The XP Trust Communication Crew welcomed two Year 10 students, Alex Jendraszyzck and Holly Gray, during the summer term of 2025 as part of their Work Experience placement. A key task for both students while with the Comms team was to write an article for the inaugural edition of XP Unpacked. This bi-annual magazine showcases the important work undertaken across our Trust, and features articles from influential world wide partners who are influencing globally value driven approaches to education. Writing for this prestigious publication provided the students with a purposeful, authentic experience of product creation.
Both students worked alongside Comms to think about key considerations that journalists would take into account when writing an article. For example, Alex and Holly thought deeply about audience and purpose and how this would impact on content, style and language. In addition, the students were given a specific deadline for completion. Alex decided that his article would feature Crew, one of the distinguishing features of an XP school whilst Holly focussed her article on the importance of Presentations of Learning for growing character, a key component of our Learning Expeditions and how they have helped to grow her character and deepen her learning whilst she has been at the school.
After drafting and critiquing their work they presented their articles for publication and I am pleased to say they were high quality and beautifully written. The articles are justifiably placed alongside pieces by educational giants like Ron Berger and Jeff Robin.
As a result, I want to encourage other students to submit their work for consideration in future editions.
In conclusion, last Friday, it was an honour to present Holly and Alex with their copies of XP Unpacked in a whole school Community Meeting which allowed other students and staff to appreciate and celebrate their achievement.
The magazine is available to purchase from the XP shop here and is enhanced by the inclusion of these two outstanding student articles.
Brilliant work Alex and Holly!!
Andy Sprakes
