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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.

03/12/25

LBB's upcoming winter HAF programme will run again from 22nd December to 31 December 2025 The programme offers free holiday club places, including activities and healthy meals for families with children 5-16 years old who get FSM. Book directly:  shorturl.at/uluNm

27/11/25

Well done to our Year 8 and Year 9 football teams, who both won their tense and entertaining matches, by 1 goal. Both our goalkeepers saving last minute penalties to hold out for the win! Great effort by all!

24/11/25

What a week at HAO last week! From advocacy and community engagement, assessments galore,  to student achievements and a little theatre magic – here’s what we’ve been up to in images 👇       

19/11/25

Well done to the Year 10 football team on their 7-2 win on Monday night in the Bromley League. Two wins from two, making it a successful campaign so far.

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GCSE Options

If your child is in Year 9, they will be starting their GCSE options in September 2026, 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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