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Park Life
The Park Vale Academy Newsletter
July 2021
The summer term often seems to be the longest but this year it has also proven to be
the most challenging in many ways. First, there was all of the additional work around
Teacher Assessed Grades for Year 11 but then more recently and more worryingly, we
have witnessed a major rise in positive Covid tests which has meant more and more
students having to self-isolate. That has been tough to take, particularly when all the talk
is about opening up and the lifting of restrictions. It’s great that the vaccination
programme has protected the vast majority of the population but that leaves young
people as the main carriers of the virus and after the two previous lockdowns, the last
thing they need is more time out of education. We are all just praying that when we
come back in September, it will finally be a return to normal school life, devoid of
separate “bubbles” and without the disruption of having to constantly send children
home. We are really hoping that we can re-introduce all of our normal systems and
routines such as vertical-tutoring and House assemblies. It will also mean a return to the
normal timings of the school day with all students out on break and lunch at the same
time. For now, however, we are all just focused on getting over the finishing line of what
has been a tough year for everyone and trying to focus on the positives. At least we
managed to avoid having to cancel the Year 11 Prom for the second year running: it will
be great to be able to celebrate with our leavers at the Double Tree Hilton on Friday
23rd July. Hopefully, that event will mark another major step towards normality and a
return to the values and traditions which make Park Vale such a special place. We have
also recently appointed the students who will take on the key school leadership
roles for next year (pictured) and based on their interview performances, I am sure that
they will be excellent ambassadors for the
school. So, here’s to the new academic
year and hopefully a brighter future for
everyone!
Mr S Bowhay
Headteacher
(Deputy Head Girl: Theodora Sekyere, Head Girl: Sophia Amaro, Head Boy: Arley Moss, Deputy Head Boy: Salem Thiam)
NCS Summer 2021 – Register Now!
HOW OLD DO I NEED TO BE TO GO ON SUMMER PROGRAMME?
NCS is designed for 16 and 17 year old's. Saying that, you can go this summer as a
15-year-old, as long as you turn 16 on or by 31 August 2021. If you have already
turned 18 by this date, you unfortunately won’t be eligible.
HOW MUCH DOES SUMMER PROGRAMME COST?
Whether you are taking part in a two week or three-week experience, the most you
will be asked to contribute is £50 They also have a bursary scheme
available that’s 100% confidential, by calling NCS on 0800 197 8010.
Did you know that the size of your child’s vocabulary (how many words they know and use) is
one of
the biggest predictors of their future academic success?
Since March, students in all years have been participating in specific vocabulary lessons every
week to
develop their vocabulary. These sessions will continue next year.
Support your child’s learning by asking them about some of these words: hierarchy, manipula-
tion, context,
contemporary, superstitious, compassion, abundance, morality.
Newstead House Information
Dear parents/carers of Newstead students,
What a year it has been! Circumstances have been tough and we have had to
overcome many challenges to even make it to this point but I’m extremely proud of all
the staff and students in Newstead House for the high standards they have demonstrated.
We have been competitive throughout the year, consistently
leading the way with high attendance resulting in Newstead House
winning the attendance trophy this year. . . .well done all, the bar is
set for next year now!!! Thank you to all parents/carers for your
support in this and a special mention to all those students who are
still at 100% since the start of the academic year.
The graph to the right
shows the attendance by
tutor group and as you
can see N8 came out as
overall winners so another
well done from me to stu-
dents in that tutor group.
Our students have also represented the house well in the many interhouse competitions we
have run this year. The programme of activities has been significantly reduced this year
unfortunately but Newstead
students have participated well and we ended up finishing second overall behind Rufford. .
.let’s aim for the top spot next year, if you haven’t participated this year look out for the
programme from September.
Our House Captains have stepped up this year and been excellent ambassadors for the
House, I’d personally like to thank them for their contribution. I’ll be looking for more willing
applicants next year as well as for the many other leadership roles that are available so if you
fancy making a positive contribution towards helping Newstead House please speak to your
tutors, myself or Mr Dean in September.
I’d also like to give a special mention to our Year 7 students, your first year at Park Vale
Academy hasn’t been as expected but you have done us proud and taken it all in your stride.
Finally, I’d like to wish you all a safe and happy summer holidays and we look forward to
welcoming you back in September! Best wishes Mrs Harford-Smyth and Mr Dean.
Clumber News Well what a year it has been! While there is not as much news as we would normally have at this point, we still have lots of things to celebrate. The race for the House Cup this year has been tense and after a magnificent effort Clumber are this year’s House Points Cup Winners with an astonishing 8303 House Points won by Clumber Students this year. Clumber this year are full of winners: Our Clumber attendance winners are: Mr Addis and C1 Our Year 10 House Captain, Arley would like to give you his - Clumber a Year in Review: This previous year has been tough for all students on school. Online learning has been very challenging but it is a challenge that only took a little bit of resilience to overcome. Despite the severe limitations that the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have placed on the school and it's learning environment, many achievements have still been made throughout the year, whether it was Park Vale Bake off or the Inter-House Photography competition. Furthermore, the end of year mock exams undertaken by the year ten students have been by no means easy but have still proven that with determination the students of Park Vale can beat all challenges they may face in their secondary school experience. We would like to take this opportunity to launch our Autumn Charity Food Drive: Here at Clumber we believe that to succeed as a school, we must succeed as a community. Food Poverty and Period Poverty should never be a reason for anyone to struggle. As such, from September we will begin our annual fundraising for Bestwood and Bulwell Foodbank. All donations are welcome. Students can fulfil Pledge 5 of their passport by being their Tutor Foodbank Co-ordinator. We hope all Clumber students enjoy an amazing summer and we look forward to seeing you all in September. Miss Dolan, Mrs Harvey-Taylor, Mr Mohammed and the whole Clumber Team.
Wollaton Newsletter Information
Dear parents and Wollaton students,
We hope you are well as the academic year draws to a close. Firstly, we would like to
thank our house captains for their efforts this year and look forward to the application
process and appointing our new Wollaton house captains in September.
Thank you to Maisie Green (Y10), Anthony Gilbert (Y9),
Talitha Eatherington(Y8) and Leo Hazeldine (Y7) for all of
your dedication and representing the house well.
Well done to all students who have contributed to
achieving positive house points for Wollaton this academic
year. Wollaton came a close second place in the overall
house point cup. We look forward to taking the lead next
academic year!
Keep your eyes peeled when we return for opportunities to
take part in the new inter house point challenges. This year
we achieved one point towards our total for
the Bake Off competition. The Photography
competition got us a whopping 3 points and we
achieved 2 points in the Wollaton entry for our
Short Story competition.
Our overall house point total for the year was 8105
points, I would like to say a massive well done to all the
students who have contributed to our fantastic second
place. Your hard work and effort goes a long way. Here is
a breakdown of our points total for each vertical tutor
group.
Well done to W5 for winning 1st place for Wollaton!
Wollaton 1 896
This year, some very special Wollaton students have reached their Diamond
Wollaton 2 1030
award for achieving over 100 positive house points during the academic year.
Wollaton 3 844
Well done to the following students. Olivia Brown 105 points, Leo Hazeld-
ine 107 points, Daniel Kerr-Williams 101 points. Keep up the hard work! Wollaton 4 903
Wollaton 5 1057
I wish you all the best for the summer and look forward to a fresh start and
Wollaton 6 749
seeing you all in September.
Wollaton 7 908
All the best,
Wollaton 8 891
Miss Wright and Mr Ribeiro. Wollaton 9 827
Rufford
End of year
This term we have had a focus on vocabulary during tutor time and each tutor picked a book to
read with their tutor groups. It has been great to be able to walk around school and see so many of
our students engaged in reading their chosen book as a class. We have then focused Friday’s tutor
time on vocabulary and at the end of last half term students took a vocabulary quiz to see how
many new words they had learnt. Well done to the following vocab victors for doing so well in the
quiz:
Azhar, Year 8
Callum, Year 9
Leo, Year 10
Leo, Year 10
Perree, Year 10,
Shamira, Year 8
Pa Demba, Year 8
Chloe, Year 9
Isabella, Year 9
Ashdon, Year 9
Keeping with the theme of vocabulary, I tasked our students to write a short story about what they
were most looking forward to doing once lockdown had been lifted. Congratulations to Anthony in
Year 9, Edward in Year 8 and Eman in Year 7 for writing a fabulous short story and winning the
competition!
As we end the year, I would like to say huge congratulations to the following students for gaining
the most house points in Rufford:
Annie-Mae, Year 7
Olivia, Year 7
Scarlett, Year 7
Eman, Year 7
Lille, Year 7
Ruby, Year 7
Jake, Year 7
The FREE Bagel Breakfast Club has proved to be very popular with our students
Duke of Edinburgh Award & British Weather!
On Saturday 10th May, 15 brave students and 3
members of staff walked their Duke of
Edinburgh practice walk in typical British
weather (sun, sleet and rain). We navigated and
walked a 10 mile route around the countryside
of north Nottinghamshire, using OS maps and
compasses. The groups did a fantastic job of
encouraging each other, despite the fact that
everyone was drenched 5 minutes into the
journey. The new cohort of DofE is starting
soon and will be open to interested year 9s.
Follow the Academy for up to date news and events
https://twitter.com/ParkVale_Acad
Music
This term saw the return from lockdown and with it the long-awaited return of extra-curricular
music clubs across all years. These clubs have seen both the emergence of fledgling talent and the
continued development and refinement of our more experienced musicians. Year 9 Ashdon
Bernard’s high aspirations saw him swiftly progress from picking up an electric guitar for the first
time in May to memorising and performing a grade 1 song by the start of July - truly exemplary and
inspiring! If you’re interested in joining up, just walk past or stick your head in the music
department after school on any given day and you’re likely to bear witness to belting piano
renditions by Brandon Towlson, decibel-peaking unison laments from Ruby Walker, Camelia
Neagu and Uzma Ahmed; syllable-splattering speed-rapping courtesy of Logan Harris, shiny
synth-pop Minimalism from Ben Chester and Alistair Neale or the experimental and progressive
vocal stylings of Edward Attah-Hayford.
As the year draws to a close we’re currently making arrangements for the Autumn return of the
Park Vale choir and Instrumental Ensemble so watch out for the recruitment drive in Autumn.
Until then, have a great summer and - as the song goes – “Don’t Stop The Music!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFdrIa8YXQ4
Dance Academy
Although there have been no performance shows this year, dancers in the Dance
Academy have still been taking part after school to develop technique and physical skills
within their year group bubbles. I would like to say a big well done to the most consistent
attendees throughout the Year; Shannon, Libby, Natalie, Brodie, Skye, Sophie, Dameanna,
Jessica and Teri-Leigh
Year 6
We are looking forward to welcoming Year 6 up to the Academy on Wednesday July the
21st. So far Year 6 have taken part in some ONLINE welcome events and a small group of
students have been for a visit. We are very much looking forward to opening up our
doors to our all our new students in September.
Drama
In November we open our theatre doors to 'Quirky Bird Theatre Company' for a live
performance of DNA. We are very excited to see our GCSE set text piece brought to life
on our stage. All Drama students in Y11, 10 and 9 will be invited. Watch this space!
Meet our Brilliant Club Graduates 2021 Park Vale Academy are celebrating eight Year 9 students completing the prestigious Scholars Programme, run by award-winning charity, The Brilliant Club. The Brilliant club is a charity that recruits, trains and places doctoral and post-doctoral researchers in non-selective state schools to deliver university style courses and tutorials based on their own area of expertise. The Scholars Programme supports students from ages 8-18, with the aim of increasing the number of state school students progressing to a Russell group university. The programme encourages students to develop the skills, knowledge, and ambition to secure a place at a highly selective university and provides them with the confidence to excel in the next phase of their education. Due to COVID-19 restrictions this year, The Scholars Programme was offered virtually to all applicants. Following the programme’s online launch event and tutorials with their PhD tutor Kinkini Chatterjee, the students wrote a mini version of a dissertation on the topic of co-working spaces: Are co-working spaces a product of Neoliberalism? After submitting their written essay, the students’ work was marked and they were given a university style grade such as a first or 2:1. The final part of the programme concludes with students receiving a certificate upon completion and attending a virtual graduation ceremony. All our students who have graduated from The Scholars Programme have benefitted hugely from the experience and it has certainly helped them stand out in their university applications. The academy are particularly proud of this cohort for undertaking the programme so successfully whilst remote learning in lockdown and would like to thank The Brilliant Club for ensuring our students could still take part in this amazing opportunity.
On Monday 19th July and Tuesday 20th July all year 9 and 10 students will work with
expert trainers from the education charity ‘Talk the Talk’.
Talk the Talk uses oracy based activities and strategies to help students develop greater
self-confidence, resilience and communication skills to enable positive interactions in all
life situations.
Getting up and speaking to a group of people can be unnerving whoever you are.
Year 9:
Talk About Communication is an engaging oracy workshop will teach and develop the
use of structure in presentations, essay writing and exam answers. Students will be
taught to identify and use persuasive language techniques to get their message across
and will be well prepared for English Speaking and Listening assessments.
• Speaking confidently and persuasively
• Preparing for speaking and listening assessments
• Providing the tools to structure talks and essays
• Practising impromptu speaking
• Expressing ideas and keeping to the point
Year 10:
• Talk about their life experiences and translate these into a defined set of
unique skills
• Talk about their plans for moving on – and how confident they feel about this
• Learn about preparing for an interview and appropriate communication during
an interview
• Prepare a set of open questions and undergo mock interviews, both as
interviewer and interviewee
• Explore the impact and necessity of personal anecdotes within the interview
situation
Prepare for and undergo a mock interview with their trainer and peersI am delighted to be working with Camps International again, this time offering our students the opportunity to go on a four-week expedition to Borneo in the Summer of 2022. Camps International are award winning global leaders in ethical and sustainable school expeditions. During the expedition the students will working on a range of sustainable and meaningful community and conservation projects. The expedition will allow our students to push the boundaries and step outside of their comfort zones as they embark on a personal development journey. This trip is accessible to all students as they fundraise the money to go. The students have been busy organising fundraising events in the local community and we have launched a Christmas candy cane fundraising event in school in the last week. We are currently looking for support from local businesses to enable our young people to participate in this exciting opportunity. If you are able to offer fundraising support for our students, please contact Miss Lovett on the email below. To find out more about Camps International and the expedition, use the QR code below or go to https://camps-international.v5.platform.sportsdigita.com/uk---parents-presentation-borneo -scubapark-vale?viewerUserId=5f525c49627d1e001bbfcb1d to access the online presentation. When logging in please use the school booking code 7175. If you have any questions or fundraising suggestions please contact Miss Lovett slovett@parkvaleacademy.org.uk
Learning About Protected Characteristics – Equality,
Diversity & Inclusion
Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion is essential for both our teachers and
students. The aim is to create a classroom environment where all students can thrive
together and understand that individual characteristics make people unique and not
‘different’ in a negative way.
Equality and Diversity
Tolerance and harmony are core values at Park Vale Academy. Students acquire an
appreciation of and respect both for their own and other cultures and traditions
through the academy’s wider curriculum in tutor time, House activities and
assemblies teach students about different religions, and encourage students to
discuss and explore concepts such as identity, diversity and community cohesion.
Compliance with the Equality Act 2010
Park Vale Academy is committed to the fair treatment of all individuals. In
accordance with the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to making sure that no
individual experiences less favourable treatment, discrimination or harassment
because of their:
• Race • Disability
• Sex • Age
• Religion or belief • Pregnancy and maternity
• Gender re-assignment • Sexual orientationY9 IntoUniversity Workshops
Supporting Aspiration, Achievement and Access to Higher Education and Future Careers
Across May 2021, all Park Vale Academy Year 9 students participated in an intensive programme of talks
and workshops introducing our students to different career options. Into University staff and volunteers
from a wide range of professions lead hands-on workshops about their career pathway, offering students
an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the working world and gain knowledge of the skills and
qualifications they need to pursue their ambitions. The two workshops will focus on transferable skills and
an introduction to higher education.
“The IntoUniversity programme has a positive transformational impact on young people in terms of their
academic success, attitudes to learning and social skills … Into University has played a key role in helping
children and young people in clarifying, supporting and strengthening their aspirations and achieving their
goals.”
The National Foundation for Educational ResearchPVA Provide a Virtual Workplace Mentor Programme
Virtual Workplace Mentor Programme
Park Vale Academy is committed to providing a programme of careers education, information, advice and
guidance for all students in Years 7-11. A young person’s career is the progress you make in learning and
work and we aim to raise your aspirations and equip you with the skills to self-evaluate your progress and
plan towards your future goals.
Inspiring encounters with Employers
Employers are integral to great careers advice and their encounter provision is not only inspiring but will
give you the opportunity to learn about what work is like and how to be successful in the workforce. You
can find out about a wide range of jobs and understand how the subjects you learn at school connect to
your future.
Gatsby Benchmark 5– Encounters with employers and employees.
Every pupil should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the
skills that are valued in the workplace. This can be through a range of enrichment activities including
visiting speakers, mentoring and enterprise schemes.”
https://www .goodcareerguidanc e.org. uk/the -benchmarks
Every year, from the age of 11, pupils should participate in at least one meaningful encounter with an em-
ployer. A ‘meaningful’ encounter is one in which the student has an opportunity to learn about what
work is like or what it takes to be successful in the workplaceYou can also read
