Year 10 Loughborough University trip – Thursday 5th February 2026.

Mr Samples took a small group of year 10 students to Loughborough University this week with huge success! During the visit, students took part in a range of practical physical activities, used heart rate monitors to track and analyse performance, toured the university campus and explored the outstanding facilities and attended a talk outlining what it takes to study at Loughborough University.

The students were highly engaged throughout the day and represented the school extremely well. Feedback from the group was very positive, with many students commenting on how much they enjoyed the experience and how inspiring they found the visit. The staff at Loughborough University said that it was the best group they have had since they had been doing the outreach project, so hugely well done to our students!

One student mentioned that they had “always thought they didn’t want to go to university, but now I’ve been it seems really cool and I’d be interested in studying a sport.”

Year 9 Science Festival - Wednesday 11th February 2026.

This week, we had a PhD student from The University of Nottingham who is researching negative effects of gaming and how it should be regulated.

The students learnt about causes of harm in gaming and what the government has done to reduce this. They had the opportunity to give their opinion and debate what the government should do and to ask questions about academic research.

Students designed their own characters based on what they had learnt. Students who attended the session said that they enjoyed it and thought the ideas were interesting.

Year 7 Residential trip to Ilam Hall – Wednesday 11th – Friday 13th February 2026.

The year 7 residential is well under way this week with 30 of our amazing students off on an amazing adventure! Students arrived safely and were thrown straight into activities starting with orienteering. The aim of the trip is for our year 7s to connect with nature and engage in lots of different activities. The year 7 team are so proud of all the dedication and strength shown by our students.

Robin Hood Youth Orchestra

Ms O’Flynn would like to highlight some of the incredible achievements of our musical students outside of school. The following students are a clear example of excellence within the community, as well as the school environment.

 

• Marlow K-W
• Maya K-W
• Caitlyn E
• Zuzanna G
• Konrad G
• Skye E
• Aaryan S-N

String lessons – Every Tuesday.

A huge well done to our incredible students who have been attending their string lessons in school and working hard to meet a high standard. We currently have 12 students who are working towards their next grade with the string instrument, and we are incredibly proud of them.

Working towards a Grade 2:

• Leon J
• Dinidu S
• Sienna N
• Jasmine M
• Teneng C
• Olivia K-W
• Patrick O’F
• Oscar E

Working towards a Grade 3:

• Vicki J

Working towards a Grade 4:

• Marlow K-W
• Maya K-W
• Caitlyn E

 

Year 10 Holocaust Museum Trip – Tuesday 13th January 2026

Mr Feeney took a small group of Year 10 students to the National Holocaust Museum in Newark, where they had the opportunity to work in groups with students from other schools, explore the museum, and listen to the firsthand experiences of a Holocaust survivor.
He shared how impeccably all students conducted themselves and how proud he was of the maturity and respect they demonstrated throughout the visit.

Special recognition goes to Leo S and Chloe M, who shone during the trip and showed excellent leadership skills.

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, including:

“It was amazing, and I would love the opportunity to go again.”

“It really helped my understanding of life in Germany at the time—so impactful.”

 

Year 13 Othello Trip – Thursday 15th January 2026

A group of Year 13 students, accompanied by Mr Wharton, attended a performance of Othello this week. The trip offered a fantastic opportunity to see the text they are studying for A Level brought to life on stage.

Students represented the Academy brilliantly, engaging thoughtfully with the production while also making the most of their time in London.

Year 9 Equation Boys’ Choices Project – Starting Monday 19th January 2026 (8‑week programme)

Equation returned to school this week to begin their work with small groups of Year 9 boys, promoting positive choices and supporting students’ self‑esteem. The project explores key issues that young men may face both in and outside of school and has been highly successful in previous years.

Feedback from the first session was very positive, including:

“I thought it was good—looking forward to next week.”

“Really enjoyed it.”

We are excited to see how the project develops over the coming weeks.

Year 9 Equation Girls’ Know More Project – Starting Monday 19th January 2026 (8‑week programme)

The Know More project has returned following many successful years at Nottingham Academy, offering an empowering programme focused on the key issues young women may encounter and how to navigate them confidently and safely.

Students responded positively, with one commenting:

“It was good—everyone felt really comfortable quickly, which was great.”

 

Year 10 Misogyny Awareness Assembly – Tuesday 20th January 2026

Year 10 students engaged thoughtfully with an assembly delivered by Equation, exploring stereotypes around femininity and masculinity and considering how to challenge misogynistic attitudes. The session focused on constructive approaches and practical strategies for addressing inappropriate behaviour.

Ms Geary would like to recognise Mattia M for asking insightful questions and Eva F for her thoughtful contributions during the presentation. Students responded with maturity throughout the session.