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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.

14/11/25

To support our learners, we delivered half-term masterclasses across a range of subjects, ensuring students had access to expert guidance and tailored sessions.  shorturl.at/kDBj2

14/11/25

With half-term now behind us, the past few weeks have been have been full of energy, learning, and meaningful activities. Our school community has been working hard, especially as students prepared for GCSE resit exams and Year 11 assessments.

11/11/25

Every November, our country comes together to observe Remembrance Day. It’s a time to honour the courage & sacrifice of those who served in the armed forces & gave their lives for our freedom. Today, HAO will join the nation in a one-minute silence to reflect & pay our respects.

03/10/25

and our parents and cares for attending information evenings. We look forward to the coming weeks activities.

03/10/25

1 month ago today we welcomed back our staff and students  as we all returned to school. It's been a busy couple of weeks, but we say thank you to all our visitors attending our open events...

25/09/25

All experiments were fully supervised by our Head of Science Ms Edward’s and Mrs Miller, our Science Technician

25/09/25

It’s the end of the evening and our catering student volunteers have some treats as they leave for home…yummy! Thank you to everyone that joined us tonight. Don’t forget we have another open morning tomorrow if you haven’t already signed up.

25/09/25

Business studies also got in on the quizzing action - can you guess the logos?

25/09/25

Music has some student vocalists tonight, playing instruments and singing in other languages. Whilst art, design technology are putting on a show as always

25/09/25

Looking down a microscope, can you tell what the objects are?

25/09/25

Science as always conducting some exciting experiments. Many of which our students will get to experience as they move from Y7 to Y13.

25/09/25

With some offering treats as prizes

25/09/25

Just some of the lovely works and activities available tonight from our Humanities dept

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Reading & Literacy

Harris Orpington089

Adding reading to your daily routine supports both literacy and wellbeing - and it can be very enjoyable too! 

This page has lots of helpful tips and tricks to keep reading engaging and positive. 

If you have any queries concerning passwords, reading tips or how to find reading materials please email our librarian Mrs Smith via h.smith@harrisorpington.org.uk


Accelerated Reader: 

Accelerated Reader is a great tool for all Year 7-9 students to support your independent reading practice. Develop your reading skills most effectively by choosing appropriately challenging books.

When you have finished reading your book you can log on to Accelerated Reader using the link below and we will track your activity and reward you with Faculty Points for every successful quiz you take.

If you have any queries concerning passwords, reading levels, or getting hold of books, please contact our librarian Mrs Smith via h.smith@harrisorpington.org.uk

Accelerated Reader Log on: https://global-zone61.renaissance-go.com/welcomeportal/2240520

How often should I being reading?

The short answer is, as often as you like! During a normal school week, every student has a minimum of 40 minutes dedicated to reading. To help continue this habit while at home, we are encouraging students to aim to read at least 2—3 times a day for 20 minutes. if you can, including 20 minutes reading aloud to a parent, sibling or even a pet! Try and build in one reading aloud session each day.


Bedrock Vocabulary: 

Reading will really help to keep our brains active, engaged and learning.  At Harris Academy Orpington, all Year 7-9 students have been using an online program Bedrock Vocabulary Learning to develop your vocabulary acquisition.

To make required progress across the programme, you must complete at least three lessons a week, which run for 20 minutes each. Your login and password details have been provided to you by the English Department. If you have lost these details, you can ask your parent or carer to email Mrs Smith (H.smith@harriorpington.org.uk) In the email please make clear the name of your English teacher so she can find your details.

Remember you can download Bedrock onto your phones and ipads too! The English Department will track your activity and reward you with Faculty Points for every green progress made each week.

Bedrock Vocabulary Log on: https://bedrocklearning.org/hello/