Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust from this week. To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.
Who’s performing at the XP Festival ’25? @ XP Trust
Wizard of Oz was amazing! @ Green Top
Summer slice @ Carcroft School
Working together as artists @ Norton Infants
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!
What if education was about more than just academic success?
In this episode we explore how the expeditionary approach to learning can drive student growth, wellbeing and meaningful outcomes. Ron Berger, Senior Advisor for EL Education and Harvard Graduate School of Education professor, and Gwyn ap Harri, Chief Executive Officer of XP School Trust in the UK, reveal how powerful learning experiences can empower students to thrive, both in and beyond the classroom.
But more than anything, it marks 10 years of Crew.
This year marks the celebration of 10 years of XP – 10 years of crafting beautiful work, challenging what school can be, and building something extraordinary together.
To honour this milestone, and as we complete our eleventh year, we’re creating a documentary built from the heart of XP itself: the stories of our people. We’re inviting students, staff, and alumni to share a single, powerful moment – a time when Crew truly mattered. A time when someone showed up, when you made a difference, when you saw what XP was really about.
These stories will come together as part of 100 Moments of Crew – a living, breathing tribute to the spirit that holds us together. Whether you were here in Year One or just joined last term, your voice is part of this story.
Because at XP, we’re not just a school – we’re Crew.
We want you to come and share your moment of Crew.
We’ll be filming in a dedicated space at XP Doncaster on the following dates:
Friday 27th June – during the staff day
Monday 30th June – during the staff day
Friday 11th July – during the Arts Festival
We’ll also set up sessions during the first term back for 25/26 – during our weekly Comms visits at your school.
All you need to do is turn up, ready to share a meaningful story – something real, something human, something that captures what Crew has meant to you. If you have a photo or piece of video connected to that story, even better – bring it along or send it through in advance.
If you would prefer to Hangout with Geoff to share your story remotely, we can also make this work!
This is your moment to add your voice to something truly special.
We look forward to your contribution.
In Crew
Andy Sprakes
From samba to showstoppers – here’s a glimpse of what to expect!
With just a few weeks to go until the XP Festival of Arts and Culture, we’re proud to reveal the amazing contributions from across our Trust schools. This year’s line-up is packed with creativity, community spirit, and a whole lot of talent.
All of our primary schools are involved in an exciting collaboration with Phoenix Dance Theatre, and we can’t wait for audiences to see how their work in movement and storytelling comes to life on stage.
Our cheerleading squads are set to bring energy and celebration to the day, with performances from students at Carcroft, Plover, XP Gateshead, and XP Doncaster. Expect rhythm, teamwork, and some serious Crew spirit.
The joy of singing continues with children from Plover, Green Top, and Norton Junior School raising their voices as part of Young Voices – always a heartwarming highlight.
From the older students, we’ll be showcasing a rich range of musical talent. At XP Doncaster, the lineup includes student bands, choirs, and even a full jazz band. Meanwhile, XP Gateshead will be hitting the stage with two rock bands and a choir – a perfect mix of power and harmony.
We’re incredibly proud of the effort, rehearsals, and commitment that all of our schools have put into this year’s event. It promises to be a true celebration of what happens when young people are given the platform to express themselves through the arts.
Stay tuned for more sneak peeks in the coming weeks – and don’t forget to book your free tickets here:
Pupils from Green Top School brought a touch of magic to the grand opening of the new Starbucks at Quora Retail Park this week.
The students were invited to cut the ribbon and perform songs from their upcoming school production of The Wizard of Oz, delighting the crowd and Starbucks staff with their energy and talent. After their performance, the children enjoyed a free drink and some well-deserved downtime – before jumping back up for an encore round of singing.
The event marked a special morning of community spirit and celebration, showcasing local young talent while welcoming a new business to the area.
Headteacher Kelly Overson said:
“We were thrilled to be invited to take part in such a positive community event. Our children were so excited to perform and represent Green Top – and they absolutely rose to the occasion. It was a lovely way to celebrate their hard work on the show and be part of something special in our town.”
Green Top’s production of The Wizard of Oz is due to hit the stage soon, and if their performance at Starbucks is anything to go by, it’s sure to be a hit!
Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust from this week. To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.
What’s happening at the XP Festival ’25? @ XP Trust
KS1 Community Crew @ Green Top
KS2 Girls Football Tournament @ Carcroft School
Stay and Read in the sunshine! @ Norton Infants
Crew Sinfield – back and getting SLC ready! @ XP
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!
On Friday 11th July, XP Doncaster will be transformed into a creative hub of performance, exhibition, and celebration – and we can’t wait to welcome you!
Live Performances & Music
Expect a packed line-up of student-led performances including original music, dance, spoken word and drama. From samba to saxophones, DJs to jazz, our young artists will take to the stage with energy, skill and passion.
Art Exhibitions & Creative Showcases
Wander through beautiful student work and installations created as part of Learning Expeditions from across our schools. These pieces reflect deep thinking, real-world issues and the craftsmanship we value across the Trust.
‘XP Live’ Bands and Performers
Enjoy the latest in our growing XP Live programme – showcasing student bands, solo artists, and collaborations with professional musicians. This year, we’re proud to programme lots of original music and elevate voices across every year group.
Community & Family
You can expect a welcoming atmosphere! The Festival is also a chance to bring together families and communities. Whether you’re here to watch your child perform or soak in the vibe, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust from this week. To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.
Year 5 – National Mining Museum @ Green Top
Crew Attenborough Charity Event @ XP Gateshead
EYFS Community Meeting @ Norton Infants
Where is Doncaster on the map? @ Norton Juniors
XP Festival of Arts and Culture – Tickets available now!
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!
We have the honour and privilege to welcome one of our greatest advocates and dearest friend, the peerless Ron Berger who will be visiting XP Trust in the first week of July this term. There will be a number of opportunities for staff and students to work with Ron and details will be out next week of how you can take part in the coming days.
I thought to whet your appetite, I’d include a recent podcast that features Ron and, our very own, Gwyn ap Harri talking about Crew, Expeditions and Character recording whilst Gwyn, Kate and Ron were working with the Department for Education and schools in Southern Australia earlier this year.
Click on the link below and listen to an inspirational and powerful conversation that is a timely reminder of why we do what we do at XP Trust.
‘I don’t think it is possible to separate academics and character.’ Ron Berger
‘Crew is our teamwork approach to school culture and it doesn’t just start with students but it starts with staff as well. We circle up as a Crew because in order to teach Crew you have to be Crew.’ Gwyn ap Harri
