Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust!
To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.
Year 5/6 Netball Tournament @ Norton Juniors
A Christmassy Start to December! @ Norton Infants
Write to us at [email protected] – we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!
December has arrived, and with it a sprinkle of festive magic in our setting! The children have truly embraced the start of the season, and our rooms have been filled with excitement, imagination, and plenty of Christmas sparkle.
The children have enjoyed decorating our Christmas tree in our Land of Pretend. Our wintery snow small-world tray has been another big hit. The children have enjoyed exploring the frosty scene, creating stories and adventures in the snow. Alongside this, our nativity characters have helped the children retell and act out the Christmas story, giving them a hands-on way to connect with this special time of year.
There has also been plenty of creative fun! Our ginger-scented playdough has inspired lots of us to make our very own gingerbread men covered in sparkles.
The children have been busy putting up snowflakes and making a giant snowman, adding to our wintery display. They’ve also been writing their own lists to Santa—full of imagination, wishes, and wonderful early writing skills.
The children have been practising using uppercase letters in their writing and have even written some of the names from the Christmas story. We were absolutely blown away by the fantastic writing they produced.
Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust!
To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.
Crew Nightingale – kindness @ XP
Stitching up a colourful rainforest @ Norton Juniors
E29 Expert – mental health @ XP East
A Marvellous POL @ Norton Infants
Write to us at [email protected] – we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!
This week, we had the absolute joy of hosting our Celebration of Learning to mark the end of our very first expedition, Marvellous Me – How Are We the Same and Different? It was a truly special moment for our children, our families, and our school community.
They sang and spoke with such confidence and courage, standing proudly in front of a large audience. We were incredibly proud of each and every one of them.
As part of the celebration, every child received their very own Marvellous Me Memory Box. These beautifully presented boxes will become a place for them to store precious keepsakes: photographs, first school reports, small treasures, and all the special moments that make their journey uniquely theirs.
One of the most touching moments came at the end of the celebration. Grown-ups were invited to write a personal message of pride, love, or encouragement for their child. Seeing families pause to reflect and share heartfelt words was incredibly moving, and it added a warm, personal touch that made the experience feel even more meaningful.
It was a wonderful way to end our first expedition—celebrating identity, courage, community, and the marvellous uniqueness of every child. We thank all the families who joined us and helped make the event so memorable.
Every week in our drawing club, something magical happens. Children gather with pencils, felt tip pens, and a spark of curiosity—ready to draw, write, and use their imaginations.
Each child took the same starting point—a simple bee—and turned it into something deeply imaginative and personal. That’s the heart of being a creative chameleon: using imagination to reshape the world in joyful, surprising ways.
Suddenly our classroom was filled with bees who make chocolate, rainbows, lava, coins and sunshines!
Yesterday we wrapped up warm and headed outside to make the most of the quick snow flurry and have a play in the snow! ❄️❄️
Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust!
To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.
Authentic Art making in Y8 @ XP
And sew it begins… @ Norton Juniors
E30 Explorer – A Debate Full of Energy, Respect and Brilliant Ideas @ XP East
G29 Geography – Has the regeneration of the Ouseburn been a success? @ XP Gateshead
Remembrance Day Celebration @ Norton Infants
Write to us at [email protected] – we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!
This week we had a special expert visitor from Mini First Aid who taught us how we can be superheroes and help people when they need it most. We learned all about applying plasters and cold compresses, the safe position and how to call an ambulance in an emergency.
This week we took part in a very meaningful Remembrance Day celebration. We spent time learning about the importance of remembering the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for us, and we worked together to remember them in many ways. One of our favourite activities was creating a poppy collage.
Today, the children in Key Stage 1 enjoyed a very special visit from St John’s Ambulance. Julie and Deborah from the team came in to talk about the amazing work they do in our community – helping people stay safe, teaching first aid, and supporting those in need.
The highlight of the session was learning about their much-loved mascot, Bertie Badger! The children were interested to hear how Bertie helps teach young “Mini Badgers,” some as young as five years old, the basics of first aid. Through stories, activities, and fun demonstrations, the children discover how even little helpers can make a big difference.
To thank them for their visit and all they do for others, we presented Julie and Deborah with one of our special Community Champion awards recognising the respect, compassion and courage they show every day.
