Spring Highlights
Harris Academy Merton is committed to the holistic development of our students, and we are delighted to share some of the highlights from our Personal Development programme for the Spring Term.
Journalism Club
Students improved their research and presentation skills, producing excellent, personal articles on topics they love.
Members of the Journalism Club worked on researching, planning and producing articles based around various arts and creative pursuits, including:
- Cuisine
- Film
- Other creative topics
Through this project, students developed their critical thinking, writing and communication skills, while exploring their interests and passions.
Enterprise Year 9
Year 9 students stepped into the world of entrepreneurship with a Dragons' Den style project, developing a product or service they could realistically sell within the school.
They explored every stage of the business journey from creative design and costing to finance planning, marketing strategy, and operational logistics.
Students prepared and pitched their idea to the class, showcasing not only their incredible product/service ideas but also their confidence and business insight.
A special shout‑out to Jon-Nathan and Martha whose pitches stood out for their clarity, creativity, and persuasive delivery. Their work captured the true spirit of innovation that this project aimed to inspire.
This project provided a unique opportunity for students to learn and develop essential skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, and teamwork, while fostering a sense of community and inclusivity at Harris Academy Merton.
Politics
Students developed a deeper understanding of the workings of politics in the UK and gained a better understanding of the role of the Government, Parliament and the various branches of the state that work together to create and implement laws.
They explored the UK voting system, including the process of elections, the different types of votes and the role of the Electoral Commission.
In a fun and engaging project, students were tasked with creating their own political parties and developing their own manifestos.
This hands-on approach allowed students to apply their knowledge and understanding of politics to a real-world scenario, encouraging them to think critically and creatively about the issues that affect our society.
By working on this project, our students have developed a range of essential skills, including:
- Research and analysis skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
At Harris Academy Merton, we believe that learning is a collaborative process, and our students have benefited from working together to create their own political parties and develop their manifestos.
By sharing their ideas and perspectives, students have gained a deeper understanding of different viewpoints and developed empathy and respect for others.
This project has also given our students a valuable insight into the world of politics and the skills and knowledge required to succeed in this field.
By developing a deeper understanding of politics and the skills to navigate this complex subject, our students are well-prepared for life beyond school and will be equipped to make informed decisions about their future.
Year 9 Mini Duke of Edinburgh Award
Students focused on key geographical skills to support navigation in the context of their Duke of Edinburgh expedition, which forms an assessed component of the award.
Through games, discussion and practical activities, they developed navigational and self‑sufficient outdoor skills and learned how to apply these confidently in real‑world contexts.
They also deepened their understanding of sustainability and the Countryside Code, promoting the importance of protecting and respecting the environment while enjoying the natural world.
