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25/04/25

Some of our Y10 students exploring the realms of kayaking as part of their sport education studies. pic.twitter.com/2eMPDTuXks

25/04/25

pic.twitter.com/QeSrSBZZys

24/04/25

Winifred Nicholson loved to depict rural life through her artistic output, whether that was painting or making a rag rug. Our captures the artist behind the new display at . 📷Winifred Nicholson by Pamela Chandler, 1969 © Jovan… pic.twitter.com/zfjWNd2D2p

23/04/25

Year 7 Parents Evening is on 1st May 2025 pic.twitter.com/stiN6plgwf

22/04/25

The start of the summer term is today! We look forward to welcoming everyone back. pic.twitter.com/pfbfz2UrHN

17/04/25

Year 12 Parents Evening is next week: 24th April 2025https://t.co/fViGGLz8NT pic.twitter.com/ZE6oIPEAkT

04/04/25

Congratulations to Year 9 for best attendance! What was the reward I hear you ask? A wonderful pizza party with their tutors. pic.twitter.com/ViEsPjAM49

04/04/25

And for parents supporting their children in the build up, please see this helpful guide for student. https://t.co/U9Sj1VKcTo pic.twitter.com/m5bcdGIvyk

04/04/25

As well as a reminder of policies and guides: https://t.co/uEZnf5lqlj

04/04/25

Though the break is upon us in just a few hours, Year 11 are reminded of the following GCSE Exams Subject Revision resource available to them.https://t.co/P2842heZV5 pic.twitter.com/SbGp4gRkfj

04/04/25

Reading competition time! pic.twitter.com/o5fcjCFz8L

04/04/25

The half term starts today! A reminder that students break up earlier today. We wish all our staff, students, parents and carers a wonderful break. See you on the 22nd April. pic.twitter.com/37dmL4LvBg

02/04/25

Year 11 students have pulled together this great poster, advertising that this Friday is own clothes day. Students and staff are asked to bring in a £1 donation. Proceeds will go towards the Year 11 Prom. pic.twitter.com/3JJ4eBBwlK

01/04/25

The next school holiday is just around the corner, from the 7th April until the 18th April. We look forward to seeing our students on Tuesday 22nd April 2025, all refreshed after their break . pic.twitter.com/vaf4L8WXSb

31/03/25

There was even some time to pop into the National Gallery pic.twitter.com/GtRHCFpc8W

31/03/25

From the classic to the contemporary, it's always a great way to see how artists interpret and use different media. pic.twitter.com/VEfY6XO5pY

31/03/25

Our sixth form students had the pleasure on Friday last week, of travelling up to the to see some of the different styles of portrait artwork. pic.twitter.com/cA1eoyaYoS

27/03/25

It was such a success, students nearly overran the session! With a goodie bag to help them practice their new learnt techniques, we look forward to future workshops. Thanks Ms Francis for arranging such a great workshop experience. pic.twitter.com/O0mLuFwUu9

27/03/25

Thank you to So You Aesthetics, who attended on Monday to give 28 HAO students a hands on workshop. pic.twitter.com/ADQrJQKx4F

27/03/25

A fantastic talk from to our young artists yesterday. They introduced the different colleges within the University and the courses offered. They also delivered a task to students on creative careers. A great talk for those looking at a future in the arts! pic.twitter.com/yJ0olJObDs

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GCSE Options

If your child is in Year 9, they will be starting their GCSE options in September 2024, which is very exciting.

The process for this starts now, which can feel scary for students. We want to assure students that they will get a lot of support from their teachers and Leadership Team throughout the process. Below we set out all the support we offer, as well as a clear timeline of events in the order in which they will occur. Should you have any specific questions regarding options for next year, please contact Mr Brockwell, Faculty Director for Year 9 at m.brockwell@harrisorpington.org.uk

At Harris Academy Orpington, all students follow courses in certain core areas, but there is choice for the remaining subjects.

Compulsory study: 

The subjects which are compulsory to study and are part of our core curriculum are: 

  • English Language 
  • English Literature 
  • Mathematics 
  • Combined Science (students can change this to Triple Science should they wish to as one of their options)) 
  • Core PE 
  • RS (students can also study a GCSE in RS if they wish, which they can choose as one of their options) 
  • PSHE 

Available options: 

We also highly recommend that your child selects at least one humanities subject and one modern foreign language. Studies have shown that students who study these subjects are more likely to have success at higher education and university or apprenticeships further in their educational journey. Therefore, your child should choose from: 

  • Either History or Geography 
  • Either French or Spanish 
  • Two other options as laid out in the options booklet. 

Timeline (Dates to be confirmed)

A timeline of events can be seen below, so you can see the types of guidance students will receive over the year.

Stage 1:  Options Assemblies with Faculty Director, and a copy of this can also be downloaded below.

Stage 2:  Students receive options booklets and website goes live for parents. Parents will be able to access the assembly presentation as well as the options booklet online

Stage 3: Parents and students are able to access the options form online to make preliminary selections. 

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