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The Arts at HAWI

An Art School in School

The Arts at Harris Academy Wimbledon sit at the very heart of the school’s identity. We believe creativity is not an optional extra, but a fundamental part of a world-class education. Our ambition is to build an Art School in School: a professional, expert-led creative environment where every student is encouraged to think independently, develop confidence, take creative risks and produce work of genuine quality.

Our curriculum is broad, ambitious and inclusive. It is designed so that students of all backgrounds, experiences and starting points can engage deeply with the arts, build cultural capital and discover their own creative voice. Across Key Stage 3, all students study discrete lessons in Art, Music, Drama and Design & Technology, with Dance taught through the PE curriculum, ensuring that every child receives a rich and balanced creative education. Students then have the opportunity to specialise further at GCSE and A Level, following clearly defined pathways into the creative industries, architecture, design, media, fashion, film, theatre and beyond.

Creativity at HAWI is not confined to timetabled lessons. The arts are embedded across the wider curriculum and used to support learning in other subjects, encouraging students to think visually, work collaboratively and communicate ideas with confidence.

A Professional Creative Environment

Harris Academy Wimbledon benefits from outstanding specialist facilities that rival those of many colleges and universities. These spaces allow students to work with professional processes, equipment and materials from an early age:

  • A fully equipped Drama Studio with professional lighting and sound

  • A main theatre hosting concerts, productions and community performances

  • Two specialist music classrooms with keyboards and iMac workstations for composition

  • Five practice rooms, an ensemble room and a recording studio

  • A dedicated Dance studio

  • A specialist Photography suite and darkroom

  • A Textiles lab

  • A fully equipped Food Technology room

  • A workshop with A2 laser cutter and 3D printer

  • A specialist Ceramics studio

These facilities allow students to work like real artists, designers, performers and technicians — producing portfolios of work that prepare them for GCSE, A Level and creative careers.

A Rigorous, Aspirational Curriculum

Our creative curriculum is carefully sequenced from Year 7 through to Year 13, ensuring strong technical foundations, increasing conceptual depth and academic challenge. Students learn to draw, design, make, perform, compose, analyse and evaluate — building the skills required to succeed in demanding portfolio-based qualifications.

At GCSE and A Level, students follow a highly structured, workshop-led model which mirrors professional creative practice. They work through intensive skills bootcamps before developing independent personal projects and final outcomes. This approach builds resilience, independence and ambition — and consistently leads to excellent outcomes.

Our results place Harris Academy Wimbledon’s Art and Photography provision well above national averages, reflecting both the quality of teaching and the culture of high expectations that runs through the department.

Enrichment, Performance and Cultural Capital

We are proud of our extensive extra-curricular offer. Students can take part in:

  • Ceramics Club

  • Food Club

  • Photography Club

  • Brass Band

  • Choir

  • Upper and Lower Academy Players

  • Dance clubs

  • Production and technical theatre teams

Our professional theatre space allows us to stage multiple performances each year, from concerts and showcases to large-scale musical productions. Students are encouraged to participate in every aspect of production — performing, designing sets and costumes, running lighting and sound, and managing stage crews — learning first-hand how creative industries operate through teamwork and leadership.

We also benefit from a wide network of visiting practitioners across all areas of the arts. These specialists work alongside our staff to expose students to real creative careers and pathways, helping them understand how their passions can translate into future professions.

Situated on the doorstep of one of the world’s great cultural capitals, we make full use of London’s theatres, museums and galleries. Students regularly take part in trips and visits that broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of artistic heritage and connect classroom learning to the wider creative world.

A Culture of Excellence

At Harris Academy Wimbledon, the Arts are celebrated. Student work is exhibited, performances are showcased, and creative achievement is visible across the school community. We believe in setting the bar high and giving students the tools, knowledge and confidence to meet it.

Our team of enthusiastic, expert and passionate Arts teachers are the foundation of this success. Together, we are building a creative faculty that rivals the very best — one that nurtures talent, opens doors and empowers young people to thrive in whatever pathway they choose.

Harris Academy Wimbledon is not simply a school with strong arts provision.
It is an Art School in School — and a place where creativity leads.