Nottingham Theatre Royal – Poetry Live! 2nd February 2026

3 Feb 2026

Fifty year 11 students visited the Nottingham Theatre Royal for the Poetry Live! event, featuring performances and insights from well-known poets. 

The annual event welcomed back Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, alongside Carol Ann Duffy, another of the most read, studied and loved of today’s poets. They were also joined by Imtiaz Dharker, Daljit Nagra and Owen Sheers. John Agard gave an exciting performance combining historical awareness, cultural insight and extraordinary humour. 

Students were able to ask the poets questions about their work, and they discussed how poems connect to and influence other poems.

In special examiner sessions, experienced Chief Examiner Tony Childs focused on two skills vital for success in the GCSE English Literature examinations.  The first session looked at how students might deal with unseen poems in the exam, both how to think about them and how to write for the best possible results.  The second session looked at comparing poems, whether they are studied poems or unseen, and how to write most effectively in either situation.

About the event

Poetry Live visit the website.

• Each event includes the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage. He is one of Britain’s best poets, with a superb ear for language.This is a great opportunity to hear Simon read his work from the anthology.
• Carol Ann Duffy is one of the most read, studied and loved of today’s poets. She was an inspiring and transformational Poet Laureate from 2009 to 2019. Her poems are sharp, funny and contemporary, and also full of a literary past, whether from mythology, or Shakespeare.
• John Agard gives one of the most exciting performances in contemporary poetry, not only in the way he delivers his poems, but also in how he talks about them, combining historical awareness, cultural insight and extraordinary humour.
• There will also be unmissable readings from award-winning poets Imtiaz Dharker and Daljit Nagra at every event
• Either Owen Sheers or Liz Berry will be there to give an absorbing reading of their work.
• Poets will respond to student questions and discuss how poems connect to and influence other poems
• In the examiner sessions our highly experienced Chief Examiners will deal with two skills vital for success in the GCSE English Literature examinations.
•  The first session will look at how students might deal with unseen poems in the exam, both how to think about them and how to write for the best possible results.
• The second session will look at comparing poems, whether they are studied poems or unseen, and how to write most effectively in either situation.
• These sessions have proved invaluable to students’ thinking, whether they are in Year 10 or Year 11, and are an outstandingly successful aspect of GCSE Poetry Live!

Residential Amsterdam Trip February 2027

30 Jan 2026

Visit the charming canals, winding streets and wealth of museums across the city make visiting Amsterdam a first class learning experience for students. The residential trip from 3rd February 2027 – 5th February 2027 includes 3 days/2 nights. This residential is open to our current Year 7 and Year 9 students.

Highlights include…

Anne Frank House

• Walking Tour of City
• Rijksmuseum
• Stedelijk Museum
• Van Gogh Museum

The city is also smaller than many other major European cities, meaning that it’s less of a challenge to visit as many attractions as possible during a school tour to Amsterdam. Visit the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, dedicated to housing masterpieces of art and design for over 200 years. Just around the corner you also have the hugely impression collections on display at Van Gogh Museum. 

For an unforgettable history experience, Anne Frank House is a deeply moving exhibit that documents Jewish persecution at the time of the Second World War – a must-see for any visit to the city.

Y10 Science Live Sheffield 3rd March 2026

30 Jan 2026

Gcse science live

The primary objective is to generate greater enthusiasm for science amongst GCSE pupils.

The chance to see and hear five of Britain’s top scientists, all working at the cutting edge of their specialisms with all the scientists are carefully chosen for their ability to communicate with students of this age in a direct and exciting way. The day will be fast-moving, exciting, thought-provoking and will give students the chance to raise issues with the scientists.

Each pupil will receive a well-produced booklet with details about each scientist, the lectures and some general articles about studying science and working as scientists – as well as a number of pieces from an experienced chief examiner on success with Science GCSE.

Prof. Robert Winston, a medical doctor, distinguished scientist, particularly in the area of human fertility.

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.

Dr Eleonora D’Elia, an amazing materials science from Senior Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London. As well as teaching undergraduate courses, Eleonora focuses on outreach for schools in the Department of Materials. She is a STEM ambassador and a member of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Professor Suzie Imber, professor of Space Physics at the University of Leicester, Suzie Imber specialises in combining satellite and ground-based data to understand the interaction of the Sun with the planets in our solar system, an area of research known as Space Weather, which will be the subject of her talk. In 2021, she was awarded the Rosalind Franklin Award by the Royal Society and was the winner of BBC 2’s Astronaut, Do you have what it takes? television series.

Holocaust Memorial Day- Bridging Generations -Tuesday 27th January 2026.

24 Jan 2026

The academy believes that learning about the Holocaust is not simply a matter of historical record. It enables our students to recognise prejudice, to challenge discrimination, and to understand the consequences when these go unchecked.

Holocaust Memorial Day falls on the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz, and has been marked in the United Kingdom since 2000. It is a day on which we remember the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust, and millions more people murdered through the Nazi persecution of other groups. It is a day on which we also learn and commemorate where persecution led in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Since the UK first adopted it, 27 January has also been designated by the United Nations as an International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. 

Holocaust Memorial Day Trust

This year’s theme, ‘Bridging generations’, connects the testimony of survivors with our students. This vital work, helps our students understand not only the horrors of the Holocaust but also its enduring lessons about where hatred and intolerance can lead. 

PVA Supports Safer Internet Day-10th February 2026

24 Jan 2026

Safer Internet Day 2026, taking place on February 10, 2026, focuses on the theme “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI“. The campaign empowers users of all ages to navigate artificial intelligence safely, providing resources to help children and adults use, evaluate, and understand AI technologies. Assemblies will be delivered to all students to highlight the rapid growth of AI, focusing on practical skills for safe and ethical interaction with voice assistants, chatbots, and generative AI.

Safer Internet Day is the UK’s biggest celebration of online safety. Each year we cover an online issue or theme that speaks about the things young people are seeing and experiencing online. Created in consultation with young people across the UK, this year Safer Internet Day will be focusing on the issue of scams online and for young people, how to protect themselves and others, as well as what support is available to them.

Safer Internet Day is supported by Park Vale Academy and assemblies will assess the real scale of this issue and allow students to share their experiences and ideas on how to tackle the problem.

• How is changing technology like generative AI going to impact the approach of scammers?
• What role can the government and internet industry take to tackle this threat?
• And what changes would young people like to see to help protect themselves moving forward?

This event aims to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.

Tips for Parents and Carers: Keeping you and your loved ones safe online

This Safer Internet Day we are starting a conversation about how to spot, respond to and report all types of scams online. Scams can take many forms and may target anyone, including young people. Use these top tips to keep you and your loved ones safe online.

Enjoy going online together and talk regularly about your family’s online lives

The internet is amazing and can help us all to access information and entertainment. Spend time online with your child to understand how they are using technology and talk together about the good and the bad parts of being online. Talk about your own experiences and find other opportunities to get the conversation started, like stories in the news. Make sure your child knows they can talk to you about anything that they see or experience online.

Take online security measures seriously

The internet can be a tool used by criminals to target their victims, but a few simple steps can help keep you and your accounts secure. Use strong and separate passwords for online accounts and set up two step verification (2SV) where it’s available. You may also be able to set parental controls to prevent unwanted online purchases and limit children’s access to harmful content.

Look out for warning signs that someone or something online cannot be trusted

“It just seems too good to be true!” – Other common signs of a scam include contact that you weren’t expecting or being asked for money or personal information (think: bank or contact details, passwords, or phone numbers). Scammers use other tactics to manipulate their victims into paying, like playing with your emotions, or building a sense of urgency so you are rushed into making a decision. If you aren’t sure it’s reliable, don’t risk it.

Remember that anyone can be a victim of a scam

Scammers are good at what they do and will target anyone. We all need to stay vigilant and support those who are most vulnerable including children and the elderly by helping them recognise what to look out for. If anyone in your family has been scammed, talk openly about it. There should be no shame in being victim to a scam and it’s never your fault.  

Know where to get help if something goes wrong

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam online, you’re not on your own. Help is available and you are not to blame for what has happened. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can report fraud and cyber crime online to Action Fraud or by telephoning 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland by calling 101. You may also be able to report via social media, if the scam has taken place there or to another relevant organisation, like your bank, if you think your account is at risk.

Y10 Mock Interviews 25th February 2026

11 Jan 2026

Year 7 Tutor Reviews – w/c Monday 12th January 2026. School closes 2.10 pm on Friday 16th January.

7 Jan 2026

Good morning,

A reminder that PVA Year 7 Tutor Reviews will take place week commencing Monday 12th January 2026. There will be an early finish for all students at 2.10 pm on Friday 16th January to accommodate these review meetings.

These meetings add to our partnership work with parents in helping to secure outstanding results for students. During the review week all parents and students should attend a 20 minute face to face meeting.

Review meetings are an opportunity for parents to come into the academy to meet with their child’s tutor to discuss their pastoral development and set agreed targets for the year ahead. Later in the year there will also be a subject based parents’ evening where parents will have the opportunity to speak to their child’s subject teachers about their progress in their subjects.

How to book a review meeting with your child’s tutor

Your child will be responsible for making the appointment with their tutor for you. We are aware that not everyone can attend at this time of the day or on that day, please indicate the time that you wish to attend and ask your child to tell their form tutor who will confirm. A message confirming the date and time will be sent to you via Class Charts.

Where will the meeting take place?

Meetings usually take place in the dining room if they are taking place on the day that we close early. Please arrange to meet your child at school and they can bring you to the dining room via main reception. If the meeting is taking place at another time, please come to reception and your child’s tutor will meet you there.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s form tutor.

Year 10 Tutor Reviews – week commencing 19th January. School closes 2.10 pm on Thursday 22nd January 2026.

7 Jan 2026

Good morning,

A reminder that PVA Year 10 Tutor Reviews will take place week commencing Monday 19th January 2026. There will be an early finish for all students at 2.10 pm on Thursday 22nd January to accommodate these review meetings.

These meetings add to our partnership work with parents in helping to secure outstanding results for students. During the review week all parents and students should attend a 20 minute face to face meeting.

Review meetings are an opportunity for parents to come into the academy to meet with their child’s tutor to discuss their pastoral development and set agreed targets for the year ahead. Later in the year there will also be a subject based parents’ evening where parents will have the opportunity to speak to their child’s subject teachers about their progress in their subjects,

Year 10 Review Meetings – Week commencing: Monday 19th January 2026

Review meetings are an opportunity for parents to come into the academy to meet with their child’s tutor to discuss their pastoral development and set agreed targets for the year ahead. Later in the year there will also be a subject based parents’ evening where parents will have the opportunity to speak to their child’s subject teachers about their progress in their subjects.

When will the review meetings take place?

School will finish at the end of period 4 (2.10pm) for all year groups on Thursday 22nd January 2026. This is done to provide an opportunity for parents to meet their child’s form tutor for around twenty minutes.

How to book a review meeting with your child’s tutor

Your child will be responsible for making the appointment with their tutor for you. We are aware that not everyone can attend at this time of the day or on that day, please indicate the time that you wish to attend and ask your child to tell their form tutor who will confirm. A message confirming the date and time will be sent to you via Class Charts.

Where will the meeting take place?

Meetings usually take place in the main hall if they are taking place on the day that we close early. Please arrange to meet your child at school and they can bring you to the dining room via main reception. If the meeting is taking place at another time, please come to reception and your child’s tutor will meet you there.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s form tutor.

Year 9 Exams Commence 26th January 2026

7 Jan 2026

To excel in Year 9 and set a strong foundation for your GCSE studies, consider these tips:

Stay Organised: Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and important dates.

Engage Actively: Participate actively in class discussions, take thorough notes, and ask questions to deepen your understanding.

Develop Good Study Habits: Establish a regular study routine that includes reviewing class notes, completing homework promptly, and setting aside time for revision.

Balance Your Time: Prioritize your studies while making time for extracurricular activities, hobbies, and relaxation. A balanced approach helps prevent burnout and maintains motivation.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, classmates, or tutors if you’re struggling with a subject or concept. Asking for assistance early can prevent misunderstandings from snowballing.

Stay Curious: Stay curious and explore topics beyond the classroom. Visit museums, libraries, or attend talks to broaden your knowledge and perspective.

NEW Curriculum Plus Activities Jan-Feb 2026

6 Jan 2026

Click to open our NEW Curriculum Plus booklet – January & February 2026