ACADEMYOUTSTANDINGAN
“HARRIS CITY ACADEMY CRYSTAL PALACE IS AN OUTSTANDING SCHOOL.” OFSTED 2014
We are an outstanding school, but do not just take our word for it – come and visit us on our Open Evening where you will have the opportunity to meet staff and students and to see the wide range of opportunities and activities available at Harris Crystal Palace.
I am delighted to welcome you to Harris City Academy Crystal Palace. Our vision is simple: All Can Achieve.
• Opportunities and experiences that ignite our students
WELCOME Senior
• Active citizens
• Exam success – we want our students to get the best possible qualifications
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Harris City Academy Crystal Palace has an enviable reputation for academic success and each summer we celebrate impressive examination results both at GCSE and A Level. Our success is down to the hard work of our students, our excellent teachers, a broad and varied academic curriculum and an educational environment that highlights the traditional standards of uniform, discipline and respect.
• Appropriate skills for living, for work and for happiness
I look forward to meeting with you.
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• Challenge, relevance and engagement –we want all our students to be fully involved in their learning
We put students at the centre of everything we do and aim to give all students the foundations for a successful life by helping them develop the skills and attributes that will provide them with real life-chances. Students are expected to work hard and to achieve their best academically, to develop skills relevant to the 21st Century and to develop the self-confidence and sense of purpose necessary for success in a highly competitive global society. Harris City Academy Crystal Palace provides students with a safe yet challenging environment where all can truly achieve.
We aim to deliver:
Carrie Senior, Principal
If you would like a place at this Academy for your child, then please list ‘Harris City Academy Crystal Palace’ on your application form.
• Healthy habits that are embedded for life
• Self-identity and a feeling of self-worth
Overall effectiveness OUTSTANDING Leadership and management OUTSTANDING Behaviour and safety of pupils OUTSTANDING Quality of teaching OUTSTANDING Achievement of pupils OUTSTANDING Sixth form provision OUTSTANDING Grade 1 (Outstanding) was awarded in every category: OCTOBERINSPECTIONOFSTED2014 " STUDENTS' PERFORMANCE IN A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS IS EXCELLENT." " STUDENTS ARE CONSIDERATE AND RESPECTFUL OF EACH OTHER AND STAFF. THEY ARE EXCEPTIONALLY WELL BEHAVED AND KNOW HOW TO KEEP THEMSELVES SAFE." " STUDENTS SAY HOW MUCH THEY VALUE THE HIGH QUALITY TEACHING THEY RECEIVE AND THEIR TEACHERS' WILLINGNESS TO GIVE THEM EXTRA HELP TO PREPARE FOR THEIR EXAMINATIONS." " TEACHERS PLAN TASKS VERY WELL SO THAT STUDENTS OF ALL ABILITIES, INCLUDING THE LEAST AND MOST ABLE, ARE ABLE TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS AND ENJOY LEARNING." " THE ACADEMY'S CURRICULUM IS SKILFULLY ORGANISED TO PROVIDE A LARGE RANGE OF SUBJECTS. IT DEVELOPS A STRONG COMMITMENT TO LEARNING AND PERSONAL PAGEACHIEVEMENT."2
“ STUDENTS OF ALL ABILITIES PROGRESS.”OUTSTANDINGMAKEOFSTED2014 PAGE 3
• provide a rich and extensive extra-curricular offer to support the development of our students' character and prepare them for life as balanced, happy, well-rounded individuals, who can succeed
French,GeographyHistoryScienceMathematicsEnglishSpanish
DramaReligionComputerDesignArtPhysicalCitizenshipMusicEducationTechnologyScience&Philosophy
• provide a rich range of subjects (both academic and vocational) and develop students’ expertise within those individual subject disciplines
• empower students to use an enriched vocabulary enabling a better understanding of concepts and ideas, and facilitate access to knowledge beyond our students’ ordinary daily experiences
• support students so they can develop and look after their mental wellbeing
• ensure literacy and numeracy are prominent within our curriculum and these act as a gateway to acquiring core knowledge
For students aged 11–14 the Academy offers the National Curriculum Including:
or Mandarin
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• expand students' cultural capital and the breadth of their vocabulary by exposing them to a variety of texts both fiction and non-fiction, a wide range of creative arts and thoughtfully-planned learning outside the classroom
For students aged 14–16 the Academy offers a full range of GCSE courses to suit every taste and aptitude. Our students start all their GCSE courses in Year 10. In the Sixth Form students can progress on to take a particularly wide range of ‘A’ Level and Cambridge Technical (vocational) courses (please refer to the Harris Federation Sixth Form Prospectus for further details).
We seek to provide all students with opportunities to access and engage with the best that has been thought and said, but also to help students comprehend that while knowledge is powerful it is also insecure, contested and evolving. We encourage our students to see themselves as scholars.
The Curriculum
The Academy provides a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum that ensures appropriate learning opportunities for all students regardless of age, gender, cultural background, ability or special educational needs. We aim to:
• ensure our students follow a knowledge-led curriculum with ambitious end-points, through which they know and remember more
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Religious Education
Personal development at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace is built upon the foundations of the Academy ethos – and its five key values of contribution, community, courage, co-operation and courtesy – and our motto ‘All Can Achieve’.
The Academy believes in the holistic development of its pupils, offering them more chances so they have more choices in the future.
The Academy places the highest priority on using new technologies for learning, integrating technology seamlessly into our curriculum to enable enhanced access to learning materials for students and parents.
Personal Development
These values underpin Academy culture and every student's daily school life.
We also actively promote and develop students' understanding and appreciation for the five Fundamental British values (tolerance, rule of law, democracy, individual liberty and mutual respect).
Our personal development curriculum goes beyond the national curriculum. It offers unique learning experiences which provide students with enriched cultural capital. By offering a varied and diverse set of experiences, we help to prepare students for the culturally diverse nature of the society in which we live.
Religion & Philosophy (R & P) encourages students to have confidence in their own beliefs and culture, as well as respecting the values and beliefs of others. Through R&P students learn how to think through moral issues and learn empathy for others. Parents/carers have the right to withdraw their children from R&P Lessons.
“ THE OUTSTANDING CURRICULUM HELPS TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS ACHIEVE HIGHLY AND RAPIDLY DEVELOP THE PERSONAL SKILLS AND QUALITIES NEEDED FOR SUCCESS IN THE NEXT STAGE OF THEIR EDUCATION AND IN THE WORLD OF WORK.” OFSTED 2014
New Technologies
The Academy is richly equipped with the latest IT facilities, including high speed computers, interactive whiteboards, a wireless network of laptop computers, a Music IT Suite and many other facilities to support independent and personalised learning. IT and digital technologies are used in every subject and a variety of examination courses are available in IT.
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OFSTED 2014
“ WELL CHOSEN RESOURCES, INCLUDING THE USE OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND A DIVERSE VARIETY OF TEACHING STRATEGIES, PROMOTE HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT SO THAT THEY MAKE OUTSTANDING PROGRESS OVER TIME.”
The Academy ensures students are resilient, self-assured and challenging learners, both to themselves and within any other cultural context. The Academy intends to ensure through a broad enrichment curriculum that students develop the key skills to feel motivated in the face of adversity and confident to take on any challenge. In order for the Academy to meet its personal development intention, it implements a curriculum for students which provides significant chances to learn and actively engage in the following key areas:
• SMSC and Character
of Careers Education and Guidance is provided to all students from age 11 to 18. The Federation employs dedicated Careers Advisors who are available for students. We work in partnership with external agencies, businesses and members of our community to provide accurate and focused careers information, advice and guidance tailored to the individual needs of our students, and thereby enable all of our students to make informed choices about their career pathways. In addition, work placements across a wide variety of career areas are available to students in Year 10 and Sixth Form to help broaden their understanding of the world of work. The Academy has been awarded ‘Investors in Careers’ for its outstanding careers education and guidance.
Information,Education,Advice and AGuidancefullprogramme
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• PSHE and Sex and Relationships Education
• CareersCareers
“ THE CURRICULUMACADEMY’SIS SKILFULLY ORGANISED
IndependentHomework/ Learning
The Academy is committed to providing a high quality, challenging and relevant education for each one of our students. This extends to our most able and talented students who are stretched and developed as part of our Harris Experience programme. Students are not only accelerated in the curriculum but also are presented with a range of exciting opportunities ranging from Enterprise events, debating competitions and an extensive variety of visits and trips.
LEARNING AND PERSONAL OFSTEDACHIEVEMENT.”2014 PAGE 8
Regular homework is vital in securing the very best results for our students. It consolidates work done in lessons and encourages the development of self-discipline and independent study. The amount of homework given increases as students progress through the Academy. We use Show My Homework, an online tool which allows students, teachers and parents to monitor homework. If there are any concerns about either the quality or quantity of homework set, parents/carers are encouraged to contact the form tutor or subject teacher.
Meeting Individual Needs: Personalised Learning
Enriching Learning
We recognise that everyone is an individual and we aim to match the teaching that we provide to the learning needs of each student. In this way we aim to provide personalised learning, assisted by the latest technology, for every student. TO PROVIDE A LARGE RANGE OF SUBJECTS. IT DEVELOPS A STRONG COMMITMENT TO
High Ability Students
Lessons are crucial, but at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace we believe that our students' experience should be more than just about lessons. The Academy runs an extensive sports programme throughout the year. Many students represent Croydon in various sporting events including football, netball, cross country running, basketball and many other sports. The quality of coaching at the Academy is high.
There are also a variety of clubs and subject support programmes offered to students after lessons and during holidays. These include clubs for Chess, Robotics, Journalism, Music Technology, Theatre, Ceramics and many more. As well as these activities, students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of trips and visits including the Duke of Edinburgh Award and residential outdoor events and overseas visits.
The nature of homework varies greatly and is dependent on the subject. To help develop independent learning skills for A Level and University study we have introduced a range of independent study assignments; such as the Personal Extended Study (PXS) and Extended Project.
Our students look at Sixth Form as the race to the finishing line of their pre-University education. This period of their education is filled with opportunities to develop their experience and to work with leading practitioners in the field they are interested in.
The Sixth Form regularly sends students to top Russell Group Universities, specialist Arts, Drama and Music Schools and directly into training and apprenticeships for the careers of their choice.
We are part of the Harris Federation Sixth Form. Our Sixth Formers are role models for our younger students.
SIXTH FORM
“The Sixth Form is outstanding” (Ofsted 2014) and offers everything our students love about their Harris education in an environment where they are treated as young adults. It involves a step change and a new relationship with teachers: our Sixth Formers wear suits not uniform and plan for a working day that fits in with a new type of learning.
We also have links with top London universities including King’s, Imperial College and Goldsmiths, enabling our students to attend university lectures and conferences.
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Belonging to a Faculty
TheSelf-DisciplineAcademyexpectsstudents
The Academy expects students to take responsibility for their behaviour at all times, both on and off the Academy site, and to treat each other with respect, tolerance and consideration.
Mutual Respect
We foster a calm and disciplined learning ethos in which students work to the best of their ability. Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated and will always be quickly and firmly dealt with.
to have pride in themselves and in the Academy. High standards of behaviour are expected, a desire to learn is expected, and students are expected to wear the Academy uniform in line with our clear policy.
The Student Council
Every student joins a Faculty. Our faculties provide a sense of belonging to a smaller unit which overcomes the concerns some students have when moving to a large secondary school. These are Arts, Communications, Mathematics & Commerce and Science & Technology. There is a healthy rivalry amongst the Faculties which increases student motivation and encourages students to work together. Throughout Academy life, students represent their Faculty in a wide variety of ways including in sporting and other activities.
The Student Council is made up of representatives from each tutor group. The Council meets regularly in order to discuss a wide range of important elements that make up Academy life and also to make suggestions for improvement to the Academy. Through this council our students become leaders in the Academy and help to shape its direction through contributing to a range of decisions from the dining room menu to the uniform policy. Student Council elections are held annually September. These involve students in the full democratic process of canvassing, election hustings and voting.
LIFE AS A STUDENT AT HARRIS CITY ACADEMY CRYSTAL PALACE
“ STUDENTS OFSTEDWELLAREOTHERRESPECTFULCONSIDERATEAREANDOFEACHANDSTAFF.THEYEXCEPTIONALLYBEHAVED.”2014 PAGE 10
of Sixth Form students are nominated each year to undertake the challenging role of Senior Prefects. They are ably supported by Faculty Prefects in Year 11 who develop their own confidence and skills by undertaking wider Academy duties and responsibilities. A Head Boy and Head Girl are elected from the Senior Prefects each year by other students and staff to represent the Academy and lead the Senior Prefect team.
In order for students to fulfil their potential at the Academy, they need to feel secure, safe, supported and well-motivated. In order to achieve this, the Academy has a number of important expectations, rules and procedures as follows:
APrefectslargegroup
As I hurry through the jade green gates, it’s always nice to know that no matter what, I can make my way to the canteen where my peers and I can socialise and enjoy the spread of food provided by the school (one of many perks of being a HCACP student). The day is begun by the harsh shrill of the morning bell (a hurried reminder to go to tutor time).
Finally, I took part in Robotics club (One of HCACP’s many enrichment offers). I find it super empowering that there are so many STEM based clubs on offer, and we have made so much progress on the programming of our robot ‘Harry’. Especially, since the package we received from Will.I.Am, containing extra materials and cool accessories for Harry.
“ STUDENTS ENJOY CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACADEMY COMMUNITY, TAKING RESPONSIBLE ROLES AND DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS.”
We tapped into our creative nature and produced great abstract pieces, inspired by icons such as Mohamed Ali.
And so, it begins…I take my seat and begin reading (one of HCACP’s initiatives to help us develop our literacy skills). This is followed by a discussion on the latest pressing issues worldwide, which is then further encouraged by our many extra-curricular activities - including Debate Club.
Later in the day, as part of Maths Month, I took part in a nationwide tournament, in which we were tested on quick-fire questions on numeracy and reasoning. I enjoyed every second of it, especially the rush of adrenalin I felt when I get the answer right.
Thank goodness! Next lesson was my favourite, Science, where the ducklings awaited on the front desk. As part of Science Week, HCACP incubated duck eggs and documented their growth. The best part was watching them hatch; their amber beaks pecking nimbly at their shell and finally emerging as slimy alien-like balls of fluff.
A Day in the Life of a Year 8 student
Next was another firm favourite, Art. We began by recalling previous knowledge, then we got into the best part – painting!
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OFSTED 2014
Celebrating Success
The Annual Prize Giving Evening, the Year 11 and Year 13 Celebration of Achievement Evenings and the Sports Award Evening are just some of the formal events where success is celebrated. Weekly Faculty and termly whole Academy assemblies also include award sections. Departmental and teacher recognition of students’ work and achievement is done through the postcards, badge awards, the Principals’ Breakfast and certificates which the Principal presents during the year. The numerous inter-Faculty, creative, enterprising and community competitions all carry opportunities for recognition of individual and group student success within the Academy.
A range of healthy and nutritious meals is available daily from the Academy Restaurant including a wide variety of ethnic and dietary foods. The Restaurant is open for breakfast, break and lunch.
“All can achieve” is our motto. We believe that all students’ achievements should be recognised. Great emphasis is placed on celebrating achievement and promoting responsible behaviour whenever possible.
These include a large, state-of-the-art, industry standard computer network; a wireless mobile network; a suite of business rooms to simulate the world of work; an interactive language laboratory; a video digital editing suite; Mac Suite; well equipped science laboratories; a large open plan art and design studio; a Learning Resources Centre; a dedicated Sixth Form block and facilities for Music and Drama. We have a very strong commitment to continue to improve and develop our facilities in order to offer unrivalled opportunities to our young people.
“THERE IS PRINCIPAL.”LEADERSHIPEXCELLENTFROMTHEOFSTED2014
Healthy Eating at Harris
Facilities and Equipment
Harris City Academy Crystal Palace offers students exceptionally good levels of equipment and facilities.
Awards recognise effort and achievement. Certificates are given in recognition of consistent effort and participation in the Academy community.
Certificates may be awarded for outstanding academic work, effort and commitment, excellent attendance and punctuality and community service etc.
A Partnership with Parents
Together we share a responsibility for your child’s education. Harris City Academy Crystal Palace works closely with parents/carers to develop an effective partnership. We welcome any contribution parents wish to make to the life of the Academy, which could include: listening to students read, working with small groups in minority ethnic languages, accompanying visits or sports events, coaching in sports or other skills, participating in drama or music productions. We regularly host a Parents’ Forum which affords parents the opportunity to meet with Academy leaders and hear a range of important updates.
Recognising Achievement
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We pride ourselves on our high-quality care, but there may be occasions when parents are dissatisfied and wish to make a complaint. We respect your right to do so and ask that you follow the procedure available upon request. Informal concerns should be addressed to the relevant member of staff. It’s important we work together to support your child, and raising concerns promptly helps us do this.
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Harris City Academy Crystal Palace is an inclusive school which admits students with disabilities and special needs on an equal basis with other students.
The Academy has installed lifts, disabled access ramps and wheelchair facilities. As a result, disabled students, including those in wheelchairs, have full access to the curriculum. We have a small successful special educational needs team and depending on need, students may receive additional support in the SEN base as well as in lessons. We work in partnership with parents/carers and all parents are kept closely informed about progress.
Friends of Harris City Academy Crystal Palace
As parents/carers you will automatically become members of the Harris City Academy Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA). The PTFA runs several meetings during the year to which all parents/carers are very welcome. The purpose is to work in partnership with the Academy for the benefit of students’ education.
Arrangements for Students with Disabilities and Special Needs
“TEACHERS AND CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS MODEL A LOVE OF LEARNING THROUGH THEIR EXPERTISE AND COMMITMENT TO THEIR SUBJECT. THAT PASSION IS INFECTIOUS.” OFSTED 2014
Complaints Procedure
NB Completion of a Supplementary Information Form for Harris City Academy does NOT constitute an application to the Academy. You MUST complete the Local Authority Common Application Form as well.
You may wish to visit us on our Open Evening and meet members of staff and students before making a decision on whether to apply.
You may apply for a place at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace by listing us on the Common Application Form (CAF). Additionally although not compulsory, we would appreciate the completion of the Supplementary Information Form, but if you require a concession (for example SEN or Medical Needs), you MUST complete the Supplementary Information Form, and supply medical or professional evidence, then return it to the Academy along with proof of residence by 31st October each year.
Financial Assistance
The Supplementary Information Form can be found in the Key Information – Admissions section on our website www.harriscrystalpalace.org.uk and this will need to be returned to the Academy along with the proof of residence by 31st October.
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WHAT TO DO NEXT
Apply for a Place
Visit the Academy
Further information and application procedures in respect of free meals and other forms of financial assistance are available from the Finance Office. All enquiries will be dealt with in strict confidence. There will be a number of trips and visits as part of the curriculum each year. Children from homes where financial difficulties exist will not be excluded in the event of financial hardship.
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PART OF THE SUCCESSFUL
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.
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.
The Harris Federation is a not-for-profit charity with 52 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 FEDERATION
In addition to running schools, the Harris Federation provides high quality training and professional development for teachers throughout this part of FollowEngland.@HarrisFed on Twitter to stay updated.
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Lord Harris of Peckham
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EXECUTIVETHEFROMCHIEF
Students who enjoy learning and look forward to coming to school each day; teachers and support staff who are genuinely ambitious for every student; a senior leadership team that consistently sets standards of excellence.
As an employer and a father I strongly believe that a good education is the best start in life that you can give a child. Harris City Academy Crystal Palace promotes hard work, curiosity of mind, integrity and ambition. It works tirelessly, in partnership with the other Harris Academies, to ensure the greatest success for every child, regardless of their ability or aptitude.
SPONSORTHEFROM
The Harris Federation is a London charity with more than thirty years of experience in education. Our Academies combine the traditional values of good manners, strong discipline and smart uniform with the best of modern teaching and technology.
What makes this Academy so successful?
Harris City Academy Crystal Palace has established itself as a highly enterprising and very successful member of our group. Working closely together in and around London, our Academies are able to offer a far broader range of opportunities, far better training and professional development for staff and real success for our students.
If your son or daughter wants to come to an Academy with drive and ambition, then I hope you will attend one of its open events to find out more.
Sir Daniel Moynihan Ed.D, M.A., B.Sc. (Econ) Chief Executive of the Harris Federation
I hope you will come along to our various Open Day or Evening Events to see for yourself the difference the Academy is making.
Maberley Road, London SE19 2JH T: 020 8771 2261 F: 020 8771 7531 Email: info@harriscrystalpalace.org.uk www.harriscrystalpalace.org.uk