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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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Latest News

Posted on May 22nd 2026

A Busy and Celebratory End to the Half Term

HAO PinBoard May2026 (1)

 

The final week of term proved to be a busy and vibrant one at Harris Academy Orpington. While our Year 11 and Year 13 students have continued to demonstrate outstanding resilience and determination as they sit day after day of examinations, the rest of the school community has been equally active with a range of exciting events and achievements.

We were especially proud to see Mr Spooner representing Harris Academy Orpington at a prestigious event at Buckingham Palace. The occasion celebrated students from across the country who have successfully completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, marking the 70th anniversary of this remarkable charity. The event was attended by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, making it a truly special recognition of our students’ dedication and accomplishment.

The week concluded with our much-anticipated Culture Day, a highlight of the school calendar. This meaningful event provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity within our academy and to recognise and express individuality. Students took part in a non-uniform day, proudly wearing outfits that reflect their culture, heritage or personal identity. The day began with a special assembly and was complemented by a selection of international cuisines available in the canteen, creating a wonderful atmosphere of inclusion and celebration.

Over the last two weeks of term, we also saw the conclusion of our Head-to-Head attendance challenge. Students were recognised for both the most improved attendance and for achieving 100% attendance, with rewards including a lively HAO Bongo Bingo session. A special congratulations goes to 7A for securing first place - an excellent achievement. We look forward to building on this success next half term, with prize suggestions for the next challenge currently being welcomed by Ms Humphries.

As always, we are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, commitment and spirit shown by both our students and staff. We wish everyone a restful and rewarding break.

HAO PinBoard May2026 (2)  HAO Culture Day Poster.HAO Culture Day 22.05 (Srivastava) HAO Culture Day 22.05 (7) HAO Culture Day 22.05 (21) HAO DofE Prince AndrewHAO DofE A.Spooner inside.

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