Category: Latest News
Year 10 Mocks start 20th April 2026
16 Mar 2026
Park Vale Academy students learn AI skills at university after school clubs
13 Mar 2026
March 2026
Computer Science students from the University of Nottingham have delivered after school clubs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help young people understand and use it more effectively.
School pupils in years 7 to 10 took part in 10 weeks of the ‘Demystifying AI – Clubs’ to enhance their knowledge of AI through fun, interactive problem-solving activities. Their achievements were celebrated at an event held on campus.
The project is part of the University’s widening participation programme to encourage underrepresented groups to engage with higher education and take part in STEM subjects.
The pupils from Park Vale Academy and NUAST attended sessions with undergraduate students and covered a range of topics around AI and included tasks for the pupils.
AI is a fast-moving area of computer science that is part of all our lives – whether we realise it or not. It is also a growth area for jobs and higher education, so we were keen to share our expertise with young people outside of the curriculum to help them understand how AI is developed and used.
Marjahan Begum, Assistant Professor in Computer Science
Marjahan continues: “The University students put together an excellent programme of informative and fun content to engage the pupils and get them thinking about AI and maybe even interest them in exploring the subject further beyond school.”
At the hour-long sessions pupils covered a range of topics including; how to spot AI generated content, how AI is trained using machine learning, the tricks AI uses to get users to do certain things and how patterns are embedded in apps. They also took part in fun activities like creating their own secret ‘cipher’ wheel to demonstrate how messages can be encoded and using Microbits to programme an AI pet.
Undergraduate students – Hana Ahmed-Mahmoud, Minahil Fansur, Eva Regalado, Saphia Ahmed, Abishah Vickneswaran and PhD students Victoria Hann and Mahfuzah Fariha worked together to design the content for the clubs and deliver the sessions.
Minahil Fansur, a year 3 undergraduate student delivered sessions at Park Vale Academy, she said: “Being part of this initiative has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my degree. Designing and delivering these sessions to students helped me think carefully about how to make the ideas accessible and engaging. Watching students who had not originally considered themselves “technical” light up when they grasped a concept or proudly explain their programs reminded me why this kind of outreach matters so much.”
I think the club reached students at the right time in their academic careers, especially since this was the kind of content they wouldn’t have been exposed to in school. What struck me most was how quickly their confidence grew. By the end, many of them believed they could have a career in computing, and that shift in how they see themselves is, to me, the most meaningful outcome possible.
Minahil Fansur, School of Computer Science
During the celebration event pupils visited the University’s Cobot Maker Space where researchers explore human-robot collaboration across a wide range of domains from assistive technologies to manufacturing, to creative performance. The pupils got to see the robots in action and talked to some of the experts.
Scrappy the robot dog showing his skills to school pupils
Pupils will also had the chance to expand their understanding with a debate on the pros and cons of AI with students from Nottingham Girls High School.
The project was funded by EPSRC.
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Marjahan Begum on marjahan.begum@nottingham.ac.uk
Wednesday 29th April 2026 Commendation Evening Year 11
6 Mar 2026
Park Vale Academy is delighted to welcome parents to their Year 11 Commendation Evening on Wednesday 29th April 2026. We look forward to celebrating the success of the students with you.
Year 11 commendation winners and their families are invited to attend this presentation evening to celebrate their achievements at the academy.
Invite letters and Class Chart messages will be sent to all award winners.
Y9 Guided Options Evening- 18th March 2026
3 Mar 2026
Guided Options Evening – 18th March 2026 6.00 -7.30 pm
Parents and Y9 students should attend the Guided Options Evening to find out more about the wide range of subjects offered and the process itself. The evening will start with a short presentation about the guided pathway process and some top tips about option choices.
Option Booklets
Options booklets with the choices available to your child and key subject information will be given to all Y9 students following their Option Process assembly. It can also be accessed using this link or on our website.
Subject Information
During February & March, subject areas will provide students with subject-specific information about the courses they offer. Informative subject videos can also be found on the website. A range of taster sessions will be offered to students to allow them to experience a subject and find out more about what some subjects have to offer.
Unifrog – Careers Advice
All students should have received an email from Unifrog. This platform provides information to help students make their option choices. It has a range of information about career pathways and qualifications required. It also provides access to MOOCS, described as free, easily accessible, completely online courses that students may wish to take in their own time.
A drop-in session is also available in S1 after school on Wednesday with the academy’s experienced career advisor. Mrs Koppoe will also be present at the Options Evening on 18th March 2026 to offer career advice and any support you may require.
I hope you find this information useful. May I also take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your much-valued support and engagement with this important stage in your child’s education. Should you have any further questions regarding this process, please do not hesitate the academy.
Ben Davis Author Visit at PVA on 4th March 2026
3 Mar 2026
Ben Davis is visiting Park Vale Academy, as part of the World Book Day celebrations, to deliver creative writing workshops to year 7 and year 8 students during their library lessons. During break and lunchtimes all students may take this opportunity to meet this inspiring author in person.
About the author
Ben Davis is an award-winning author of children’s books. His most recent title, the Soup Movement, was nominated for the prestigious Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for the Little Rebels Award.
His adult debut, Is This It, came out in 2021.
Ben lives in Tamworth, Staffordshire, with his wife, son and wimpy dog.
Working with Our Employer Advisor from E.ON
1 Mar 2026
What is an Enterprise Advisor?
An Employer Advisor is an experienced business professional who partners with schools to support high‑quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG). Their role is to help bridge the gap between education and the world of work, offering valuable insight, guidance, and opportunities that help young people plan for their future careers.
At Park Vale Academy, we are fortunate to be partnered with Natasha Warner, from Digital Technology & Change Business Solutions at E.ON Energy. Natasha brings a wealth of industry knowledge and plays a key role in enhancing our careers provision.
How We Work with Our Employer Advisor
Through our partnership with Natasha, students and staff benefit from a range of meaningful career‑focused activities, including:
- Promoting STEM as an exciting and rewarding career pathway
- Reviewing and strengthening our careers programme
- Sharing extensive business and industry expertise
- Providing teachers and students with up‑to‑date information about careers at E.ON and the wider labour market
- Helping students understand the importance of employability skills
- Supporting mock interviews to develop student confidence
- Delivering Employer Insight Days
- Bringing the real voice of business directly into classrooms
Inspiring Future Careers in Technology
During February 2026, Natasha—along with her E.ON colleagues Kara and Neha—delivered a series of virtual sessions to our Year 9 Computing classes. The session focused on the wide range of careers available in the tech sector, with a particular aim of encouraging more girls to consider pursuing technology pathways.
This session was especially timely as Year 9 students will soon begin making choices for their GCSE options, helping them make informed decisions about their future studies and career possibilities.
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.