Lodge Park Academy's Newsletter – Summer Term
Dear Families
“A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.”
This enigmatic statement by Wayne Gretzky (the leading career point scorer and assist producer in NHL history) reflects our own desire to prepare students for where the modern, dynamic, evolving world is ‘going to be’. Lodge Park Academy strives to equip its learners with the academic attributes necessary to succeed in - and beyond - the trials and tribulations of GCSE and A level examinations. And what better analogy to convey this ambition than equating scholastic success with the competitive and disciplined world of sport. Our athletes compete in the academy’s sports day on Thursday 18th June, which we champion as an essential factor in developing well-rounded, balanced individuals and a healthier community. As a World Cup kicks off (literally) in America this week, another Transatlantic icon shares our values:
“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime”.
Babe Ruth, the legendary American professional baseball player, acknowledged greatness in an individual but saw the greater value of collective, collegiate success. We applaud every personal triumph, celebrate each House and their successes, but do not lose sight of the fact that we are all enriched by these shared experiences. Life for Forrest Gump was “a box of chocolates”, but one needs to have the skills necessary to acquire the chocolate box, remove the packaging safely, open with care and select the most appropriate item for the desired flavour, texture, taste. Life for many members of our Lodge Park family is full of hurdles and thank you for working with us to help each student take these obstacles in their stride. Best Wishes,
Lodge Park Academy Leadership Team
We're recruiting Governors!
Up until now, as we've been a school with a 'Requires Improvement' Ofsted rating, we've had an AIB (Academy Improvement Board) made up of leaders of DRET. The intent behind this was through the pooling of the expertise and experience of school improvement together, Lodge Park could rapidly make the gains that we all want for our students.
But, now we've had the equivalent of a 'Good' inspection (and much more than 'Good' in a number of areas!) we can now move to a more traditional Governance model!
So, we are looking for passionate parents to sit on our ASC (Academy Scrutiny Committee). No specific expertise is required and full training and support for effective governance will be provided. All you need is a passion to see Lodge Park become the best it's ever been for our students.
If you are interested in being a part of this, please do let me know via jkirby@lodgeparkacademy.co.uk.
Thanks all!
JK
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 ..........
The Jubilee Centre is a pioneering interdisciplinary research centre focusing on character, virtues and values in the interest of human flourishing. The Centre outlines what character is and the goal of character education within its Framework for Character Education in Schools: Character is a set of personal traits or dispositions that produce specific moral emotions, inform motivation and guide conduct. The ultimate goal of all proper character education is to equip students with the intellectual tools to make wise choices of their own within the framework of a democratic society. Some core beliefs of this approach, taken from the Jubilee Centre, are outlined below.
Virtue
Virtues can be ........ Caught: The school community of both staff and students provide the example, culture and inspirational influence in a positive ethos that motivates and promotes character development. Taught: The school provides educational experiences in and out of the classroom that equip students with the language, knowledge, understanding, skills, and attributes that enable character development. Sought: The school provides varied opportunities that generate the formation of personal habits and character commitments. These help students over time to seek, desire and freely pursue their character development.
To reason with virtue, individuals must first become virtue literate. 'Virtue Literacy' is a helpful term that can be defines as including three components: Virtue Perception: noticing situations in need of virtues. Virtue knowledge and understanding: acquiring a complex language usage through familiarity with virtue terms. Virtue reasoning: making reasoned judgements which includes the ability to explain differences in moral situations.
LPA Teacher Bounces into Action
Our very own Miss Smith - Teacher of History competed in the National Trampoline and Double Mini Trampoline League Qualifier at the Kettering Arena that took place during half term week on the 24th May. Miss Smith finished in the top ten and it was the first time that she had completed a double back somersault in competition. On the 31st May Miss Smith also competed in the English Gymnastics Championships Qualifier that took place at the International Centre, Telford. This was the first time Miss Smith had competed in this series. It was a very competitive competition and Miss Smith secured a very respectable position of 22nd out of 52 competitors which she was more than happy with. She completed two routines of ten consecutive somersaults including a double back somersault. We are proud to say that Miss Smith has qualified for the English championships and has another qualifier event for the National League Finals in Cardiff in a couple of weeks.
The County School Challenge
Congratulations to our Year 9 students Beth R, Davina D, Gabi A, Harry J, Monika L, Trish N and Pippa M who represented our school at the Northamptonshire County Schools challenge semi-finals on Tuesday 9th June at Northampton Police Headquarters. Thanks also go to Miss Webster and Miss Baker who have been supporting the team whilst they have prepared and practiced their presentation. A final practice took place on Monday 8th to a class of students, Mr Kirby and our PCSO Steve Coles. The County Schools Challenge is a partnership project run across secondary schools in Northamptonshire. 22 schools took place this year with only a handful who will make it through to the final. Each year, it helps thousands of pupils learn about important social issues while teaching them invaluable skills. With a different theme each year, students use a business approach to raise awareness and develop creative ways to tackle a social problem. The whole of Year 9 were able to take part in the initial part of the competition where they all worked on ideas and the team were then selected to showcase their idea in front of the panel of judges at a 'Dragons Den'. This year's theme is "Anti-social behaviour" The students showed true LPA Resilience and LPA courage presenting their project eloquently in front of the panel of dragons from both Police and Fire service. Watch this space! We will find out shortly if they make it through to the final which will take place at The Castle, Wellingborough on Monday 29th June.
LPA Sports
Year 7 District Athletics
Well done to our Year 7's who took part in their District Athletics on Thursday. In wet and windy conditions, our students did amazingly well. The team finished 4th overall, with some amazing performances from the following students:
- Tiffany coming 3rd in 100m
- Ollie 2nd in 200m
- Helena 1st in 200m
- Poppy 1st in Shot Put
- Max 1st in Long Jump
- Oscar 2nd in Shot Put.
Well done to all those students that took part.
Student Charter Rewards Trip
Some of our Year 7 & 8 went to the University of Nottingham for the Students Charter Rewards trip. This trip was to recognise the Year 7 and Year 8 students that have attendance after school clubs this academic year. The students has the opportunity take part in Rock Climbing, Flag Football, Dodgeball, Handball and Frisbee.
Seneca - Independent Learning
As we begin the long last half term of the academic year - With our Year 11 cohort heading towards their last exams, we now look towards our Year 9 and 10 students to step up and continue with their Seneca independent learning to uphold our homework standards. Thank you so much for supporting your child through this journey.
Once again, thank you for supporting your child using Seneca independent learning.
Mr M McGeown - Vice Principal
Literacy Spotlight – Interventions
What? At Lodge Park Academy, we run two reading interventions in the library. These are broken down into New Group Reading Test (NGRT) interventions and 1:1 Reading interventions. How? During these interventions, staff work to support pupils in developing both reading fluency and skills in reading comprehension. Staff employ researched strategies such as choral and echo reading to model intonation and help pupils become more confident readers. Staff have been trained in reading comprehension strategies and also use strategies which employ dual-coding, such as ‘text-world theory’, to ensure all students make good progress. Why? ‘’Reading is not just a good way to fill the time. It has important and far-reaching benefits which go beyond a love of a good book. When children and young people enjoy reading, they are more likely to create a habit and read more often which in turn will help to build vital reading skills and bring with it a wider range of benefits...’’ (National Literacy Trust) We also know that GCSE exams have a reading age of 15 years and 7 months across many subject. Our interventions are designed to support pupils in making sure that they can confidently access these papers by Year 11.
DRET Musician of the Year 2026 Launch
Our annual competition for our young instrumentalists has launched this week, and all our instrumental players are invited to take part! There are 3 categories (foundation, intermediate and advanced) where the focus is how musically students play rather than the technical difficulty alone.
Last year, we very nearly won the highly coveted, title of 'DRET Musician of the Year' with excellent performances from Year 11 alumni Jennie and current Year 12 Richard.
Help is on hand from the music team, including making a good quality recording, and the closing date for entries is 19th June. Please encourage your young musician to get involved, and good luck!
Mrs Olner - Director of Music
House Championship 2025/2026
‘Top Bin’ Challenge
The House ‘Top Bin’ challenge took place today at LPA as both students and staff showcased their footballing ability in a competition that went down to the last shot! Osprey got off to a great start as Jack arrowed his effort straight into the top corner of the net. After a number of near misses, eventually we had our second attempt find the corner as Kian slotted into the top corner. It looked like it was Osprey and Goshawk were going to take home the points but for the last shot of the competition, Millie smashed the ball into the top corner of the net to bring Kestrel level. Well done to everyone who took part in the tricky windy conditions! Points have been added to the totaliser!
Guess the Scores – League Table
The 2026 World Cup got underway last night as Host nation Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. South Korea also secured a victory of their own in a 2-1 victory over Czechia in the early hours of this morning. Over 80 participants have entered our very own score prediction competition, running across all the World Cup ‘group games and the points have been added from predictions made for last night’s games. Kyle is currently out in the lead after impressively predicting the correct scoreline in both games to secure 10 points. Goshawk as a house have made a great start, taking up the majority of positions in the top 10 so far. Every correct score is awarded 5 points and 2 points are awarded to the correct result! Keep an eye out for the next update!
LPA Sports Day
The eagerly anticipated LPA ‘Sports Day’ takes place next week. House teams have been selecting their teams this week as they prepare to go head-to-head in an action-packed day of sport! House points will be awarded throughout the day both on the track and in the stands. Who will bring the noise? Who will bring the colour? Good luck to everyone competing in the event!
LPA Sports Newsletter - Term 5
Please find below the link for the LPA Sports Newsletter - Term 5 - Alternatively you can find it on our Academy website. https://lodgeparkacademy.co.uk/docs/newsletters/sport_newsletters/Term_5_Sports_Newsletter_2025-2026.pdf
LPA Sports Timetable - Term 6
Music Clubs Timetable - Term 6
Enrichment Timetable - Term 6
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. We have introduced 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
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:
- 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
We are urging North Northamptonshire families, parents, carers, children and young people to complete our special educational needs and disability (SEND) survey.
We’re inviting you to take part in this important survey about local services for children and young people with additional / special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Whether you’re a parent, carer, or young person yourself, your views and experiences really matter to us. This survey is your chance to share what’s working well and what could be betterwhen it comes to support from education, health, and social care services in our area. By taking a few minutes to tell us your thoughts, you’ll be helping to shape the future of SEND services, ensuring they truly meet the needs of children, young people, and families like yours.
Why is your voice so important?
Because real change starts with real stories. The more we hear from families, the better we can understand what matters most. Your feedback will help us:- • Highlight what’s going well • Identify areas where support needs to improve • Develop better policies and services that reflect the needs of our local SEND community All responses are anonymous and confidential and will be used to make sure services are responsive, inclusive, and focused on what families and young people truly need. The results of this survey will be processed into a report by an independent company and will be shared with you and the Local Area Partnership. We will also share the results with the Department of Education, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission. Your voice shapes our tomorrow and together we can build a better, more supportive future.
Take part in the survey:
https://npcv.co.uk/send-annual-surveys-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawSLxUNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETAxcXUzbTAweGZiMkVoU3Ruc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiBn_71ZaSGs1dA_PbQSKr_tTTg4QZ-6VIsSxw3oQTMXJDMOpqdErmwFy-sT_aem_ZBbodyN7aP1r3u_b95RHWg The surveys is open until 5th August 2026, and support is available for anyone needing help to complete it or for those who require the survey in an alternative format (such as paper, large print, or other languages).
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 - Wednesday 22nd July 2026
Lodge Park Academy Re-Opens -Thursday 3rd September 2026
Lodge Park Academy Closes - Friday 16th October 2026
Lodge Park Academy Opens - Monday 2nd November 2026
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:
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