LPA Newsletter

Why We Do What We Do

House Assemblies bring a sense of belonging for our students, and our four Houses bring together one community at Lodge Park Academy. This last week during our House assemblies we embedded the following so that all students are on the same page of understanding of Why We Do What We Do ..........

Why do we have LPA Reads? When tutors read to students it is an important way to help build language skills. It exposes students to new words and ways of using language. It also helps students learn general information about the world, which makes it easier for them to lean about new subjects. LPA Reads demonstrates proper pacing, tone and expression, showing students how to be 'real readers'. LPA Reads introduces complex vocabulary, sentence structures, and academic language, improving student comprehension and foundational skills. It ensures that everyone has access to the benefits and creates shared experiences, sense of belonging, and a love for books, making reading a pleasurable experience. What helps you thrive and flourish at school? Thriving at school involves students having a positive relationship and positive behaviour in a supportive environment. Students need to have healthy routines, (sleep, diet, exercise), engage in enrichment clubs, develop resilience, focus on a growth mindset, have a sense of belonging and there needs to be a strong parent-teacher-student communication to foster academic and emotional growth. Our House assemblies focused on Confidence this week and how students can build Confidence.

Dr. Ginsburg identified the 7 C's of Resilience to prepare young people to have the ability to face life's challenges. They are considered the essential building blocks that help show resilience in the face of challenges. Cultivating resilience in our lives must be at the heart of our well-being.

Confidence is the belief and trust in our own abilities, ideas and judgement. It is often described as a "quiet inner knowledge" that we are capable of handling life's challenges, rather than a need to feel superior or arrogant and often used interchangeably with self-esteem. Confidence is NOT........ Arrogance: It is not thinking we are better than everyone else. Perfection: It does not mean getting things right all the time. Constant: It is normal for confidence to fluctuate; it is not a fixed trait. Confidence IS....... Self-Belief: Trusting ourselves to navigate challenges and make right choices Resilience: The ability to bounce back from failure or social pressures. Self-Acceptance: Embracing our own unique strengths and weaknesses. Assertion: Communicating needs and opinions comfortably.

If we are confident..... 1. It helps us make informed choices and avoid negative peer pressure. 2. We are more likely to step out of our comfort zone and try new things, even if we might fall. 3. We can express our needs and opinions respectfully and say "no" when necessary. 4. We accept our unique strengths and weaknesses without feeling a constant need to change to "fit in".

There is a saying that nothing good comes from doing nothing; it is only when we put our minds to something that we can achieve great things. We need to work hard, have patience and dedication. Often questions in our minds can stop us from taking action.

Sometimes it can seem simpler to take the easier path, perhaps when we are feeling tired, unhappy or defeated. There can also be pressure from others as to which direction we should take. What if we had the power to make our own choices based on what we enjoy or feel passionate about while still considering the opinions from the people around us? Sometimes, taking the longer, more difficult path can be the most rewarding. Self-confidence and positivity are two of the most important factors for any challenge. In dangerous situations a positive mindset could save our life or encourage our teammates or friends to stay on the right track. Have you ever been faced with a situation where you've had to push yourself to the limit? Perhaps participating in something new? Learning to play a new instrument? Taking part in a competition? For all of these Courage & Resilience are required. Was it worth it? Did it make you feel proud? The answer to both should be a resounding YES. Greatness takes many forms, it can be something that we've done that has strengthened us as a person or it can be something that we have done for the good of others. GRATITUDE Perhaps we can't think of a time when we have pushed ourselves. Maybe we haven't had the opportunity yet or we've lacked the confidence, but how about we consider something we would love to achieve?

We all come across obstacles when we make certain choices. CHOICE not chance. Sometimes, we feel like giving up. Sometimes we feel like we've got lost somewhere along the process and we need to keep reminding ourself why we set off on this particular pathway in the first place. Resilience is key! We mustn't give up easily, we may need help along the way, but we need to dig deep and keep trying. Is there something that might give us the courage to keep on trying? Speaking to someone is important if we need help. Let's reflect on what is important and have the courage to follow our dreams despite obstacles.

History

Year 8 Workhouse & Infirmary trip, Southwell

On Friday 13th and Friday 20th March, 54 Year 8's visited the Workhouse and Infirmary, Southwell. This trip links in with the Georgian topic they will be studying shortly. The Workhouse is the Victorian version of the Georgian workhouses. Students got to experience daily tasks, food and confined elements that paupers once had to live in. All students were a credit to the school, asking some brilliant questions and exploring what life was like.

Mrs Berry - Head of History

Literacy Spotlight -LPA Readers recommend .........

‘When the Sky Falls’ by Phil Earle

Book review - What did I enjoy? I absolutely loved the representation of a dyslexic boy in a past society when disabilities weren't entirely understood. The book perfectly encapsulates his struggles and ostracization from the mostly ableist society. Additionally, I truly enjoyed the relationship build between Joseph and Mrs F, who acts like a motherly figure. Their relationship is written beautifully and their character dynamics first clash but ultimately complement each other. Why do I recommend? I recommend this book for a younger audience to learn of the horrors of war in a child friendly way. Because this book is set in WW2, there's an insight into people's experiences. On the same note, I think that this book is historically accurate in its descriptions of the destruction and panic of the blitz. What could someone learn from this book? Because the story revolves around a struggling, war-torn boy, I think people could learn of the horrors of war and the effect it has on children. Who do you recommend this to? I mainly recommend this to key stage 3, primarily year eights, as it is a story from the viewpoint of a young boy. Brief Summary 1941. War is raging. An angry, struggling boy is sent to London under the care of a woman named Mrs F. Mrs F owns a zoo and her prized possession is a powerful silver-back gorilla named Adonis. With time, Joseph’s and Adonis's relationship will blossom but the war will prove to be a hindrance to it.

Mrs V Sherwin - Teacher of English

LPA House Championships 2025/2026

Just Dance’ House Competition – Next Week

The House Just Dance competition is next Thursday. The competition will be taking place in the main hall at lunchtime, in front of a live audience. Students will be offered the opportunity to attend if they have demonstrated positive behaviour and attitude to learning this term.   Participants must speak to Heads of House to confirm their place in the competition with a deadline of Tuesday. We are looking forward to seeing this years performances.

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: .  

• Computer Science Work Experience & Careers Day – Saturday 28th March 2026
• 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

SWI UNIFORM SUPPLIER

https://www.swischoolwear.co.uk/parent-guide?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=CAM&utm_campaign=BTS_Email2_Parenthu

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