Lodge Park Academy's Newsletter – Spring Term
Dear Families, The Comic Relief message for Red Nose Day (20th March) encourages us to get...
“involved and let’s turn one day of serious silliness into the essentials every person needs to survive; food to eat, a safe place to sleep, a life free of fear and harm”.
This understanding of life’s ‘essentials’ is a fundamental aspect of the culture we seek to create within our Lodge Park family. The Empathy Assemblies this week, our current focus on Mutual Respect and the forthcoming Acceptance of All Needs events, serve to communicate the spirit of what it means to have Pride and Belonging in our community. We thank you for joining us in educating our students to show genuine care for themselves and the people around them. The sharp-eyed amongst you will have noticed the flags of various nationalities being flown alongside our Union colours, another symbol of our intention to celebrate both individuality and a sense of shared belonging. This Tuesday, part of our community will be observing St Patrick’s Day and commemorating the patron saint of Ireland with global festivities marking Irish culture and heritage. From different nationalities to diverse beliefs, our Lodge Park family offers a unique experience to our learners. Our efforts align with the principles of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, “working together to create a world that understands it takes all kinds of different minds.” The Royal College of Nursing defines
“Neurodivergence as the term for when someone's brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered typical".
Like the humour in a Red Nose Day or trying a festive dish (such as corned beef and cabbage on 17th March), we encourage all our learners to look beyond the limitations of what is ‘typical’ and celebrate our diversity. Best Wishes,
Lodge Park Academy Leadership Team
Table Talk
Please take a moment to read and reflect on the thoughts below and discuss any concerns your son/daughter may have in relation to conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. You will have noticed the growing news coverage about the escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. While much of the reporting is complex and fast-moving, it is very likely that children and young people will hear snippets of conversations, headlines, or social media content without fully understanding what is happening. When young people are exposed to fragments of distressing news, it can lead to confusion, worry, and fear. Without context or reassurance, they may imagine scenarios that feel far more immediate or threatening than they are. Even when events are geographically distant, the emotional impact can still be very real for children who are trying to make sense of the world around them. Recent reporting has highlighted the serious humanitarian impact of the escalating conflict across the region, with children among those affected by the violence and instability. This kind of news can be particularly distressing when young people encounter it without supportive discussion or safe opportunities to ask questions. Schools and parents play a vital role in helping children feel safe, grounded, and supported when global events dominate the news cycle. Some students may raise questions directly, while others may show their worries through changes in behaviour, heightened emotions, or difficulty concentrating. Simple approaches such as:
- allowing space for questions
- acknowledging feelings without overwhelming them with detail
- reassuring children about their safety
- maintaining familiar routines
can help provide stability and reassurance during uncertain times.
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 .......
Inclusion means treating every student exactly the same way? FALSE - Inclusion means making sure that everyone can access and enjoy learning, which might mean giving different support or adjustments (which is not exactly the same). Students with SEND (Special educational needs/disabilities) can join all school clubs and trips at Lodge Park? TRUE - Lodge Park Academy makes sure that all clubs, trips and activities are available to pupils with or without an EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan). Showing kindness to someone who learns differently helps everyone feel they belong? TRUE - Kindness builds a caring community and helps everyone feel secure and valued.
Empathy is really important in school, friendships and life. But empathy is also connected to Pride and belonging and together they help create a community where everyone feels respected and valued, where we understand each other better and building a kinder school community. Empathy is .....
- The ability to understand and share someone else's feeings.
- Imagining what it would be like to be in their situation
A simple way to remember this is the golden rule - treat others as you would like to be treated.
When we feel empathy we ...........
- See the world from another person's perspective
- Understand their experiences
- Respond with kindness and compassion
Empathy helps us step outside our own point of view and see things from someone else's perspective. When we do this, we often become more understanding and kinder in how we respond. Everyday examples of empathy:
- Feeling happy when a friend is successful
- Supporting someone who is struggling
- Feeling sad when someone else is upset
- Help someone who feels left out
Empathy happens in small moments every day. It could be celebrating a friend's success or noticing when someone is having a difficult day.
Sympathy........Feeling sorry for someone Empathy...........Understanding and sharing their feelings Empathy creates connections, it's a two-way connection, not just observing from the outside. Empathy goes a step further - we try to understand what they are feeling and connect with them.
Research shows empathy helps:
- Build stronger friendships
- Improve teamwork
- Reduce conflict
- Create stronger kinder communities
Empathy helps us build a school where:
- Everyone feels welcome
- Differences are respected
- Kindness is normal
- Everyone belongs
Empathic statements make people feel heard and show you care. These small phrases can make a big difference to someone having a difficult time. "That sounds really tough" "I can't imagine how you feel" "This must be really difficult for you" "you're handling this really well"
A strong community isn't built by rules alone - it's built by how we treat each other every day.
When we practice empathy we:
- Reduce stress
- Build trust
- Strengthen friendships
- Create a supportive community.
Empathy makes people feel safe, valued, and understood. When we understand each other we help everyone feel they belong and we create a school we can all be proud of.
- Listen more carefully
- Notice how others feel
- Support someone who might be struggling
- Treat everyone with kindness
Small actions can make a big difference. Just one kind, empathetic moment can improve someone's whole day. Let's make our school a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. If we try to show empathy - even in small ways - we can create a school where everyone feels they belong.
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
Tower of London - A Level Trip
On Monday 9th March, our History A Level students visited the Tower of London. They had a Henry VIII interactive lecture and tour, linking with their Tudor topic, followed by a chance to explore the Tower themselves. They had time to talk to a Yeoman Warder, who lives and works at the Tower, who shared even more Henry knowledge after their lecture. All students were a credit to the school and staff commented on how impressed they were with their knowledge and manner.
Mrs L Berry - Head of History
Seneca
Back in the Groove and Back to being Awesome: After a temporary blip, we are back to being awesome. Top in North Northamptonshire area and just off the pace in the Trust. Talking of awesome, Year 10 have smashed study hours out of the park this week. Its nice to see some fresh name coming into the Top 10 for both Year 10 and Year 11 - Students taking the choice to study - Brilliant.
Mr McGeown - Vice Principal
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/ Thank you for your ongoing support.
Mrs S Irons - Director of Maths
Literacy Spotlight – ‘Crack the egg’
Throughout the week, KS3 pupils have all had the opportunity to enter a creative writing competition during the library lessons. After their efforts during NGRT testing, pupils were given a plastic egg with a creative writing story prompt hidden inside. Pupils were then shown ways of structuring a story, alongside techniques which could be used and given time to complete their stories. These stories have all been entered into a prize draw. We have received over 150 entries! At the end of term, a winner will be announced. The prompts will remain in the library until the end of term – we encourage pupils to select another prompt and make another entry if they wish to increase their chances of a prize.
Ms Sherwin - Teacher of English
Learn to play a Brass Instrument at LPA!
We have visiting teachers for piano, singing, guitar, brass and drum kit. Lessons are paid for by parents via the My Child At School app and are subsidised by 50% if your child has Free School Meals, is eligible for Pupil Premium or studies GCSE Music or A-Level Music. You can find out more details and sign up for lessons via www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/music or speak to Mrs Olner, Director of Music.
A-Level Music Recital
LPA families are warmly invited to attend our upcoming music recitals celebrating our talented and hard-working students which take place during March. Our A-Level recital is on this Monday 16th March starting at 4.30pm in the hall which we expect to last around an hour. What is an A-Level Music Recital Exam? An A-Level Music recital exam is a pivotal event for students studying advances music courses. The recital exam serves as both a culmination of their hard work and a demonstration of their technical and expressive abilities on their chosen instrument or voice. During the recital, students are expected to perform a diverse repertoire, often spanning different musical eras and styles, to showcase their versatility. It provides a platform for students to express their artistic identity and gain valuable performance experience, which is crucial for those pursuing higher education or careers in music. Preparing for such an event involves rigorous practice, careful selection of pieces, and collaboration with our Musician in Residence. This public performance is their final preparations before performing for the visiting examiner. We look forward to welcoming you.
Mrs E Olner - Teacher of Music
Year 11 GCSE Music Recital
Our Year 11 GCSE recital is on Wednesday 25th March starting at 5pm which we expect to last for around 90 minutes. This recital will be recorded for coursework purposes. We welcome you to come and join us celebrating our talented Year 11 Musicians.
Mrs E Olner - Teacher of Music
LPA House Championship 2025/2026
House Winter Games - Final Results
The LPA House Winter Games came to an end this week as students went head-to-head in the final event of the competition, Sportshall Athletics. A huge congratulations to Kestrel who have been crowned overall House Winter Games Champions, after accumulating the highest medal tally across the games. Kestrel won the most gold medals across the event and accumulated the highest points tally (51 points) to secure a maximum 200 house points. It finished extremely close between Red Kite, Goshawk and Osprey in the battle for second place overall, with just 2 points separating the three House teams. It was however Red Kite who claimed second spot with 35 points, from Goshawk in third with 34 points and Osprey in fourth position with 33 points overall. House points have been added to the overall totaliser.
SportsHall Athletics
Congratulations to Kestrel who clinched the two final winter games Gold Medals, following a dominant performance in the Sportshall Athletics competition at the end of the week. House teams competed in a series of races, including an obstacle relay, Hurdle relay and team Shuttle relay. Competition points were accumulated across each of the races and the house with the highest points tally were crowned Champions. The KS3 competition was much closer as Osprey produced a fantastic team performance to push Kestrel all the way, missing out on the gold medal by one point. The KS4 competition was much more comfortable for Kestrel who secured the final gold medal of the games! Osprey’s much improved performance across the two days earned them 75 house points. Goshawk settled for 50 house points and 25 house points went to Red Kite.
House Next Level Chef
We have a very exciting House competition coming up next week for our Year 10 food students. Mrs Porter will be hosting the Next Level Chef House competition for our aspiring young chefs, with the challenging of elevating a ‘dumpling’ to make it ‘next level’. Students will have access to a range of ingredients and must showcase their creativity to produce a ‘next level’ filling as well as being judged on their skill in making the perfect dumpling! We can’t wait to see the results. Good luck to students involved!
‘Reflections’ House Photography Competition
This years House Photography competition is well underway and we have received some great entries so far. 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.
‘Just Dance’ House Competition Returns
The House Just Dance competition is just around the corner and we are looking forward to seeing this years performances. The competition will be taking place at the end of term in the main hall, on the stage in front of a live audience. If you wish to perform in this years competition you must send your selected song from to housechampionship@lodegparkacademy.co.uk by Friday 27th March. 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).
LPA Sports Timetable - Term 4
Enrichment Timetable - Term 4
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. Therefore, we will shortly be including some additional clubs and in Term 3 we introducin 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
With its end-to-end encryption and huge popularity, WhatsApp is often seen as a private and secure way to stay in touch; however, that same privacy can make it harder for trusted adults to see when things go wrong. This week's #WakeUpWednesday guide explains how features like group chats, disappearing messages, ‘Channels’ and location sharing can expose young users to pressure, unwanted contact and inappropriate content.
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: .
- Vet Work Experience & Careers Day – Saturday 21st March 2026
- 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
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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Credits:
Created with images by Zofia - "Word writing text Let S Is Talk.,Business photo showcasing suggesting in the beginning of a conversation on the topic Torn paper and notebook sheet with a pen placed on top of wooden table" • Uuganbayar - "Wooden blocks with words 'Why does it matter?',." • ARAMYAN - "Keep learning is written on paper." • Nikola - "Collage of numbers one to ten or 1-10, ripped torn advertisement street posters grunge creased crumpled paper texture background placard backdrop surface" • Zhaidar studio - "Bugle instrument png" • btiger - "3D Steps Illustration: Business Success Path with Educational and Career Icons" • umut hasanoglu - "Wooden signpost with arrows pointing towards help, guidance, support, and advice against a bright blue sky with clouds." • thodonal - "Concept of information" • alice_photo - "Contact us business icon on computer keyboard with the globe"