Category: Latest News
Y10 – Capital One Pathways Programme Visit 25th November 2026
13 Nov 2026
As part of the exciting Capital One Pathways Programme, a group of Year 10 students will soon have the opportunity to visit the Capital One offices in Nottingham, giving them a valuable insight into the world of work and the wide range of careers available within a leading international business.
During the visit, students will meet professionals from different departments across the company and learn about the skills, qualifications, and personal qualities needed to succeed in today’s workplace. They will also gain first-hand experience of a modern office environment and discover how teams work together to solve problems, develop innovative solutions, and support customers.
The visit forms part of the wider Capital One Pathways Programme, which aims to inspire young people to think about their future career options, raise aspirations, and develop employability skills. Through engagement with industry professionals, students will be encouraged to explore the many routes available after school, including further education, apprenticeships, and graduate career pathways.
We are incredibly grateful to Capital One for providing this opportunity and look forward to seeing our students benefit from this unique experience. We are confident that the visit will be both inspiring and informative, helping our Year 10 students make meaningful connections between their education and future career ambitions.
We look forward to sharing highlights from the visit with our school community in the coming weeks.
Remembrance Day
13 Nov 2026
On 11 November, the Academy came together to observe a two-minute silence at 11:00am, paying tribute to the servicemen and women who have served and sacrificed in conflicts around the world. A wreath of poppies was laid in the academy’s memorial gardens and the last post was played.
In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, all students attended assemblies to learn about the significance of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and reflection. The assemblies also explored the importance of Remembrance Day, helping students to understand the sacrifices made by previous generations and the value of honouring those who have served their country.
The respectful conduct shown by students during the two-minute silence reflected the Academy’s commitment to remembrance, respect, and community.
Y11 MOCKS START MONDAY 16th NOVEMBER
13 Nov 2026
KPMG Opening Doors to Opportunities Y9 Visit 27th November 2026
13 Nov 2026
The Opening Doors to Opportunities programme is designed to give students the insight, skills and confidence to thrive in the world of work. PVA Year 9 students visited their office to give them a chance to connect with professionals, gain skills, and receive feedback on Friday 27th November 2026.
These career focused workshops, held at KPMG offices, were delivered by an experienced Talent Foundry facilitator and supported by KPMG colleagues. Students develop essential skills during the workshop while experiencing what it’s like to work at KPMG. The workshops:
- Provide students with an important insight into the world of work and allow them to engage with KPMG colleagues from different parts of the business
- Help students develop core transferable skills including communicating effectively, problem solving, thinking creatively, positivity, confidence, resilience, leadership and teamwork
- Enable students to explore and learn about emerging and innovative technologies
- Have a guided office tour with KPMG colleagues
- Link their curriculum learning to careers
- Provide encounters with employers and their staff and provide experience of their workplace
Quantum Theatre at PVA Monday 16th November 2026
13 Nov 2026
It’s a cold, bleak, biting Christmas Eve and old miser Scrooge is not full of the Christmas spirit. In fact he hates Christmas…(“humbug!” he calls it.) But on returning home he suddenly finds himself visited by four ghostly apparitions come to teach him a lesson; his old partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet To Come.
But as Christmas day dawns are these apparitions and their dire warnings enough to make Scrooge see the error of his ways?
“If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through his heart….”
There are global issues with Microsoft therefore the school email system is currently inaccessible. If you need to contact the school please call reception on 0115 8221244.
13 Nov 2026
There are global issues with Microsoft therefore the school email system is currently inaccessible. If you need to contact the school please call reception on 0115 8221244.
Year 8 – UK BEBRAS Computing Challenge November 2026
10 Nov 2026
We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully entered Year 8 students for another year of the UK Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge 2026. This year, all year 8 students (10-12 years old) studying our Computer Science /IT course have been entered. The competition has been live from the 4th of November 2026 and the first round ends on the 14th of November 2026. The results of the first round are available on the week beginning 24th November. The second round (top 10%), called the “UK BEBRAS CODING CHALLENGE” starts on the 14th to the 28th of March.
The Bebras Challenge introduces computational thinking to students worldwide. This exciting challenge takes place in schools, under the supervision of teachers, over two weeks every November. Last year, over 3 million students from more than 80 countries participated!
In the UK, the challenge is open to all young people aged 6 to 19. Each participant has 45 minutes to tackle a series of interactive tasks, designed to encourage logical thinking and problem-solving skills appropriate for their age group. The challenge is conducted online, and tasks are marked automatically by our competition system. The tasks are designed to allow every student the opportunity to showcase their potential, whether they excel in maths or computing, or not.
Every participating student receives a certificate. Certificates are awarded within each age group based on school performance, not national boundaries, in three categories: Distinction (top 25%), Merit (next 25%), and Participation (remaining 50%). Additionally, a “Best in School” certificate is awarded in each age group category. Certificates can be printed at school or home or distributed electronically.
The UK Bebras Challenge is organised by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford.
Diwali special menu | 10th November
5 Nov 2026
Indoor Rowing Club Every Thursday – Get Involved!
5 Nov 2026
As part of our Curriculum Plus programme we are delighted to offer all our students the opportunity to get involved. Indoor rowing is fun and competitive. Participants get the opportunity to compete at Academy, Trust and National levels should they wish.
Free Apprenticeship Webinars for Students, Parents & Carers – 4th November BBC & 12th November Met Office
3 Nov 2026
Discover apprenticeships at the BBC
BBC apprenticeship vacancies open on the 3rd November. Join this live webinar to hear directly from the BBC about what it’s like to be an apprentice, gain valuable insights into the structure and benefits of the apprenticeship schemes, including hands-on training and career development opportunities. The session will also guide you through the recruitment process, highlight what the BBC looks for in applicants, and share practical tips to help your application stand out.
Wednesday 4th November 2026, 16:00 – 17:00
NavigATE: What to expect from the apprenticeship recruitment process
Securing an apprenticeship starts with understanding the recruitment process. Ideal for prospective apprentices and those supporting them, this webinar provides a step-by-step look at what happens from application to appointment, along with practical tips on how to prepare. Attendees will also hear from the Emerging Talent Lead at the Met Office.
Thursday 12th November 2026, 15:30 – 16:15
We encourage students, parents and carers to register even if they are unable to attend live, as all registrants will receive access to the webinar recording and presentation slides afterwards.
