Category: Latest News
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.
Year 7 Exams Commence 16th March 2026
13 Feb 2026
To excel in Year 7 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.
Friday 13th Feb – Don’t Miss Out! – Who will you give yours to ?
12 Feb 2026
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.