what scientists call the ‘Goldilocks Zone’ – not too hot, not too cold – where conditions are just right for life to thrive. Through research, the children discovered how Earth’s location and environment have played a crucial role in the evolution of life.
Legacy Sport Y5/6 Football Tournament! ⚽️
On Thursday afternoon, a team of 10 Year 5/6 boys travelled to Owston Park Primary to take part in the first Legacy Sport Yorkshire tournament of the year.
After a very successful league stage where the team won all but a cagey 0-0 draw against Owston Park, the team earned their place in a tough knock out round. An early goal from Balby ended the teams run towards the final. Overall, it was a great experience for the new year 5s and 6s, with standout performances from Charlie and Blake (Y6) as well as Hugo, Freddy and Mack (Y5).
Sharing our Stories: 04/10/2024
Beautiful Work This Week
Celebrating XP Doncaster’s Duke of Edinburgh 2024 Expedition
Check out these beautiful highlights from C28s DofE Expedition last academic year! They had an awesome POL to celebrate their success this week.
Working with the National Gallery
On Monday, our dedicated Art Staff at XP Doncaster had the incredible opportunity to attend an enriching workshop organised in collaboration with The National Gallery, made possible through the support of Right Up Our Street. This was part of a larger initiative, as The National Gallery prepares for their upcoming visit to Doncaster on 19th October, which is an exciting stop on their nationwide Art Road Trip. In the lead-up to this highly anticipated visit, the Gallery has been offering a series of free CPD sessions aimed specifically at art teachers. These sessions are designed to enhance teaching practices, and we were fortunate enough that our staff could participate in one of these invaluable opportunities.
“It was really amazing to work with the National Gallery on the Staff Day at XP. They will be coming in to launch the Articulation prize for XP C28 students. Staff had the opportunity to take part in the workshop as a sneak peek before the kids get a chance!”
Kat Taylor – Art @ XP Doncaster
The focus of the workshop was particularly inspiring, centring on the importance of art commentary and how educators can empower students to express their own unique interpretations of artworks. It delved deeply into the ways students can be encouraged to find and use their own voices, providing them with the tools to articulate personal responses to visual art. The session explored various strategies for prompting thoughtful engagement with art, ensuring that students feel confident in offering their perspectives, regardless of the artwork’s complexity or the student’s prior experience. By fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment, the workshop aimed to inspire both teachers and students to approach art not just as observers but as active commentators, enriching their understanding and appreciation of visual culture. This experience was invaluable for our staff, equipping them with fresh insights and methods that will undoubtedly benefit our students in the classroom.
Building Crew at Green Top
On our most recent Staff Day, Green Top School staff completed an awesome scavenger hunt around Snaith! Crews had to complete various challenges throughout the day and they built Crew and formed stronger relationships as a result! Go #CrewGreenTop!
Wood Foundation Visitors!
We love welcoming visitors from all over the world to our Trust and this week it was a delight to work with our friends from the Wood Foundation with teachers from more than a dozen schools in Aberdeenshire. Our work with the Wood Foundation and the many schools they support, began in 2019 and has enabled us to share our story and how we work. We also travelled to Aberdeen this year to deliver CPD – including how we crew!
This week the focus was on creating and delivering expeditions and our visitors created some amazing food from our Plover Pantry recipe leaflets; originally created by the students. Part of this expedition was designed to bring the leaflets to life with a step by step video and photography guide.
Really purposeful and beautiful work.
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Making Music!
This week Year 3 have been flexing their musical muscles and learning how to play an echo on the glockenspiel.
Communication and navigation
Despite the wet Autumn weather, Class 5CC had an exciting PE lesson indoors, focused on building communication and navigation skills. This week’s activity challenged the children to work together as leaders and blindfolded partners, emphasising trust and teamwork.
The session began with a key focus on giving clear and precise instructions. One partner wore a blindfold while the other acted as the leader, guiding them through the hall using only verbal directions. The children quickly learned the importance of being specific. This part of the lesson helped everyone develop their communication skills and learn how to guide others safely.
Next came the real test—navigating their blindfolded partner through a hall filled with various obstacles, including cones and benches, while also avoiding other teams! This required not only clear directions but also trust between partners. The hall was buzzing with activity, with plenty of laughs and a few close calls, but every team made great progress.
To finish off the lesson, the children were divided into small groups and given the chance to design their own obstacle courses. Each team created a unique course for others to navigate, testing both their creativity and communication. The variety of challenges led to a lot of excitement as the teams put their guiding skills to the test.
Overall, the indoor PE session was a fun and valuable lesson in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving for Class 5CC!
Sharing our Stories: 27/09/2024
Beautiful Work This Week
Outward Bound 2024: XP Doncaster and XP Gateshead
This year, we were lucky enough to have new Year 7s from both XPD and XPG working closely together at the Ullswater and Howtown Outward Bound centres. As a result, we were able to capture these wonderful highlights of both sets of students building Crew and expressing what it means to be Crew at the end of their week in their first ever presentation of learning.
Beautiful Curation across the XP Trust
More beautiful work has been made public this week – in both Plover and Carcroft School. Look at these awesome selections from final products, now curated for all to see!
XP Trust Crew Away Day @ YWP
Our Heads, Admin, Facilities and Comms Crews came together to further develop positive relationships and build Crew at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. They spent the day exploring Case Studies to improve communication and conceptual understanding around day-to-day crucial aspects of what we do at XP Trust.
The day was extremely positive and productive – thank you to YWP for your hospitality!
Early Years Open Evenings @ Plover
We’ve got vacancies across XP Trust!
Find out more and apply here to #JoinOurCrew
Temporary SEND Learning Coach (TA) at Green Top
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Crew Spencer Mindfulness @ XP East
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We’re looking for a Temporary SEND Learning Coach (TA) at Green Top!
Supporting our local charity
Yesterday, we welcomed an extra special visitor into school. Kath is a local volunteer who gives up her time to support UK charities in and around Doncaster including the homeless, food banks and women’s refuge. We presented Kath with the toiletries which were purchased by the money raised from Yr 5s bake sale back in August. She was a true inspiration to both adults and children and we have pledged to continue to support through the year.
