Approach to Learning

The curriculum of Harris Academy Merton is balanced and diversely rich, designed to meet the needs of all our students on their learning journey. Our curriculum aims to challenge, engage and support students to grow and develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to empower them to remove barriers to achievement.

All students, including those with SEND have the same access to an ambitious curriculum.

We believe achievement is success; the academy’s curriculum intent has been designed so that knowledge is sequenced to support all students, regardless of their starting point. All students study a broad and balanced curriculum which supports their progression into the next stage of their educational journey. Further to our commitment to enabling students to develop the knowledge and skills to thrive academically, the Academy also supports all students in developing excellence, resilience, integrity, ambition and confidence.

Intent of our Curriculum

The intent of our curriculum is to provide a solid foundation across a wide range of disciplines through our comprehensive Key Stage 3 programme, which allows us to be ambitious for Key Stage 4, where all students continue to study an academic curriculum, taking one or more humanities subjects with as many as possible also studying a language to complete the Ebacc qualification. This will maximise the number of students equipped to progress to higher education.

Our curriculum is primarily knowledge-based and is carefully planned by each Subject Leader to ensure students learn the knowledge and key concepts for that discipline, while developing the skills they need to be successful. Teachers plan lessons that tap into students’ curiosity, encouraging them to think and work independently, in turn preparing them for the next steps in their education.

Our curriculum values creativity and from day one students are challenged to express themselves in art, drama, music and food technology, providing them with both the life skills and the cultural capital that comes with being able to talk about an artist they admire or a play they have performed in. These curriculum areas add richness outside the classroom through opportunities for theatre and gallery visits, along with numerous occasions when students can sing or perform.

Further to our commitment to enabling students to develop the knowledge and skills to thrive academically, the Academy also supports all students in developing excellence, resilience, integrity, ambition and confidence.

Our curriculum is underpinned by a commitment to equality of opportunity and complies with the Equality Act (2010) and Special Educational Needs Regulations (2014). We strive to ensure that all students are able to succeed no matter what their entry point is. This means that we have a sharp focus on reading, writing, speaking and numeracy. Some will require specialist teaching to help develop the basics that were not formed appropriately in Key Stage 1 and 2 through formal teaching of Phonics. For others this will be the development of subject specific language and knowledge through specialist teachers. All teachers know their classes and the individuals in them and so ensure that specific needs are catered for.

To equip students to be responsible global citizens who engage with British society and its values, live happy and healthy lives and know how to achieve their life goals and secure their economic wellbeing, we have a comprehensive programme of SMSC, PSHE, citizenship and careers activities that expose students to a range of learning opportunities, experiences and inspirational speakers to ensure that the academic side of the curriculum is fully complemented, preparing students for life beyond school.