Dear Families,
This week at Lodge Park Academy has been one of reflection, learning, and community spirit. Our assemblies have centred around the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day—a powerful moment in history that marks the end of conflict in Europe during the Second World War. These thought-provoking sessions were expertly led by our Heads of House and culminated in a poignant whole school two-minute silence, led by our Principal, Mr. Jonathon Kirby. The silence, observed during morning line-up, was made even more impactful by the presence of our school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF), who conducted a respectful parade in remembrance of those who gave their lives in service.
In the afternoons, Assistant Principal Miss Lee delivered assemblies focused on reinforcing the importance of our mobile phone policy, helping students understand the reasoning behind our "see it, hear it, lose it" approach—ensuring our learning environment remains focused and distraction-free.
Beyond assemblies, it has been a busy and enriching week across the school. Our Year 10 Business students were given an exciting opportunity to gain real-world insight through a Guest Speaker morning, exploring local business ventures and career pathways. Meanwhile, students in Year 10 benefited from engaging and informative RSE and PSHCE sessions delivered by Wayne Stevenson, who joined us on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
We ended the week on a high note with the lively NOW House Music Quiz held at lunchtime on Friday. The event was met with great enthusiasm and participation from students across all year groups, bringing a fun and musical close to a meaningful and eventful week at Lodge Park Academy.
Warm regards,
Lodge Park Academy Leadership Team
VE Day
Lodge Park came together on Thursday to mark the 80 year anniversary of VE Day.
In a short commemoration that the whole school attended, we paid tribute to the families of Corby who suffered German bombing, targeting the town's steelworks. We particularly remembered the 47 Corby families, for whom VE day would have been so bitter sweet, for although the war had ended - their loved ones fighting for our freedom would not return home.
The school were outstanding in their respect and dignity. It was an incredibly moving morning. Please follow the link to view: https://www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/Combined-Cadet-Force/
Parental Engagement Forum – May Meeting Recap
On Wednesday 1st May, Lodge Park Academy held its second Parental Engagement Forum of the academic year. A small but committed group of parents joined us for an open and productive discussion around key areas of school life and development.
During the session, we celebrated several areas of strength within the Academy, including our growing enrichment offer, the wide range of PE opportunities available to students, the continued success of our Ravens' Programme, and noticeable improvements in student behaviour and attitudes across the school. We also shared updates on developments in teaching and learning, and how we are working to ensure high-quality experiences for all our students.
These monthly forums are a valuable opportunity for parents to engage directly with the Academy, share feedback, and help shape our direction moving forward. We are always keen to welcome new voices to the group.
If you are interested in joining future meetings, please contact Mrs. Bellamy at sbellamy@lodgeparkacademy.co.uk
Mr McGeown – Vice Principal
Meet the Inclusion Team
Executive Principal DDSL
I have been working for DRET for six years now and have been Principal of Charles Read Academy and Executive Principal at Charles Read, King Edward VI and Lodge Park academies.
I was attracted to the David Ross Education Trust because of its passion for driving academic success coupled with a strong desire to offer great opportunities through a house system, the arts and sport. Working with a Trust that was serious about Inclusion was hugely important to me. In all the schools I have led I have worked very closely with the SEND teams and have the SENCO qualification myself. I am determined that all students will have access to a broad and balanced curriculum and that as teachers we scaffold and personalise learning helping students to become self-regulated, independent learners that can problem solve and have the courage to tackle challenges that come their way.
I am a musician and play the flute in an orchestra and love going to the gym at weekends.
Dr U Steenkamp - Director of Diversity and Inclusion.
As the Head of the #DreamTeam at Lodge Park Academy, I oversee the strategic leadership of the SEND Department. My role involves ensuring comprehensive support for all students, orchestrating targeted interventions, and rigorously evaluating their efficacy. I am responsible for submitting Education, Health, and Care Plans EHCPs and collaborating with external agencies to secure optimal resources and support for our students. Under the exemplary guidance of our Executive Principal, Mrs. Sue Jones, I manage the department’s daily operations with precision and dedication. It is a privilege to lead my team in driving transformative outcomes for our students.
In my leisure hours, I engage in the enriching pursuits of painting and mosaic artistry, finding creative fulfilment in these expressive mediums. Additionally, I cherish tranquil walks through forested landscapes alongside my husband, Philip, our son, Joshua, and our spirited Jack Russell, Amy, fostering moments of connection and reflection in nature’s embrace.
Mrs Drabwell - Inclusion Manager
I have worked here for 24 years and 4 years in my present position. I was a TA first of all then worked in the Isolation Unit, more recently I was a Year Manager, this job I loved! Working with young people and parents to achieve the best education and support we can give. Four years ago I decided on a change and so I have ended up where it all started with the SEND Dept 24 years ago. My job role now it to support the day to day running of the department, this includes calling parents, interventions with students, booking meetings and Exam Access Arrangement paperwork. My job is varied and no two days the same. The bit I love the most is talking to students and supporting them. Interests outside of work, I love to read True Crime and spend time with my Grandchildren.
Mrs Gilding - Assistant SENCO
I ensure that all children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) are well provided for, supported, and cared for within our setting. Our school is a warm, caring, and happy place and I believe that we have much to offer those children with SEND. I work in the Inclusion Hub where I run some individual and small group interventions such as friendship groups and Emotional Literacy. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dog and going on holiday! I look forward to meeting and getting to you know you very soon.
Lisa Ratcliffe - Mental Health and Wellbeing Mentor
I support students 1-1 with their mental health and wellbeing. This can range from teaching students coping strategies to emotional support. I am based within the Inclusion Department which is a warm and calm space, where are students can be supported by our friendly staff. In my spare time I am a mum of two gorgeous boys who are football mad so I am often found on the side of a football pitch. We enjoy trips out to country parks, the zoo and the beach.
Mrs Mason - Learning Support Assistant
I have worked at Lodge Park Academy for three years as a Learning Support Assistant. I like Art and English lessons, and at home I enjoy looking after my grandchildren, reading, baking and supporting my football team, Hartlepool United.
Mrs Elliot - Learning Support Assistant
My name is Michelle Elliot and I am a LSA in the SEN department. I support students in lessons and the inclusion area. I run Zones of Regulation intervention and Self care intervention. I enjoy reading, watching football and spending time with my family and friends.
Mrs Booth - Learning Support Assistant
My role involves spending most of my time in the Inclusion Hub supporting our learners to reach their full potential. I also run some small group and 1-1 interventions including Preparing for Adulthood, touch type intervention and our Nurture group. I look forward to meeting you all and can't wait to get to know you.
Ms Ferguson - Learning Support Assistant
I have recently joined the SEND team as a Learning Support Assistant. Having met most of the students, I am looking forward to the future and working with them to support in any way I can. I run handwriting and behaviour interventions, I also encourage students to make the right choices in their education. I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and my Diva of a dog.
Dr. Szabo EAL Teaching Assistant
My name is Dr. Szabo and I come from Slovakia where I used to teach English as a foreign language at secondary school for 17 years. At the moment I am working as a EAL teaching assistant here in Lodge Park Academy. I work in Redmond room where I am helping EAL students to improve their English and I am also delivering Fresh Start lessons for the students who are struggling with reading and spelling. In my spare time I like listening to 90s music, watching a good movie, going for trips and most of all I love playing with my dog- a German shepherd girl. I look forward to meeting and working with you soon.
Ms Kovacevic - Teaching Assistant
My role is to help students with whom English is their second language (EAL). I like reading, listening to music and travelling. I look forward to meeting you in September!
Mr Wilson - Heath and Wellbeing Support Officer
My role in the Academy is Health and Wellbeing Support Officer. I am also the First Aid lead. I have been a part of this Academy for 10 years, five years as a student and for the last five years a member of staff. My role is within the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Team. Although, I work closely with other teams within the Academy such as Pastoral, Admin and Attendance Teams. I work with some of our amazing learners living with Chronic and complex health needs, whether this is helping to them to learn to manage their needs or supporting them build resilience for the future. I also work with outside agencies such as NHS nursing teams to ensure the support we give in the Academy is in support of the treatments, support and developments they are pursuing outside of School life.
I can be found in the First Aid room or out and about providing first aid cover across the Academy. On a Wednesday I give up my evening to instruct Cadets in the Academy's Combined Cadet Force, where I teach First Aid, Field Craft and Navigation skills. I also help the Cadets develop life skills such as team work and resilience.
In my spare time I like to go to racetracks to watch a variety of racing, I love to race in Go karts and take myself on long hikes in the country with my camera to enjoy the nature.
Girls on Board
This term we are very excited to launch Girls on Board at LPA. This is a worldwide adopted approach that is supporting tens of thousands of girls in their friendships. Our Year 7-10s will all have a one-hour launch session which looks at how we can empower girls to solve their own friendship problems and recognise that they are usually the only ones who can. The Girls on Board programme is designed so that additional future sessions will be held where necessary when fallouts are happening within tutor groups to remind students of the skills that they have to resolve the fallout for themselves.
This video below gives a brief overview about Girls on Board.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7yWXOt9H0s
The students will discuss different key questions such as ‘Do adults make the situation better or worse when they get involved?’ and ‘Do adults find out the truth when they start trying to unpick the fallout?’. The students will be given time to be honest and reflective of their own behaviours.
As parents if you would like more information then Andrew Hampton, the founder of Girls on Board, has written the following book, When Girls Fall Out, https://www.girlsonboard.co.uk/shop/ and it is a recommended read.
Whilst Girls on Board will not stop friendship fallouts, we hope that it will give the students the skills to manage friendships and resolve problems for themselves.
Mrs Milligan - Vice Principal
Business Entrepreneur Workshop Inspires the Next Generation of Young Innovators
On Tuesday, 6th May, Year 10 Business students took part in an inspiring Business Entrepreneur Workshop, supported by 11 local employers who generously gave their time and expertise to enhance students' understanding of branding and marketing.
Working in small groups, students collaborated with representatives from a diverse range of businesses, including the Northamptonshire Business Network, Kier, Kori Construction, Business Doctors, Phoenix Cleaners, Unilever, The Right Track Consultancy Ltd, Premier Cables, Hilton, Copart UK, ActionCOACH, and the Careers Enterprise Company. This hands-on experience offered students valuable insight into the world of business and entrepreneurship.
Throughout the session, students explored the fundamentals of logos and branding, while engaging in meaningful conversations with their table leads. They had the opportunity to ask questions, learn about real-world career journeys, and receive tailored advice to help shape their coursework and future ambitions. The atmosphere in the hall buzzed with energy and enthusiasm, and feedback from our visiting professionals was overwhelmingly positive.
Mr McGeown visited the event and said, "It was fantastic to welcome so many local employers to Lodge Park Academy and to see them actively engaging with our students in support of their future progress. The energy and enthusiasm during the session were evident, with meaningful discussions creating a real buzz and helping to shape students’ next steps and aspirations. This collaboration marks an exciting starting point for ongoing support and partnership as we continue to invest in our students’ futures."
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the businesses and individuals who took the time to support our students and help nurture the business leaders of tomorrow.
Table Talk
In the rush of school, work, and after-dinner chores, it’s easy for the dinner table to become just another pit stop in a busy day. But research consistently shows that regular family meals are linked to better academic performance, stronger self-esteem, and reduced risk of risky behaviours in children.
One of the key ingredients? Meaningful conversation.
This week, we invite you to try a simple yet powerful question with your children at dinner:
“What’s one thing that made you think today?”
This open-ended question does more than just invite a rundown of daily events—it encourages reflection, curiosity, and emotional insight. It can lead to conversations about a science topic that caught their attention, a classmate’s unexpected act of kindness, or a challenge they didn’t quite know how to solve.
Here are a few tips to guide the conversation:
✓ Be curious, not corrective. Let their thoughts unfold without jumping in to teach or fix.
✓ Share your own answer. Kids love hearing that adults are still learning and thinking, too.
✓ Don’t force it.
If they’re tired or not in the mood, that’s okay. Try again another night. The goal isn’t to have perfect conversations—it’s to create space where your child feels heard and valued. So tonight, as you pass the peas or pour the juice, ask the question and see where the conversation takes you.
Why We Do What We Do
LPA 6
At LPA we poverty proof our equipment list. Some schools will require you to bring in items such as whiteboards and whiteboard pens, highlighters and coloured pencils etc… At LPA we just list six items: 2 black pens, 1 pencil, a ruler, a rubber and a purple pen.
The importance of the pencil and rubber!
This week we explain the importance of the pencil and rubber in the LPA 6.
Students are often asked to draw diagrams in pencil for several reasons, primarily due to the erasability and flexibility pencil provides, allowing for mistakes and adjustments. It's also considered a good practice for building foundational drawing skills before using more permanent media.
So in a nutshell … We ask students to draw diagrams in pencil in case they make mistakes and they can use their rubber and correct their work.
To celebrate Maths Weekly Achievements
Lodge Park Academy Bright Sparx
‘The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics.’
Each week, our students at LPA, complete maths questions for their homework on Sparx. Some students answer additional questions, further increasing their mathematical knowledge. The maths team would like to celebrate these students and recognise their dedicated work.
Kestrel House Rounders Champions
Kestrel dominated House Rounders last week to further extend their lead at the top of the LPA House Championship.
Split across two days the competition saw House teams go head to head in a mixed Year 7 & 8 competition and mixed Year 9 & 10 competition.
The opening day saw Kestrel overcome Goshawk in a final match, setting up an exciting final day between the Year 9 & 10s.
Kestrel made sure of victory with a clean sweep of victories, before being crowned house rounders champions.
House NOW Music Quiz
The first of two Theatre House competitions took place at LPA on Friday this week as House teams showcased their music knowledge in the House ‘NOW Music Quiz’.
Participants faced questions from a range of NOW albums across three rounds; General knowledge, guess the artist & song and complete the lyrics.
House teams included a student from each Year Group, plus a member of staff who took to the stage in the main hall. House points accumulated across each Year will be added together before revealing the winners in House Assemblies next week.
House Tug of War
The eagerly anticipated and competitive House Tug of War returns to LPA next week.
Students will represent their House teams in a number Year Group matches, taking place on the grass area outside of the ZONE.
Each team will require a minimum of 8 participants in a team, four males and four females.
The Great ‘LPA Bake Off’
On Thursday 22nd May, LPA will be hosting a bake sale in support of renovation work at St. Columba’s church in Corby. At LPA we have a great relationship with the local church, where we attend a number of events throughout the year and this is a great opportunity for the LPA community to show our support.
We are asking for students, staff and family members to take part in an LPA Bake Off House competition where bakes completed at home are donated to LPA on the morning on Thursday 22nd May.
Donations will then be sold through a bake sale in the ZONE during break and lunch times. House points will be awarded to the most creative LPA themed bakes, including themes such as the LPA values and anything else LPA related.
House ‘Portrait Artist’ Competition
We are extremely excited to reveal details of how to enter the House portrait competition. Showcase your artistic and creative skills by submitting a portrait through one of the five themes set this year. Participants have a choice from five themes including; funny or silly portrait, self portrait in the style of another artist, portrait in the style of Julian Opie, LGBTQ+ Silhouette portrait or a portrait of a sports star of your choice.
More information, including examples will be shared in Assembly and via student emails. Submissions must be handed to Tutors before the deadline on Tuesday 3rd June. Heads of House will collate all submissions from Tutors before handing them to the art department.
This competition is open to all students, staff and wider family members.
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/Lodge_Park_Academy_Term_Dates_2024-2025.pdf
Lodge Park Academy Closes - Friday 23rd May 2025
Lodge Park Academy reopens - Monday 2nd June 2025
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Contact Us
Telephone: 01536 203817
Email: lpa-enquiries@lodgeparkacademy.co.ukPlease be aware this mailbox is monitored by a number of individuals, please do not disclose any confidential information.
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Visit our website at www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk
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