Welcome to Harris Academy South Norwood

Welcome from the Executive Principal

Harris Academy South Norwood provides the most exciting and promising future for your child. All our students take up the opportunity to lead fulfilled lives with direction and purpose. Our teachers lead with professionalism and scholarship. They are experts in their field. All of us are part of a warm family of staff and governors who have the highest ambition and a deep hunger to learn.

Alex Williamson - Executive Principal

8 December 2023Agudo dance company workshopThe Agudo Dance Company recently visited Harris Academy to conduct a dance workshop with drama and music students from years 7-10. The workshop was inspired by their new show, which focused on the topic of refugees. This unique experience allowed the students to explore and express their thoughts and emotions through movement, while also raising awareness about the challenges faced by refugees. The Agudo Dance Company's visit provided a valuable opportunity for the students to engage with contemporary dance and learn about important social issues in a creative and interactive way.

6 December 2023Cinderella- Churchill Theatre TripThe year 7 and 8 students from Harris Academy South Norwood recently went to see the pantomime production of Cinderella at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. For many of our students this was the first live performance they have experienced. This live theatrical experience allowed them to appreciate storytelling, creativity, and various elements of drama. It also encouraged critical thinking and analysis. Overall, the trip enhanced their learning and appreciation for the performing arts.

24 November 2023Mountview Academy of Theatre ArtsThe year 10 GCSE and selected Y9 drama group embarked on an inspiring journey to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, immersing themselves in the world of professional performing arts education. The tour provided an intimate glimpse into the school's state-of-the-art facilities, fostering a palpable sense of the vibrant artistic community. Engaging in a dynamic Q&A session allowed students to glean valuable insights from current students and faculty, demystifying the path toward a career in theatre. Witnessing a captivating performance by third-year students not only showcased the calibre of talent but ignited the flames of aspiration among our students. This immersive experience at Mountview not only broadened their understanding of theatrical education but served as a catalyst for their own ambitions, instilling a newfound determination to pursue excellence in the dramatic arts.

22 November 2023Musical Trip to the west endThis week, the students of Harris Academy South Norwood embarked on an exciting school trip to watch Mrs Doubtfire the Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London. This West End experience was particularly special for many of the year 7 students, as it was their first ever visit to a West End theatre. For the drama club participants, this trip served as a well-deserved reward for their dedication and commitment to the club. It provided them with a unique opportunity to witness the magic of live theatre and immerse themselves in the world of performing arts. This exposure to professional theatre will undoubtedly broaden their horizons and inspire them to explore the world of drama further. This experience will undoubtedly motivate students to continue pursuing their love for the performing arts and strive for excellence in their studies. Furthermore, witnessing the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on an audience will undoubtedly inspire the students to develop their own creative voices and storytelling abilities. The students displayed exemplary behaviour throughout the trip, making it a truly enjoyable experience for everyone involved. As the curtains rose, we were all captivated by the brilliant performance unfolding before our eyes. The talented cast and heartwarming storyline had us laughing and cheering in our seats. It was a truly unforgettable show that left a lasting impression on all of us.

20 November 2023British Racing School NewmarketOn Monday 20th November 2023, 10 of our wonderful year 10 students had a once in a lifetime opportunity to take part in a training day at the British Racing school Situated on the outskirts of Newmarket, the heart of British horse racing, this state-of-the-art training center superb facilities and hands-on learning experiences. Every student took part in a horse handling and grooming session, a simulator session on mechanical horses and a horse-riding session under the instruction of the racing schools specialist staff. Students were also lucky enough to meet champion jockey Christophe Soumillon before returning to the Academy. This was a great opportunity for our GCSE PE students to experience a unique sport and gain an understanding of the world of equestrianism.

2 November 2023Netball NewsThe years 8 & 9 netball teams had their first South London League game this afternoon against Bishop Thomas Grant. Year 8 won 10-2 - was an amazing game, showing lots of talent and ability! Player of the match - Aaliyah Year 9 played exceptionally well, it was very tight but the girls managed to pull it back and finished with a 7-6 loss! Player of the match - Davina Both teams played exceptionally well, showed lots of courage and teamwork!

31 October 2023Classics TripClassics trip to the National Liberal Club to attend their inaugural Hellenic Circle meeting. HASN's first A' Level Classical Civilisation class went to the NLC's inaugural Hellenic Circle meeting. There, the students listened to a talk on ancient Athenian democracy delivered by Professor Paul Cartledge from the University of Cambridge; and a talk on the comparison of Brexit and the (now unlikely) Grexit from the EU and how the UK and Greece share a tension-filled relationship with the bloc (Greece for thousands of years). This talk was delivered by Professor Kevin Featherstone from the London School of Economics (the LSE). The evening's key-note speaker was His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the Court of St. James, Yannis Tsaousis, who explained his role and the impact of Hellenism in the UK. Our students were lucky enough to meet the Ambassador and talks of increasing HASN's relationship with the educational wing of the Hellenic Embassy in London were proposed. A very exciting, educational, and engaging evening had by all in exclusive, historic surroundings.

31 October 2023Geography Trip to IcelandA group of Year 9 HASN pupils went on an unforgettable Geography trip to Iceland. Exploring the boundary of two tectonic plates between Europe and North America was an inspiring demonstration of the Earth's raw power. Skógafoss and other waterfalls were breathtaking, and Sólheimajökull glacier left us in awe of nature's grandeur. Reykjavík, the capital, provided a cultural touch with its vibrant city life. The trip seamlessly combined education with excitement, making learning a joy. Iceland's unique geography, from geothermal activity to stunning landscapes, offered hands-on lessons in plate tectonics and environmental conservation. This fun-packed educational journey was a memory we'll cherish, deepening our understanding of the world's natural wonders.

4 October 2023HASN Goes ForthYear 9 were up bright and early on Tuesday morning to take the coach to Flanders Fields to for themselves the remnants of the Western Front of the First World War which they studied in Year 9. Despite a painfully early start, by the time we arrived on the outskirts of Ypres we were ready to stretch our legs around the Sanctuary Wood museum. Pictured: some slightly distracted gunners. Sanctuary Wood was named in 1914 during the First Battle of Ypres for an area of woodland British soldiers sheltered in to escape from the fighting. Within months, the trees were completely destroyed by intense artillery fire and the hill they stood on scarred by thousands of miles of trenches. Some of the British trenches remain, giving Mr Long an excellent opportunity to stand in No Man’s Land and explain the everyday concerns of trench life – keeping your head down, taking care of your feet, and watching out for rats. Ms Pavlyk led the charge through the trenches, although the good weather meant Year 9 didn’t quite get the authentic experience wading through the mud that the Battles of Ypres became synonymous with We took a short coach ride to the Passchendaele Museum, which featured a mixture of exhibits and hands on experiences with artefacts recovered from the battlefields. The Third Battle of Ypres cost 250,000 British lives, fought over a stretch of land our coach took 15 minutes to cross. Along the way, we took in the hundreds of military cemeteries maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, contrasting with the quiet Belgian suburbs reminding us that war takes place in peoples’ back gardens, and in their homes – and that even a century later we live with the legacy of conflict. We ended the day in Ypres at the Leonidas Chocolate Shop for some souvenir shopping before setting off back to Britain. The town of Ypres – almost all these seemingly historical buildings needed to be rebuilt after the War.

2 October 2023Online Carers Workshop Eventbrite Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/mhst-parent-webinars-2674189?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb OTR's Self Harm and EBSA Workshops: https://www.talkofftherecord.org/sutton/support-for-parents-carers/ These workshops will be offered online, and parents can sign up via Eventbrite. Parents will have their cameras and mics off and there is no expectation for them to speak or interact with each other, however we will have a chat box open. The workshops will be psychoeducational based, with some tips and strategies.

29 September 2023Hasn Animal WorkshopTODAY there was an animal workshop in the MFH as a reward for students who have been nominated for representing the academy values.

28 September 2023A trip to west end to see Dr SemmelweisDrama students went to the west end to see Dr Semmelweis. Incredibly this was one students first encounter with the Thames!

22 September 2023A trip to see the royal philharmonic orchestraMusic students went to the Albert hall to see the royal philharmonic orchestra.

14 September 2023We're so proud of Omaid !!Part of the England U15 cricket team, he has been invited to the World Cup!!!! Hit them for six Omaid!

24 August 2023@@HASN_NEWSpic.twitter.com/9jewv4EbY9

24 August 2023@@HASN_NEWSpic.twitter.com/2iRbca9rAg

24 August 2023@@HASN_NEWSYet another fantastic Results day! Congratulations to all those who collected their results today. We look forward to seeing many of you in September! #ResultsDay2023 pic.twitter.com/GdA6j8vXdJ

24 August 2023Congratulations to our fabulous students on their brilliant results!! Students at Harris Academy South Norwood Celebrate Exam Success GCSE Students and staff at Harris Academy South Norwood are today celebrating a very strong set of GCSE results. Performance was very strong across the board with particular GCSE success in subjects such as English, French, Spanish, art, PE, chemistry and biology. In the single sciences students achieved over 45% 7-9s. Vocational qualifications also received excellent results with most students achieving merits and distinctions. Those celebrating include: Maggie Bell who achieved six grade 9s and 3 Grade 8s Cindy Lang who achieved six grade 9s, two grade 8s, and a grade 7 Aatheesh Rambabu achieved four 9s, one 8s and three 7s Chante Dunbar who achieved two grade 9s, five grade 8s, and four grade 7s Emily Wareham who achieved two grade 9s, five grade 8s, and two year 7s Benjamin Oyewole achieved four 9s, five 8s and one 7 Aatheesh said, “I’m exhilarated, it was great to have such as a successful journey. The hours of work I put in have been worth it.” Chante said, “I got the results for the work I put in. I’m really happy.” Congratulating the students, the Principal of Harris Academy South Norwood, Rob Hitch said: “We are delighted that our students have done so well after the challenges of the past two years. With these results, our students can take up places at colleges and sixth forms of their choice and study the subjects they wish to. It’s lovely that so many are choosing to stay with us at our Outstanding rated sixth form. It is wonderful that, on days like this, all their hard work is shown to have paid off and they and their families can enjoy their success”. Sixth Form Students, parents and staff at Harris Academy South Norwood are today celebrating fantastic A Levels results with over 80% of students accepting places at top Universities. Performance was strong with particular success in subjects such as English, History, Geography, ICT, Sport, Media and Art. Vocational qualifications received excellent results with students achieving an amazing average grade of Distinction. Over 170 students will be going to University, including top Russell Group destinations such as Durham and Leeds. This is just one of the many reasons Ofsted rated the Sixth Form as Outstanding in 2022. Today’s results also explain the popularity and appeal of the Harris South Norwood Sixth Form, with over 200 applications from external candidates wanting to join this September. Those celebrating include: Keerthanan Peratheepan – A*A*A in Maths, Chemistry and Biology Holly Saunders – AAB, going on to study English Literature and Language at University of Leeds Oscar Bowman – ABB, going on to study History and Politics at Queen Mary University. Daria Balabantseva – ABBB, going on to study Biochemistry at Queen Mary University Sabrina Daud – D*D*D, going on to study Business and Marketing at City, University of London Henry Quartey – Dis Dis Dis, going to study Sport and Exercise Science at University of Portsmouth Congratulating the students, the Principal of Harris Academy South Norwood, Rob Hitch said, “Our HASN students have done amazingly well. This is a cohort that had to deal with lockdown and the challenges of virtual learning, for them to then achieve such fabulous results shows incredible resilience and determination. We are so proud of them.”

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