Dear Families,
Lodge Park Academy Newsletter – Final Week of Summer Term 1
As we come to the end of Summer Term 1, the atmosphere at Lodge Park Academy has been one of determination, reflection, and community spirit. Our students in both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 continue to show extraordinary commitment during this important examination period. With GCSE exams in Chemistry, English, Computing, Sports, and Languages taking place this week, pupils have been working incredibly hard to give the best possible account of themselves — a testament to their resilience and focus.
Beyond the exam halls, the week offered meaningful and engaging experiences for all year groups. On Tuesday, students took part in a contextual PSHCE lesson centred on prejudice and discrimination. This vital session encouraged deep thinking about the real-world impacts of bias and inequality, helping to build understanding and empathy for the challenges many people face in today's society.
Wednesday marked World Day for Cultural Diversity, which we celebrated as a school community through a range of activities that highlighted and honoured the richness of different cultures. It was a valuable opportunity to embrace what makes us unique and the values that connect us.
We rounded off the week with a fantastic House Theatre Fun competition inspired by the classic TV show Bullseye. Students and staff alike enjoyed the light-hearted fun and friendly competition — a perfect way to end a busy and productive week.
As we head into the break, we wish everyone a restful and well-deserved holiday. Thank you for your continued support
Warm regards,
Lodge Park Academy Leadership Team
Why We Do What We Do
At LPA we run house competitions. We do this for a variety of reasons including building a sense of belonging to the house, developing team working skills, putting yourself out of your comfort zone when taking on new challenges, sharing our talents and developing new talents, being ambitious about 100% attendance and improved achievement and being the best version of ourselves we can be to name a few. This week at LPA we held a Bullseye competition which you can read about in more detail in the House section in our next issue, but great fun was had by competitors and spectators.
This week you might like to reflect on your relationships with your teen and talk to them about how you work together as a partnership and as a family.
If you’re parenting a teenager, you know it’s a phase filled with transformation—for both of you. One minute you’re talking calmly, the next you’re in a standoff over curfews, chores, or screen time. Conflict is normal, but it doesn’t have to dominate your relationship. This week, we’re diving into how to reduce parent-teen conflict—and build connection instead of confrontation.
1. Shift from Control to Communication Teens crave independence, and when they feel overly controlled, resistance flares. Instead of dictating, invite dialogue. Say things like: “Help me understand how you’re thinking about this.” “Let’s figure out a compromise that works for both of us.” This shows respect for their growing autonomy, without abandoning your role as a guide.
2. Respond, Don’t React It’s easy to snap when emotions run high—but responding with calm instead of reacting with anger can defuse a situation before it explodes. Take a breath. If needed, take a break. "Let’s pause and talk when we’re both less frustrated."
3. Listen Without Lecturing Teens often feel unheard, especially if conversations quickly turn into lectures or criticism. Try reflective listening: “It sounds like you’re frustrated because…” This validates their feelings—even if you don’t agree with their choices.
4. Choose Battles Wisely Not every disagreement needs to become a war. Ask yourself: Is this about safety or just a difference in style? Focusing on the non-negotiables (like health, school, or respect) and letting go of smaller issues can ease tension.
5. Model What You Want to See Want respect, honesty, and calm? Show it. Teens are watching how you handle stress, mistakes, and disagreements. Modelling emotional regulation teaches more than any lecture ever could Conflict Is a Clue, Not a Crisis Every argument is a signal—maybe they’re stressed, feeling misunderstood, or just trying to assert their identity. If you can stay curious instead of combative, conflict becomes an opportunity to grow together, not apart.
Quick Tip: Establish a weekly “check-in” with your teen. No lectures. Just a chance to talk—about school, friends, goals, or anything on their mind. Building trust when things are calm makes it easier to talk when things get hard. Parenting a teen isn’t easy—but it’s not meant to be a battleground. With patience, empathy, and consistency, you can build a relationship based on respect—not resistance.
Attendance- Medical
We have recently observed a growing number of students attending school and subsequently requesting to be sent home due to reported illness. Our highly trained first aid team is equipped to assess symptoms, provide appropriate care, and determine when a student requires immediate medical attention or should be sent home.
To ensure consistency and minimise disruptions to learning, we kindly request that students refrain from contacting parents directly to arrange being picked up. Our staff will evaluate each case and reach out to you if necessary. Please follow the procedure to call MCAS before 08:15 a.m. if you feel your child is too unwell to attend school. This approach helps us maintain a safe, supportive environment conducive to your child’s education.
The Department for Education’s research underscores the critical link between attendance and academic achievement. According to the DfE’s 2019 report, “The Link Between Absence and Attainment at KS2 and KS4,” pupils with attendance below 95% are significantly less likely to achieve expected standards in their GCSEs, with persistent absence correlating to a drop of up to one grade per subject. By prioritising regular attendance, we can work together to help your child thrive academically and socially.
Thank you for your partnership in supporting your child’s education. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Attendance Team.
Shock Drop Assemblies
Over the last two weeks staff have been selecting Stars of their Lesson.
Student received three reward points added to Bromcom and their names went into the Shock Drop Prize Draw. In Year Assemblies every day this week names have been drawn to receive prizes. Huge Congratulations to the following students:
Well done to Jay in Year 9 whose name was drawn to receive the star prize of an Xbox controller.
Goshawk House Tug of War Champions
House teams went head to head in Tug of War at LPA last week in another exciting and competitive House competition.
Throughout the week students in Years 7 to 10 showcased their strength and power in the battle to be crowned Tug of War champions. The competition was decided on the final day, with Red Kite, Kestrel and Goshawk all in with a chance of securing victory.
In the end it was Goshawk who prevailed and were crowned champions, after consistent performances throughout each year group, following two 1st place and two 2nd place finishes.
Well done to everyone who took part and represented their Houses.
House Bullseye Quiz
Bullseye returned to LPA on the final day of term with House teams participating in a House version of the popular TV gameshow.
As seen on TV, House teams faced a series of general and subject specific knowledge questions across four rounds. Each correct question earned respective House teams with a throw on the inflatable dart board, with each number on the board representing House points.
House points were banked throughout each round and added to the overall House totaliser. Full results will be revealed after half term.
LPA Bake Off
Students and staff were busy baking in the final week of term. Participants were challenged to create and bake LPA themed entries by incorporating House colours and values into their designs. The home bakes were donated to school before the student leadership team held a bake sale in the ZONE. The Bake Sale was in support of renovation work at St. Columba church in Corby.
Thank you to everyone who supported the bake sale, including students, staff and families who participated in the baking. This years winner was Zhenya (9PK) with his LPA tie themed biscuits. Zhenya incorporated all four Houses into his entry with individually made biscuits, decorated using house colours. Mrs Occleshaw and Semilore (7PG) were close runners up with their excellent cupcakes and cake respectively. 3rd place went to Charlie (9LO) with his LPA themed sponge cake.
LPA Fantasy Premier League – Final Game week
The final weekend of the Premier League season is upon us. Who will be crowned 2025 LPA Fantasy Premier League champion?
Tawanda has timed his run to perfection so far, coming out of nowhere to currently sit top of the league heading into the final gameweek. Despite early domination from both Daniel and Lennon it looks like they may have fallen at the final hurdle. Only 19 points separate 1st and 3rd place, setting up an exciting final weekend of the season in the race to be crowned LPA House FPL champion.
Good luck to all managers this weekend.
House Portrait Artist Competition
Reminder that the House Portrait competition will be running throughout half term. Showcase your artistic and creative skills by submitting a portrait through one of the five themes set this year; funny or silly portrait, self portrait in the style of another artist, portrait in the style of Julian Opie, LGBTQ+ Silhouette portrait or a portrait of a sports star of your choice.
Submissions must be handed to tutors before the deadline on Tuesday 3rd June. Heads of House will collate all submissions from tutors before handing them to the art department.
This competition is open to all students, staff and wider family members.
Term 6 - LPA House Competitions
As we enter the final straight of the academic year we have some exciting House competitions to look forward to. Over 2,000 House points will be on offer in the final term as House teams go head to head in the eagerly anticipated Sports Day and LPA’s Got Talent. Students will also have the opportunity to showcase their scientific skills by taking part in the Bottle Rockets competition.
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/Lodge_Park_Academy_Term_Dates_2024-2025.pdf
Lodge Park Academy Closes - Friday 23rd May 2025
Lodge Park Academy reopens - Monday 2nd June 2025
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Contact Us
Telephone: 01536 203817
Email: lpa-enquiries@lodgeparkacademy.co.ukPlease be aware this mailbox is monitored by a number of individuals, please do not disclose any confidential information.
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Visit our website at www.lodgeparkacademy.co.uk
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