Don Valley Academy

A huge congratulations to the students who have recently passed their music practical exam grade 8 and grade 2 . A massive well done to you both, you should be extremely proud.

Miss Connell.

A huge congratulations to the students who have recently passed their music exams in grade 7 theory, grade 4 theory and grade 1 theory. A massive well done to you all.

Miss Connell.

On Friday, 24^th February, Labour Leader Ed Miliband visited Waterstones Book Shop in Doncaster to chat to some of the young readers taking part in this year’s Book Award Scheme.  Students from Don Valley Academy seized this unique opportunity both to question Mr Miliband about books, and to let him know how much they enjoy books and reading.  We were doubly fortunate to also have long-list author Tom Palmer with us, to talk about his fantastic football-based stories.

Ed began by speaking of his own enjoyment of reading, and the importance of books and libraries.  He went on to tell the audience that one of his current favourite reads is ‘One Day’ by David Nicholls, and said that he loved reading aloud to his children whenever he could, especially  picture books such as ‘The Gruffalo’.  He also regretted the fact that his current busy schedule does not give him the time to read as much as he’d like.  Ed then took questions from the audience, and invited several of the children to tell him which was their favourite book from the shortlist and why they liked it.  They also told him about some of the events they’d been to and authors they’d met this year, including Chris Mould and Curtis Jobling.

The students had the opportunity to have photos taken with Ed and Tom and to write some book recommendations for the store. The whole event was a great success and we hope that we can do it again in the future.

Mrs Hopson
Doncaster Book Award Committee

A group of 14 pupils from Year 10-13 have recently  formed a Young Enterprise company called “DV Fusion”.  They produce handmade pine candle holders with scented candles and sell them wrapped in single packs or in packs of 3 of small, medium and large or all of the same size.

The group have used the workshop in our D&T department to produce all of the goods and have all put in a lot of hours after school. They sold the products successfully at our Don Valley Academy Christmas Festival and  then focused their efforts on production for the Meadowhall Trade Fair on Saturday 4th February. They took a substantial stock of the products to Meadowhall and sold most of it on the day. If the fair had not have been cut short by 2 hours due to snow then they would most likely have sold out.

There were a total of 20 schools and colleges represented at the Trade Fair  from East, South and West Yorkshire, Humberside, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.  There were 3 prizes on offer and we won one of them – the award for “best product display”. Every one of the pupils were a credit to Don Valley Academy on the day and in the build up to it. Mr Tasker and Mr Crawford work with the pupils 3-4 times a week at meetings, in the workshop and to work on displays etc.  They have a Young Enterprise mentor who meets with the group fortnightly also, she has been amazed by the efforts of our students.

The group intend to develop sales of the product further between now and the end of the academic year.

The Year 10 Parents Evening tonight has unfortunately been cancelled due to the adverse weather conditions forecast for this evening. It will be rescheduled for a later date and parents will be informed in due course.

We expect school to be open as usual on Monday. Any changes will be texted to parents, placed on our website and announced on TRAX FM.

We have been informed that any cancellations or alterations to the school bus service will also be announced on TRAX FM.

Students will need to wear their coats, warm layers underneath and suitable footwear for snow (boots, wellies, trainers etc).

N. D’Rozario

Tickets for our production of Peter Pan are now on sale – available from Student Reception.

Tuesday 28th & Wednesday 29th February 2012. 

7:00pm in Lower School Hall.

Adults – £3.50      Concessions - £2.00    Family Ticket - £9.00 (2 Adults & 2 Concessions)

On the 5th December 2011, Lower School Hall was packed to the rafters with proud parents, friends and supporters, all there to witness the debut performance from  the Don Valley Dance Company.

It was clear to see that they were not to be disappointed as the students performed with confidence and professionalism! They had all worked extremely hard attending after school rehearsals to prepare for the evening. For those students who were new to dance this year and those tackling unfamiliar styles; it has been truly inspirational to watch their confidence grow and technique flourish.

The showcase was a huge achievement for all the BTEC dancers and formed part of their ‘Performing Dance Unit’ assessment. It has set a precedent and I look forward to preparing for their  second showcase in the spring.

 Congratulations to all dancers on a thoroughly enjoyable show!

Miss Newton
Curriculum Leader of Dance

Christmas was a truly magical time for Don Valley Sixth Form. A successful Christmas appeal was ran by members of the sixth formers, managing to fill four big bags to the brim with toys that were donated to children in South Yorkshire. The Christmas assembly celebrated the successes so far in the year. It was also evident what amazing talent we have in the sixth form, when several of our students  took to the stage to perform  during the assembly, as well as Jessie J popping in to wish the sixth form a Merry Christmas!

Additionally the premiering of ‘Proper Crimbo’ went down a treat in the Sixth Form leaving assembly where members of staff got into the Christmas spirit. The video was successfully directed and edited by future Spielberg’s in our sixth form.  We would like to thank anybody who donated a toy to the Christmas appeal and anybody who joined in the fun at such a special time.

Mrs Keighley-Beddow
Temporary Year 12 Learning Manager