Lodge Park Academy's Newsletter – Spring Term
Dear Families, There is always a sense of in media res after any break, as our learners dive straight into the middle of the action, with Spring Cup rugby tournaments, GCSE drop-down days, Enrichment and Music clubs, to name but a few events in the first week back. And, amid the “hurly-burly” it would also be remiss to not mention a certain birthday (on Thursday 23rd April) for the Bard of Avon. The contribution of William Shakespeare to our culture goes far beyond 154 sonnets, extends further than 38 complete plays, it transcends more than 1,700 words that he coined, expanding our national language. Shakespeare speaks to the very heart of what it is to be a human being. His tortured Danish prince argues
“To be , or not to be: that is the question.”
– the very search for identity and belonging that we strive to support our students through. At the core of our teaching and respect agenda is the simple notion of Pride and Belonging, or as Shakespeare posited
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none."
— All's Well That Ends Well (Act 1, Scene 1) In his visionary poem ‘Jerusalem’, William Blake shone a critical light on the ruin of his increasingly industrial society and voiced the desire to build a "new Jerusalem"—a spiritual, utopian culture — in its place. On Thursday 23rd April we celebrate St George’s Day, reaffirming what it is to be English and the values we would like our society to reflect. These values form the core of our narrative within the academy, with our Lodge Park family supported by the tenets of ambition, aspiration, respect, resilience, courage and gratitude. Thank you for helping us to empower our students with these fundamental beliefs and seek to make the poetic vision of that “green and pleasant land” a reality. Best Wishes,
Lodge Park Academy Leadership Team
Attendance Update
We would like to share our weekly Attendance milestones with our parents. Whilst sharing the milestones for House Tutor groups, we are proud to share with you the amazing students who have 100% attendance at the Academy, year to date. It is never too late to improve your child's attendance. If you have any questions regarding your child's attendance, please feel free to contact the Attendance Team at the Academy. attendance@lodgeparkacademy.co.uk
Seneca
We’ve done it again—three weeks of unstoppable independent learning excellence!
For the third week running Lodge Park students have worked their hardest to retain the TOP SPOT in both Trust and Local North Northants Schools league tables for learning with Seneca. Our achievements are built on two things: staff who are committed to their students, and students who are committed to the quality of their work. Together, they create an environment where everyone thrives. We’re thrilled to see more students joining our independent learning achievers—your dedication is inspiring.
This has been a term full of highs and lows on Seneca; our engagement dipped early in the term during the mock exam period, and students needed support to refocus and get back on track. However, the key high points came when the results demonstrated that, despite the challenges, we were the hardest‑working students not only in the Trust but the local area. This outcome showed that the effort invested throughout the term paid off and highlighted the resilience and determination of the students. Thank you for your continued support.
Mr McGeown - Vice Principal
Sporting Success
This term Faye has been selected to trail for the FA Future Lionesses Talent ID Event. She went up against other girls from across the country in a variety of different football drills. Faye showed off her amazing skills in 1 v 1 and 3 v 3 battles as well in game play. Faye should find out soon if she is going to continue on her England journey. Whatever the outcome, this is a great achievement for Faye and we are very proud of her.
Literacy Spotlight
Shakespeare Week
To celebrate Shakespeare week, pupils created ‘blackout poetry’ giving new meaning to original Shakespearean sonnets. Pupils concentrated on the ways in which ‘blacking out’ language within poems can completely change the tone. Pupils were able to rationalise the choices the had made and commented on the ways in which their choices impacted the tone of their poem.
Continued ........
......‘Crack the Egg’ – Winners
Our ‘Crack the Egg’ competition has been successful with over 100 entries across KS3. The English department are really impressed with the quality of writing displayed by pupils. In light of this, 4 winners have been chosen.
Norrah K Jabin Hollie M Tomi M Well done for all of your hard work!
Miss Sherwin - Teacher of English
🎶 Musical Notes from Spring🎶
Our musical escapades have continued this half term with a mixture of exam related activities and enrichment activities. Earlier this term we welcomed our new Musician in Residence, Matt Winkworth, who has fitted into the department at light-speed, and it now seems like he has always been here! Pleasingly, our co-curricular clubs have continued to do well, giving our young musicians the opportunity to thrive in an ensemble environment. A shout out to our morning brass club who have been invited to take part in NMPAT's Brass Band Festival on 19th April! What an honour! I am looking forward to seeing them perform. Clubs start back from Monday 20th April and are open to all. Our Year 11s and 13s held their own recitals mid-March in readiness for their recent deadlines. For Year 13, this is a visiting examiner to whom they perform their portfolio live; and for Year 11 this is a recorded portfolio which we send off for assessment. Both year groups have stepped up their focus and determination to command the stage and deliver convincing performances. Their willingness and ability to support each other is highly commendable. Bravo to them! Our A-level students had an excursion to see a lunchtime concert in Leicester last week. This was to hear one of their set works performed live, and we are lucky to have made a connection with the organisers of the Leicester International Music Festival because they organised for us to chat with the performers afterwards. The performers - Nick Daniels, Antonio Oyarzabal and Amy Harman - spoke about their portfolio careers, their affinity with the music played, their own musical passions and gave some top tips for learning pieces; it was fascinating and the concert was a great example of high quality musicianship. Next term is looking similarly busy as we begin preparations for exciting projects – as always, the best way to get involved is to show up at a music club! And there will be spaces with our visiting instrumental and vocal teachers as Year 11 and 13 begin the summer exam series. Speak to your music teacher if you would like to know more. Best wishes,
Mrs E Olner - Acting Director of Music
LPA House Championships 2025/2026
'Just Dance’ House Competition – Results
It was an exciting final day of term at LPA as House teams went head-to-head in the annual ‘Just Dance’ house competition. Performing as an individual or within a group, each act displayed tremendous LPA Courage and Confidence to perform their chosen 'Just Dance' song in front of a live audience and this year’s judges; Mrs Jones (Executive Principal) and Mr Kirby (Principal) who scored each performance out of 10. It was an extremely close contest and following some excellent performances across each of the houses it was Goshawk who were crowned champions. Osprey and Kestrel finished in joint 2nd place. A huge will done to every single participant who represented their house team in this event. Points will be added to the overall totaliser.
‘Reflections’ House Photography Competition
Throughout this term and into the Easter Holidays we are looking for creative photos that captures this year’s theme, ‘Reflections’ – This is open to interpretation but could include creative skills using water, mirrors, shiny objects etc. The competition is open to all students, staff and wider family members. A maximum of 5 photos per person will be accepted. All photo entries must be sent to housechampionship@lodgeparkacademy.co.uk including your name, year group and house team. Deadline is 5.00pm on Friday 17th April 2026.
LPA Fantasy Premier League
As we approach the final few weeks of the Premier League season the LPA Fantasy Premier League table is starting to take shape. The lead at the top is now over 60 points with last year’s champion looking to make it back-to-back wins! Still plenty of game weeks left and plenty of players with those all-important chips remaining there will be more twists and turns ahead. The Gamesmaker has crept into the top 10 and will be looking to close the gaps on the teams above before the end of the season.
LPA House Championship - Term 5
We have another exciting term of House competitions lined up at LPA next term, featuring a BRAND-NEW competition – Gladiators! With a further 2,000 House points on offer there is still so much to play far. Although it is a much shorter half term we have Rounders, Music Quiz, Tug of War and Gladiators. More information will follow soon outlining details of how to get involved in each competition.
Lodge Park Academy Sports Newsletter
Please copy the link into your browser and view this terms Lodge Park Academy Sports Newsletter. https://lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/docs/newsletters/sport_newsletters/Term_4_Sports_Newsltter_2025-2026.pdf
LPA Sports Timetable - Term 5
Enrichment Timetable - Term 5
The academy would like to increase the attendance at the non-Sports Enrichment clubs and we have been listening to Student voice on the clubs they wish to attend. We have introduced an Enrichment Attendance card. When students attend 6 sessions of any Enrichment club and get their card signed by the Enrichment teachers they will hand this card into Student Reception and it will go into a prize draw taking place at the end of each term. We will also count up cards at the end of the term and House points will be rewards (House in 1st place 25 points, in 2nd place 15 points, in 3rd place 10 points, in 4th place 5 points)
Support & Information for Parents
Instagram remains a go-to platform for many young people, offering a constant stream of content, communication and connection. However, features such as livestreaming, messaging and algorithm-driven feeds can also present risks, including exposure to inappropriate content, social pressure and excessive screen time. Our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide helps parents and educators understand: • The key risks associated with Instagram • How features like messaging and public conversations work • Practical steps to support safer use The guide also offers advice on setting boundaries, using built-in protections and keeping communication open.
Career Days offers a series of online work experience and Career Days designed specifically for students aged 13–18. These live, interactive days give students a chance to: • Learn about a specific career from industry professionals • Understand day-to-day life, entry requirements, and pathways • Complete practical work experience tasks • Ask questions in live Q&A sessions • Receive a personalised certificate for UCAS or CV use . We’ve got a range of upcoming Career Days that might suit different interests — all taking place online and accessible from anywhere:
- Medicine Work Experience & Careers Day – Saturday 4th April 2026
- Law Work Experience & Careers Day – Saturday 11th April 2026
- Midwifery Work Experience & Careers Day – Saturday 18th April 2026
- Dentistry Work Experience & Careers Day – Sunday 19th April 2026
- Psychology Work Experience & Careers Day – Saturday 25th April 2026
- Architect Work Experience & Careers Day – Saturday 2nd May 2026
- Engineering Work Experience & Careers Day – Saturday 9th May 2026
- Business Work Experience & Careers Day – Saturday 16th May 2026
- Performing Arts Work Experience & Careers Day – Sunday 18th October 2026
. Details, dates & registration: Career Days Why this might benefit students: ✔ Career insight - live expert input and real-world context ✔ Work experience evidence for UCAS & applications ✔ Accessible for students anywhere - no travel required ✔ Suitable across Years 9–13
Community Events
VCL Productions Summer Youth Project is BACK!
VCL Productions is excited to announce this year’s Summer Youth Project production of Shrek Jr., with auditions taking place in Northampton on Sunday 26th April. Our Summer Youth Project provides young people with the opportunity to build confidence, develop performance skills, make new friendships, and take part in a full-scale musical production in a supportive and inclusive environment. We are pleased to share that we are registered with Northamptonshire Sport and will hopefully be allocated several HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) funded places for eligible families. In addition, bursary options are available for successful applicants following audition, helping to ensure the project remains accessible to as many young people as possible. We are passionate about providing opportunities for children and young people across the community, regardless of background, and would truly appreciate your support in helping us spread the word.
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 - Thursday 2nd April 2026
Lodge Park Academy Re-Opens -Monday 20th April 2026
Bank Holiday - Monday 4th May 2026
Lodge Park Academy Closes - Friday 22nd May 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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