Teaching & Learning
Our Curriculum
At Harris Academy Merton Sixth Form, we offer a broad and ambitious curriculum designed to secure strong academic outcomes and prepare students for successful progression to university, apprenticeships and employment.
Curriculum Overview
Students follow a carefully structured programme of A Level and Level 3 vocational qualifications, allowing them to pursue pathways aligned to their strengths, interests and future goals. Our curriculum is designed to develop deep subject knowledge alongside the analytical, evaluative and problem-solving skills required for success in external examinations and beyond.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching is delivered by expert subject specialists who set high expectations for all students. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build knowledge over time, with a strong emphasis on clarity, modelling and application.
In Mathematics, the Sciences and Psychology, students benefit from the use of UpLEARN, an award-winning online platform that supports them in consolidating knowledge, revisiting key content and building mastery over time. This sits alongside high-quality classroom teaching to strengthen understanding and improve outcomes. Regular assessment is used to monitor progress and identify gaps, ensuring that teaching is responsive and targeted. Students receive precise feedback and are expected to act on it, developing the discipline and resilience required for academic success.
Independent Learning
A key feature of our curriculum is our focus on independent learning. Students are expected to complete a minimum of five hours of independent study per subject each week.
Through the use of our RACE booklets (Record, Allocate, Complete, Evaluate), students are supported to plan, organise and reflect on their learning effectively. This ensures that independent study is purposeful, structured and focused on closing gaps in knowledge.
Our approach builds disciplined, self-regulated learners who take ownership of their progress and understand how to improve.
Support and Intervention
Where students fall below expected standards, we implement timely and structured intervention to support rapid improvement.
This includes targeted subject support and Study on Site, where students are provided with dedicated time, a focused environment and directed tasks to address specific gaps in their knowledge. The impact of intervention is closely monitored to ensure students make the progress required.
Enrichment and Careers
Alongside their academic studies, students benefit from a comprehensive programme of enrichment and careers education.
Students take part in a wide range of enrichment activities every Wednesday, with opportunities ranging from book club and table tennis to boxing and Open University modules. This ensures that all students develop wider interests, build confidence and gain valuable experiences beyond the classroom.
In addition, students follow an extensive PSHE programme, delivered through the tutor system, which supports their personal development and prepares them for life beyond Sixth Form. This includes guidance on relationships, wellbeing, financial literacy and next steps.
Alongside this, students benefit from a structured careers programme, including employer encounters, university preparation and support with post-18 pathways. This ensures that students are well-informed, aspirational and fully prepared for their future.
Our curriculum is designed not just to deliver qualifications, but to develop independent, resilient learners who achieve highly and progress with confidence.