Harris Academy at Peckham


Harris Academy at 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:
The school day, which includes six 50-minute lesson periods, is structured as follows:
08.00 - 08.30School is open for use
08.30 - 9.20Period 1
9.20 - 10.10Period 2
10.10 -11.20Break
11.20 - 12.10Period 4
12.10 - 13.00Lunch and tutor period
13.00 - 14.00.Period 5
14.00 - 14.50Period 6
14.50 - 17.00Extra-curricular activities

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:
Years 7-9Years 10-11
EnglishEnglish
MathsMaths
SciencesSciences
CitizenshipOptional
P.EP.E
GeographyOptional
Design Technology/ Food TechnologyOptional
ArtOptional
MusicOptional
HistoryOptional
ICTOptional
Performing ArtsOptional
Modern Foreign LanguagesOptional
Religious StudiesOptional

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:
BTECGCSE
Business and EnterpriseHistory
MusicGeography
Hospitality and CateringArt
HairdressingModern Foreign Languages
Performing ArtsICT
Business and EnterpriseDesign Technology
Business and EnterpriseReligious Studies

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 and acclaimed theatrical performances, including an annual school performance and occasional performances at other venues. 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 white shirt, a light blue blazer with the school logo, and black trousers or a black skirt.
they are also required to wear a tie which color may vary according to the 'house' they are in. They may also wear a back jumper. Members of the student council may wear a student council badge on the lapel of their blazer. Prefects as well are required to a prefect badge on top of their blazer.
Boys
Compulsory
Girls
Compulsory
Optional
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:
The school holds several events throughout the year, including: