LPA Newsletter Friday 17th October 2025

Table Talk

Tolerance in Trying Times: A Call to Stand Together

In a world that feels increasingly divided, the value of tolerance is more vital than ever. As communities across the UK and LPA , mark Black History Month, we are reminded of the long, ongoing struggle for racial justice and the importance of recognising our shared humanity.

This October, the celebration of Black excellence and resilience comes at a time when we are also grieving, and reckoning, with a shocking act of hate close to home.

Recently, the peace of Manchester was shaken when a local synagogue was attacked in a deliberate act of antisemitism. Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries; symbols of peace, not targets of violence. This incident is not just an attack on the Jewish community; it is an attack on the fabric of our diverse society.

What Tolerance Really Means

Tolerance is more than passive acceptance, it’s the active choice to respect and protect one another, even when we differ in race, religion, culture, or belief. It’s standing up when hate rears its head. It’s listening to stories that are not our own. And it’s recognising that our fates are tied together, whether we walk into a church, a mosque, a synagogue, or none of the above.

Black History Month reminds us that systemic discrimination has deep roots but also that progress comes when people from all backgrounds unite. The civil rights movement in the US, the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, and campaigns for racial justice in the UK have all shown the power of solidarity across lines of difference.

Building Bridges, Not Walls

In light of the Manchester attack, we must reject the rhetoric of division and stand united against hate: antisemitism; racism; Islamophobia; xenophobia. Our diversity is not a weakness; it is a strength that must be defended. Tolerance begins in everyday acts: teaching children about different cultures, challenging harmful stereotypes, showing up for neighbours in need, and speaking out when others remain silent. In schools, in workplaces, and in our homes, we have the power to shape a more compassionate future.

A Shared Responsibility

Let this month be more than just a celebration of history; Let it be a commitment to building a more tolerant tomorrow. The Black community and the Jewish community, along with so many others, have faced prejudice and exclusion. But they have also demonstrated extraordinary resilience, culture, and contribution. As we honour Black History Month and respond with compassion to the Manchester synagogue attack, let’s talk to our children about: What kind of society do we want to be? One where hate is normalised — or one where tolerance and respect are the foundation of everything we do?

Attendance

Each half-term we celebrate our students attendance through a variety of means including 100% "In It To Win It" prize draws, 5 Attendance points for each week of 100% attendance, 100% Student email and Parent MCAS, Houseopoly best Tutor Group attendance and Most improved attendance.

In addition we also celebrate our Tutor Groups who achieve various attendance challenges. This half term both 9PG and 7LG have achieved their first prizes and were rewarded for snacks for the whole tutor group.

We thank all of our families who are supporting our students to attend school each day and we look forward to celebrating more great attendance with our students next half term.

Mrs Cooper - Lodge Park Academy Vice Principal - Pastoral & Attendance

Championing Independent Learning with Seneca at Lodge Park Academy

Seneca – A successful first term!

Since introducing our new Seneca platform and learning approach just five weeks ago, students at Lodge Park Academy have embraced independent online study with impressive enthusiasm and commitment.

Across Key Stages 4 and 5, there are now 440 active learners regularly engaging with Seneca to enhance their understanding and revision. A further 510 students have a connected parent account, strengthening the partnership between school and home in supporting learning progress.

In total, students have completed over 1,300 hours of independent study since launch, an outstanding demonstration of motivation and ownership of learning. Subject engagement has been particularly strong, with:

· 610 hours spent studying Science

· 250 hours in History

· 230 hours in English

· Nearly 100 hours across French and Geography

Both Year 10 and Year 11 students have each contributed over 500 hours of independent learning time, reflecting their dedication to academic success and exam preparation.

These figures highlight the rapid and effective adoption of Seneca at Lodge Park Academy, showcasing how students are actively taking charge of their learning and using digital tools to strengthen their knowledge and skills across the curriculum.

Thank you to all parents for supporting this work.

Mr McGeown - Vice Principal, Quality of Education

LPA Music - Composition Challenge

Year 10 GCSE Music and Year 12 A-level Music students travelled to Malcolm Arnold Academy on Monday 13th October to hear their own compositions played by professional musicians of the Berkeley Ensemble. The pieces sounded fab and the musicians gave great feedback, which will form the the basis of developments before the final session in November. There really is no substitute for live music!

Mrs Olner - Lodge Park Academy Teacher of Music

Lodge Park Academy Year 10 DISTRICT CHAMPIONS

We are so, so proud of our Year 10 team for taking on all the schools in Kettering, Oundle and Corby and coming out on top, winning every game comfortably. The team beat Prince William 8-0, KBA 5-0, Latimer 9-0, Southfield 7-0 and Bishop in the final game 4-3 to secure the win. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to training week in and week out has truly paid off and they absolutely deserved this win.

Mrs Morgan-Smith - Lodge Park Academy - Head of P E

LPA House Championship 25/26

House Netball Results

The final round of the House Netball competition involving Year 11's and Sixth form has concluded after having to be rescheduled due to the weather conditions. Congratulations to Kestrel House who have been crowned this year’s House Netball Champions, adding 100 house points to their totaliser. It was a joint second place finish for Osprey and Goshawk who secured 75 points each followed by Red Kite in fourth place, picking up 25 points.

Restart a Heart

This Thursday 16th October was Re-start a Heart Day and students in Years 7, 8, and 9 attended informative and engaging assemblies delivered by NNCFR (North Northants Community First Responders). These sessions focused on raising awareness of cardiac arrest and highlighted the vital importance of learning CPR. Through real-life examples and clear demonstrations, students gained a deeper understanding of how early intervention can save lives. For Sixth Form students, a hands-on practical workshop provided an invaluable opportunity to learn and practise CPR skills under expert guidance. The interactive session empowered students with the confidence and knowledge to act in emergency situations, reinforcing the life-saving impact of immediate response.

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 - Friday 17th October 2025

Lodge Park Academy Re-Opens - Monday 3rd November 2025

Lodge Park Academy Closes - Friday 19th December 2025