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Harris Academies
All Academies in our Federation aim to transform the lives of the students they serve by bringing about rapid improvement in examination results, personal development and aspiration.

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Welcome from the Principal: Mrs J Larizadeh

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Harris Academy Wimbledon. We are a brand-new co-educational secondary academy set up to provide an excellent, well-rounded education for local children in Wimbledon. We welcomed our first Year 7 students in 2018 and we will grow year on year, eventually serving children ages 11-18. Our academy is an outstanding place to learn, providing an innovative, inclusive and happy environment for our young people.
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Academy Life

23 September 2018Principal's BlogThe students have settled in well completing their second week at the Academy. In assembly on Monday, I talked to them about their dreams and aspirations explaining to them that all of us need to think about what we want to do in the future.  Dreams and aspirations tell us something about ourselves, what we can become in the future and where we are heading.  It is important for the students to have dreams and aspirations and I explained to them that these will grow, develop and change as they grow up.  Miss Pocock will be talking to all the students this week about their individual dreams and aspirations.  I had a great conversation with a student who dreams about being a doctor and she spent some time researching into the profession and what she needs to do to achieve her dream. The students launched themselves into the array of extracurricular activities on offer at the academy.  It was fantastic to see them dancing with Shaun Dillon, our resident professional dancer; sharing their creative talents in our set design club and demonstrating great skills in Hockey, Netball and Football.  My week ended bumping into the students from the Latin Culture Club preparing for European day of languages which we will be celebrating on Wednesday.  The students were full of enthusiasm, joy and a love of languages as they explained to me the quiz they had been preparing.  It was 4.30pm on Friday and they were not in any rush to go home. This week is a busy week for the Academy.  We have prospective parents’ evening on Tuesday from 5pm – 8pm.  Students will finish at 12.20pm so we can prepare for the evening; they need to be back at 4.30pm ready to show parents around or help out in different subjects.  School will start one hour later on Wednesday so the gates will open at 9am with the bell going at 9.25am. I wish you an enjoyable week.  
16 September 2018Principal's BlogYear 7 have had a fantastic first full week at the Academy.  I am delighted with how they have settled in; they are eager to learn and are being supportive of each other.  In tutor time, the students discussed their community code of conduct and I have put their ideas together below: I will wear my uniform with pride and be smart at all times I will be polite and take responsibility for the way I talk to people in the local community I will offer my seat to those less able to stand and keep noise to a minimum on public transport I will walk sensibly on the pavements and cross the road using crossings or traffic lights I will use positive language with my friends I will always use litter bins for my rubbish I will make a difference to others by being kind  They are going to finalise their code of conduct in tutor time this week.  In addition, each tutor group is going to vote for their House Leaders who will form our first Student Council.  The students can stand for the leadership roles by writing a short speech on how they will represent their tutor group.  Each tutor group will vote for who they think will best represent them at the first student council meeting. Friday saw our first football trials.  We had 58 girls and boys attend; they shared their enthusiasm, energy and skills with each other, making it almost impossible for Mr Riches to pick the teams for the first matches.   Everyone who shows regular commitment to sports clubs will get an opportunity to represent the academy at some point during the year.  Hard work and commitment will always be rewarded at Harris Academy Wimbledon. I wish you an enjoyable week.
9 September 2018Principal's BlogHARRIS ACADEMY WIMBLEDON OPENS ITS DOORS TO ITS FIRST STUDENTS   On Thursday, the brand new Harris Academy Wimbledon opened its doors to its first ever students.  I am extremely proud to be leading an ambitious new academy and it has been a pleasure to welcome our first Year 7 students this week. The students arrived with a mixture of excitement and nerves, looking exceptionally smart in their brand new school uniform.  In our first assembly I spoke to them about our motto ‘Make a Difference’ and how they can make a difference to their own lives and the lives of others around them.  In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Dumbledore says the following: ‘It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities’ This central message of the Harry Potter series is what I want the students to think about and act on.  I know our students already have a variety of abilities - we have budding leaders, sportsmen and women, mathematicians, journalists, lawyers and much more – but I want the students to make the right choices to maximise their abilities, to work hard and to be kind. Next week brings the first full week of the school timetable and the students will need to be organised, ensuring they bring in the correct books and equipment to school.  Tuesday sees the launch of our exciting enrichment programme and during the week they will begin to find out about all of the extra-curricular activities they can be part of. I wish you all a very successful and enjoyable week.
19 July 2018HARRIS ACADEMY WIMBLEDON OPENS ITS DOORS TO WELCOME ITS FIRST STUDENTSLast Wednesday, Harris Academy Wimbledon opened its doors to welcome its first intake of Year 7 pupils for an induction day. The first cohort of students, who come from 38 different primary schools, spent the day getting to know their new classmates and teachers. Harris Academy Wimbledon is currently full for Year 7 but if any prospective students would like to make a late application for a place on the waiting list they can apply directly through the academy’s website. An open evening for prospective students and their families will be held on Tuesday 25th September with additional open mornings taking place in early October. More information can be found at Harris Academy Wimbledon’s website. 11 year old Jaye, who will be joining the academy in September, said: “I am really, really looking forward to learning and making new friends at Harris Academy Wimbledon. I've been thinking about after school activities and the student council and it would be an honour to do those very special things.” Jo Larizadeh, Principal of Harris Academy Wimbledon, said: "It has been fantastic to meet our first Year 7 pupils and to introduce them to our staff team. Our building is looking absolutely brilliant and it is great to be so close to finally opening. After lots of hard work, I know that when the first day of the autumn term comes we will be ready to provide an excellent education for Year 7 children.”          
6 May 2018Term Dates 2018/19  AUTUMN TERM 2018 Staff INSET Days     Term Dates   Half Term     Monday 3rd September, Tuesday 4th September, Wednesday 5th September 2018, Friday 5th October 2018   Monday 3rd September – Friday 21st December 2018   Monday 22nd October 2018 – Friday 2nd November 2018 inclusive   Year 7 students begin on Thursday 6th September 9.30am – 2pm From Friday 7th September, Year 7 will attend at normal times 8.25am – 3pm (4pm on Tuesdays).         SPRING TERM 2019 Staff INSET Days   Term Dates   Half Term   Easter Holidays     Monday 7th January 2019, Friday 15th February 2019   Monday 7th January 2019 – Friday 5th April 2019   Monday 18th February 2019 – Friday 22nd February 2019 inclusive Monday 8th April 2019 – Monday 22nd April 2019 inclusive         SUMMER TERM 2019   Term Dates   Bank Holiday   Half Term       Tuesday 23rd April 2019 – Friday 19th July 2019   Monday 6th May 2019   Monday 27th May 2019 – Friday 31st May 2019 inclusive        
20 April 2018Update on DevelopmentsWe are now full for September 2018 and I am looking forward to meeting our first cohort of students at Harris Academy Wimbledon. It has been a busy few months and I am pleased to announce that we have now recruited all of our teachers for September.  I am delighted with all of the appointments and am confident they will teach exciting and engaging lessons that will support all students to make excellent progress. Please find enclosed a summary below: Mr Walsh: Vice Principal, teaching Music and Drama Miss Pocock: Director of English Mr Rutter: Teacher of Mathematics Miss Bolt: Teacher of Science Miss Turner: Teacher of History and Geography. Miss Ortega: Teacher of Spanish, Latin and French Miss Kent: Teacher of Art and Technology Mr Riches: Teacher of PE and Dance All of the teachers will be delivering our unique personal, social, health, cultural and religious curriculum and ICT will be delivered across the curriculum.  As we finalise the plans for the curriculum and enrichment, we will publish more information on the website.  Alongside the recruitment of teachers, we have been busy putting all of the finishing touches to the designs for Whatley Avenue.  The construction company have started and are making excellent progress in getting everything ready.  Parents of our first cohort of students will be able to look round at the induction evening on 4th July. We will be holding induction interviews for all the new students during the week of 18th June and parents will receive an individual appointment time in May.  At the induction interview, we will provide parents and children with a range of information including how to buy the school uniform. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions via info@harriswimbledon.org.uk Mrs Larizadeh Principal
16 April 2018Humanities Teacher AppointedMiss Emily Turner has been appointed as Humanities Teacher.  Following her degree at the University of Southampton, Miss Turner trained to be a teacher with Ark schools before teaching at Wallington High School for Girls.  She joins us from the Department for Education where she has been responsible for developing the evidence base for Initial Teacher Training policy schemes.     "Being part of a brand new school, in your local community, is an exceptional opportunity. I am thrilled to be  joining Harris Academy Wimbledon as a Teacher of Humanities. Studying Humanities will encourage your children to ask questions about the world around them and interpret the world in different ways.  Geography will enable students to explore diverse topics from tectonics to inequality while History will equip students with an understanding of the significant events in our past which will help them to make sense of current affairs. Both of these subjects are key in building students understanding of other cultures and societies and equipping students with the skills they will need to succeed in an increasingly globalised world. I have a passion for both of these subjects and I am excited for your children to enjoy exploring these subjects just as much as I will enjoy teaching them!"
16 April 2018PE Teacher AppointedMr Lewis Riches has been appointed as Teacher of PE.  Mr Riches graduated with a first class degree from St Mary's University and joins us from Harris Academy Purley.   "I am incredibly excited about teaching PE at Harris Academy Wimbledon. Sport and exercise has been a passion of mine since my time at school. I aim to develop an ethos of enjoyment in sport and exercise, supporting all young people to develop a lifelong interest and encouraging future participation. I will ensure that the PE curriculum gives all students an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of sports through active and engaging PE lessons with an extensive extra-curricular programme. My intention is to have many successful sport teams that will play in local competitions and represent our school at the London School Games. I look forward to starting in September and seeing what wonderful sport stars we have at Harris Academy Wimbledon."  
16 April 2018Language Teacher AppointedMiss Eva Ortega has been appointed as a Language teacher, teaching Spanish, Latin and French.  Miss Ortega has a masters degree in teaching from the National University of Spain and speaks 5 different languages.  She joins Harris Academy Wimbledon from Harris Academy Morden. "I have always passionately believed in the importance of learning a language and hope I can inspire my students to feel the same. Speaking many different languages has helped me to develop friendships across a number of different countries and supported me in meeting many interesting people. Many companies are doing business with countries around the world and they are looking to hire people with a global outlook who can speak at least one foreign language.  The students at Harris Academy Wimbledon have the opportunity to learn Spanish, Latin and French and I am very excited about leading them on this journey."  
16 April 2018Art, Design and Technology Teacher AppointedMiss Georgina Kent has been appointed as teacher of Art, Design and Technology.  Miss Kent trained at Winchester School of Art and joins us from an outstanding school in Hampshire.   "Every artist was first an amateur – Ralph Waldo Emerson The Art and Design disciplines encapsulate powerful reaction, an array of professions and individual creativity globally and have always been a huge passion of mine. Curiosity and confidence in ideas and processes combined with a critical awareness of context enables students to reflectively grow and learn in a challenging yet stimulating and supportive environment. As an avid photographer, I am also keen to develop graphics and later, art photography, within my lessons to further engage and develop students in a multi-disciplinary setting and learn how to work to a brief. The arts are crucial in our society and I am incredibly excited to be a part of the team at Harris Academy Wimbledon and begin to prepare for our first cohort of ‘artists in training’ in September."
26 March 2018Waiting List only For Harris Academy WimbledonWe have now filled all of our first 120 places and have a waiting list of year 7s still hoping to secure a place. The new secondary academy, which will be located in High Path from 2020, will open this September for Year 7 pupils in Whatley Avenue, while its brand-new school building and state-of-the-art facilities are being constructed. Jo Larizadeh, Principal of Harris Academy Wimbledon, said:  “I am thrilled that so many local families have chosen Harris Academy Wimbledon for their sons’ and daughters’ secondary education. We intend to provide the excellent standard of education that Harris academies are known for, right from day one. “As well as developing an engaging and exciting curriculum and appointing outstanding subject teachers for the academy, we have been developing the classrooms and facilities at Whatley Avenue to make sure that everything is in place for our first students. “It is incredibly exciting to be involved in a new school from the beginning and I would like to thank local families for their interest and support. We can’t wait to see our first students in September.” If you would like to go on the waiting list, please complete an online application form as there still might be some movement before September.
22 March 2018Science Teacher AppointedMiss Hannah Bolt has been appointed as teacher of Science.  Miss Bolt joins us from a secondary school in Wiltshire where she teaches science to all year groups. After completing her degree, Miss Bolt travelled to China and taught English there for two years. She will be putting this experience to use at Harris Academy Wimbledon: “ I am delighted to be appointed as the new science teacher at Harris Wimbledon. I chose to study biology at university because it totally fascinates me. Science encompasses processes that happen within and around us every second, and I can’t  think of a more important or interesting subject to teach. At my  current school,  I run extra-curricular STEM and Mandarin after school clubs, and I  am excited about  doing the same for our students at Harris Academy Wimbledon. I am already working hard in the build up to the new school year to make sure everything is in place  for the new science curriculum in September. I look forward to meeting  you all and can’t wait to start enthusing the next generation about science.”
22 March 2018Maths Teacher AppointedMr Joe Rutter has been appointed as teacher of Mathematics.  He has a first-class degree from Bristol University and is currently teaching Mathematics at a secondary school in Kent. “To say I am excited about joining  Harris Academy Wimbledon come September is an understatement. The chance to be part of  a brand-new school does not come around very often; I will ensure that this excitement translates to each lesson. Your child will be encouraged to become the best Mathematician they can be, grounding themselves in fundamental Mathematical concepts and developing links between them. By developing important qualities of hard work and resilience our students will inevitably become successful in Mathematics. The Mathematics department at Harris Academy Wimbledon will be something very special for your child to be a part of.”
10 March 2018Director of English AppointedWe are delighted to announce that Sarah Pocock has been appointed as Director of English.  Miss Pocock is currently Head of English at an outstanding school in South East London.  As well as leading English, Miss Pocock will lead the Humanities curriculum, literacy and our programme for More Able students.   "I am utterly overjoyed to have been appointed as Director of English at Harris Academy Wimbledon and cannot wait to welcome our first cohort of Year 7 students in September. I became a teacher because I thought I could make a difference in young people’s lives and I still believe this six years later. I truly believe that education is transformative and so I am thrilled that I have the opportunity to support and guide our students on their exciting journey to becoming driven, successful and engaged members of society.   I love teaching English because it’s special – it gives students a voice. It allows me to show students that their words and the words of others are the most powerful tool they possess and one that can change the world. That’s why I am happy teaching my students anything from Emma Watson’s ‘He for She’ speech to Shakespeare or Harper Lee as I want to give them access to the best possible literature available. English is about truly understanding humanity and the many varied and wonderful perspectives within the world. For me it is the most fascinating subject – every time we study a text I thought I knew inside out and back to front a student will always find an original and different interpretation of the text that both challenges my own perception and inspires me to look at the text in a new way.   I hope our new Year 7s will fall in love with English just as I did when my Year 7 English teacher handed me a copy of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’."
6 March 2018Vice Principal Appointed A great deal of work has been going on to get ready for the opening of Harris Academy Wimbledon in September and I wanted to update you on the latest developments. In addition to the work you may have noticed taking place at our temporary home in Whatley Avenue, I am delighted to announce we have appointed James Walsh as the academy’s new Vice Principal.  Mr Walsh joins us with over 10 years’ experience of teaching in an outstanding 11-18 comprehensive school in South West London.  He is presently an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for the academic achievement and care of Key Stage 3 students which means he is highly qualified to support and guide the academy’s first Year 7.  He is also a Designated Safeguarding Lead with responsibility for pupil support, wellbeing, mental health and the development of the tutor time programme. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with our very first cohort of Year 7 students and I look forward to guiding them as they start on this new and exciting chapter of their lives and the beginning of their journey into adulthood.  At Harris Academy Wimbledon, we will provide outstanding pastoral care for every pupil whilst fostering an inclusive, safe, and supportive culture within the year group. Our high expectations of all students will mean that your child will have access to an outstanding learning experience where they can develop, grow, and achieve their full potential.  I will personally make sure that every student is encouraged to participate in the variety of enrichment and extra-curricular activities on offer. Alongside this, I will make sure that every pupils’ talent is realised, appreciated, and developed so that they go on to become successful, well rounded young people. I look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure that your child’s transition to secondary school and their time at Harris Academy Wimbledon is a success.” James Walsh There will be an opportunity to meet Mr Walsh at our parents’ and pupils evening on Wednesday 7th March at 6.30pm, which will be held in the school hall at Joseph Hood Primary school (adjacent to the Whatley Avenue site), Whatley Avenue, Raynes Park, London SW20 9NS In the meantime, if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email: info@harriswimbledon.org.uk. Joanne Larizadeh Principal
6 March 2018Harris Academy Wimbledon gets final sign off from the GovernmentHarris Academy Wimbledon has been approved for a funding agreement with the Government.  The new secondary academy, which will be located in High Path from 2020, will open this September for Year 7 pupils in well-resourced temporary accommodation in Whatley Avenue, while its brand-new school building and state-of-the-art facilities are constructed. The academy was given the go ahead by the Government in 2016 and today it was announced that the Secretary of State for Education has agreed to enter into a funding agreement with the Harris Federation, meaning that the academy has the final sign off to open its doors to the first 120 pupils this September. Jo Larizadeh, Principal Designate of Harris Academy Wimbledon, said: “We are all absolutely thrilled to hear the news because this legal document is the final step; the Government’s formal commitment that we will open as planned. “It is a clear sign that the Department for Education believes we are ready to offer an excellent education to Wimbledon families. Offers for the first ever places at Harris Academy Wimbledon have gone out to parents via email and post and everything is now in place for us to start to deliver the high standard of education here in Wimbledon that Harris academies are known for.”  “We anticipate there will, as usual, be substantial movement after offers are made so if you do find yourselves on the waiting list and are keen to come to the academy, please make sure you contact us as soon as possible.”  Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis said:  “Merton is a great place for families and we’ve seen a record number of students apply for a place at one of Merton’s secondary schools, which are the best for progress in the country. The opening of the Harris Wimbledon school in September 2018 has been essential in us being able to meet that demand for school places and the new school will mean we can continue to educate future generations of Merton children in a Merton school. Our business-like approach has meant that despite being a complex project involving multiple sites across South Wimbledon, we have been able to keep progress on track and ensure the new school opens in September 2018 before moving to its new site in 2020.” Parents who want to find out more about the academy should go to / or contact the academy via email: info@harriswimbledon.org.uk.
21 February 2018Countdown to offer dayI am delighted to inform you that excellent progress is being made in preparation for opening in Whatley Avenue in September 2018.  We will be making our formal admission offers on 1st March 2018 but until then, please find an update below: Academy Curriculum Harris Academy Wimbledon will have an academic curriculum with plenty of opportunity for enrichment and extra-curricular activities.  All Year 7 students will be able to choose from our enrichment curriculum on a Tuesday afternoon where they will be able to take part in a variety of fun and engaging activities which will help them develop new skills.  Learning will be at the heart of the academy and hard work and commitment will be recognised through an exciting rewards system.  More details about our curriculum and extra-curricular activities are available on the website: www.harriswimbledon.org.uk School Day The school day will start at 8.30am and finish at 3pm.  On Tuesdays all Year 7s will remain in the academy until 4pm for their enrichment curriculum and they will also be encouraged to sign up for a further extra-curricular activity on Wednesday or Thursday until 4.30pm.  Whatley Avenue Feasibility work on Whatley Avenue is now complete and I can assure you that Whatley Avenue will provide a great start to your child’s secondary education.  As well as general classrooms, there will be a Science laboratory, Music room, Hall for Drama/PE, Art/DT room and brand new kitchen/dining facilities.  The whole building will be wireless with plenty of access to laptops for ICT work.  The courts at Joseph Hood Recreation ground are being converted to provide a three court multi use games area (MUGA) and will have facilities for netball, basketball and tennis.  The field will be available for football and cricket.  There will be changing facilities at Whatley Avenue and then a short walk to the recreation ground. New Building – September 2020 I am pleased to say that Bowmer and Kirkland have been appointed as the contractors for designing and building the new academy.  They are currently involved in the pre-application stage with Merton Council in preparation for a full planning application and consultation which will begin in March 2018.  At that point, all of the designs and drawings of the new building will be available for you to view. In tandem with the development of the buildings we are beginning to recruit teachers for the new academy which will grow year by year.  The Harris Federation has a strong track record and there is a great deal of interest in teaching at Harris Academy Wimbledon. I am confident that we will be able to recruit excellent teachers who will be able to deliver outstanding teaching and learning for your children. We will be holding a meeting for parents and pupils on Wednesday 7th March at 6.30pm for everyone who receives offers for September 2018.  The meeting will be held in the school hall at Joseph Hood Primary school (adjacent to the Whatley Avenue site), Whatley Avenue, Raynes Park, London SW20 9NS.   We anticipate there will, as usual, be substantial movement after offers are made so if you do find yourselves on the waiting list and are keen to come to the academy, please make sure you contact us as soon as possible.  All of the information you need regarding the waiting list and how to accept an offer will be sent to you on 1st March. In the meantime, if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email: info@harriswimbledon.org.uk. Joanne Larizadeh Principal Designate
30 November 2017Countdown to the opening of Wimbledon's newest schoolWimbledon parents have until 31st December to apply for a place at Wimbledon’s newest secondary school. Harris Academy Wimbledon will open in Whatley Avenue next September. Work will soon commence to convert the Adult Education Centre into a well-resourced, smart and comfortable temporary academy for the first two years, while the new school building in High Path is built. Whatley Avenue will have excellent classrooms and specialist facilities to deliver the academy’s relevant, exciting and engaging curriculum from day one. The new academy is part of the Harris Federation, a charity run and led by teachers, which already runs 44 successful schools in and around London. Many local families have already applied for one of the 120 places available from next September. The closing date for applications is 31st December 2017.  Principal Designate, Jo Larizadeh said: “It is always exciting to be involved in a new school from the very beginning and I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting parents and students at local primary schools to tell them about the excellent education we will deliver from Day One at Harris Academy Wimbledon. “The accommodation we will use for the first two years will be comfortable and well-resourced. Those first students will have the undivided attention of our teaching staff and lead the way for the following students as we move across to our new building in 2020. “Meanwhile the Harris Federation has been working with an architect to design and plan a school that the whole community can be proud of. We intend to announce the contractor who will build the school very shortly. “This year, applications to Wimbledon Academy are not currently part of the borough-wide admissions process so our closing date is 31st December 2017. I would encourage any parent who is still unsure about their school choice to take a look at what we have to offer. Harris Academy Wimbledon will be an excellent local school and this is an opportunity to be there right from the very beginning.” Parents can also download a free ‘Harris Academy Wimbledon’ app to receive up-to-date news and information on the new academy. Notes to Editors You can find out more about Harris Academy Wimbledon on this website. For Harris Academy Wimbledon’s first year of operation, applications will not be through the common application form completed for Merton secondary schools. There will be a separate application form on the academy’s website to apply for a place. Parents must complete that form to be considered for a place. Harris Academy Wimbledon is part of the Harris Federation, a not-for-profit charity led and run by teachers.  There are 44 Harris primary and secondary academies in and around London. Every Harris academy so far to have been inspected by Ofsted has been rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ – with the majority ‘outstanding’. Information about the educational performance of Harris primary and secondary academies is available here: http://harrisfederation.org.uk/204/education-performance.
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