Year: 2024
Science Live Sheffield 31st January 2024
2 Feb 2024
An exciting opportunity for students to visit Sheffield city hall to see and hear five of Britain’s top scientists, all working at the cutting edge of their specialisms. The scientists are carefully chosen for their ability to communicate with students of this age in a direct and exciting way.
Prof. Robert Winston, a medical doctor, distinguished scientist, particularly in the area of human fertility.
Dr Tim Gabriel a Lecturer in Chemical Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University, whose research interests include electrochemistry, nanostructure fabrication and electrode materials. An important part of his role in academia is to prepare and assist science students to turn their degrees into careers.
Prof. Sophie Scott Although Professor Scott will talk about why we crack up (and she is an occasional stand-up comedian), this subject is no joke. This is a chance to see how neuroscience helps to explain many aspects of human behaviour in a consistent and scientific way.
Prof Jim Al-Khalili is professor of physics at the University of Surrey and also has a chair in the Public Engagement of Science. He won a Faraday prize for science communication.
Prof Andrea Sella, If ever there was a perfect chemistry lecture this is it. Not only does he speak beautifully about chemical processes, he uses chemicals on the stage to illustrate his ideas.
The Doctors Show 2nd February 2024
2 Feb 2024
Students were allowed to attend The Doctors Show at The Palace Theatre in Newark on Friday 2nd February 2024.
https://www.schoolhistoryscene.co.uk/the-doctors-show.php
The Doctors Show is a play and workshop about the history of medicine in Britain from the Medieval period to the present day. This will be an invaluable aid to their understanding of the GCSE History Medicine Through Time specification, and will give the students an opportunity to engage with the content differently and interactively, including looking at exam questions and how to improve their performance in the final exam.
PVA Supports International Day of Women & Girls in Science – 11th February
2 Feb 2024
It is celebrated every year on the 11th of February and was first established in 2015. 2024 is the 8th year it has been celebrated. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was originally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and is enacted annually by UNESCO, in collaboration with UN Women.
Significance and Objectives
The primary objectives of International Day of Women and Girls in Science include:
- Promoting Gender Equality: The day emphasizes the importance of achieving gender equality in STEM disciplines, encouraging equal opportunities for women and girls in scientific education and careers.
- Highlighting Achievements: It celebrates the accomplishments and innovations of women scientists, showcasing their contributions to research, technology, and scientific advancements.
- Inspiring Future Generations: International Day of Women and Girls in Science serves as an inspiration for young girls and students to pursue studies and careers in STEM fields, challenging stereotypes and biases.
- Advocating for Inclusion: The day calls for greater inclusion of women in decision-making processes and leadership roles within the scientific community.
Spark a love of STEM! The Big Bang Fair – Year 8
1 Feb 2024
Year 8 students will be attending the UK’s biggest STEM celebration for young people. The Big Bang Fair returns to the NEC in Birmingham on 19 to 21 June to inspire and excite young people with careers in science, engineering and technology. Discover hands-on activities, careers panels and incredible shows that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
House Points we 28th January 2024
29 Jan 2024
Nottingham Author, Lisa Williamson – Workshop 18 Jan 24
29 Jan 2024
https://www.lisawilliamsonauthor.com/about.html
Year 8 Student Review:
‘When visiting Colonel Frank Seely Academy, we met the author Lisa Williamson, who spoke to us about creative writing and gave us some short prompts to base our writing on.
Overall, I would say the workshop was fun and engaging as we met up with several academies and witnessed the different talents across Nottingham. Each activity we were given to complete allowed everyone’s imagination to run wild and break through the limitations of literature. The workshop allowed me and others to come up with new ways to expand and develop our knowledge.
I would definitely hope and recommend for others to experience the same amount of enjoyment I got from this trip!’
Tips For Managing Screen Time
26 Jan 2024
Former PVA Student to Study at Oxford University
18 Jan 2024
Ebony Walker, a former student of Park Vale Academy, is celebrating after being offered a place at the prestigious Oxford University to read History.
Ebony left the Academy in 2022, after securing an amazing set of 10 GCSE results which included six grade 9’s in Biology, English Language, English Literature, History, Art & Design, and Religious Studies and a further three grade 8’s in Chemistry, Physics and Spanish.
At the Ex-Year 11 presentation evening in March, Ebony also walked away with the much coveted prestigious award for Best GCSE Performance. Ebony then progressed to Bilborough College where she studies History, English Literature, and Spanish.
Ebony’s success demonstrates that whatever you may want to pursue, whether that be University, College, an apprenticeship, or any other path, keeping your ambitions high, pushing yourself, and giving everything 100% will produce results that may surprise you!
Ebony sent messages to the staff at the school saying: ‘I’m very grateful for the time I spent at Park Vale Academy and for the fantastic members of staff- especially the brilliant English department- who always provided close support, pushing us to challenge ourselves and be more confident in our work, and also my tutor – for her ongoing support.’
The staff at PVA themselves are delighted that Ebony has secured a place at Oxford as she does embody what we stand for as a school. Her hard work and dedication are the key to her success and her willingness to challenge herself to achieve the very highest standards will be an inspiration to current students at the academy. When we first started our journey as Park Vale, the key message we gave to all students was that of high expectations and achievement so Ebony is a shining example of the success of that formula.
Well done Ebony and good luck in the next stage of your exciting journey!
Safer Internet Day 2024
18 Jan 2024
Safer Internet Day – Parent Workshop Opportunity – Safer Internet Day is a celebration of the safe and positive use of technology, coordinated by the UK Safer Internet Centre. Join the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, as they host a free webinar on how you can keep your children safe online- Tuesday 6th February 2024 7pm online. The webinar aims to provide parents/carers the tools to protect their children online and also ensure parents/carers can take back control by improving their own knowledge so they can be in the discussion with their children. Please click on link to the free Safer Internet Day webinar for Parents to help keep their children safe online on 6th February at 7pm. This can also be accessed from the website as well Webinars | EM Cyber Secure (eastmidlandscybersecure.co.uk)
Y10 Mock Interview Day – Friday 23rd Feb 2024
17 Jan 2024
Introduction
Interviews are something that everyone finds challenging, whether you are going for your first interview, or whether you have taken part in lots of interviews before. It is so important that you have the opportunity to practise for your first interview, so that you feel more confident and prepared to answer whatever questions you have to face.
One thing to remember: an interview is a two-way process. It is a chance for you to “show-off”, to tell the employer why they need you to work in their organisation. It is also, though, the opportunity for an employer to see whether you “fit” into their organisation.
PART ONE: Preparation
You will need to prepare a C.V [Curriculum Vitae] to hand to the interviewer at your interview. The CV should be produced using a computer and aim to look professional. Look at these examples!
PART TWO: Practise Questions
These are the types of questions that you might get asked at an interview and with ideas on how you might respond to those questions. Have a go at preparing some answers to these questions
| What are your interests outside of school? | Make sure you are able to talk for a minute or so about something you do in your spare time.The interviewer wants to know that you are a well-rounded person with a life outside school! |
| What are your strengths? | Before you go to the interview, it is a good idea to make a list of the qualities that you think the employer or educational establishment would want from someone. Your answers will tell the interviewer whether you have an understanding of the type of person needed to do the course/job |
| What are your weaknesses? | Do you admit to any? One answer could be that you do have some but none that would stop you doing a good job. Another answer could be phrased positively – “sometimes over-enthusiastic” or “a bit of a perfectionist”Reassure the interviewer that there are no serious areas of concern and that you will be able to do the course/job. |
| Can you tell me about a time when you had to work as part of a team? | How do you relate to other people? Are you a leader? Have you got ideas? Can you motivate others? Before you go to the interview, think about a project that you have been involved with which required teamwork. Tell the interviewer what the team goal was, what part you played in helping the team to achieve that goal and how successful you were.The question is designed to help the interviewer find out what sort of a person you are. |
| What accomplishments /achievements have given you the greatest satisfaction/ are you most proud of? | Before you go to the interview think of an achievement/accomplishment of which you are proud. It does not necessarily have to be connected with school or work.Employers/Sixth Forms & Colleges all want people who are able to accomplish projects successfully |
| Do you have or have you held any positions of responsibility whilst at school? | Before you go to interview, make a note of any positions of responsibility you hold, if necessary, it is okay to take some notes into the interview to remind you. |
| What made you choose the subjects you are currently studying? | Before you go to interview make sure you know exactly what subjects you are studying and be prepared to explain why you choose them. |
| Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? | The answer to this question needs to be one that will reassure the interviewer that you are keen to learn and to use the skills you acquire within the company or during your time at Sixth Form or College. Your answer should include points such as ‘I would hope to have gained experience/new skills/qualifications” … “I would be taking on more responsibility”. You need to make clear that you want progression within the company (if applying for the apprenticeship). Do not say that you will have moved on elsewhere unless you are applying for a Sixth Form or College place. |
PART THREE: Practise answering the questions
It is all very well to prepare answers to the questions, rehearse them and know what you are going to say, but it is totally different when you are actually in the interview situation with an employer/someone sitting opposite you, that you’ve never met before, who is asking these questions individually.