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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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Academy Life

7 February 2025Newsletter 07.02.25This week, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming the author Sam Sedgman to our school. The students were captivated by his visit, as he shared insights into his writing process and the adventures behind his books. It was an inspiring experience for all, sparking creativity and imagination in our students. In sports news, we are thrilled to announce that the HAWI A team were victorious in the Merton Football Club Tournament! Congratulations to all of the players for their hard work, dedication, and fantastic team spirit. A special thank you to the PE staff for their support. As we move towards the final week of term, we are looking forward to two exciting events. The students have been working incredibly hard on their school production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’, and we can't wait to see their performances come to life on stage. It promises to be a truly magical experience that will showcase their talent and dedication. And, the Lower School Disco is just around the corner, and we know the students are looking forward to dancing the night away. It’s set to be a fun occasion to end the half-term on a high note. Best wishes for an enjoyable weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-07.02.25.pdf
31 January 2025Newsletter 31.01.25Year 11 students are currently working incredibly hard in preparation for their mock exams, which are taking place at the moment. These exams are an important part of their GCSE journey, and we are so proud of their dedication and commitment. Staff are providing additional support and guidance to ensure they feel confident and wellprepared. Please continue to encourage your child to stay focused and do their best during this challenging time. We have every faith in them. Looking ahead, our Year 13 students are already in the midst of preparing for their mocks, which will take place straight after the February half term. These mock exams play a critical role in their A-level preparation and provide an excellent opportunity for students to refine their exam technique and assess their progress. In terms of their future aspirations, we are excited to share that 92% of our Year 13 students have applied for university places, with many having received early offers. These offers include a wide range of courses from the University of Cambridge, Durham University, Exeter University and the universities of Manchester, Bath, Warwick and York. We are thrilled to see the hard work of our students being recognised. The next few months will be crucial as they continue their preparations for both their mocks and the next stage of their academic journey. Year 9 students have been making important decisions about which GCSEs to choose for the next phase of their academic journey. This can be a challenging but exciting time, as students consider their interests and future career aspirations. We’ve been providing guidance through one-to-one meetings to ensure they are well-informed when making their choices. We encourage all parents to continue supporting their child through this decision-making process, as these choices will help shape their future educational and career path. As always, this newsletter highlights the wide range of opportunities available to our students, all of which we strongly encourage them to embrace. Wishing you an enjoyable weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-31.01.25.pdf
24 January 2025Newsletter 24.01.2025The HAWI Parents Association (WPA) plays a vital role in supporting and enhancing the school experience for both students and staff. Their dedication and hard work create a strong sense of community, making HAWI a welcoming place for all. From fundraising efforts to organising events, the WPA ensures that the school can provide enriching opportunities that might not otherwise be possible. Whether it's supporting HAWI events, helping at the lower school disco, or selling pre-loved uniform, the WPA fosters collaboration between the school and families. Their fundraising initiatives have provided valuable resources such as the basketball nets in the playground and additional sporting equipment for lessons. We have just ordered three football tables for outside. Thanks to the WPA, HAWI is not just a school – it’s a community where everyone works together for the success of every student. If you would like to join the WPA, please contact them at wimbledonparentsassociation@gmail.com On the 13th March, they are hosting the annual family quiz night. We would be delighted to see you there! Have a great weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-24.01.25.pdf  
17 January 2025Newsletter 17.01.2025Today, it was inspiring to watch a Year 7 assembly focused on Althea Gibson, the pioneering tennis player who overcame significant barriers to achieve greatness. Not only did she demonstrate remarkable resilience in her athletic career, but she also fought against racial prejudice at a time when tennis was overwhelmingly dominated by white athletes. Gibson’s perseverance in the face of adversity allowed her to break racial barriers and become the first African American woman to compete in, and win, major tennis titles, including Wimbledon. Her story is a powerful example of how one person can make a difference—not only by excelling in their field but also by challenging social injustices and paving the way for future generations. At HAWI, we take inspiration from figures like Althea Gibson, which is why one of our houses is named in her honour. Our house names are all linked to inspirational people associated with Wimbledon, reflecting the values of independence, integrity, resilience, and making a difference. To help foster these qualities in our students, we offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. We encourage you to spend some time reviewing the available options and support your child in attending at least one activity. These experiences are invaluable in developing essential skills that complement academic achievements. Best wishes for an enjoyable weekend. Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-17.01.25.pdf
10 January 2025Newsletter 10.01.25Happy New Year, and welcome to the new term! I hope you all had a restful break and enjoyed quality time with family and friends. As we embark on this new term, we are excited to continue supporting all our students in making a difference to themselves and the lives of those around them. This term is a crucial time in the academic year, offering many opportunities for students to excel, take on new challenges, and work towards achieving their goals. We have a busy and exciting term ahead, with a range of events including assessments, extracurricular activities, and school trips. Some of the key highlights this term include: • The school production of Beauty and the Beast • The Lower School Disco • The Swimming Gala • The Careers Fair • Charity Day • Curiosity Days • And we will end the term with our Eid celebrations. Please keep an eye on the school newsletter to stay updated on important dates and upcoming opportunities for your child. We look forward to working closely with you to ensure your child’s success throughout this term. Thank you for your continued support and collaboration. Best wishes, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-10.01.25.pdf
13 December 2024Newsletter 13.12.24As we approach the final week of the Autumn Term, I am excited to share that it will be filled with festive events: the Winter Celebration, Christmas Lunch, Festive Christmas Jumper Day, Secret Santa, and our annual Door Decoration competition. This term has been a memorable one, and I am so proud of the incredible contributions our students have made. Highlights include Year 10 students supporting Year 7s with their reading, enthusiastic participation in House competitions, trips to the theatre and London museums, a visit to Royal Holloway University by our Year 12s, outstanding university offers for Year 13, a fantastic Cultural Evening, brilliant House trips, and strong performances representing the academy in various sports fixtures. And that's just the beginning! I would also like to extend my thanks to the dedicated staff who consistently go above and beyond to create these wonderful opportunities for our students. Your ongoing support of the academy is truly appreciated, and I am incredibly grateful for it. As we look ahead to the holidays, I wish you all a joyful and restful break. However, it is important that students continue to attend school every day until the end of term. Best wishes, Mrs. Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-13.12.24.pdf
6 December 2024Newsletter 06.12.24At HAWI, we firmly believe that recognising effort and progress is just as important as celebrating achievements. One of the ways we do this is through our Effort Stamps—which students can earn during lessons. These stamps lead to students collecting stickers and badges as a tangible reward for their hard work. We are thrilled to see so many of our students proudly earning their bronze, silver, and gold badges. In fact, this week, we had some outstanding achievers who earned the platinum badge for collecting over one hundred stickers! This is a remarkable accomplishment, and we couldn’t be more proud of their dedication and effort. We encourage you to support your children in collecting their stickers and badges and to wear them with pride. Not only do these rewards symbolise their hard work, but they also contribute significantly to their house points, bringing them closer to winning the coveted House Cup at the end of the year. Thank you for encouraging and celebrating your child’s progress alongside us. Together, we can continue to motivate them to reach new heights! Best wishes for an enjoyable weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-06.12.24_v1.pdf  
29 November 2024Newsletter 29.11.24Teamwork is a key value that shapes every aspect of school life. From collaborating in lessons to competing in sports events, and even rehearsing for the school production, it’s essential in fostering a sense of community. This spirit of teamwork will also be crucial in some of our cherished traditions that we celebrate at the end of each Autumn Term. Here are a few highlights: • Decorate The Door Competition: Year 7 and 8 Houses will compete to create the best festive door decoration. • Festive Jumper and Lunch Day: Join us on Wednesday 18th December, for a festive jumper day, where lunch will be provided free of charge for all students. We’ll also be raising money for Save the Children—please consider making a donation. • Secret Santa for Each House: Students will be assigned a House member’s name and are invited to bring in a small gift (worth up to £2) to exchange during the House’s festive party on Friday 20th December. Additionally, we want to extend our thanks to Ms. Angely, our school librarian, for organising the annual book fair, which was a great success. A special mention goes to Year 11, who are currently in the middle of their assessments—we’re incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. I hope you all enjoy the weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-29.11.24.pub.pdf
22 November 2024Newsletter 22.11.24Thank you to everyone who attended the Cultural Evening last night, and a special thanks to the WPA for their outstanding efforts! It’s been a vibrant week filled with exciting events, including Year 11 students taking part in the Young Citizens Mock Trial competition and some fantastic house trips. Looking ahead, we have our Curiosity Day on December 11th, offering even more opportunities for our students. Please check the Newsletter for further details. We are also incredibly proud of our Year 11 students, who are working hard in preparation for their assessments starting next week. At this stage, please encourage them to make the most of the revision materials provided by their teachers. Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable weekend, Mrs. Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-22.11.24.pdf
15 November 2024Newsletter 15.11.24The House System plays a vital role in fostering a strong sense of belonging, collaboration, and healthy competition among our students. This week, we held our first House Huddles, providing a chance for students to come together as a house, strengthening their connections and spirit. Looking ahead, next week we will embark on our first house trips of the year, an exciting opportunity for all students to participate, led by the Heads of House. Student voice is at the heart of everything we do. This week, we began receiving applications for the new Head Students who will take over from our current Year 13 leaders in January. The shortlisted candidates will present their ideas to the school, and then all students will have the opportunity to vote for the individuals they feel best represent them on the Student Council and at key school events. We are also excited to invite all parents to our Cultural Evening on Thursday. Tickets are still available, and all event details can be found in the newsletter below. Wishing you all an enjoyable week ahead. Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-15.11.24_v1.pdf
8 November 2024Newsletter 08.11.24I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the fantastic adventures our students have experienced over half term. 1. Choir Tour to Disneyland Paris – Our talented choir had the opportunity to perform in the magical surroundings of Disneyland Paris. Not only did they showcase their musical talents, but they also experienced the joy of being part of a global community, connecting with fellow musicians and exploring the park’s many wonders. 2. Ypres, Belgium – A moving and educational visit to the historic town of Ypres, where students learned about the impact of World War I. The trip included visits to memorials, providing our students with a deep understanding of history and the importance of remembrance. 3. ‘Generation Green’ Project – A thrilling experience, where students stepped out of their comfort zones to engage in teambuilding activities, outdoor challenges, and leadership exercises. It was a true test of their independence, integrity and resilience. As we look forward to this half term, we are excited to build our brilliant first half term, continuing to foster a sense of curiosity, collaboration, and academic growth. Alongside assessments for Years 8, 10, 11 and 13, there are many exciting opportunities on the horizon such as house trips and curiosity days. Thank you once again for your continued support. Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-08.11.24_v1.pdf  
18 October 2024Newsletter 18.10.24Celebrating Black History Month: A day of reflection, education, and unity as we honour the contributions and achievements of individuals throughout history. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this celebration memorable! The Curiosity Days have been brilliant. We have been incredibly impressed with how the students have been curious about learning new things and have demonstrated our values of independence, integrity and resilience. I would like to thank the staff for planning these outstanding opportunities. We have received our first university offers for Year 13 students. We could not be prouder of seeing our first cohort of students grow and develop from Year 7 to Year 13 and now receive offers from prestigious Russell Group universities such as University of Manchester, University of Warwick and University of Exeter. We look forward to celebrating more success in the coming months. We have three residential visits during half term – Disneyland Paris, Belgium and the South Coast. We hope everyone has a great time. Thank you for all your support this half term. Best wishes, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-18.10.24_v1.pdf
10 October 2024Newsletter 10.10.24This Tuesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming many prospective Year 11 students and their families to our Sixth Form Open Evening. It was wonderful to meet so many enthusiastic students and hear about their aspirations for A level study. Our departments were on hand to showcase their subjects and provide valuable insights into studying at A level. Further information about HAWI6 can be found on our website. Next week is busy with our Curiosity Days, Parents’ Pastoral Evening, the Wimbledon Parents’ Association Annual General Meeting, an author visit and our Black History Month Celebration Day! Further information about all the events can be found in the newsletter. Have a great weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-10.10.24.pdf
4 October 2024Newsletter 04.10.2024We are really looking forward to our 6th form open evening on Tuesday at 5.30pm. If you would like to attend, all the information is on the website. We offer 21 different A levels and work in partnership with King’s College School, Wimbledon, to deliver an outstanding curriculum with enrichment and support for university applications. Thank you for supporting the WPA (our parents’ association) events last year. I am really pleased to let you know that through all your contribu-tions they have donated £2000 to the academy for additional play-ground equipment. They are holding their AGM on Thursday 17th October at 7:30pm and we would be delighted for some more members. It is a great way to get to know more about the school and help with different fundraising events. Thank you for your continued support. Have a lovely weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-04.10.24.pdf
27 September 2024Newsletter 27.09.24We are halfway through the first half term and the next three weeks have many different opportunities for the students. On Tuesday, we launch our Black History Month events which will culminate in a celebration day on the 18th October. The full list of events are on the front of the newsletter but they include lectures, visits and assemblies. There is information in the newsletter about our first Curiosity Days – these are days where students have a different curriculum for the day. Over the two days, we want the students to be curious about what they are learning, to ask lots of questions and explore connections between what they are doing on the curiosity days to what they are doing in their lessons. Please ask your children what they are doing for their curiosity days and if they are not sure, direct them to ask their tutor next week. There was a great buzz in the hall today as the Houses competed to bake and sell the most cakes for Macmillan Coffee Morning. I am so proud of the school community for ‘making a difference’ to the lives of people around us, by giving up their time and making contributions to a very important charity. Best wishes for an enjoyable weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-27.09.24.pdf
20 September 2024Newsletter 20.09.2024It has been a pleasure to open our doors this week to prospective students and their parents. They were incredibly impressed with your children and commented on how polite and knowledgeable they were. Thank you for encouraging them to get involved in these events. We have had a brilliant start to the term; the students have settled back into the routines of school life and are meeting our challenge of finding their passion by joining many different extracurricular activities. We have our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning this week; please encourage your children to either bake a cake or bring in a donation to buy some. It is an event very close to our hearts as the MacMillan Nurses helped a member of staff, Geri Hall, who very sadly passed away just over a year ago. I know her family would be honoured if we could donate to the charity. Best wishes for an enjoyable weekend, Mrs Larizadeh Principal https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-20.09.24.pdf
13 September 2024Newsletter 13.09.2024During assemblies this week, Mr Maurice shared his love of reading with reference to Lord of the Flies by William Golding. After the assembly, a year 9 student said to me ‘I’m going to get that book and read it, it sounds amazing’ which was excellent to hear. We have introduced ‘Drop Everything and Read’ (DEAR) time every Monday morning where we want students to read a novel of their choice. If they are struggling to find something they enjoy, then they should have a chat with Ms Angely, our school librarian, who is a fountain of knowledge on young people’s literature. We would really appreciate it if you could encourage your children to read as it will help them broaden their horizons. It has been great to see extracurricular clubs get underway this week and hear so many students enjoying themselves after school, as they try out a new club or return to one they have loved before. We have tasked all students to find their passion this year by trying out different clubs until they find one they really love. All the clubs are available on the website so please encourage your child to try some out. I’d like to thank all the staff who give up their time to lead such a range of clubs and societies. Best wishes for an enjoyable weekend, Mrs Larizadeh Principal https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-13.09.24_v2.pdf  
6 September 2024Newsletter 06.09.2024I hope you have all had a wonderful summer and your children are looking forward to the new school year. We have had another set of excellent GCSE results which is testament to the hard work of all the students. We are incredibly proud of them all. The results are above the National Average and over 20% of results were grade 7 or higher including Wiktoria who achieved ten Grade 9s and Asiyah who achieved five Grade 9s and five Grade 8s. A special mention should go to Liliia, who joined the academy half-way through her GCSEs from Ukraine (and spoke very limited English) and achieved seven Grade 7s or higher, including 9s in Maths and Geography, and an 8 in both English Literature and English Language. Please find a link here to an article that was in the Evening Standard . ‘Congratulations to all our students!’. They have all worked with such diligence over the past two years and fully deserve these strong results. I have no doubt they will continue to excel as they embark on the next chapter of their education. There are some stand-out performances by students who have faced some significant obstacles over the past few years. They have shown that, through hard work and perseverance, anything is possible and will act as inspiration to our younger students. A huge thank you as ever to our wonderful staff for their ongoing encouragement and support and unwavering dedication to our students. We are now a full school with all year groups from Years 7 to 13; I cannot believe how quickly the last seven years have gone by. There are some changes to the leadership team. Mr Maurice is now Senior Vice Principal and Mr Arnold has been appointed as Vice Principal. Mr Arnold is responsible for behaviour and the overall pastoral support of the students. You will get to meet him at our pastoral and parents’ evenings. The Heads of Year will be writing to you early next week to clarify our communication procedures for each year group. I am very excited about the year ahead and I hope your children embrace everything we have to offer, and have a successful year. Best wishes, Mrs Larizadeh Principal https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-06.09.24.pdf