Lodge Park Academy's Newsletter – Spring Term
Dear Families, In his 1869 presidential address to the British Association for the Advancement of Science, James Joseph Sylvester coined the phrase
"Mathematics is the music of reason".
On World Maths Day (23rd March) we celebrate the harmony of numbers and the patterns they can offer to benefit our lives. This year’s theme is ‘United by Numbers’ – celebrating the belief that everyone can learn and excel at mathematics when given the right support. Part of our learning mission is to ensure that each and every member of the Lodge Park family has access and experience of this subject. Our assemblies this coming week will focus on ‘Confidence’, a term not always associated with coefficients written as fractions rather than as decimals, simplifying and manipulating algebraic expressions to maintain equivalence nor solving problems involving direct and inverse proportion. The intricacies of Math are widely held as necessary to a good, healthy and psychologically-sound existence. Numeracy is a fundamental life skill, crucial for managing personal finances, shopping, cooking, and career progression. We seek to support our learners in applying mathematical reasoning to real-world situations and in simple – binary – terms, having the best life opportunities. The English mathematician G.H. Hardy suggested that
"The mathematician's patterns, like the painter's or the poet's, must be beautiful; the ideas, like the colours or the words, must fit together in a harmonious way."
It is this search for harmony and balance that defines many of our initiatives within the academy. Thank you for helping us to support your child in acquiring the life skills necessary to achieving their goals. Best Wishes,
Lodge Park Academy Leadership Team
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 ..........
How do you know you are making progress in your lessons? The DO NOW tasks at the start of each lesson will evidence how much key information you can recall from your previous lessons. Our PFDI policies will also provide feedback through yellow sheets in your exercise books to support your understanding of the progress you are making. Reports are also sent home after each KPI point with the percentage score you received on the assessment (KS3), or a current and predicted grade (KS4) How do your teachers help you prepare for assessments and why do we do assessments? A revision booklet is shared with you via your student email address in the build up to each KPI point. In these, it shares key topics to revise across all of your subjects to guide your revision. It also breaks down some effective revision strategies to employ from home to support this preparation. For GCSE students, revisions guides are also available to loan out from our library. Assessments help you and your teachers understand what you've learned so far and what you still need further support with. They're used to guide feedback, adapt teaching, and help maximise your progress.
9 reasons why showing gratitude make you feel better:-
- Saying thank you triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitters that improve mood and enhance contentment.
- Gratitude activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which brings down heart rate and blood pressure, promoting relaxation.
- Regularly expressing gratitude can strengthen neural pathways, making it easier for the brain to focus on positive aspects of life and improving long-term mental health.
- Gratitude shifts focus away from anxieties and negative thoughts toward positive experiences, reducing worry and increasing resilience.
- Expressing thanks helps people recognize the positives in their lives, increasing happiness and reducing fear.
- Acknowledging the efforts of others can foster a sense of accomplishment and personal growth,
- Expressing gratitude strengthens relationships, acting as a "relationship building" tool that helps build social connections and bonds.
- Saying "thank you" makes you a better social partner, often inspiring helpfulness in others and increasing willingness for future collaboration.
- Sharing appreciation can create a ripple effect, improving teamwork and boosting the mood of both the person thanking and the person being thanked.
It's been that time of the term again where staff and students show their LPA Gratitude by writing cards for our Gratitude Tree, thus sharing what they are thankful for, helping to bring our core value of gratitude to life. Gratitude is closely linked to kindness, and this collaborative display of gratitude cards encourages reflection and appreciation. Focusing on positive thoughts has been shown to reduce stress and increase happiness. For Term 4, we invited our staff and students to think about their LPA resilience. We used the symbol of the Corby Steelman and the title "Unbreakable bands" and everyone was asked to consider who they wish to thank. Our students shared a range of "thank yous" appreciating the support of their tutor, friends and family members for always being there for them when needed. This activity has yet again provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to reflect on their kindness and gratitude and aim high for the future.
Above & Beyond Nominations
Tutors have been selecting students in their tutor group who have demonstrated at least 1 of our LPA core values (Ambition, Aspiration, Respect, Resilience, Courage, Gratitude) consistently so far this term and are deserved of recognition on our Above & Beyond boards in the House Hub area of the Zone. They were celebrated during House assemblies this week. All students selected will go into a Prize draw at the end of the academic year. Tutors will nominate again for a second time in a couple of week and then Heads of House will choose a Star of the Term from all students nominated in their House. Stars of the term go into an additional special prize draw at the end of the academic year.
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
Seneca
This week has officially been our best week ever on Seneca. We have achieved the following milestones:
- Best performing school locally (by quite a margin)
- Best performing school in the Trust
- Best school locally and in the trust during the same week for the first time ever.
- Most hard working week of the academic year so far.
Once again there are some new names in the Top Ten Seneca results, this is really heartening to see a student choice not chance - Keep it up
Thank you for your support.
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
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 Championships 2025/2026
‘Reflections’ House Photography Competition
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 - Thursday 2nd April
The House Just Dance competition is just over two weeks away - We hope students have been practicing their routines. 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 have only 7 days left to submit your song to housechampionship@lodegparkacademy.co.uk 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
Violent clips, online conflicts and shock-value challenges can spread rapidly across social media platforms. Many young people are exposed to this content through algorithms or messaging groups, even when they were not actively searching for it. Our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide explores how viral trends can encourage risky behaviour, normalise violence and create anxiety or fear within communities. The guide also highlights: • The emotional and legal risks of sharing violent content • How social media algorithms amplify harmful material • Practical advice for parents and educators
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 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" • 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"