Month: February 2026
Mock Interview Day Gives Year 10 Students a Taste of the World of Work
26 Feb 2026
Year 10 students at Park Vale Academy were truly under the spotlight on Wednesday 25th February as they took part in our annual Mock Interview Day. More than 20 employers from a wide range of organisations generously gave their time to support the event, coordinated by the Academy’s Careers Adviser, Miss Koppoe.
The purpose of the day was to give students valuable experience of a real‑life, one‑to‑one interview with a professional from industry. Students arrived prepared and conducted themselves with maturity—greeting interviewers confidently, offering a handshake, introducing themselves and presenting their carefully prepared CVs.
Feedback from students, staff, volunteers and employers was overwhelmingly positive. For many of our students, this was their very first formal interview, and while it was initially a daunting prospect, they rose to the challenge. Students received personalised verbal feedback on their interview technique, the quality of their CVs, and practical advice on how to stand out in a competitive job market. Written feedback will also be provided for inclusion in their portfolios.
The event was a huge success, and we are extremely proud of all our Year 10 students for their professionalism and enthusiasm. We are also deeply grateful to our volunteer interviewers—including representatives from local businesses, members of our governing body, and members of the Trust—whose support plays a vital role in helping our students develop essential employability skills.
Our sincere thanks go to:
- Natasha Warner, IT Service Manager, E.ON
- Marcus Robinson, Head of Estates, Redhill Academy Trust
- Dale Aitcheson, Service Management Manager, E.ON
- Charlotte Kendall, School Outreach, Nottingham College
- Khaleeq Rehman, Assistant Tax Manager, KPMG LLP
- Isabella Long, Social Impact, Balfour Beatty
- Paula Hancock, Assistant Professor – Professional Practice and Partnership Lead, The University of Nottingham
- Matthew Massey, Assistant Manager, KPMG LLP
- Samuel O’Boyle, Environmental & Sustainability Advisor, Balfour Beatty
- Alan J.W. Langton, Retired Headmaster
- Michael Ackroyd, Retired Dentist, Mapperley and Arnold Rotary Club
- Sarah Roe, School Counsellor, Park Vale Academy
- Glenn Turner, Master Mariner – Superintendent Safety and Admin (Retired), MARC (Mapperley and Arnold Rotary Club)
- Richard Pannell, Retired Chartered Surveyor and Company Director, Mapperley Rotary Club
- Tracey Crawford, Space Programme Manager, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
- Harinder Nagra, Graduate Energy Engineer, Balfour Beatty
- Madeline Tanner, Graduate Energy Engineer, Balfour Beatty
- Jas Gill, Service Integration Manager, E.ON
- Laura Grainger, Social Value Manager, Keepmoat
- Jared Measures, Think Big Programme Assistant, Nottingham Forest
- Hayley Parker, Community Engagement Worker, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
The dedication of all involved helped create an inspiring and memorable experience for our students—an excellent foundation for their future careers.
World Book Day – 5th March 2026 – Join in as your Favourite Book Character.
26 Feb 2026
World book day is on Thursday 5th of March 2026 .
Staff students are invited to come dress as their favourite book characters. However, you need to see Miss Hudson, our librarian, and get a permission slip that you need on the day. You may only come dressed up if you have got a permission slip and have agreed you character from a book in advance. No football outfits or jeans are to be worn!
If you would like to dress up, please get a slip from Miss Hudson in the library prior to the day. This can be done before school, after school, every break time and this Thursday lunchtime.
See some images from previous World Book Days at Park Vale Academy
Ex Year 11 [Class of 2025] Presentation Evening- What a night it was!
22 Feb 2026
Park Vale Academy hosted its annual Year 11 Presentation Evening on Wednesday 4th February and what a night it was! Staff, parents and students gathered to celebrate the achievements and successes of our Class of 2025 in style.
As well as each student receiving their actual GCSE Certificates, there were awards for the top performer in each subject as well as special awards in key areas.
The final two prestige awards went to two amazing and dedicated students. The award for Best Academic Progress went to Annalise Dove and the award for Best Overall GCSE Performance went to Elva Andrulyte.
The evening was a reflection of just how much pride there is in both the academy and their students. We wish our Class of 2025 the very best in their future education, careers and life.
Y9 PARENTS EVENING BOOKING SYSTEM: Parents’ Evening Wednesday 4th March 2026 4pm – 7pm
15 Feb 2026
Use the link to access the online parent evening booking system.
Please use the link below to book your appointments
https://parkvaleacademy.parentseveningsystem.co.uk/
Click here for a parents evening guide to using the system
Questions you may wish to ask at parents’ evenings
Jot down a list of questions and/or observations (not too many, though) on each subject in advance so you’re your appointments are focused and make the most of the limited time.
Some useful questions might be:
- Is my child’s progress in line with the teacher’s expectations?
- Has he or she done anything particularly well, or badly?
- What can he or she do to improve?
- Are they attending the extra revision sessions after school?
- How can I help as a parent?
- How can you help as his or her teacher?
- How much time should my child’s homework for this subject take?
- How much time should my child be reading for?
- What do his or her grades tell us about possible performance in important future exams?
- Does he or she contribute in lessons?
- How does my child get along with the other pupils in the class and the teachers?
Make a note on the night of the teachers’ answers – after a couple of hours whisking from one subject to another, it can be easy to forget or muddle the comments.
…And more questions
Most teachers have a wealth of knowledge and experience, so ask for their guidance and suggestions on how you can help your child to do their best in the subject. If a teacher says something you don’t understand, ask for clarification. Parents are not expected to know all about a subject or a method of teaching.
Constructive criticism
Good teaching means identifying areas for improvement, so don’t be offended if you hear criticism of your child. This should always be constructive and designed to help them to achieve their potential in the subject. If your child is with you, try not to sound disappointed or negative – or tell your child off! Take the advice of the teacher as a positive step towards better marks in the future. Remember that it’s rarely helpful to compare your child’s performance to other members of the class, set or year group – what’s important is that they are achieving in line with their own capabilities, not those of others.
Don’t Miss the Chinese New Year Menu- 24th February 2026
15 Feb 2026
PVA Students to Compete in the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships 2026
15 Feb 2026
Good luck to our students representing the academy in the Indoor Rowing Championships on Friday 27th February 2026 in Leeds.
London Youth Rowing is proud to announce the return of the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships (NJIRC) – and 2026 is set to be our biggest and most inclusive year yet!
This landmark year will bring young people together from all backgrounds to experience the excitement, competition, and community spirit that NJIRC is famous for. Whether racing live in London or the North or logging on from your rowing machine anywhere in the world, everyone can join the action.
NJIRC North – Leeds (John Charles Centre for Sport) – Friday 27th February 2026
NJIRC South – Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (Copper Box Arena) – Friday 20th March 2026
NJIRC Virtual – Online (NJIRC Virtual Platform) – 2nd – 19th March 2026
Drama trip to Derby Theatre 11th March 2026
14 Feb 2026
A captivating drama of love, revolution and what it means to grow up in a divided world.
“Why love, if losing hurts so much?”
Sephy and Callum sit together on a beach. They are in love.
It is forbidden.
Sephy is a Cross and Callum is a Nought. Between Noughts and Crosses there are racial and social divides.
A segregated society teeters on a volatile knife edge. As violence breaks out, Sephy and Callum draw closer, but this is a romance that will lead them into terrible danger.
This gripping Romeo and Juliet story is by acclaimed writer Malorie Blackman, adapted by Sabrina Mahfouz and directed by Esther Richardson.
Finalist for Best Show for Children and Young People, UK Theatre Awards.
PVA Theatre Trip – Tuesday 24th March
14 Feb 2026
★★★★★
‘Another state-of-the-nation masterpiece from James Graham’ The Telegraph
Due to popular demand, March 2026 heralds the return of Punch to Nottingham Playhouse, following its remarkable simultaneous openings on Broadway and in the West End. After its premiere in 2024, this powerful account of Jacob Dunne’s story sparked discussions everywhere, from theatres to courthouses and the House of Commons. Now it is back, with a brand new cast. Olivier Award-winning writer James Graham (Dear England, This House, BBC’s Sherwood), has brought Jacob Dunne’s extraordinary true story to the stage in a gripping, high-energy and deeply moving production.
Jacob Dunne, a teenager from The Meadows, Nottingham, spends his Saturday nights seeking thrills with his friends. One fateful evening in Old Market Square, an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences. After serving prison time, Jacob finds himself lost and directionless. Searching for answers, Joan and David – the parents of his victim James – ask to meet, sparking a profound transformation in Jacob’s life.
A powerful story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change.
Whilst Punch is inspired by a true story, some characters and events have been fictionalised for the purposes of the play.
Trust schools Poetry Recitation Competition Finals – Re-igniting the love of poetry! Monday 9th March
13 Feb 2026
Good luck to our finalists; Othniel, Mudia, Awa and Mariam
TRUST FINAL – 9th March @ The Bolsover School
Textile Trip to Ruddington Knitters Museum on Tuesday 24th February 2026
13 Feb 2026
The visit will include:
- A guided tour of the museum.
- A knitting workshop, whereby students will be able to produce a circular knitted sample to add to their coursework.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit
Discover history, craft, and creativity at the Framework Knitters Museum — there’s something to inspire everyone!
- Knit your own souvenir on a vintage circular knitting machine.
- See 200-year-old framework knitting machines in action — a rare opportunity to witness an endangered historic craft.
- Step back to Victorian times and experience how framework knitters lived and worked.
- Meet the families of the past and uncover their stories within our restored cottages.
- Explore the link between framework knitting and Nottingham’s world-famous lace industry.
- Browse beautiful, locally made gifts — cards, crafts, and textiles — in Parker’s Yard shop.
- Relax with coffee and cake at Parker’s Yard Café, or enjoy the peaceful community garden on sunny days.
- Visit the Chapel Gallery to see our latest exhibition — works are often available for sale.
- Learn about the Luddites and their legendary leader, Ned Ludd.
- Admire a pair of Queen Victoria’s stockings, proudly displayed in our textile collection.
