We had a busy time in crew last week and were really proud to be able to share our efforts with parents who were able to come in for our little presentation of learning on Friday.
We are thrilled to share the incredible journey that our crew embarked on during their week at Outward Bound. It was a week filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable memories as we explored the great outdoors and built bonds that will last a lifetime.
Building Our Crew: The Heart of the Experience
At the core of this expedition was the concept of building a crew. We were not just a group of individuals; but a tight-knit team, learning to trust and support each other. Through shared experiences and challenges, we developed a deep sense of what it means to be ‘Crew’.
A Week of Growth and Discovery
This Outward Bound experience was more than just an outdoor adventure; it was a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. We were challenged in ways we may never have been before, and they rose to the occasion with resilience, determination, and a spirit of adventure. We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished.
A quick ride on the motor boat!
The Hike: We embarked on a challenging hike through breathtaking landscapes to the top of the mountain. This wasn’t just a walk in the park; it required physical stamina, mental resilience, and teamwork. But wow! What a view at the end!
Here is where we finally saw some blue sky after two days of rain! The best views come after the hardest climb.
Wild Camp: We spent a night under the stars after learning how to set up camp, cook meals, and appreciate the simple beauty of nature.
Gorge Walk: The gorge walk was a highlight for many. We navigated through rocky streams, scrambled over slippery boulders, and braved the cold waters—all while supporting one another through every step. This activity not only built physical strength but also fostered trust and teamwork.
We are incredibly proud of what our crew have accomplished, and we have come away from this experience with a deeper understanding of what it means to be Crew.
Like we say at XP…‘If we get Crew right, we get everything right.’
I am sure you have all had excited students return home from school today, eager to set up their devices! They were all sent with a number of instructions, in support of the questions I have been emailed I am sharing information below:
Screen protector
The screen protector must be installed to keep the Applecare warranty on the iPad valid, please do this first to ensure the most successful installation.
You can follow the written guide below or use our instructional video here. Please note the password for this year is not enrolment as stated in the video, it is summer2024
Don’t unbox the iPad until you are ready to install the screen protector.
Make sure you have lots of space and a clean dust free flat surface before you start.
Remove the screen protector from its case and the iPad from the box.
Take care not to touch the iPad screen before installing the screen protector.
If any dust particles fall on the screen you can remove them with the stickers in the toolkit.
Very carefully remove the protective film from the screen protector, take care as the screen protector is made of glass.
Using the paper tab on the protector, remove the plastic protective film protection.
Align the cutout for the home button and applying a small amount of pressure to the middle of the protector touch it down to the middle of the screen.
If there are any air bubbles under the protector you can push these to the side using the polishing cloth.
Installing the iPad in the logitech keyboard case
This is really nice and easy, open the case from the box, align the camera on the rear to the top right of the case and clip it in.
First time login
Select English as your language
United Kingdom as your region (this is really important)
Select “Set up Manually” from the bottom of the page
Select your Wi-Fi
Enter the password and tap “join” and then “next”
Wait while the iPad activates (this may take a few minutes)
A screen with the title “Apps & Data” will appear – select “Don’t Transfer Apps & Data”
A new screen will appear with the title “Remote Management” – click “Next”
A page with a login box will appear
Add your username. This is the start of your school email address. Eg. if your email address is [email protected] OR [email protected] (this is dependent on the school your child attends.
Then then username would be firstname.surname31
(We apologise if the surname is not the preferred surname – these were set up using the information provided from your application to the school during Year 6. These usernames will only need to be used once.)
The default password this year is “summer2024”
The next page will ask you to click to “Enroll this device” tap the blue button
The next screen will ask you to “Enable Location Services” please make sure this option is selected.
Your enrolment is now complete and default applications will now start to download.
After school your child’s iPad behaves exactly like any other iPad. During the day we manage the iPads so that only certain apps are available.
In order to download apps at home that you have agreed your child can have, you will need an Apple ID. If you do not have one, you can find instructions on how to set one up here.
If you have separate Apple ID’s – for example if your child already has an apple device – you can link Apple ID’s in a family sharing group. More info on that can be found here.
Screen time and other parental controls are also available. You can find guides to these here.
For additional protection we recommend that you filter what your children can access at home using your own Wifi. Most hubs for your Wifi at home will have settings that will also restrict content. Log in to your broadband provider account and search for parental controls.
Please note: If you chose not to purchase a school iPad and bought your own, in order to be used in school we must add it to the JAMF system. This will ensure the same safety features are enabled and the iPad will be restricted during school hours. Please email the serial number to your child’s Crew Leader to ensure we are able to do this in a timely manner, in support of your child’s learning.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to email your child’s Crew Leader in the first instance.
How can Crew help me finish my XPE journey as the best version of myself?
An emotional but fun filled week for Crew Rashford on our first week back. It was amazing to share our summer stories and build relationships with each other. The positive impact this has on Crew and students will set up for the challenges Y11 face and are ready to smash.
Our focus was to return to Crew and think about how we are going to work towards closing our crew circle.
We also created our own academic road map listing key dates and events on the run up to GCSEs. We will use this to keep us on task and focussed in Crew.
After a long summer off, crew have reformed with some surprising new attitudes. We have had a tough week getting to grips with being back but in the end we came to realise that we are crew and how we are going to navigate our final year together. Well done guys great work!
As part of C31 Immersion we will be taking XP students to Murton Hall in Yorkon Friday (6.9.24) to be Vikings for the day!
Students will need to arrive to school at 7.45am for us to leave at 8.15am and we are aiming to be back at school for 4pm, traffic allowing.
Students will need to bring:
A packed lunch (students on Free school meals will be provided with a lunch)
A large bottle of water
Students should wear comfortable clothing. It is advised that students do not wear brand new footwear/clothing as the ground is quite dirty and the nature of the tasks they will be doing they may get a bit dirty!
We are really looking forward to and we believe it will be a great experience for the students.
Welcome back, new year of amazing enrichment opportunities for students to attend. Any questions please email the staff in charge. All sport after school session will start W/C 2nd September.
We’re excited to share that the first week back at school has been filled with purposeful and fun activities for our students. Since returning on Tuesday, the focus has been on re-establishing the importance of Crew at XP and engaging in a variety of enriching experiences.
This week, students have participated in activities such as “Rebooting Crew,” taking the Kindness Pledge, attending a “Me in Mind” expert talk, creating thoughtful cards, and painting pebbles. They also worked together to donate and put hampers in place, which were generously donated to local care homes. Additionally, students enjoyed orienteering and team-building games to strengthen their bonds.
To round off the week, all Year 9 students travelled to Flamborough on Friday, where they walked together from South Landing to North Landing.
We’re proud of how our students have embraced the start of the new school year and look forward to the exciting journey ahead!
We have had a fantastic week but we’re glad to be coming home!
There’s many tired faces on the coach, desperate for “their own bed” and “a takeaway!”
Unfortunately, as I am sure you understand, there have been some delays to our return journey.
We have just left Scotch Corner Services, according to the estimate we will return to school at 6pm.
As mentioned in the blog update, we would appreciate it if you could park in Car Park 3 as normal, then meet your child with their bags where the coaches departed from at the opposite side of school. This ensures we can keep the students safe and there is enough room for the coaches to manoeuvre.
Your child will be released from their Crew Leader once they have seen you.