Harris Academy at Peckham

Harris Academy at Peckham (also known as the Academy at Peckham, Peckham Academy or Harris Academy, Peckham) is a coeducational academy in Peckham, in the London Borough of Southwark. Catering for pupils from the ages of 11 to 18, the school specialises in the curriculum areas of Business and Enterprise, ICT, and the Performing Arts.

The school was formerly named Warwick Park, but unsatisfactory test results led to its being given an overhaul and renamed The Academy at Peckham. The buildings were refurbished and the school was given better resources. After this, the school gradually began to improve. In 2007, the school was renamed again, to become The Harris Academy at Peckham following the receipt of funding from Lord Harris of Peckham. This also resulted in a change of the school logo to reflect its place in the Harris Federation.

An Ofsted report on the school, issued in September 2009, claimed that the school was "good" and was "improving rapidly". Catherine Loxton was instated as permanent principal of the school in October 2009. From the Autumn term of 2013 Mr Rob Hunter, coming from Harris Academy Merton, took over the role of principal.

Overview

The school is headed by a Headteacher and a Board of Governors. There are also several assistants to the headteacher, known as 'Vice Principals' and 'Assistant Vice-Principals' respectively. There is also a Head of Year for each year group.

School terms

The school year is split into four terms:

• Autumn Term, which begins in early September and ends in mid-December. New pupils are admitted at the start of this term.
• Winter Term, which begins in early January and ends in early April.
• Spring Term, which begins in late April and ends in late May.
• Summer Term, which begins in early June and ends in late July. Year 11 students leave after their GCSE exams mid-way through this term.

The school day

The school day, which includes five 60-minute lesson periods, is structured as follows:

The Academy is open for students throughout the day from 8.00 until 17.00, and during these times the school library and ICT suites remain open for use.

Curriculum

The school offers a range of subjects. The compulsory subjects are as follows:

Students are asked to choose their GCSE subjects at the end of Year 9. They must choose two GCSE courses and one BTEC course. The choices are as follows:

However, students who excel at their studies are often entered for GCSE exams one to two years early, and are allowed to take extra GCSE courses as an extra-curricular activity.

Music and Drama

The school has an extensive Music and Drama department, with a history of high examination grades (most students receiving Distinction or higher) and acclaimed theatrical performances, including an annual school performance and occasional performances at other venues (including the Royal Opera House). The drama department also has connections with Peckham Shed. There is also an annual musical soiree held and organised by the Music students.

Uniforms

Students of the academy are required to wear a blue shirt, a black blazer with the school logo, a grey tie with the school logo, and black trousers or a black skirt. They may also wear a grey jumper with the school logo and a black overcoat. Members of the student council may wear a student council pin on the lapel of their blazer.

However, starting from 4/8/2010, there will be a new uniform. This uniform will include a black blazer with a white outer trim. The logo will be on the blazer which can be located around the chest area. The trousers and the skirts will remain the same as the previous uniform. The tie will be changed to a design of diagonal white and black stripes.

Boys

Compulsory

• School blazer with crest (design to be changed soon)
• Blue shirt
• School tie (design to be changed soon)
• Black trousers
• Black leather shoes

Girls

Compulsory

• School blazer with crest (design to be changed soon)
• Blue shirt
• School tie (design to be changed soon)
• Black skirt/ trousers
• Black leather shoes

Optional

• School jumper (design to be changed soon)
• Black/navy blue coat
• Black woollen hat/beret

Sports

The school has many sports teams, including its own teams for football, basketball, rugby, badminton, and cricket. Many students also belong to local sports teams. The school also has a team of cheerleaders, who perform at the annual Harris Federation Sports Day and at other major sporting events.

Clubs and societies

The Academy has a wide range of clubs and societies, which include:

• a Gifted and Talented Society
• sports clubs
• revision clubs

Special events

The school holds several events throughout the year, including:

• The Annual School Awards Evening
• The Annual Summer Fair
• The Annual Musical Soiree
• An Annual Theatrical Performance (usually held around Christmas)
• Several sports tournaments

See also

• Harris Federation

External links

• Official Website