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.

Sharing our Stories: 16/01/2026

15th January 2026Geoff Hewitt

Beautiful work this week

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.

Top of the Blogs

Year 1 and 2 Drone @ Green Top

We are Rockstars! @ Plover

Mayan Mask @ Carcroft School

An awesome first week back! @ XP

G32 Expedition Reveal @ XP Gateshead

The Bus was for Us! @ Norton Infants

Share your stories with us!

We now have a new dedicated news email so that you can send your stories, updates or ideas about potential news articles directly to us in Comms.

It might be something you or your students have achieved, a charity you’re supporting or anything at all that deserves a wider audience.

Write to us at [email protected] –  we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!

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.

Hook Week: A Tudor Banquet and a Trial Like No Other

9th January 2026Thomas White

Hook Week launched our learning in unforgettable style as Crew White were thrown straight into the world of the Tudors. The hall was transformed for a Tudor banquet, giving the children a taste of life at court and a chance to imagine the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the period.

The highlight of the week was a powerful mock trial of Anne Boleyn. Taking on different roles, the children interrogated a wide range of evidence, questioned its reliability, and debated how convincing it really was. They were challenged to think critically, weigh up claims, and consider how power and bias may have shaped events.

The level of engagement was fantastic. Children asked sharp questions, justified their opinions and showed real maturity when discussing complex and controversial evidence. Hook Week did exactly what it promised: spark curiosity, excitement and a deep desire to learn more about Tudor England.

UKS2 Celebration of Learning

9th January 2026Hannah McLoughlin

We were delighted to invite parents into school for our Art Exhibition, where children had the opportunity to proudly showcase their writing, art and DT (Design and Technology) skills. The hall was transformed into a gallery space, allowing families to walk around, admire the work and celebrate the creativity and effort that has gone into each piece.

The displayed work was beautifully framed to reflect our expeditionary learning, with a strong focus on understanding how we can help our planet survive. These frames helped bring together the children’s knowledge of sustainability, environmental responsibility and global care, giving real purpose and meaning to their creations.

The children were excited to talk confidently about their learning, explaining their ideas, techniques and the processes behind their work. From carefully crafted written pieces to imaginative artwork and thoughtfully designed DT projects, the gallery highlighted both creativity and skill development. It was wonderful to see the children take such pride in their achievements and to share this special experience with their families.