Month: November 2023
Science as a Career Event plus KS3 Competition
30 Nov 2023
On the 30th of November, there is a careers panel about climate change and protecting the planet that is going to stream at lunchtime in S3. The main panelist is Meganne Christian who is a trainee Astronaut that used to research in Antarctica.
Also, a competition about energy resources for KS3 that you have posters for. If you could put up the poster and share the slides with your classes that would be great. I have competition entry forms in my room, the deadline is in March so no rush.





Sex and The Law (Y11) PSHE Workshop – 1st December 2023
29 Nov 2023
Aim – to increase young people’s knowledge around sex and the law. Give students the opportunity to explore various myths around consent and explore the meaning of capacity and freedom in relation to sexual consent.
By the end of the session students will:
- have an increased understanding of the Sexual Offences Act 2003
- be able to give a definition on consent
- understand the legal age of consent and the consequences of sex without consent
- understand the laws around Sexting and Grooming offences.
An educational guide to pornification (Y11)
Aim – to explore the potential influences of the media, pornography and advertising on young people in terms of body image, gender stereotyping, exploitation and messages about sex and relationships.
By the end of the session students will:
- be able to explain some ways in which the media, including internet pornography might influence personal relationships
- have increased understanding of the similarities and differences between the online world and the physical world
- understand the impact of unhealthy or obsessive comparison with others online (including through unrealistic expectations for body image)
THINK BIG! Year 9 CODING WORKSHOPS 29th Nov – 5th Dec
29 Nov 2023
Think Big is a programme devised to introduce young people in Nottingham to the concept of technology, and how powerful it can be. In the Think Big film, shown to Year 9 this week in assembly, the message is that ‘tech is everywhere, and it powers everything’.
In today’s digital age, coding has become a fundamental skill that empowers individuals to have an impact on the world around them. It is no longer reserved for computer scientists and software engineers; coding has established its way into various aspects of day-to-day life.
The coding workshop is a practical and informative approach to introduce our students to the concept of coding with examples of where this is relevant to the real world, uncovering where they may have seen it in action without realising. The themed activity sets out the task of coding robots to transport them around an assault course.

The success of Think Big has a strong link to showing young people how the skills that are intertwined in technology can translate to the real world. Coding is, at its core, about solving problems. Learning how to code encourages young minds to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components. This structured approach to thinking is invaluable in not only programming but also in everyday life. By Think Big creating the opportunity for young people to develop these problem-solving skills, they are better prepared to tackle challenges in school, work, and the wider world.
Think Big uses examples from subjects other than IT to show students how they may identify with elements of coding, and to diminish the stereotyping. It allows individuals to create, experiment, and bring their ideas to life. When young people learn to code, they are equipped with the tools to foster their sense of creativity. This innovation can be applied to various fields such as art, music, science and business studies. These are values that we strive to carry through each Think Big workshop and masterclass.
The job market is evolving, and technology-related skills are in high demand. By introducing young people to coding, we are preparing them for a future where digital literacy is as essential as reading and writing. Technology is a skill that we are striving to bring to students across Nottingham, to enhance their employability skills.
CAREERS IN TECHNOLOGY
Technology is everywhere, it powers everything. It’s changed the way we live and the way we work, forever. You can be a big part of this change. There are so many jobs and careers in tech that never existed before that we want you to know about.
Redhill Trust Festive Food Bank Collection
24 Nov 2023
We’re excited to launch the Redhill Academy Trust Festive Food Bank Collection. Our school will be collecting for the Bestwood & Bulwell Food Bank Get your donations in by 15 December
#RHFestiveFoodBank

Nottm University Sports Discovery Programme Nov 23
24 Nov 2023
23 of those PVA students studying GCSE PE were invited to attend the Nottingham University Sports Discovery Programme on 23rd November 2023. The aim of this event was to provide students with more information about studying sports at university.

House Points week ending 20 November 2023
20 Nov 2023

Anti-Bullying Week 2023-Make a Noise!
17 Nov 2023
PVA students received an assembly about bullying, the consequences of it, and how to stand together to support each other. Anti-Bullying Week 2023 will take place from Monday 13th – Friday 17th November. The theme is Make A Noise About Bullying.
Park Vale Academy is committed to creating a culture that is inclusive and respectful, where students and staff can thrive and feel safe. This includes creating an environment that is free from harassment, sexual misconduct, hate crime, and bullying.
‘This Anti-Bullying Week let’s come together to have discussions about what bullying means to us, how banter can turn into something more hurtful, and what we can do to stop bullying. Together, we can make a difference and take a stand against bullying’
– Anti-Bullying Alliance













Bodies and Puberty (Y7) 20th November 2023
16 Nov 2023
Bodies and Puberty (Y7) Resources
Aim – Increase young people’s understanding of how bodies and emotions change as young people approach and move through puberty, increase their understanding of how the male and female reproductive system works.
By the end of the session, students will:
- be able to explain what puberty is
- be able to identify 3 signs of puberty (for both males and females)
- know how to maintain their own physical and emotional well-being moving through puberty
- explain when and where to seek support around issues in relation to puberty
Year 11 Tutor Reviews – School closes at 2.05 p.m. on Thursday 30th November.
13 Nov 2023
Letter to parents [pdf]
Good morning
A reminder that PVA has year 11 Tutor Reviews taking place on the week commencing Monday 27th November 2023. There will be an early finish for all students at 2.05 pm on Thursday 30th November.
These meetings add to our partnership work with parents in helping to secure outstanding results for students. During the review week, all parents and students should attend a 20-minute face-to-face meeting.
Review meetings are an opportunity for parents to come into the academy to meet with their child’s tutor to discuss their pastoral development and set agreed targets for the year ahead. Later in the year, there will also be a subject-based parents’ evening where parents will have the opportunity to speak to their child’s subject teachers about their progress in their subjects,
PVA supports BBC Children in Need. Non-Uniform Day – Friday 17th November 2023
9 Nov 2023
PVA supports BBC Children in Need in raising funds with a non-uniform day.
This year, Children in Need is calling on schools across the UK to celebrate the power of positive relationships! recognising the importance of these relationships and the impact they have in helping to support children and young people throughout their school years.
Teachers, we’re celebrating YOU! Many children and young people experience some of their first positive relationships with teachers and mentors at school, and so we want to celebrate you.


