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26/05/26

Last week, our students enjoyed a fantastic opportunity taking part in a  workshop. The positive impact was clear, with many eager to continue developing their skills. Thank you to Centre Stage Theatre Academy. tinyurl.com/yhbpd8kp

26/05/26

A busy and celebratory end to the half term saw the H2H attendance challenge end with tutor group 7A taking away the Bongo Bingo celebration event. Well done for most improved attendance.

01/05/26

Check out this weeks new books to explore.

01/05/26

We are delighted to be hosting a HAO Culture, Heritage and Identity Day this term on 22/05/2026. The day is to celebrate the incredible diversity within our academy community and to recognise and express our individuality, along with some curious questions.

13/03/26

This week HAO proudly took part in National Science Week, embracing this year’s inspiring theme: “Curiosity – What’s Your Question?” We believe every great idea begins with a question. So we ask our whole community: What’s your question? Video  

10/03/26

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10/03/26

World Book Day took place last week, but as part of the fun activities throughout the week, students produced some great work. Below are a few examples from some of our talented students.

10/03/26

This week HAO is celebrating Science Week, with this years theme ‘Curiosity - what’s you Question?’ Here are some of our staffs curious questions.

06/03/26

On its way to becoming a yearly event, HAO students are once again taking part in the Mini London Marathon for schools, creating our own mini marathon in the last 2 weeks for the spring term. 

02/03/26

The new spring/summer term sports clubs go live this week. Make sure you sign up and bring the right kit to participate.

16/02/26

As its half term, we didn’t want our students missing out on such a celebration, so incorporated it into our week. Thank you to   

16/02/26

The catering team at HAO created an amazing range of foods for lunch last week to celebrate the Lunar New Year, which is tomorrow.

12/02/26

🎓 Happy National School Governors’ Awareness Day! A huge thank you to all our dedicated school governors who give their time, expertise, and passion to support our schools and help every pupil thrive. Your commitment makes a real difference every day.  

30/01/26

Event Reminder - Year 8 Parents Evening is next week. Students will have appointment sheets to book in the meetings. We look forward to seeing you all on Thursday.

23/01/26

HAO is launching its attendance challenge  from Monday. What is the prize I hear you ask... the most improved year group will have a pizza party on the last day of this half term. Last time, Y10 were the winners. Lets see who comes out on top this time.

16/01/26

What are you reading currently? Check out our recommendations.

05/01/26

Event Reminder - Year 11 Parents Evening is this week. Students have already had their appointment sheets. We look forward to seeing you all on Thursday.

15/12/25

Finally, a reminder: The last day of this term is 19/12/2025, and the Academy will close to all students at 12.45pm. Students will be allowed to wear their own clothes, including Christmas jumpers, and we ask all to bring a £1 donation that will go to our local charity.

15/12/25

Whilst Y11 resume career discussions to support them in planning their future pathways. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to take part in their first HAO Sixth Form taster day - an exciting chance to experience what life could be like with us after GCSEs.

15/12/25

End of Term Highlights - As we approach the final week of term, our focus is on exploring the next steps for not only our students, but those that could join us next year. Banding day was a success as we welcomed prospective students and their parents - with a mop up this week.

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GCSE Options

If your child is currently in Year 9, they will begin their GCSE courses in September 2027—an exciting and important stage in their educational journey. 

We understand that the options process can sometimes feel overwhelming for students. Please be reassured that they will receive extensive support from their teachers and the Leadership Team throughout. 

Below is an overview of the subjects available and the support we provide, including a timeline of key events. 

Curriculum Overview 

At Harris Academy Orpington, all students study a core set of compulsory subjects alongside a selection of optional courses. 

Compulsory Subjects 

All students will study: 

  • English Language 

  • English Literature 

  • Mathematics 

  • Combined Science 

  • Core PE 

  • PSHE/RS (delivered through the tutor programme) 

Optional Subjects 

The majority of the year group will follow the EBACC pathway, which includes: 

  • Spanish (compulsory in this pathway).  

  • Either History or Geography 

  • Two additional subjects of their choice 

Options Process Timeline 

To support students in making informed choices, we follow a structured process: 

Stage 1 – Initial Information (Spring Term 2) 

  • Informative assemblies delivered by Year Teams 

  • Students complete a questionnaire indicating initial subject interests 

  • This helps the Academy plan subject availability 

Stage 2 – Detailed Guidance (Summer Term 1: Week 1) 

  • A further assembly explains the options process in detail 

  • Students receive an Options Booklet outlining each subject 

  • Parents will be able to access both the presentation and booklet online 

Stage 3 – Preliminary Choices (Summer Term Week 2) 

  • Options blocks are released at a specific time. Parents and students will be informed of this time in advance 

  • Students and parents submit initial subject choices online 

Stage 4 – Final Allocation (End of Summer Term 2) 

  • Staff review:  

  • Student performance data 

  • Suitability of chosen courses 

  • Class sizes and health & safety requirements 

  • Final subject allocations are confirmed and shared with parents 

Further Information 

  • If you have any questions about the options process, please contact: Mr Brockwell (Faculty Director) or Ms Francis (Head of Year)  

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