Fine motor building.

15th January 2026Elizabeth Frost

Fine motor skills are very important for your child’s early development. To support the children in this area Crew Frost were offered a wide range of opportunities during their choosing time.

During this session, the children were given the challenge of following pre-made cutting lines. This activity encourages children to think critically and problem-solve as they work their way through the change in directions, how to hold the paper, and cut using one hand while stabilising the other.

This activity also improves hand-eye coordination, introduces new vocabulary, strengthens fine hand muscles, and supports the foundations for early writing by encouraging left-to-right movement. The opportunies are endless with this activity! Super work Crew Frost!

Multiplication Madness

15th January 2026Nicola Robson

Today we began to grapple with 2 digit x 1 digit multiplication. We recapped the use of the part whole model and used this to help multiply more manageable numbers. We had to show lots of courage to give it a go and there was lots of children offering to coach too. Well done CrewRobson!

Name Recognition!

15th January 2026Elizabeth Frost

In Crew Frost we like to be prepared! For the summer term, we are aiming for the children to able to recognise their own name and even write some letters for their own name!

To support this, during their choosing time the children are offered opportunities to spot their name, work on their pencil grip, pronounce the first sound in their name, and begin letter formation for their name. They were so excited to see their very own name cards this week, and we can’t wait to do more fun name-recognition games with them. We can wait to see this fine motor skill develop. Well done Crew Frost – you are working very hard!

We are on the move!

15th January 2026Elizabeth Frost

This term the children’s expedition is titled We Are on the Move! During this week sessions the children have been answering the question, “What is in your local area?” We ventured to the year 1 playground where we were able to talk about the different vehicles we could see. The children were able to structure full sentences such as ” I see a red car” or “I see a sliver van and a bus.” If we looked very carefully we were able to spy a crane far away. Next, we were very lucky to see all the features on a car, such as listening to the horn, using the windscreen wipers, and turning on the lights. This was very helpful for our Communication and Language, People and Communities and our Listening and Attention skills.

P.E

15th January 2026Tracy Haddock

Today in p.e they learnt how to play cricket. Their used lots of skills and how to throw the ball over arm instead of under arm.

Making Cheese Burgers

15th January 2026Tracy Haddock

In life skills they made their own cheese burgers . At first the children found the mince meat very sticky touch while they were trying to roll it into a ball before then flattering it into a burger. They then added their own salad, cheese and sauce.

Balloon Rocket Challenge: Exploring Forces in Action

13th January 2026Laura Godley

Today, Crew Godley took part in an exciting Balloon Rocket Challenge, exploring ‘Our Place in Space’. They put their scientific thinking to the test as they explored how rockets travel through space and the forces that make them move.

The lesson began with a crew discussion about rockets and space travel. We shared our ideas about how rockets launch and what helps them move. We then worked together to construct balloon rockets. As the balloons were released, children observed how air rushing out created a force that pushed the rocket forward along the string.

We measured and recorded the distance the rockets travelled, comparing results, noticing that rockets travelled different distances depending on how much air was inside the balloon. This led to thoughtful discussion and excellent use of scientific language.

We concluded that a stronger force created more motion, helping the rocket travel a greater distance. 

Find your place at XP Trust

12th January 2026Geoff Hewitt

The primary application deadline is 15 January!

Across XP Trust primary schools, children learn through a rigorous, standards-based curriculum, supported by strong relationships through Crew so every child is known, challenged and encouraged to do their best.

Find out more about our primary schools and places at xptrust.org/places.