New Digital Homework – from September 2022

28 Sep 2022

HOMEWORK POLICY [CLICK HERE]

Letter to Parents Years 9 – 11

Letter to Parents Years 7- 8

At Park Vale Academy, we have embraced digital learning platforms as a proven way to accelerate learning and engage our youngsters. From the start of the new academic year, September 2022, we will be moving our homework tasks to a digital format and re-enforcing our homework policy with students and we ask parents for their support with this. Homework is an important part of academic studies and helps students to learn independently, reinforces the learning done during school time and helps develop good self-discipline and work ethic, if done regularly and as requested.

Students will already be familiar with online tools such as Class Charts and the letter to parents provides an overview of some of the other online learning platforms that students will need to access from home to complete their homework. Additional time will be spent in lessons to ensure all students are confident in accessing these sites and the work set on them. Additional support is available within school to address any issues that students may have. Alternatively, they can attend an after school homework club.

Please find below guides to using Class Charts. If you would like to find out more, please visit the Class Charts website

Class Charts Guide for Parents [Click link]

Class Charts Guide for Students [Click link]

At Park Vale Academy, we believe that home learning plays a vital role in extending and supporting students’ learning opportunities.

Consequently, homework is set by all subject areas across all year groups.

We ensure that all our students are supported in the completion of homework through after Academy study and support groups which are run weekly for each year group. We are firmly committed to positively acknowledging students’ homework efforts – this is reflected in our Academy’s reward policy.

We believe that homework should be both meaningful and worthwhile and designed to extend the learning of the student outside the classroom and to:
• extend and support classwork
• consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding
• develop the skills of an Independent Learner
• develop skills and attributes such as resilience, accountability and motivation
• develop time management and organisational skills essential in life and beneficial to students as they leave the Academy and progress to post 16 learning or enter the workforce.

STAY SAFE ONLINE – Please remember when using online sites if you are asked for your email address students MUST use their school email e.g. initialsurname@parkvaleacademy.org.uk

Whilst your child is working online at home we would like to reinforce the importance of online safety. Please be aware of what your child is being asked to access online and with whom they are interacting. If you have any concerns please contact the school directly and/or seek advice on the websites listed below. 

Year 11 Parents: Supporting your Child with their GCSE Revision –  Tuesday 11th October 6.00 – 7.15pm

27 Sep 2022

Come and join us for an informal evening at school where you can find out more about how you can support your child revise and prepare for their GCSEs.

Year 11 mock exams begin on Monday 7th November. This session will provide you with strategies to help your child get started with revision.

The session will be held in the school hall starting at 6.00pm with refreshments served from 5.45pm. 

A letter will be sent home with year 11 students. If you would like to attend, please complete the reply slip, email kharvey-taylor@parkvaleacademy.org.uk or phone 0115 8221244. Alternatively, please click on the link below or scan the QR code.

https://forms.office.com/r/wrHY2NKsfj

Following the Death of Queen Elizabeth II…

9 Sep 2022

The Redhill Academy Trust community of schools are saddened to hear of the death of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

We recognise her immense contribution to our country over the last 70 years and send our deepest condolences to everyone who is mourning during this sombre and historic time.

Following the Death of Queen Elizabeth II, the nation is entering a period of official mourning. We will keep parents updated here of any relevant news relating to the school. In the meanwhile, students should attend as normal.

As per the guidance from the government and the Department for Education, Park Vale Academy will be closed on Monday 19th September (national bank holiday) for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral.