LEADERSHIP, ENQUIRY, ASPIRATION AND PERSEVERANCE
WELCOME
WE’RE
DELIGHTED TO WELCOME YOU TO OUR PROSPECTUS
Our Principal, Claudette Bergin, has worked in the Federation for 15 years and has already led an outstanding Academy within the Federation before joining this particular academy. Ms Bergin firmly intends to put Harris Academy Peckham at the very heart of our community.
Under her leadership, the academy is providing students with the academic and pastoral support they need to thrive. All of us at the academy hope that local families will come and see for themselves everything we have to offer.
Thank you for considering Harris Academy Peckham.
We are extremely proud to lead an aspirational and dynamic academy in the heart of Peckham. We are rated ‘good’ by Ofsted and at the core of everything we do here is a desire to transform the lives of the students we work with.
There is real warmth within our Academy as well as a family atmosphere. Staff and students have respect for one another built on genuine relationships. Whatever a child’s ambitions, our dedicated team of teachers and support staff equip them with the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to reach their goals.
Education is all about broadening horizons. Our students have access to a huge range of enrichment activities during and after each academy day and we organise numerous trips in London, across the UK and abroad. We are also fortunate to regularly welcome high-profile and inspirational visitors and speakers.
Our academy ethos is LEAP (Leadership, Enquiry, Aspiration and Perseverance) and this guides everything we do. As well as leaving Harris Academy Peckham academically successful, we want our students to be well-rounded, socially-conscious individuals who are fully prepared and confident to take their next steps once they leave the academy at the end of Year 11.
This prospectus is only a snapshot of what our academy has to offer. Please do come and visit us on one of our open days and bring your children along.
Claudette Bergin - Principal
HARRIS ACADEMY PECKHAM
Rate of academic progress significantly increasing with the Government ranking us amongst the top of their league table of schools with similar students
Vibrant Curriculum, Outstanding teaching and Engaging lessons
Free musical instrument lessons for every student in Year 7, 8 and 9 (and for GCSE Music students)
Extensive range of enrichment activities to stretch and challenge all students
Outstanding pastoral care, with a family culture within the Academy
OUR CURRICULUM
WE OFFER A WIDE-RANGING CURRICULUM WHICH AIMS TO INSPIRE AND CHALLENGE. IT IS OUR HOPE THAT EACH OF OUR STUDENTS FINDS SOMETHING – A SUBJECT, SPORT OR VOCATION – THEY ARE TRULY PASSIONATE ABOUT.
Our vibrant and engaging Key Stage 3 curriculum (Years 7, 8 and 9) concentrates on breadth and depth of knowledge. Your child will have lessons in English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, a Language (French or Spanish), Art, Design and Technology, Music, PE, Religious Studies, Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSHE), Computer Science and Drama. The day starts with time with your child’s tutor and focuses on student well-being, preparedness for the academy day, debating and participating in engaging topics; as well as focusing on essential class reading time.
Our online Bedrock vocabulary programme begins in Year 7. It aims to develop the literacy skills and vocabulary knowledge of our students and instil in them a life-long love of reading. The long term result is that our students are confident readers with a good knowledge of both the classics and contemporary literature.
Early on in their education your son or daughter will receive tailored careers advice so they are able to make well-informed decisions about their futures. In Year 9, our students choose what subjects they would like to study at GCSE following an informative and supportive process. We offer a wide choice of creative, vocational and traditional subject options so that they are able to choose a course of study that’s just right for them.
MANDARIN
WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT MANDARIN IS NOW THE THIRD LANGUAGE THAT WE DELIVER AT HARRIS ACADEMY PECKHAM.
Through learning Mandarin, students will develop a better understanding of the people and cultures of Mandarin-speaking countries and Chinese communities across the UK and the rest of the world, which in turn enables them to consider their own identity and place within the world, particularly in the current global and national climate. Language learning is therefore a gateway to the acceptance, pursuit and appreciation of a harmonious international community.
Learning about Chinese language and cultures allows students to become more confident in discussing a wider range of current affairs, comparing global practices with those they experience closer to home,
and an appreciation of value systems and philosophies that can underpin societies from different parts of the world. Furthermore, it encourages students to explore how a language from a different language family works and how its writing script differs from that of English. This learning journey further facilitates and deepens pupils’ understanding of the grammar and linguistics of their mother tongue.
The understanding of how and why language shapes thought will allow for more meaningful communication and interaction with Mandarin Chinese speakers.
“LEADERS AND STAFF PROMOTE A CULTURE OF ASPIRATION UNDERPINNED BY HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOUR.” OFSTED
The choice of Mandarin Chinese is one made to equip students with a working knowledge of languages from some of the fastest growing economies in the world, allowing for promising career prospects and progression in later life.
We ensure that the beginner stage of learning focuses on grammar and vocabulary of topics that are suitable for young children; this will provide a solid basis for more complex language and authentic fluency required in later years. Students will develop knowledge of both the character writing system and the ‘pinyin’ system of Mandarin Chinese.
These two systems will support their progression in all four languages skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in the language. We place emphasis on regular use of authentic materials to ensure that language learning goes beyond the examination and prepares them for real life, as well as celebrating and recognising Chinese festivities to the same end. Students will learn about numerous Chinese holidays and festivals that are celebrated, both within the Chinese classroom and through regular extracurricular enrichment experiences and as we move forward, trips to China in the future.
BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE
WE DO NOT TAKE OUR LOCATION FOR GRANTED.
We make the most of learning in London by regularly visiting galleries and museums, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and the Royal Opera House.
We also offer a number of international trips – our students learn RE in French monasteries, history in the battlefields of Brussels and geography in Naples. We subsidise the majority of our trips and visits so that everyone is able to participate.
Many of our students love the arts and we encourage our students to embrace their creativity. We have a strong partnership with the renowned South London Gallery and our students regularly collaborate with contemporary artists and exhibit their work there. We have very strong links with Mountview Academy of Performing Arts, and regularly collaborate with their world-class team within our own Performing Arts departments.
Throughout the year we also have a number of LEAP days (based on our academy ethos) with innovative learning experiences, ranging from science experiments to poetry workshops based on key local landmarks.
A PROUD PLACE IN OUR COMMUNITY
WE ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF PECKHAM AND OUR LOCAL AREA IS A CONSTANT SOURCE OF INSPIRATION TO US.
Our students learn about the community and its history; it inspires our art, music and history classes and informs our studies of urban geography.
We teach our students to be engaged and outstanding members of both our academy and the wider local community. We’re delighted to share some of our facilities with the community and invite them to join us for workshops and events.
Many students also take part in fundraising and community service activities. We believe in supporting our local Primary Schools to ensure all young people in Peckham are receiving the best educational experiences possible. We provide an engaging series of Masterclasses, where students can experience Secondary School level lessons and facilities, Musical Events, Sports Tournaments and Academic competitions.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
WE HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL OF OUR STUDENTS.
We will never settle for less which means we constantly strive to be the very best in everything we do.
We have high expectations in the way in which our students learn, communicate and engage in the classroom.
We have high expectations in the way in which our students wear their uniform with pride and the manner in which our students conduct themselves within the academy as well as outside in our local community.
We aspire to be an extraordinary Academy in our every day practice and this can only be accomplished through our exceptionally high expectations and the successful outcomes for all of our children.
ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS
WE OFFER A LARGE SELECTION OF ENRICHMENT AND EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS BEFORE SCHOOL, AT LUNCHTIME AND AT THE END OF THE DAY.
These encompass sporting, creative and academic subjects.
Clubs and activities include:
“THROUGHOUT THE ACADEMY THERE IS AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF CULTURAL, SPORTING AND PERFORMING ARTS ACTIVITIES.” OFSTED
• Football
• Debating Society
• Dance
• Academy Choir
• Modern Foreign Languages
• Cricket
• STEM Club
• Steel Pan Club
• Geo Club
• Chess Club
• Federation Spelling Bee Competition
• Student Council
• Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
• Creative Writing
• Academy Orchestra
• Netball
• Art Club
• Chamber Choir
• Jazz Band
• Basketball
• Athletics
THE SOUND OF SUCCESS
WE HAVE THRIVING MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENTS.
Our fantastic music department has a diverse and vibrant music curriculum that nurtures musical talent and creativity. With the support of Music in Secondary School Trust (MiSST), the department provides free instrumental lessons to all students in Year 7, 8 and 9 including Violin, Flute and Trumpet. If students wish to pursue music at GCSE, this tuition will continue throughout their time at the academy. We work closely with Trinity Exam Board and students regularly complete additional graded music exams.
We have a variety of ensembles at our academy, including an orchestra and jazz band as well as three choirs. We have built inspirational partnerships with a number of organisations including BBC Singers, the Multi-Story Orchestra, Purcell School of Music, Trinity Laban Conservatoire and the Royal Academy of Music.
During this most recent academic year, students had the opportunity to showcase their talents at prestigious venues and ensembles such as: The Drury Lane Theatre with Andrew Lloyd Webber, the Roundhouse in Camden, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre at the Southbank and the Cardiff Millenium Centre. Our students perform regularly and are confident and accomplished musicians.
A number of our students study music at college and university and attend Junior Conservatoires.
Our students love the performing arts and are able to hone their talents by working with professional performers at Mountview Academy of the Theatre Arts and the Old Vic Theatre.
GOING FOR GOLD
WE HAVE A HIGHLY SKILLED AND DEDICATED TEAM OF SPORTS TEACHERS AND COACHES WHO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS IN THEIR PE LESSONS AND DURING CLUBS TO ACHIEVE THEIR VERY BEST.
There are plenty of opportunities for our students to represent the academy in both team and individual sports. We encourage all our students to try new sports and have excellent coaches in dance, cricket and futsal; as well as a full-time basketball coach.
Our students showcase their athletic abilities in the presence of sporting legends. Recent guests to the academy include gold medallist and GB athlete Adam Gemili, WBO European Super-Featherweight Champion Archie Sharp and former England and Manchester United Captain Rio Ferdinand.
Our students have gone on to join Team GB and gain professional sporting contracts.
We look for every opportunity to be involved in innovate sports programmes, such as Netball 4 Change, a project that uses the rules and the game of netball to teach girls about social media and how to stay safe online.
We are fortunate to have excellent on-site sports facilities – including a dance studio with sprung flooring, a large sports hall with a viewing gallery, a fully equipped fitness suite and an all-weather pitch.
We have recently become members of Ride Academy which is a horse riding Academy.
The Riding A Dream Academy supports young people from diverse ethnic communities, disadvantaged backgrounds and urban equestrian centres into British racing with the aim of making the sport more diverse and inclusive. Initially our programmes were ridingbased for those who had some experience of riding and working with horses.
In 2023, we introduced Taster Days for young people aged 13-16 so that even if they had no previous experience, they were still able to find out more about the sport, work with horses and for many, ride for the very first time. In doing so, we have broadened our output and ensured that our programmes were accessible, regardless of previous experience. Based on the impact of the Taster Days, we believe that they have an important role to play in the forthcoming People Strategy in terms of identifying and pipelining new and diverse talent to go on and thrive in the racing industry, thereby helping to address the staffing crisis, whilst also increasing diversity and inclusion within the sport.
Kai is a student from Harris Academy Peckham who had never ridden before and who had never even thought that horses would be part of his future. His journey with the Academy started with a Regional Week, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse, before attending a Taster Day with his school in Spring 2023. As a natural talent he then applied for one of our Residential Weeks, before subsequently winning a place on our flagship Alumni Khadijah Mellah Scholarship programme. Having never ridden before, he started on a pony on the lead rein and is now cantering in jockey pose on a racehorse in a string. Kai said, “A year ago was the first time I had the opportunity to become a horse rider. At first I was introduced to riding with my school. I fell in love with the sport and ever since the first time sitting in a saddle it’s been amazing. My ambition is to be a famous jockey and to do my family proud. I aspire to be like Frankie Dettori one day.”
A PLACE TO BE YOU
WE
KNOW A CHILD’S TIME AT SCHOOL IS ABOUT FAR MORE THAN THE GRADES THEY ACHIEVE.
We want our students to enjoy their education in a positive and purposeful space where they can form lifelong friendships, discover their talents and become the very best version of themselves.
We understand how important it is to have someone to talk to if a student needs extra support or a helping hand. We offer targeted social and emotional support with both an on-site counsellor and experienced life-coach to ensure that every one of our students has someone to turn to for support and guidance.
Our pastoral and senior staff play an active role in everyday life at our academy. You’ll notice them on the academy gates at the start and end of every academy day, in corridors and in the playground to make sure that our academy is a calm, safe and positive place to be.
We have a firm but fair standard of discipline here. We ask our students to be smartly dressed and display high standards of courtesy. In return we provide an environment where students can feel valued and confident to learn.
ACHIEVEMENT FOR ALL
WE UNDERSTAND THAT OUR STUDENTS SOMETIMES NEED TO BE EITHER STRETCHED OR GIVEN MORE SUPPORT TO ACHIEVE THEIR VERY BEST.
We have a number of initiatives which help our students succeed at every stage of their school career and prepare them for their future careers.
The external programmes we participate in include:
The King’s Scholars, a unique initiative run alongside King’s College London for our budding scientists giving them access to a number of specialist trips and visits.
Barclays Life Skills, a programme that provides advice, guidance and workshops on careers, financial management, CV writing and interview preparation.
The Girls’ Network, which pairs our Year 9 and 10 girls with a network of professional female role models.
Our students also have access to Harris Experience, a unique programme that readies our most able students for life at top universities.
Many of our students stay on for the Harris Federation Sixth Form and 100% of our students stay in Education Post-16. Well before they are sixth form age we provide an insight into university life through visits to top Russell Group universities – giving them a taste of what is to come and an incentive to work hard and apply themselves.
Our students achieve the highest possible Academic standards. Our former students now attend Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and a number of students have studied Medicine in other prestigious universities.
PART OF THE SUCCESSFUL HARRIS FEDERATION
THE HARRIS FEDERATION IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT CHARITY WITH 55 ACADEMIES IN LONDON AND ESSEX. THE FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE HARRIS FEDERATION IS LORD HARRIS OF PECKHAM.
His vision of delivering happy and successful education is brought to life by an excellent team of teachers and leaders.
The Federation regularly tops academic studies and national league tables measuring progress and performance. Almost all Harris secondary academies are judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Harris secondary academies are known for combining traditional standards of manners, discipline and uniform with the best of modern teaching and technology. There are around four applications from parents for every place available.
We send many of our sixth formers to Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group universities – winning places on these prestigious courses at a rate of more than twice the national average – as well as top apprenticeships and competitive vocational courses. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.
In addition to running schools, the Harris Federation provides high quality training and professional development for teachers throughout this part of England.
Follow @HarrisFed on to stay updated.
“HARRIS ACADEMY PECKHAM HAS ALLOWED ME TO GROW AS A PERSON AND DISCOVER MY TALENTS. THE TEACHERS HERE BELIEVED IN MY POTENTIAL FROM THE START AND SACRIFICED THEIR TIME TO SUPPORT ME AND BECAUSE OF THAT, I’M THANKFUL. NOW I’M ABLE TO GO OUT INTO THE WORLD WITH EXCITEMENT AND NOT FEAR, KNOWING MY OWN POTENTIAL.”
PRINCE, YEAR 11