Reading & Literacy - Harris Academy Orpington
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@haorpington
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?
@HarrisFed
Video
@haorpington
10/03/26
Image
@haorpington
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.
@haorpington
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.
@haorpington
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.
#WeRunTogether
@haorpington
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.
@haorpington
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
@SchoolCatering
@HarrisFed
#LunarNewYear
@haorpington
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.
@haorpington
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.
#NSGAD
#SchoolGovernors
@haorpington
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.
@haorpington
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.
@haorpington
16/01/26
What are you reading currently? Check out our recommendations.
@haorpington
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.
@haorpington
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.
@haorpington
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.
@haorpington
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.
@haorpington
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
@haorpington
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!
@HarrisFed
@haorpington
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 👇
#Education
#Advocacy
#HAO
@HarrisFed
@haorpington
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.
@HarrisFed
@haorpington
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Curriculum
Reading & Literacy
Reading & Literacy
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:
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:
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Harris Scholars
Head of Academy: Richard Carey
Harris Academy Orpington,
Tintagel Road, Orpington, Kent, BR5 4LG
01689 819 219
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