Lodge Park Academy Newsletter Autumn Term 2 – Week 6 & 7
Week 6 at the Academy
Welcome to the newsletter for the penultimate and last week of the Autumn Term at Lodge Park Academy. As we move closer to Christmas, the academy has been alive with purposeful energy, meaningful events, and a shared commitment to excellence. Our Year 11 students reached an important milestone this week as they received the outcomes of their first round of GCSE preparatory examinations. These Mock Exam results were shared in a formal assembly, designed to mirror the experience they will have in August, helping to prepare them not only academically but emotionally for the journey ahead. Throughout week 6, our House Dodgeball competitions brought enthusiasm and camaraderie to every lunchtime, whilst our dedicated House Leaders delivered engaging House Assemblies. Afternoon assemblies led by Mr McGeown and Mr Kirby focused on the crucial topic of safety, guiding students through procedures to follow in the unlikely event of a lock-down. On Wednesday 10th December, students took part in our PSHCE Contextual Lesson centered on community crime, reinforcing awareness and responsibility beyond the school gates. That same day, we were delighted to welcome families to our EAL Parent and Carer event, strengthening the partnership between home and school. Thursday evening on 11th December saw our Year 11 Parents’ Consultation, where many purposeful and productive conversations took place regarding mock outcomes and next steps towards success in the summer exams. In addition, a number of our students proudly represented the academy by supporting St Columba Church’s Carol Concert, bringing festive cheer to the wider community.
Week 7 at the Academy
As we approach the final week of the Autumn Term, it seems incredible that we have already reached the end of another busy and successful term and that Christmas is now fast approaching. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Lodge Park families a wonderful holiday season and hope that the New Year brings happiness, good health and prosperity for all. This term has been one of which we can be extremely proud. We have achieved so much together, with highlights including being recognised as the hardest working school in the locality for homework completion and being acknowledged for our work at the Spirit of Corby Awards. Our students have continued to work in partnership with us as we raise standards and expectations across the academy, and we look forward to the New Year when they will have the opportunity to reap the rewards of their hard work and commitment. The final week of term has been incredibly busy and filled with celebration. Our Winter Awards Assemblies have taken place daily and have been a wonderful opportunity to recognise a broad range of students for their excellent attitudes to learning and their commitment to our school values. A particular highlight was a video call from former student and Scottish Premiership footballer, Billy McKay, which inspired students and staff alike. We were also delighted on Monday to welcome older members of our local community into school for a Christmas dinner, with our fantastic CCF and House Leaders on hand to serve and support our guests. On Wednesday, Mrs Olner led our Christmas Music Concert, showcasing a huge variety of talented students from across year groups. It was fantastic to see so many parents in attendance, supporting an event that continues to grow in popularity each year. Thursday was a truly festive and action-packed day, with students taking part in the DRET Santa Run, whole-school House Christmas parties, our Christmas dinner and Christmas Jumper Day. Our teaching colleagues also came together locally to take part in a festive competition led by the wonderful Mrs Occleshaw, adding to the sense of celebration and community. Alongside all of this, our focus on academic success has remained strong. Year 11 students have continued to show real determination as they prepare for GCSE and Level 2 examinations. We have also held drop-down days for Music and Drama to support students in maximising their learning, and on Friday our Drama students enjoyed an exciting visit to London to experience a theatre production of Stranger Things. As we bring the term to a close, we thank our students, staff, families and wider community for their continued support and wish everyone a safe, restful and joyful Christmas break. Warm regards,
Lodge Park Academy Leadership Team
Corby Schools Carol Service
Some of our choir sang alongside other local schools on Thursday 11th December for the Corby Schools Carol Service at St Columba Church. We led the congregational carols, and our contributions to the service were Joy to the World and Angel's Carol - both sung beautifully and we appreciated the lovely comments from the congregation afterwards. Thank you to Mr Toyne who accompanied on the piano. #musiced #musiceducation #schoolchoir #christmascarols #carolservice #community #togetherness @dretmusic
Mrs Olner - Teacher of Music
Santa Run 2025
On the final Thursday of term, LPA participated in the DRET Santa Fun Run. Over 50 students and staff took part in the event, thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts of the LPA community who raised over £1,000 (before gift aid) for the DRET Inspiration Fund. The Inspiration Fund each year provides students from across the trust access to a wide range of enrichment opportunities across the year. The event saw runners, sporting their Santa and Reindeer outfits, complete a 20-minute fun run or walk around our very own Santa Run themed course, on the grounds of LPA. Following the event every participant received a medal before the fastest Santa (student or staff member who completed the most laps of the course within the time limit) and the highest fundraiser were awarded with a plaque for recognition of their fantastic efforts. This year’s highest fundraiser was awarded to Jorgie (Year 8) who raised an amazing £100 and Kyle (Year 10) who was the fastest Santa. Well done and a massive thank you to everyone who took part or supported this year’s event, we are extremely grateful.
Community Christmas Dinner
On Monday 15 December, we welcomed residents and carers from Glenmoor House and Seagrave House, along with Reverend Pullinger (St Columba Church) and members of the local community for a Christmas Dinner. The Sixth Form Choir provided a festive performance, and our guests enjoyed a range of activities including Bingo, a Christmas quiz and a raffle. Members of the Combined Cadet Force along with our Student Leadership, served drinks and Christmas dinner and spent time talking with our visitors. This event provided a valuable opportunity for our students to engage with the local community and to demonstrate their commitment to service and hospitality.
Table Talk
Over the next four weeks our focus for Table Talk is going to be Self-harm. Unfortunately, this is an issue that is prevalent in a growing number of teenagers across the country. It is important we remain vigilant for any signs of self-harm and discuss this subject as appropriate.
Week 2 - Myths about self-harm When people don’t understand self-harm, they might do or say hurtful things about it. This is called stigma. In the table below, we will explain the truth about some myths that can lead to stigma.
How do I tell someone I have self-harmed? Try to tell someone you trust as soon as you feel ready. This could be someone like a parent, carer, guardian, friend or partner. Or professionals like a teacher, doctor, social worker or counsellor. Before you talk to someone, you could:
- Write down how you feel
- Practise what you want to say
- Make a list of supportive people who you can talk to
- Think about how you want to tell them. You could talk face-face, write a letter, talk by phone or text, or talk while doing something together.
Telling someone isn’t easy – we might feel scared, stressed or anxious. Buts it’s something to be proud of. “Eventually, I told my parents, who supported me and helped me seek counselling”
Why We Do What We Do
Why do we have Houseopoly? It allows the students to work together as a Tutor group nurturing a culture of teamwork, mutual respect and support working their way around their Houseopoly board receiving various rewards that you get to enjoy together as a Tutor Group. On reaching Chance or Community Chest the Tutor group is set an under-cover mission to complete in return for a set amount of House Points, encouraging students to support each other. How can a Tutor group earn Houseopoly cards? The Tutor group is rewarded with Houseopoly cards for attendance, attitude to learning, equipment, academic excellence, behaviour, lineup and Tutor of the week. These can be handed out at line-up, in assembly or at Tutor time. What should Students be doing during the 90 Second entry to a classroom? Enter in silence, stand behind your chair in silence, bags and coats away under the desk, when asked to sit, sit in your allocated seat, LPA 6 on the desk, track the teacher ready to learn.
Seneca – What a Term!
This term has seen a hugely successful focus on homework at Lodge Park Academy, and we are incredibly proud of the commitment shown by our students. Our KS4 students in particular have fully embraced our new approach to homework through the use of the SENECA platform, using it effectively to support independent learning and to clarify and consolidate their understanding beyond the classroom. As a result of this collective effort, Lodge Park Academy has consistently remained the hardest working school in North Northamptonshire, significantly outperforming other schools across the area as our students continue to champion their own academic excellence. Alongside this whole-school success, we have also seen some fantastic individual achievements, which are celebrated below. We are extremely proud of the dedication, resilience and hard work demonstrated by all of our students this term.
Keep up the amazing work Team Lodge Park!
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 answers 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
Computer Science - Students Above Average
The Bebras Challenge introduces computational thinking to students worldwide. This exciting challenge takes place in schools, under the supervision of teachers, over a two-week period every November. In the UK, the challenge is open to all young people aged 6 to 19. Each participant has 45 minutes to tackle a series of interactive tasks, designed to encourage logical thinking and problem-solving skills appropriate for their age group. The challenge is conducted online, and tasks are marked automatically by our competition system. The tasks are designed to allow every student the opportunity to showcase their potential, whether they excel in Maths or Computing, or not. Results are back and our 6th Form were 4% above national county average, with one person getting above distinction and got GOLD award and getting "best in school" well done to Rio. Congratulations also to Adam who also got "best in schoo"l for KS4 and the GOLD award for his category. The follow students were recognised as Best in School for being in the top 10% of the country. Rio Adam Poppy Scarlette
DRET Carol Service - St Peter & St Paul's Church, Kettering
It was our DRET Carol Service on Friday 5th December at St Peter and St Paul's Church in Kettering - a beautiful church and many squirrels outside! Our choir sung 'Angel's Carol' by John Rutter as well as leading the congregation through a range of other carols including Deck the Halls, Joy to the World and Hark the Herald. We really enjoyed hearing the DRET primary school's singing, too.
Mrs Olner - Teacher of Music
WANTED - Language Books
We are reaching out to all families that may have books in a language other than English, to help our English as an Additional Language (EAL) students at the academy. If you have any books that you are happy to donate, and you feel they are suitable for our students aged 11 to 16 years, then please drop them off at our Main Reception. Thank you for your Kindness.
LPA House Championship 2025/2026
House Dodgeball - Results
The Penultimate House competition of the calendar year took place this week as Goshawk, Kestrel, Osprey and Red Kite went head-to-head in Dodgeball. The competition was one of the closest contested so far with each House been crowned champions of at least one of the Year groups across the week. Osprey got off to a great start to secure victory in the Year 7 competition. Goshawk ran out champions in the Year 8 competition followed by Red Kite who were crowned Year 9 dodgeball champions. Kestrel managed to find form on the Thursday to clinch victory in the Year 10 competition, meaning the overall competition went down to the final day between the Year 11's. With the competition wide open the Year 11's produced some closely contested matches, but it was once again Kestrel who came out on top to be crowned overall House Dodgeball champions this year. Goshawk clinched second place from a much-improved Osprey team who settled for third place. Red Kite finished in fourth place overall!
LPA House Christmas Party
The Christmas spirit was very much alive at LPA during the final week of term as Goshawk, Kestrel, Osprey and Red Kite came together to participate in the annual House Christmas Party. Tickets for the event were snapped up very quickly as 200 students arrived in the main hall to take part in a variety of Christmas themed games before indulging in a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. House points were available across the afternoon through a wide range of fun filled competitions as students went head-to-head in the Balloon race, Snowball race, Snowball catch, Santa hat relay, Speed Stacking, Sleigh and Cup race, Bingo and much more. Following all of the activities and games it was Osprey who accumulated the most points before being crowned House Christmas Party champions.
Christmas Tree Competition
As part of our Christmas events and leading up to the party, Tutor groups worked together to create their very own Tutor group Christmas trees. They were challenged to be creative and create a theme that would bring their trees to life. Once again, we were blown away by the effort and creativity each Tutor group put into the trees this year as they were proudly presented on the main stage. There was a range of brilliant ideas with some linked to the LPA Values, Careers, Character and celebrating different cultures. It was very difficult for Mr Kirby to decide upon the winning trees due to the effort demonstrated by each tutor group. However Goshawk Glittered their way to Ist Place with Kestrel a Keen 2nd, Osprey in 3rd and Red Kite 4th.
Congratulations to all Tutor groups for your imagination and creativity.
Switch off Fortnite – Poster Competition
Switch Off Fortnight is a nationwide campaign that takes place every year to encourage schools to switch off lights and electrical appliances when not in use for two weeks. The goal for schools is to help them save energy and monitor the impact of changing user behaviour on the school’s energy use. Lodge Park Academy will be taking part in the initiative from January 12th to January 23rd 2026. To support in our effort we are asking for students to create a poster to help promote and raise awareness around the campaign. We are looking for poster designs that are visually impactful, presents a clear message, and motivates everyone at LPA to take action. Entries can be submitted through a drawing or done digitally and emailed to housechampionship@lodgeparkacademy.co.uk Please hand in your designs to student reception by Friday 19th December. House points will be awarded to the winner.
Term 3 House Competitions
We are extremely excited for the House competitions lined up to take place in the New Year, including the eagerly anticipated House Winter Games. House teams will go head-to-head in a variety of competitions across Term 3 and 4 in a bid to be crowned Winter Games House champions. Competitions will also include the return of the popular Spelling Bee and Flags of the World quiz. Over 2000 House points will be on offer – a great opportunity for House teams to pull away in the House Championship race or close any gaps on the Leaderboard!
LPA Sports
Please take time to read the Lodge Park Academy Term 2 Sports Newsletter which is full of our achievements and events during Term 2 including LPA Ravens, All Star Netball & Rugby Development days, Young Leaders, Football, and our ever popular House competitions.
What Parents Need to Know
AI-driven toys will be everywhere this Christmas 🤖, offering children personalised interactions that can feel surprisingly real. This guide explores how Al toys listen, learn, and respond, and what that means for privacy, security, and healthy development. It also shares practical advice to help adults set boundaries, check permissions, and ensure AI supports, rather than replaces, real-world interaction.
Mental Health Support over the Holidays
Northamptonshire Drop-Ins are for young people aged 8 to 25 years, their parents and carers. If you need support with your mental health or find yourself in crisis then we're here to listen and help you in your time of need. Our drop-in sessions have professional mental health workers who can offer you a safe space to talk and be listened to. There will also be wellbeing activities, telephone support available, one-to-one support and peer support. We'd also like you to tell us what you need from us, and how best we can help and support you in times of crisis. Parents and carers are also welcome to gain support, advice and information on our services. If you'd like to, do come along to a Northamptonshire Drop-In. Drop-ins are open across Northamptonshire and you don't need an appointment - just drop in during opening hours. Youth Works at Corby Mind 18 Argyll Street Corby NN17 1RU Telephone: 07479 973085 Mental health and wellbeing support (ages 8 to 18)
- Tuesdays - 4pm to 8pm
Information and guidance (ages 8 to 25)
- Tuesdays - 1pm to 8pm
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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Email:
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