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.
Ethics in Action: X30 Admiral take the floor @ XP
An exciting visit from a Game Expert @ Norton Infants
Write to us at [email protected] – we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!
This afternoon KS1 had a very exciting visit with a very special expert – a professional game designer and creator – who shared their fascinating world of board games with our students.
During the visit, expanded on their hook week knowledge and the children learned about the materials that go into making a board game, from the colorful cards to the intricate game boards and even the tiny tokens that make playing so much fun. Our guest also explained the step-by-step process of creating a board game, from the initial idea and design to the final product.
It was an inspiring visit that encouraged our students to think creatively, work collaboratively, and see the exciting possibilities in designing and playing games. We are definitely very excited to get stuck in with our product now!!
This week, the classroom has been full of excitement as the children began exploring our new science case study through practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Yesterday, the children worked collaboratively in their groups to make their own batches of play dough. Some mixtures were more successful than others, but every group had plenty of fun experimenting, problem-solving, and learning along the way. Today, we built on this by exploring how we can change the shape of our play dough, transforming it into a variety of different objects by twisting, rolling squashing and stretching.
Alongside this, we have been investigating a range of other materials. The children have really impressed me with how quickly they are picking up and confidently using scientific vocabulary to describe the properties of materials. Words such as hard, smooth, see-through, waterproof, bendy, and rough are already becoming part of their everyday discussions and they have been using these properties to group materials.
It has been wonderful to see their curiosity, teamwork, and growing confidence as young scientists as they explore, experiment, and ask thoughtful questions about the world around them.
This week, we discovered that for one of our case studies we are going to be scientists — and we wasted no time getting started!
Yesterday, the children took part in a materials carousel, exploring a range of different materials. We focused on developing scientific vocabulary and identifying key properties such as hard, flexible, waterproof and smooth. The children handled each material carefully, talked about what they noticed and began to explain why different materials are suitable for different purposes.
Today, we applied that learning in a more practical way. Working together, the children explored a variety of different games, thinking carefully about what materials they were made from and why those materials had been chosen. There was lots of thoughtful discussion as children justified their ideas using the scientific vocabulary they had been learning.
Class Five don’t know it yet, but all of this research is going to play a really important role in our next expedition — and in shaping our final product. An exciting start to our scientific journey!
This week, our class have been busy designing and creating their very own Character Traits Top Trumps cards – and they’ve been a huge hit!
The children began by revisiting the character traits that are important to us as a class, such as kindness, courage, integrity and compassion. We talked about what these traits really mean, what they look like in action, and why they matter both in school and beyond.
Each child then chose traits to feature on their cards, carefully thinking about how strong each one was and justifying their choices. This sparked lots of brilliant discussion, reflection and respectful debate, as children explained why one trait might score higher than another and shared examples from real life.
Once complete, the children enjoyed playing their games together, practising turn-taking, fair play and clear communication – all while celebrating positive character traits. It was lovely to see how proud they were of their creations and how confidently they could talk about the values behind them.
As part of hook week, the cards also included a subtle clue about what our next expedition might be — and the children are already full of theories!
A fantastic mix of creativity, thinking and character development – well done, everyone!
Today, our Year 2 children launched their new expedition, with an exciting, hands-on science afternoon.
We began with a story called The Little House Made of Everything, which helped children think about the different materials used in buildings and everyday objects. As we explored the house together, children discussed why walls are made from brick, why windows are made from glass, and what might happen if a house was made from just one material.
The children then took part in a Feel and Describe activity, where they explored a range of everyday materials including wood, plastic, metal, glass, rock and card. Using their sense of touch, they described how each material felt, using words such as hard, soft, smooth and rough.
Another activity challenged children to find out whether materials could change shape. They tested materials by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching them, and talked about which materials changed easily and which stayed the same.
One of the highlights was our Build a Job challenge. Children looked at real-life photos of houses, bridges, chairs and windows and decided which material would be best for each job. They shared their ideas confidently, explaining their choices using scientific language and clear reasoning.
To finish the afternoon, children explored their own classroom, identifying objects and naming the materials they were made from. This helped them connect their science learning to the place where they belong every day.
It was a fantastic start to our expedition — full of curiosity, thoughtful talk and hands-on learning. We’re excited to keep building on this as we continue to explore our community and the world around us.
Classes 1 and 2 have officially begun their exciting new expedition, “We’re on the Move,” and what a fantastic start it has been!
Our very first mission was to become explorers right on our doorstep. The children headed outside to carry out a survey, discovering what we could find passing by our school. Working collaboratively, they carefully observed and recorded the different vehicles they saw along the way.
From cars and vans to buses and bikes, the children were completely immersed in the experience. They took turns counting, discussing, and recording their findings, demonstrating brilliant teamwork and communication skills throughout the activity.
And the best part? The smiles! I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much excitement over watching cars pass by. The children’s enthusiasm was infectious, and their curiosity set the perfect tone for our expedition ahead.
We can’t wait to see where “We’re on the Move” takes us next!
A number of deaf and hearing pupils from Plover School and the ARChi team have been working collaboratively on a British Sign Language version of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
This is another example of diversity and belonging that runs through our schools and is a concrete example of our culture of Crew.
On behalf of XP Trust, we would like to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and New Year.
Andy Sprakes
Chief Academic Officer
XP Trust
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.
Christmas Crafts @ Norton Juniors
G32 Reverse Advent @ XP Gateshead
A Very Special Visit from Santa @ Norton Infants
Write to us at [email protected] – we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!
We were filled with excitement and holiday cheer during a very special visit from Santa! The children were thrilled to welcome him and share in the festive magic.
Santa spent time with each child and presented everyone with a special gift straight from the North Pole. Thank you, Santa, for such a magical visit!
