STEP INTO YOUR GREATNESS: WORK HARD BE KIND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
WELCOME Harris Academy Greenwich is a highly successful school for students from 11-18. We have been a part of the highly successful Harris Federation since 2011 and have established a hard-earned reputation for excellence. We are a community of staff, students and parents who work together to ensure every child can Step into their Greatness.
OUR MISSION Why we do what we do In this corner of South-East London we have a clear mission: to run a great school which offers every child, regardless of circumstance, the chance to thrive both personally and academically. We make no apology for believing a key part to a happy and fulfilled life is a great set of exam results. They are the currency which students require to progress to next stage of their education. No amount of celebrity disapproval or stories of success against the odds will convince us otherwise. Results matter to our community. We know that academic progress is critical to our students enjoying lives of choice and opportunity but that they also need to develop the content of their character and have a range of rich experiences which they will never forget. We want to help students develop warm hearts and cool heads so that they are ready for the challenges of adolescence and ultimately adulthood. In short, we want our students to live well. Our students are very proud to be a part of our school community because they know that this is a place where they can Step into their Greatness.
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OUR ROUTINES How we deliver an exceptional education We focus relentlessly on learning, operate tight routines and build strong relationships with children and their families. This forms the platform for students to be able to Step into their Greatness. We have very clear rules on homework, equipment and uniform because students must be ready to learn. We have very clear routines in the classroom so that all students can benefit from a disruption free environment. Students are expected to work for long periods of time in silence so that they can think deeply about the knowledge at hand. We foster a love of learning, thinking and scholarship so that our students thrive not only at school and university but also later in life. To this end, we offer all students from Year 7 to Year 13 a variety of opportunities for intellectual engagement at the highest level both inside and outside the classroom. We teach them how to take responsibility for their own learning and insist they become more independent over time so that they are ready for the next stage.
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Our days are longer than other local schools. Students have more time in the classroom to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding, as well as more opportunities to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities that enrich and broaden their cultural capital. We value punctuality and expect students to be on time every time. There are no shortcuts to success. We establish a three-way partnership between families, students and staff. At Greenwich all parents sign a Home Academy Agreement that outlines our shared commitment to hard work and a consistent support of one another.
CASE STUDY Pravas, Year 11 Originally from Nepal, Pravas is in Year 11 and is making impressive progress. Consistently well above target in all his subjects, he particularly loves English and Geography. A talented sportsman, he was part of the football team that won the London Cup last year.
“I’ve made lots of really nice friends here and it’s a great place to be. I’m really proud of my progress here and the reputation of the school.”
CASE STUDY Ezra, Year 8 Ezra is in Year 8 and is a peer mentor to Year 7, which involves showing them around the school and sorting out any problems they might have. He is a fantastic role model for other students. His favourite subjects are Maths and Science.
“I loved being in Year 7. It was so exciting meeting lots of new people but in a really safe environment. The Principal gets to know all our names and faces and welcomes us at the gate every morning, rain or shine.�
OUR PEOPLE
OUR CULTURE
Who we are
How we think and act
Harris Academy Greenwich is a great place to work. We recruit, train and retain the very best staff then let them get on with it. We take the issue of workload seriously and make sure our working practices are sustainable. Our teachers are subject experts and boss their classroom accordingly. We cultivate effective, autonomous leaders at every level of the organisation. We are successful because every day 140 brilliant people work tirelessly to support students towards greatness.
We have an unwavering commitment to nurturing a culture where students work hard, be kind and take responsibility. Over time our students develop the character which will help them succeed at school and beyond. These values underpin all aspects of life at the academy: Work hard: We understand that nothing in life is handed to us on a plate. We do what it takes for as long as it takes. Teachers expect 100% effort 100% of the time and students will be challenged when they fall below this standard. Be Kind: We are tolerant of difference and treat others with respect and dignity. We are kind to ourselves and look out for one another. We do the right thing even when no-one is looking. Take responsibility: We understand that we are responsible for our actions. We work hard to understand our emotions and manage them effectively. When we make a mistake, we put things right. When there is a setback, we are resilient and look to improve. If you want your child to Step into their Greatness then this is the place to be.
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A SAFE AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY FOR OUR NEW YEAR 7S Moving to secondary school can be scary. But not here. Transition to secondary starts well before the summer with staff visits to all our feeder primary schools. Senior staff meet every single parent and child in one-to-one meetings in July. The first day in September is just for Year 7 so they feel confident before the rest of the school joins the following day. Students are given tours of the academy in small groups so they can get to know how everything works and what our expectations for them. Every single morning our senior team and pastoral team greet the students on the gate from 8.15am to ensure their safe arrival and then later bid them farewell at the end of the day to ensure they leave safely from school. It is important to us that your child feels safe and secure all day long, so our teams are highly visible and proactive, resulting in consistently calm and positive behaviour for learning.
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CASE STUDY Daniel, Year 10 Daniel is in Year 10 and a keen sportsman. He trains with the football team at 7.30am once per week and also plays badminton, trained here by a former British number 1. Unsurprisingly his favourite subject is PE but he works hard in all his subjects.
“I love sport here. Harris Sports Day is awesome and I really want to compete next year… but I know all the subjects are important. I find studying English quite difficult but I’m getting better all the time. I really want to do well and I know I will.””
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CASE STUDY Konrad, Year 13 Konrad is a Sixth Form student and has just completed Year 12 here at Harris Academy Greenwich, achieving excellent grades at AS level. Originally from Poland and speaking little English, he has thrived at our Academy and has really enjoyed his time here. Now completely fluent in English, he plans to study Chemistry, Biology and History A Levels in Year 13 with the firm ambition to attend an elite university.
I love the community spirit at the Academy. We are all really close and help each other out. The staff really believe in us.�
OUR SIXTH FORM To give all our Sixth Form students the opportunity to reach their full potential, we offer a wide range of A Level courses. Class sizes are small, resources excellent and the teaching outstanding. Naturally this leads to great results and high aspirations for our students. There is a wide range of enrichment opportunities in which, as ambassadors of the Academy, the students are encouraged to participate, such as mentoring younger students, taking on roles in the local community and participating in our extensive careers programme. The close ties which the Harris Federation has with not only some of the UK’s top employers, but also many Russell Group Universities, and in particular Harris Manchester College, Oxford, ensure that our Sixth Form leavers have the best possible futures ahead of them, regardless of whether their next steps are into the work place or into Further Education.
CASE STUDY Tilly, Year 11 Tilly is a talented student who is moving into her final GCSE year. She is part of the Student Commission and is often on the panel for interviewing prospective staff.
“I’ve always loved this school. The Academy is really diverse and there are always people to look out for you – whether you are introverted or extroverted you’ll find great friends and supportive teachers here.”
PART OF THE SUCCESSFUL HARRIS FEDERATION The Harris Federation is a not-for-profit charity with nearly 50 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.
At the time this prospectus was sent to press, there were an incredible 62 sixth formers at the Harris Federation holding offers for Oxford and Cambridge. 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 Twitter to stay updated.
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.
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AMAZING RESULTS Key Awards
Key Facts
We are consistently the best performing non-selective school in Greenwich. In fact, we consistently achieve outcomes for students which place us in the top tier of schools nationally both at GCSE and A-Level.
Number of students on roll: 1250
Top 12% of schools in England for progress across all subjects (DfE 2019)
Age range: 11 – 18 (Key Stage 3 – 5) Number of places available: 180 in year 7 How to apply: through your local authority admissions booklet. In-year transfers can apply direct to the school.
Achievement: Outstanding.
“All groups of pupils make rapid progress including those in the 6th Form.”
Quality of teaching: Outstanding.
“Teaching is characterised by very high levels of engagement.”
Behaviour: Outstanding.
“Exemplary attitudes to learning and bullying is virtually non-existent.”
Ofsted Outstanding July 2014
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Leadership and Management: Outstanding.
“Leadership is inspirational and the vision and energy is shared throughout the school.”
ABOUT THE PRINCIPAL With 19 years of experience in education, 9 of which as head teacher at Harris Academy Greenwich, Mr McMillan has lost none of the passion and sense of moral purpose that originally drew him to the profession.
Virtual Events 24 & 25 September: Mornings 9am – 11.15am 30 September: Evening 6pm to 8.30pm Principal’s presentation at 6.30pm and again at 7.30pm
George McMillan Executive Principal and NLE Mr McMillan is the Executive Principal of Harris Greenwich, Harris Ockendon and Harris Avery Hill (opening 2021) and is a National Leader of Education (NLE). Originally from Glasgow, he graduated from Aberdeen University with an MA in English Literature, and then from Edinburgh University with a PGCE and a burning desire to teach. Mr McMillan taught English for five years at a secondary school in Edinburgh serving one of the most deprived areas in Scotland, latterly having a whole school remit in charge of promoting positive behaviour. Shortly after moving to London in 2006 he joined the Senior Team at Harris Academy Chafford Hundred and was part of their journey from ‘Requires Improvement’ to Outstanding in every area. He joined Harris Academy Greenwich as Principal in 2011 and led the rapid improvement to Outstanding. For the last six years in a row, Harris Greenwich has been one of the top state schools in the country. Mr McMillan is “fiercely proud” of the students and staff he leads.
Ben Keely Principal Mr Keely graduated from Warwick with a First in History and Politics but instead of following his head into the City he followed his heart into teaching. He taught history, politics and economics for two years on the Teach First programme and decided to stay in teaching for good. Mr Keely has a wealth of experience in senior leadership in three outstanding schools across London. Originally from Greenwich, he is delighted to have the opportunity to make a real difference in his own community, becoming Head of Academy at HAGR in September 2018. Mr Keely works closely with the Executive Principal and is responsible for the day-to-day operational aspects of the school.
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Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, London SE9 5EQ T: 020 8859 0133 F: 020 8294 1890 Email: info@harrisgreenwich.org.uk www.harrisgreenwich.org.uk