Welcome to the Lodge Park Academy Newsletter for Week 3 of the Second Autumn Term
It has been another vibrant and purposeful week at Lodge Park Academy, filled with opportunities for our students to learn, develop, and demonstrate our core values. This week’s House Assemblies were led by our newly elected Head Boy and Head Girl, Aimee and Eoghan, who introduced themselves to each House and shared their inspiring objectives for the year ahead. Alongside them, our Heads of House focused on the ongoing development of Character, encouraging students to reflect on the qualities that will help them thrive both in and beyond the academy. Our afternoon assemblies were delivered by Miss Lee, Assistant Principal for Behaviour, who explored the dangers of vaping and its potential impact on health and well-being, a vital message for all students. On Tuesday, we welcomed PCSO Steve Coles, who supported a series of assemblies for Year 8 on knife crime and the dangers associated with knife culture in modern society. On Thursday, the academy was visited by the local vaccination team, providing flu vaccinations to students in Years 7–11. We also hosted Wayne Stevenson, who contributed to our PSHCE programme with an important session on sexual health. Throughout the week, staff and students continued to take part enthusiastically in our Rowvember challenge, an energetic and competitive House event aiming to see which team can row the furthest throughout November. Thursday also saw Mrs McCormick accompany a small group of budding Year 11 scientists to De Montfort University in Leicester for an exciting science enrichment visit. Finally, our Year 11 students continued to approach their KPI mock examinations in the Sports Hall with maturity and determination, while the rest of the school completed their first set of KPI assessments within classrooms. It has been a week full of engagement, ambition, and community spirit—well done to everyone involved.
Warm regards,
Lodge Park Academy Leadership Team
LPA Parent Survey 2025
A year has passed since I joined Lodge Park and shared a wide-ranging survey with families regarding the Lodge Park experience for parents and guardians. A year on, it would be amazing to hear your voices regarding how things are going, what we've been doing better and what we still need to improve upon to ensure we are the school that your children deserve. To this end, I’d be really grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete this short survey using the link below. The responses and feedback last time were invaluable and crucial to our plans and actions this past year. Your feedback this November will be no different. The survey will be open for responses until Friday 28th November. https://forms.office.com/e/6JEN5hKJcz Please note that this survey is anonymous to ensure participants feel they can speak freely about the school. If there is something specific and pertinent to your learner, I'd be grateful if you could get in touch via jkirby@lodgeparkacademy.co.uk, as I and my team will be very keen to support in any way we can. Please can I just take a moment to thank you all for the most amazing year. I am incredibly proud of the school’s continuing trajectory of improvement to becoming the best Lodge Park has ever been. We can already point at the best Post 16 outcomes in the schools history, regional awards for sport and careers and national recognition for our inclusive practice in Parliament as bookmarks in our 24-25 story. Already this year we’ve been thrilled to offer students the chance to visit the University of Cambridge and Cambodia, been nominated again for Sports School of the Year in North Northamptonshire and of course the Spirit of Corby award. I feel this, alongside the shifts in behaviour and teaching is lifting the atmosphere in the school to one of joy and optimism, unity and ambition. I really hope that the ripples of this have made their way home, and therefore I’d be fascinated and grateful to read your responses to our parent survey
Mr J Kirby - Principal Lodge Park Academy
Admission Policy
Lodge Park Academy is consulting on the Academy’s admission arrangements. These will go out with the Local Authority consultation. The following link will take you to our website where further information can be found. https://www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/Admissions/
Attendance
Every Lesson, Every Day
In 2024, the Government published new guidance on unauthorised absences. Please see the infographic to see how your child's absences could affect your family.
During weeks 3 to 4 of a term, but particularly in term 2, approaching Christmas, we sometimes see a dip in attendance. To support your child's attendance during this colder and darker term we suggest the following practical tips: Dress for the weather Ensure your child wears warm clothing, including layers, and has a hat, gloves, and a good pair of boots or wellington boots for the cold and wet. Establish routines Maintain consistent bedtime and morning routines to ensure children get enough sleep and have a healthy breakfast, which helps with energy and concentration. Manage appointments Schedule doctor and dentist appointments outside of school hours whenever possible. If not, ensure your child attends school before and after the appointment if they are well enough. Understand when to stay home Children can usually attend school with minor illnesses like a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, but should stay home if they have a fever. When in doubt, check guidance from your local health authority. Communicate with the school Keep the school informed about any absences. If your child is unwell at school, the school will contact you. Make sure they have your up-to-date phone number. Promote good hygiene Encourage regular hand washing and send your child to school with hand sanitizer. Encourage exercise Daily exercise helps children stay physically and mentally healthy during the colder months. Take a look at NNC Healthy Schools Let's Get Active newsletter for more suggestions. Monitor for distress Be alert to any signs of distress or anxiety about school and reach out to the school for support if you have concerns. Address emotional well-being If you think emotional well-being is affecting attendance, speak to the Attendance Welfare Officers. Advocate for your child If you are struggling to get your child to school, talk to your child's Tutor. Head of House, Pastoral Manager or the school's Attendance Welfare Officers for help and support. Work with the school If attendance is an issue, the school can work with you to create a plan to improve it. Don't take term-time holidays Avoid taking your child on holiday during school term time.
Mrs Cooper - Vice Principal Pastoral & Attendance
SENECA - Homework Success Continues – Week 3 Autumn Term
Thank you to all staff, students and our families for your continued support and high expectations around homework. Your consistent effort is having a real impact. This week has been one of our most successful yet, with over 300 hours of learning time completed. This marks our hardest-working week since the end of September, a fantastic achievement for students and staff alike. Top work, everyone!
Student Achievement by Year Group
We continue to see high levels of effort across all year groups, with many students going above and beyond in their independent study.
Regional and Trust Success
Our collective effort continues to put Lodge Park Academy firmly on the map:
- We remain the hardest-working school in North Northants
- And we are now the 2nd hardest-working school in the Trust
These accomplishments reflect the culture of ambition and resilience that staff and students work hard to uphold every day. Thank you once again for your professionalism, encouragement, and unwavering dedication to our students’ success.
Mr McGeown - Vice Principal, Quality of Education
Lodge Park Academy Bright Sparx
Each week, our students at LPA, complete maths questions for their homework on Sparx. Some students aswers additional questions, further increasing their mathematical knowledge. The maths team would like to celebrate these students and recognise their dedicated work.
This week, we have also included a parent/carer link to 'A Parent's guide to Sparx maths', which may answer some questions that you might have about how to help your child if they need it.
Help is just a click away - https://sparxmaths.com/parents/
Mrs Irons - Director of Maths
Every year our LPA tutor groups in our 4 Houses come together to share the true spirit of Christmas by filling shoe boxes with gifts for other children in need and this year has been no different. Heart-fully demonstrating their LPA Gratitude, they carefully chose toys, school supplies and other small treasures, knowing that each item will bring joy to someone else their own age who might otherwise go without. This simple act of giving shows remarkable kindness and empathy, reminding everyone that even the smallest hands can make a big difference. Through their thoughtful efforts, these young givers spread hope, love, and the warmth of Christmas across the world. We will now get these boxes to Revd. Pullinger and St Columba Church so they can organise delivery.
Wellbeing, Antibullying, and Diversity Champions
At Lodge Park Academy, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student feels valued and respected. As part of this commitment, we are proud to introduce our Wellbeing, Antibullying, and Diversity Champions.
These Student Leaders play a vital role in promoting kindness, celebrating diversity, and standing up against all forms of bullying and discrimination. Trained to support their peers, they work closely with staff to raise awareness, lead campaigns, and ensure that every voice is heard.
We believe that empowering students to take an active role in shaping a positive school culture not only strengthens our community but also helps develop confident, compassionate young people. If you could please encourage your child to apply for one of these roles via this email. To view full job description please follow this link below which takes you to the SEN&D page of our Website. The job descriptions are at the bottom of the SEN&D page:
https://www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/SEN-D/
YDi-Iorio@LodgeParkAcademy.co.uk
Thank you for your continued support in helping us make Lodge Park Academy a place where everyone can thrive.
Warm regards,
Dr. Steenkamp - Lodge Park Academy Inclusion Team
LPA - Carol Services
Families are warmly invited to support LPA Choir singing carols in the DRET Carol Service at St Peter & Paul in Kettering (5th December 2pm) and at the Columba Church Carol Service (11th Dec 6pm). It's also a great time for students to join our growing choir – just turn up! We meet on Wednesdays after school in the hall until 4.15pm with Mrs Olner, Lucy Murphy (our Musician in Residence) and Rhonda Browne (our fabulous singing teacher).
Mrs Olner - LPA Teacher of Music
LPA House Championship 2025/2026
I'm a Teacher, Get Me Out of Here! SIGN UP DEADLINE!
The eagerly anticipated return of I’m a Teacher Get Me Out of Here takes place next week! On Thursday 27th November staff and students will take to the stage to face a series of our very own ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ style challenges. Trials will include eating critters, dunking for stars and facing fears in the animal encounters. We are excited to welcome Coral the Sinaloan Milk Snake, Charlotte the Chilean Rose Tarantula, Wiggly Woo the Giant African Train Millipede, Salt the Giant African Land Snail, Rainbow the Panther Chameleon and Sooty and Sweep the Fancy Rats for this years animal encounters challenge. Students will have the opportunity to take part in the animal encounters or one of the eating trials. This is a sign-up process with students selected through a randomised draw. Students who wish to be considered to take part in the competition must provide parental consent through the following link - https://forms.gle/7eRkc9Qhr9LdiV5e9
House Sudoku – Results
Congratulations to Alimat in Goshawk (Year 10) for being crowned house Sudoku individual champion. Alimat scored the highest across the three puzzles, only making errors in two individual boxes on the hard puzzle. Kestrel House secured the highest team points, accumulated across the competition to win the competition overall with Goshawk in 2nd, Osprey in 3rd place and Red Kite in 4th place. Points will be added to the totaliser ahead of House assemblies next week.
LPA Santa Run 2025
Just a REMINDER that there is only 6 DAYS left to submit your sponsorship forms for this years Santa Run (if students wish to receive the Santa/reindeer accessories). All students who raise £1 or more will receive a participation medal and certificate. Students who raise £9 or more receive a medal, certificate, Santa/Reindeer t-shirt, and hat/antlers. Students who raise £20 or more will receive all those items plus a free ticket to this year’s House Christmas Party (taking place on the same day as the Santa Run – more information to follow by the end of this week). Sponsorship forms must be handed in, with money raised to reception on Wednesday 26th November. Students can continue to fundraise right up to Thursday 18th December (date of the event) but they will not receive any of the accessories as they are pre-ordered. There will also be a certificate and prize for the Highest Fundraiser and Fastest Santa/Reindeer. Thank you all in advance for your fantastic support.
LPA Race Across the Atlantic (Rowvember)
As we enter the final week of Rowvember we still have some way to go if we are to complete these years ‘race across the Atlantic’ challenge. We have made significant progress this week but require one big final push in the final few days if we are to reach our 550,000m target. Kestrel House have raced out into an early lead but Osprey are not to far behind in 2nd place. Red Kite are sitting in 3rd place followed by Goshawk in 4th. There will be opportunities to row during lunchtime on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday next week. The House with the highest contribution and participation in this challenge will be awarded House points.
What is the ‘World’s Toughest Row’ - https://www.worldstoughestrow.com/the-atlantic/
House Indoor Rowing
House Indoor Rowing took place at LPA on Friday this week as students and staff went head-to-head in a number of individual sprint and House team relay races. There were 13 races in total, held on the big screen in the main hall. Each house were assigned a virtual boat, connected to their respective rowing machines so students and staff spectating could see the action unfold on the big screen. Kestrel dominated the competition picking up a total of 42 competition points across the event to secure 1st place. Osprey produced an excellent display to finished in 2nd place, followed by Goshawk in 3rd and Red Kite in 4th place respectively. All scores will be added to the House ‘Rowvember’ totals which comes to an end on 30th November.
Careers
Periodically the academy is sent information for current Labour Market Information. Labour Market Information (LMI) refers to data and analysis about jobs, employment, and the economy that helps individuals make informed decisions about their careers and education. It can play an important role in shaping the choices students make about their future career paths. LMI includes insights on employment trends, job availability, in-demand skills, salary ranges, required qualifications, and future job prospects.
Sports Club Timetable
Just a reminder that all after-school clubs finish at 4:10pm. If students would like to take part, please ensure they have their full PE kit.
If students would like to play on the Astroturf during lunchtime, they must bring trainers or football boots. Unfortunately, students will not be allowed on the Astroturf if they do not have the correct footwear.
It's great to see so many students taking part in our Sports Clubs.
Lodge Park Academy - Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
For further information on Lodge Park Academy Combined Cadet Force, please follow the link below: ttps://www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/Combined-Cadet-Force/
LPA – Helpful contacts
MASH
Safeguarding concerns 0300 303 1965 Report a concern or request support | Northampton Children's Trust
Childline
Telephone Number: 0800 1111 Childline | Childline
Police (non emergency)
Telephone number: 101
Police (emergency)
Telephone Number: 999
NHS
Telephone number: 111
Young Minds
Mental Health Crisis Support Text: YM to 8528
Online Mental Wellbeing Community
Website: www.kooth.com
Youthworks Mental Health Support
www.youthworksnorthamptonshire.org.uk
Online Health Advice
NGAGE
A free and confidential service providing advice, information, education and structured support to young people in relation to drug and alcohol use https://aquarius.org.uk/our-services/young-peoples-services/northampton-yp/
NDAS
NDAS offer refuge, outreach and groupwork programmes to men and women impacted by domestic abuse. We also support children to recover from the trauma of witnessing the abuse. NDAS offer a 24 hour helpline as well as several drop in services throughout the county. https://www.ndas.co/
Housing Support
Free information and advice to anyone who is homeless or worried about becoming homeless https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/housing-options/housing-advice
SWI UNIFORM SUPPLIER
https://www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/docs/term_dates/2025_2026_Academic_Calendar_v1.pdf
Lodge Park Academy Closes - Friday 19th December 2025
Lodge Park Academy Re-Opens -Tuesday 6th January 2026
Lodge Park Academy Closes - Friday 13th February 2026
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Contact Us
Telephone: 01536 203817
Email:
lpa-enquiries@lodgeparkacademy.co.uk Please be aware this mailbox is monitored by a number of individuals, please do not disclose any confidential information.
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