Dear families.
Lodge Park School Newsletter - Week 2, Spring Term
Welcome to the second week of the Spring Term. It has been an exciting and action-packed week, as we kicked off National Careers Week with some fantastic events and opportunities for our students.
On Monday, we had the pleasure of welcoming two former Lodge Park alumni back to school, who delivered engaging assemblies to small groups of Year 11, 12, and 13 students. Their insights and experiences provided invaluable inspiration and guidance as part of our launch for National Careers Week. As part of our afternoon assembly programme, Mr. Elhasbaoui led Safeguarding assemblies, reinforcing the importance of personal safety and wellbeing.
Our talented music students also took center stage as 40 of them attended the DRET Secondary Music Festival at Nottingham’s Albert Hall Conference Centre, an incredible experience that showcased their musical talents.
On Tuesday evening we invited families into school for Year 9 Options Evening, where we discussed the next important steps for students as they begin their GCSE journey. This evening provided an opportunity to learn more about the subjects on offer, the options process, and how we can support students in making informed decisions about their future academic paths. Our staff were on hand to answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure that every student feels confident and prepared for this important stage in their education. This was extremely well attended and we are grateful for the commitment our families are showing to this important process.
Wednesday was a Whole-School Drop-Down day dedicated to National Careers Week, where students across all year groups took part in various activities designed to broaden their horizons and career aspirations. Year 7 students spent the day at the Forest Facility in Stamford, building teamwork skills and forging stronger connections. Meanwhile, in-school visitors from Tresham College, The University of Northampton, and Moulton College provided further career insights and guidance
Year 11 students continued with their second week of mock examinations, demonstrating hard work and dedication as they prepare for their upcoming GCSEs.
It has been a fantastic week filled with opportunities and experiences that support our students’ futures. We are looking forward to the rest of the term and all the exciting things to come!
The Senior Leadership Team
Options Evening 2025
A huge thank you to all of our families that attended this hugely important event for our year 9s. Mr Cronin and Mrs Jones led a presentation all about the reasons and motivations behind effective option decisions, and then families met with our teachers who volunteered their time to discuss subjects and the right pathways for our learners.
It was standing room only in the hall such was the turnout! A huge sign of how critical this time is for our year 9s and the unbelievable support they can count on from their families.
The future is very, very exciting!!
Year 11 Saturday School: Week One
Success of Week One of Saturday School
We are delighted to share the success of the first week of our Saturday School program, which saw an impressive turnout of 70 students. These dedicated students attended targeted sessions in English, Maths, Science, and History, all designed to support their preparation for the upcoming summer examinations. The commitment displayed by our students was outstanding, and they approached each session with enthusiasm and determination.
The sessions, led by our expert teachers who generously gave up their weekends to support our students, were well-received. Our students behaved impeccably and worked hard, showing a true commitment to achieving their best. The tailored approach to learning provided during these sessions is designed to give every student the tools and confidence they need as they prepare for their final exams.
We are incredibly proud of the effort and dedication displayed by both students and staff. As we move closer to the summer examination series, we are confident that this additional support will help our students achieve success and feel fully prepared for the challenges ahead. We look forward to seeing continued progress in the coming weeks and are grateful to everyone who is contributing to the success of Saturday School
Mr. McGeown - Vice Principal
Leave of Absence Procedures
At Lodge Park Academy we understand that unforeseen family circumstances do happen.
However, where the absence is planned in advance, parents and carers must let the Academy know prior to the absence to seek authorisation.
Where authorisation is not given, for example a holiday, it is parents and carers responsibility to ensure that their child attends school as normal in order to avoid a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Therefore, we ask that parents and carers do not request or take holidays during term time unless the circumstances are truly exceptional (as decided by the Principal) in accordance with the Education (Pupil Registration)(England) Regulations 2006 and subsequent amendments.
If you do wish to submit a Leave of Absence please do so using head@lodgeparkacademy.co.uk
Mrs Cooper- Vice Principal Attendance
Year 7 Team-Building Trip to the Forest Facility: A Highlight of National Careers Week
As part of National Careers Week, our Year 7 students embarked on an exciting team-building trip to the Forest Facility, an exhilarating 4km assault course and problem-solving adventure set within the picturesque grounds of Burghley House Estate, just on the outskirts of Stamford. The day was packed with opportunities for our students to work together, face challenges, and demonstrate the core values that we strive to nurture at Lodge Park Academy.
The course, which winds through a vast forest area, presented a variety of exciting obstacles for our students. From ropes and tunnels to gigantic wooden frames, water features, and a range of academic challenges, the students were kept on their toes throughout the day.
Each section of the course required teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving skills, as students worked together to complete each challenge.
Our Year 7s were enthusiastic and determined, embracing every obstacle that came their way. The forest environment offered the perfect backdrop for our students to engage with each other, pushing their limits while supporting and encouraging one another. Whether they were helping each other through the ropes course, navigating the tunnels, or coming together to solve a particularly tricky academic challenge, it was evident that the spirit of teamwork was alive and well.
The day was expertly led by our very own Assistant Principal, Miss Lee, who kept the students motivated and focused throughout. She was brilliantly supported by our incredible team of tutors, including Miss. Trejo, Mrs. Sauzier, Mr. Okorie, Miss Wilson, and Miss Davies. Not only did they guide and support the students, but they also threw themselves into the challenges alongside them, demonstrating the importance of leading by example.
This team-building trip perfectly encapsulated the values we strive to instil at Lodge Park Academy: courage, ambition, aspiration, gratitude, respect and resilience. Students demonstrated their adventurous side and showed kindness to their peers throughout the day. The students demonstrated these all these qualities in abundance, with each one of them showing immense perseverance, teamwork, and positivity.
Our Year 7 students behaved impeccably throughout the day and were an absolute credit to the school. They demonstrated that with determination, collaboration, and a willingness to take on new challenges, anything is possible.
All in all, it was a fantastic day filled with adventure, growth, and fun, a perfect way to celebrate National Careers Week and showcase the incredible potential of our Year 7 students. We look forward to more experiences like this in the future, as we continue to foster a strong sense of teamwork and achievement across our school community.
Well done all – Miss Lee and the Year 7 Team.
Table Talk
This week is National Careers Week. Pupils have been discussing careers with their tutor, teachers, visitors to the school and other staff members, but effective career guidance includes discussing with families at home.
This can be a challenge as not only is the world of work changing quickly making it harder for families to keep update with knowledge and routes, but also we all have our own pre-conceived ideas about careers. It is important to have discussions with your teens about their next steps, creating opportunities for them to be thinking about their future, what they would like to achieve and what they need to do now to get themselves on the right track. You don't have to have all the answers, just listening to them is important.
To help make these conversations more productive here are some tips from the organisers of National Careers Week:
✓ Accept their idea of success may be different to yours. Their dreams and ambitions might not align with your ambitions for them. This can be disappointing, but let them walk their own path.
✓ It’s OK if they’re not sure on a career route yet They don’t need to make that decision right now. They do need to develop skills that will help them progress, and that should be their focus.
✓ Encourage them to turn passions into money-makers They’re more likely to be successful (and happier) pursuing a career in something they enjoy
✓ Help them navigate their limitations. Not being academic should not be a barrier to success and there is usually more than one way to reach a destination
✓ Help them if they are struggling to look far ahead. Setting short-term, achievable goals will help them strive towards a long-term ambition.
✓ It’s OK if they change their mind! Reassure them that if they tell you they have their heart set on one direction, then later change their minds, you won’t berate them for it.
✓ Encourage them to explore all their options. Help them plan out a route that focuses on their strengths. Different educational routes can often provide entry points into the same industry.
✓ Empower them: They have control over their future, the decisions they take and what they do matters. What are the different levels of qualifications?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are 8 qualification levels (1 - 8) plus an entry level qualification for those just starting. Generally, the higher the level, the more difficult the qualification is. Levels 1-3 are typically taught in schools and colleges. With so many different qualifications, it can be hard to know what they mean and where they might lead to next. Some routes favour a more academic approach whilst others are more vocational. It means whatever your skills or interests there is a path for you.
Level 1 - GCSE grades 1-3 (D, E, F, G) Level 2 - GCSE grades 4-9 (A*-C) or BTEC first diplomas Level 3 - A Levels, T levels, BTEC extended diplomas or Advanced Apprenticeship Level 4 - Higher National Certificates or Higher Apprenticeships Level 5 - Foundation degree, Higher National Diplomas or Degree Apprenticeship Level 6 - Bachelors degrees or Degree Apprenticeship Level 7 - Master degrees or Degree Apprenticeship Level 8 - Doctorate (PhD)
Career Drop Down Day – 5th March 2025
On Wednesday, 5th March, we held a Career Drop Down Day as part of National Careers Week. Year 7 to 10 students participated in career-focused assemblies and activities.
Year 7
Year 7 spent the morning focusing on teamwork skills at the Forest Facility near Stamford. The students participated in an assault course that encouraged teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. In the afternoon on their return they reflected on these skills and discussed how they could be applied in the future.
Year 8
Year 8 engaged in sessions with Tresham College, Moulton College, and Starting Off, a local apprenticeship provider, learning about career pathways and the skills employers value. Students also took part in classroom-based activities that emphasized teamwork and skill development.
Year 9
Year 9, who are in the process of selecting their GCSE options, received guidance on making informed choices and participated in a “Taste of Work” virtual work experience. They explored transferable skills and used the Career Pilot platform to investigate various career opportunities. A talk from the University of Northampton also provided insight into future academic and career options, including degree apprenticeships.
Year 10
Year 10 attended talks with Tresham College, Moulton College, and the University of Northampton, exploring post-GCSE pathways. Students also participated in the “Taste of Work” virtual work experience and learned about CV writing, equipping them with practical tools for their career journey.
Our Sixth Form
Our Sixth Form spent the day learning about finance and budgeting and attended a session with Starting Off, learning about career pathways and the onboarding and application process at Starting Off. The session provided students with practical advice and guidance on how to pursue successful careers through apprenticeships, offering them a clearer understanding of the professional world.
These events have provided our students with meaningful insights and experiences that will help shape their future career decisions. We want all our students to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen career paths.
LPA Character
Term 2
In Term 2 Goshawk House held their Annual Charity event to raise funds for The Autumn Centre to support the over 50s. They organised a raffle and they raised £162.
Term 3
In Term 3 Redkite House held their Annual Charity event to raise funds for Corby Homeless project by Emcompass. They organised a Bake Sale and also offered staff and students the opportunity to purchase a rose and a card to be delivered to someone on Valentines Day (our last day of Term 3) and they raised £150.
It was wonderful to see students from both Houses working together showing great teamwork and demonstrating their LPA Respect and Gratitude.
Osprey House are currently organising their local charity event taking place at the end of this term in support of Corby Mind and Kestrel House will be hosting their charity event for Be More Fab in Term 6
4 Houses 1 Community!
LPA Rewards
This week saw the launch of our latest ‘Shock Drop’ to reward pupils for working hard in their lessons.
We have made some changes to the entry requirements for this upcoming prize draw as pupils will gain entry by achieving ‘Star of the Lesson’. Each lesson teachers will select one student who has shown LPA values throughout the period and they will receive three rewards points and a ticket to put into the prize draw box in student reception.
In the Year assemblies in the week beginning 17th March tickets will be drawn out of the boxes with prizes ranging from PS5 controllers to Byoma skincare products to queue jump passes for the canteen. The more Star of the Lesson tickets pupils receive the more entries they will have. To receive the reward pupils must be in school on the day of the draw.
These rewards compliment the huge range of rewards that pupils can achieve at Lodge Park Academy through working hard and attending each day. These rewards include:
- Merit certificates and badges
- Subject certificates and badges
- Entry to the In it to Win It competition for 100% attendance in a week
- Perfect awards
- Postcards home
- Housepoloy tutor group rewards
- Entry to the Theatre Fun House Competitions at the end of each term such as I’m a Teacher Get Me Out of Here
- Values Award Trophies
- Above and Beyond awards
There are lots of plans to increase the amount of rewards on offer for pupils to achieve, and these will be launched after Easter and in September. Please keep an eye on the newsletter for further information.
‘Just Dance’ is back…
The eagerly anticipated ‘Just Dance’ House competition returns this term. This year the competition will be taking place in the main hall, on the stage in front of a live audience.
Participants will need to perform a ‘just dance’ song either individually or as a group of up to 8 (participants DO NOT need to be in the same tutor or year group but must be in the same House).
Songs must be selected from YouTube and submitted on email to housechampionship@lodegparkacademy.co.uk by Friday 28th March.
‘Signs of Spring’ House Photography Competition
This year’s Photography House competition (‘Signs of Spring’) is underway. Throughout the term we are looking for creative photos that captures and showcases spring – This is open to interpretation but could include plants, animals, landscapes, sunrise etc.
The competition will run across the term and the Easter holidays and is open to all students, staff and wider family members.
All photo entries must be sent to housechampionship@lodgeparkacademy.co.uk including your name, year group and house team.
DRET Cross Country
On Wednesday students from Year 8 - 10 took part in the DRET Cross Country Cup. They competed against the other 10 DRET schools around Nevil Holt farm. Students showed great LPA Resilience and Determination as they kept going round the course.
Well Done to Millie who finished 2nd in her race . Special mention to Mckenzie who finished 8th in his race, Olivia who finished 10th in her race.
Well Done to all who took part.
Year 7 County Netball Tournament
On Tuesday our Year 7 girls took part in the County Netball tournament at KBA.
They played lots of games against schools across Northamptonshire. The girls worked well together as a team showing great communication skills and teamwork.
They girls finished 6th overall which is a great achievement for their first county competition.
Well Done
What did you do during your half term?
I bet not many did anything as fun as Cdt Emerton and Cdt Leromenko in Year 9 who both had the opportunity to go flying with the Corby Royal Air Force Air Cadets. Guess which picture is taken of one of the cadets after he had been flying! They were able to enjoy some aerobatics and had control of the plane themselves for some of the flight.
Cpl Deathridge had the honour of being one of the banner bearers for the ATC Sunday parade we did in February, doesn’t he look smart?
We currently have seven LPA students at the squadron, a couple just recently being enrolled with us. We do lots of different activities, not only flying, including sports, leadership activities, STEM activities, shooting, completing DofE awards and more.
We also have opportunities to attend camps at different RAF bases around the country. If anyone is interested in finding out more information, you are 12 and in Year 8 or above, the next intake will be in September. Either speak to one of the cadets or see Mrs Tilley, I am a civilian instructor at the squadron.
SWI UNIFORM SUPPLIER
Academy closes on Friday 4th April 2025
Academy reopens on Tuesday 22nd April 2025
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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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