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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

Buckingham Palace DofE 70th Anniversary and Gold Award Garden Tea Party

In celebration of its 70th anniversary, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) charity hosted a special tea party alongside its Gold Award presentations. This event provided a wonderful opportunity to recognise the many young people who have successfully achieved their Gold Award, while also reflecting on the remarkable impact of the DofE over the past seven decades. It was a chance to celebrate not only the achievements of participants, but also the dedication of the volunteers and the support of communities who have played such an important role in making these 70 years possible.

On its website DofE promotes tat over the last 70 years:

  • Over 8,539,000 young people have started a DofE Award in the UK — that’s enough people to fill Wembley Stadium 94 times.
  • Globally, the DofE reaches 15.5 young people across 139 countries and territories, with 1.2million 14–24-year-olds actively participating in the last year alone.
  • Over 2,537,000 young people in the UK have achieved a Bronze Award, over 886,000 Silver, and over 353,000 Gold DofE Award since 19562.
  • After the first year, 7,000 boys had started a DofE programme and 1,000 Awards had been achieved. Jump to the year 2024-25 and more than 342,000 young people started their DofE with 166,592 Award levels being achieved.
  • Driving and maintenance of cars, bicycles and scooters, dress making and rifle shooting, were the most popular activities in the 1960s with cooking, playing a musical instrument and learning a language being the most popular today -  skills that continue to set young people up for life and work.

HAO DofE Prince Andrew (DofE FB page)

(Piciture from DofE Faebook page)

Our very own Mr Spooner attended the event, representing HAO. He said:

It was a truly glorious day celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award alongside the Gold Award presentations at the stunning Buckingham Palace Gardens. Representing Harris Academy Orpington, I had the privilege of attending this prestigious event and experiencing its unique atmosphere firsthand.

HAO DofE A.Spooner inside.

The day provided a wonderful opportunity to wander through the historic palace gardens, while listening to a range of inspiring speakers, including Alex Jones from The One Show and Larry Lamb of Gavin and Stacey, who spoke passionately about the lasting impact of the DofE programme.

HAO DofE Speakers.

A highlight of the celebration was a speech from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, who also took time to meet and greet those in attendance. I was incredibly fortunate to briefly speak with him and receive his personal acknowledgement—an experience that made the day even more special.

 HAO DofE Prince Andrew

It was a memorable and inspiring occasion, celebrating achievement, resilience, and the life-changing opportunities the DofE continues to provide for young people.

HAO DofE A.Spooner outside.HAO DofE Gold

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