Category: Latest News
Cinco De Mayo – 5th May Mexican Celebration!
30 Apr 2026
Park Vale Academy Celebrates Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Success – 22nd April 2026
26 Apr 2026
Park Vale Academy proudly celebrated the achievements of 29 students who successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award during the 2025–26 academic year. The accomplishments were recognised at the Academy’s annual DofE Awards Celebration Event, attended by families, friends, and staff.
Certificates were presented by the Academy’s experienced DofE Lead, Mr Alan Steer, who congratulated students on their exceptional commitment, dedication, and resilience throughout the programme.
“The determination, enthusiasm, and resilience shown by our students is truly commendable. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme provides experiences that build confidence, character, and leadership, and it was inspiring to see how fully the students embraced those opportunities. I extend my warmest congratulations to all Award recipients, along with my sincere thanks to the staff and volunteers whose dedication makes the programme possible.”
Celebrating Memories and Personal Growth
A highlight of the event was a special video presentation, Memories and Thoughts, created by the DofE staff, featuring a photo compilation capturing the students’ journeys and achievements.
Students were also invited to reflect on their experiences. When asked to describe their best experience in just one word, responses included:
Eventful, fun, hot, chaotic, adventurous, wonderful, independence.
Reflecting on what they learned about themselves during the challenge, students shared powerful and insightful thoughts, including:
- “I can read a map!”
- “I don’t miss my phone or parents as much as I thought I would.”
- “I can lead, and I’m stronger than I think.”
- “I can push myself without crying.”
- “I now respect nature a lot more.”
- “I can keep going when things get hard.”
Lasting Impact Beyond the Award
Park Vale Academy continues to see strong growth in DofE participation, with students contributing hundreds of hours of volunteering within the local community. Their efforts have supported charities, care settings, sports clubs, local events, youth organisations, and environmental projects—making a meaningful impact well beyond the Academy.
The school now looks forward to supporting its next Bronze cohort as they embark on their 2025–26 expeditions and volunteering placements, continuing the tradition of challenge, service, and personal development that defines the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Trust Champions – Over 13 Boys Handball Team
26 Apr 2026
https://www.redhillacademytrust.org.uk/handball-cup
🏆 Handball Tournament Success for Our School
We are incredibly proud of all our pupils who represented the school at the recent handball tournament. With four teams competing across different age groups, every squad showed determination, teamwork, and excellent sportsmanship throughout the day.
🟡 U15 Boys – Tournament Champions!
The U15 Boys were the standout team of the tournament, finishing 1st place and undefeated throughout. The final was a closely fought contest, but the boys held their nerve to secure a hard‑earned 2–1 win, crowning an excellent tournament performance.
🔵 U13 Boys
The U13 Boys team faced strong opposition and, while results were tough, they competed bravely and played well in every match. Their effort, attitude, and commitment never dropped, making this a valuable and encouraging experience for the team as they continue to develop.
🔴 U13 Girls
An outstanding tournament for the U13 Girls, who finished 2nd place overall. After a series of impressive performances, they reached the final, where they narrowly lost 3–1 in a close and competitive match. The team should be extremely proud of their achievement and resilience.
🟢 U15 Girls
The U15 Girls finished 3rd, showing huge character in the 3rd/4th place play‑off. After a tense match that ended 1–1 at full time, the game went to penalties. Our goalkeeper produced a remarkable performance, saving all three penalties, securing a well‑deserved victory for the team.
⭐ Well Done Everyone!
A huge congratulations to all players and staff involved. The effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship displayed across all teams truly represented the school with pride. We look forward to building on this success in future competitions.
👏 Well done to everyone involved!
SEND Parents’ Coffee Afternoon – 6th May 2026
21 Apr 2026
SEND coffee afternoon 6th May – Fill out form
We are offering the parents of SEND students at Park Vale Academy an afternoon to meet with our external agencies including our Ed Psych and our autism team. This will be an opportunity to meet professionals on an informal basis to discuss any issues or concerns you may have regarding your child. This is an opportunity for a open dialogue and for networking with other parents. Coffee, tea and cake will be provided. Mrs Page and Mrs Malpass will be there along with our team of TAs so you can meet your key worker in person to discuss positives and support your child. Please use the link to book a place if you can attend.
EARTH DAY 22nd April 2026
21 Apr 2026
Students at Park Vale Academy learn about Earth Day in assemblies this week. Environmental progress has always come from people who believed they could make a difference. Students, scientists, families, farmers, faith leaders, union members, business owners, and elected officials all have a role to play. When people take action, communities are built. When inspired communities speak up, leaders listen. When leaders act, policies shift and industries and corporations are held accountable. This is how real change happens. Your voice, your choices, and your actions are the spark that moves the world.
NOW OPEN! Y7 PARENTS EVENING BOOKING SYSTEM: Parents Evening Wednesday 6th May 2026 4pm – 7pm
21 Apr 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.
PVA Students join Mapperley and Arnold Rotary Club Outward Bound Expedition to Wales 6th – 10th April 2026
13 Apr 2026
Taha, Kyron and Kawsu joined the adventure at the Outward Bound centre in Wales for a week of activities and challenges.
Programme Details:
- When: Monday 6th April – Friday 10th April 2026
- Where: The Outward Bound Trust, Aberdyfi, Aberdovey LL35 0RA
- Who: 15 young people aged 14–16 from the local area
For the past 25 years, the Mapperley and Arnold Rotary Club has proudly run an Outward Bound Project that offers life-changing experiences for young people from our local community and from their twin Rotary Club in Holland.
The Rotary Club have provided this opportunity to over 500 young people, investing more than £350,000 to send them to the Outward Bound Centre in Aberdovey, North Wales. These programs help participants develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills through challenging outdoor adventures. Outward Bound has proven to be a powerful force for personal growth, opening doors and raising aspirations for the young people involved.
PVA Students off on an Adventure -CAMPS INTERNATIONAL – Kenya Scuba Expedition 25th July – 21st August 2026
13 Apr 2026
School Expedition https://www.campsinternational.com/expedition/kenya-scuba-expedition/https://www.campsinternational.com/expedition/kenya-scuba-expedition/
As a school, we are very excited to confirm that 6 students and a member of our staff are off this summer for a once in a life time experience with Camps International.
This action-packed and meaningful African adventure will take our group from the Savannahs of Tsavo, teeming with Kenya’s top wildlife, to the white-sand beaches of Diani where they will learn to explore the underwater world.
Throughout their time in Kenya they will get involved in a range of projects, helping to support education and community development in two rural communities. Students will become part of the community as they live and work alongside local people, learning about the challenges faced by local people as well as the rich tradition and culture of Kenya. Throughout the expedition, students will get up close to some truly incredible wildlife – try to spot some of the Big 5 on land and scuba dive alongside colourful marine life as they undertake your PADI Open Water Scuba Diving qualification in the glistening Indian Ocean.
| DAY | ACTIVITIES | MORE DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Leave for Kenya | This morning you will make your way to your designated meeting point ready to embark on your journey to Kenya. |
| Day 2 | Arrive in Kenya | You’ll be met at the airport by one of our awesome Camp Kenya crew who will take you to your accommodation in the city where you’ll spend your first night. |
| Day 3 | Head to your first camp | After a good night’s sleep, you will transfer to your first camp of the expedition. Located on the edge of a national park, it truly is a beautiful location and will quickly become your home away from home. On arrival, you will be given a briefing, camp orientation and village tour. After lunch, our project leaders will take you to visit the various project sites. You will gain an understanding of the issues you will be helping to tackle through your project work and we’ll establish your goals and objectives. |
| Day 4 | All about elephants and Maasai | Human-wildlife conflict is a big problem in Africa and today you will learn about the most effective ways the local community is looking to combat this. Working alongside local people you will help them make elephant deterrent fences. This is a method regarded by the locals as the best way to stop elephants entering their farms without harming the animals. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in an educational environmental workshop, making paper out of elephant dung to bring a source of income to the community. In the afternoon we’ll head to visit a local Maasai tribe, where you will spend time learning about their traditions and have a chance to join in with the famous Maasai jumping ceremony. |
| Day 5 – 9 | Environmental project work | Over the next few days, you will be getting stuck into environmental and wildlife-focused projects. You will undertake projects such as tree planting, and animal de-worming, learning about sustainable solutions to local and global issues. |
| Day 10 | Tumani Women’s Group | Today you will be spending time with an inspiring women’s group who we have been working with for many years. You will learn about the challenges faced by women in rural communities and the innovative projects we are supporting to aid income generation. You’ll get to try your hand at some of these projects too, learning to make bead crafts that can be sold. |
| Day 11 | Embark on a safari adventure | After an early breakfast, you’ll embark on an unforgettable safari at Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s top wildlife destinations. Keep your eyes peeled and you may be able to spot a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes and zebras to name a few. |
| Day 12 – 18 | PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Course | Head to our coastal camp where you’ll be staying for the next few days to complete your PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Course. Take on the challenge of mastering the fundamentals of Scuba Diving. Learn about your equipment and different diving techniques in a confined environment before undertaking a series of open water dives. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, dolphins and fish of all shapes and colours. In the evenings, you will have time to relax, play games on the beach or catch up on your PADI theory. |
| Day 19 | Travel to your next camp | After a week of Scuba Diving, you will transfer to your next camp where you will be based in another small, rural community. You’ll take a walk in the village to get to know the local families before having a full briefing on what your work here will involve. During the briefing, you will learn more about the current situation and challenges faced by the community. Then it’s time to get stuck in this afternoon as we begin project work. |
| Day 20 – 27 | Community project work | You will spend the next few days working alongside our locally employed craftsmen, helping to renovate or build a new house for a member of the community. |
| Day 28 | Kwaheri from Kenya | We’ll say our final farewells (or Kwaheri in Swahili) before transferring you back to the airport in time for your flight home. |
Labour Market Information
12 Apr 2026
Fantastic Year 7 Trip to Butlin’s Skegness – 27th March 2026
12 Apr 2026
Park Vale Academy were delighted to offer an exciting trip for Year 7 students to Butlin’s Skegness as part of their commitment to providing enriching experiences that support learning, confidence‑building, and teamwork.
The visit took place on Friday 27th March 2026, and students had the opportunity to enjoy a full programme of supervised activities, including access to the traditional fairground and a selection of sports sessions, run by the Butlin’s activity staff.
Itinerary – Butlins, Skegness
8:00am – Leave Park Vale Academy
10:15am – Arrive at Butlins, Skegness.
10:30pm – First Activity
- Group 1 – Archery
- Group 2 – Golf
- Group 3 – Laser Tag
11:15pm – Second Activity
- Group 1 – Golf
- Group 2 – Laser Tag
- Group 3 – Archery
12:00pm – Third Activity
- Group 1 – Laser Tag
- Group 2 – Archery
- Group 3 – Golf
12:30pm – Lunch
1:00pm – Fairground
2:30pm – Depart from Butlins, Skegness
5:00pm – Arrive back at Park Vale Academy