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07/11/25

30 bronze Duke of Edinburgh students successfully home. Amazing job to all! You were absolutely brilliant! 

07/11/25

Fantastic Duke of Edinburgh Weather for our bronze students! 

06/11/25

Our first ever Duke of Edinburgh groups are away on their qualifying expedition. All now sitting down to dinner. 

05/11/25

Such an important topic, which Movember is uniquely placed to tackle. 

03/11/25

8 days until our Open Evening on Tuesday 11 November. Book your place today! pic.twitter.com/N5R9h9wNza

03/11/25

Welcome back to an exciting new half term everyone!

25/10/25

Today was a truly educational experience for us in China, from the city museum to visiting a Chinese school. Everything was absolutely brilliant and we are learning so much! 🇨🇳🍜🧧#allcanachieve pic.twitter.com/sgTPTTh1GV

22/10/25

This morning we said goodbye to Beijing and hello to Xi’an! The best way to get acquainted with a new city is to explore its ancient history by bike 🚴🇨🇳🚴🏾‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/nbCxVUmhOw

21/10/25

Smiles all round after successfully climbing up to the Great Wall of China pic.twitter.com/GsT1l8liIs

18/10/25

The China trip is off! 🇨🇳 20 HCACP students set off to China this afternoon. They will be spending the next 10 days there. #allcanachieve pic.twitter.com/OdHyVPRnFc

17/10/25

What a week at HCACP! We welcomed back our brilliant alumni for the Academy’s 35th Celebration, hosted networking with our current sixth formers and today Memphis, another Harris leaver, spoke to our sixth formers about apprenticeships and his awesome journey pic.twitter.com/6J1QjPCZYs

15/10/25

And we’re off! pic.twitter.com/eEvVkjE3Qn

15/10/25

Open Evening 2025, Tuesday 11th November, 16:30-19:00. More information in the picture. We look forward to seeing you!#HCL6F pic.twitter.com/2OLbexAoEt

13/10/25

A reminder that Sixth Form Open Evening is on Thursday, November 6th. Internal students from 1630-1900.https://t.co/85YShwnNw7 External students from 1730-1900.https://t.co/SaLLY6XEMr#Open Evening Form pic.twitter.com/AKJugVC8gL

13/10/25

This week in Mr Leprêtre's Lexicon: Mollify, v. appease the anger or anxiety of (someone). e.g. "nature reserves were set up around the power stations to mollify the local conservationists"#HCL6F

11/10/25

Another great day in NYC for HABE Performing Arts students. Today we have done a stage combat workshop with broadway actors 🎭, seen the Statue of Liberty 🗽on the Staten Island Ferry ⛴️ and done a spot of souvenir shopping! Last day tomorrow!

09/10/25

73 of our wonderful students off to the London Docklands for their Geography Field Work.  Have a great day everyone!     

09/10/25

Our final open morning is this morning! Book on here:  harrisclapham.org.uk/38/anno…

08/10/25

Our STEM Club students took innovation to the next level today—building their own robots! 🤖 pic.twitter.com/v5LUpMuteM

08/10/25

Our brilliant Activity Studio.

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Academy Life

8 October 2025@HarrisClaphamOur STEM Club students took innovation to the next level today—building their own robots! 🤖 #Enrichment #STEM #FutureEngineer #ProudtobePeckham pic.twitter.com/v5LUpMuteM
8 October 2025@HarrisClaphamOur brilliant Activity Studio.
8 October 2025@HarrisClaphamWe are so looking forward to our open evening tonight!  @HAClaphamSixth 
8 October 2025@HarrisClaphamOn Friday, 30 students from Years 7 to 13 proudly represented our school at the Merton Cross Country Trails. They ran 2.5km for Years 7–9 and 3.6km for the senior runners. Well done to everyone who took part, your hard work and commitment made our school proud! pic.twitter.com/Vm8L1DLnPN
6 October 2025@HarrisClaphamOnly 2 Open Mornings left! No booking needed — just come along and see what makes our Academy special. We can't wait to welcome you! #OpenMorning #ProudtobePeckham pic.twitter.com/BhB93SVf8B
5 October 2025@HarrisClaphamYear 12 Open Evening is on Thursday, November 6th. Internal students from 1630-1900. External students from 1630-1900 If you are an external student, please complete this Microsoft Form for attendance:https://t.co/SaLLY6YcBZ#AllCanWeWill #OpenEvening #HGABR
4 October 2025@HarrisClaphamHarris Clapham Students Shine on Unforgettable Ski Trip to Italy.  harrisclapham.org.uk/28/late…
17 September 2025Our Year 7s Have Arrived!A warm welcome to all our new students here at Harris Academy Clapham. Harris Academy Clapham are excited to have welcomed all the new Year 7s to the school. It has been a busy, yet successful, start to the term helping all the students transition from primary to secondary school. Following the taster day that Year 7 had during the summer, we offer an additional transition day at the start of term to ease students in before the rest of the school join. The transition day had the main goal of easing any anxieties or worries the students had about the changes of a new school environment. We divided the students into their allotted tutor groups, which is the group they remained with for the rest of the day. This provided the best opportunity to build a strong relationship with their tutor and peers in the group. ‘Commitment, Ambition, Resilience, and Empathy’ The tutors took this opportunity to outline the core values of Harris Academy Clapham and outlined the academic and behaviour expectations of all the students within our school community. ‘Commitment, Ambition, Resilience, and Empathy’ are the values at the heart of our academy, and we work hard to ensure that every student can implement them into their academic and personal lives. Friendship building was also a focus on our transition day, as many students join only knowing a handful of people in the year! The tutors conducted fun and engaging teambuilding activities and communicative games to break the ice between students and encourage conversation. In addition to this, Harris Academy Clapham worked together with the students on the logistical aspects of secondary school. This involved touring the school in groups and going through the required uniform policy and equipment checklist. Enrichment clubs Over the past couple of weeks, we still helped with the transitional period. Harris Academy Clapham understand that the little things make a huge difference, such as taking Year 7 to break and lunch earlier, allowing them more time to learn the new system. We also provide a separate play area for Year 7, to further ease any worries they may face. Now that they are settled, our Enrichment Clubs are starting. We offer a range of clubs, from Athletics to Crochet to Debate. There is something on offer for every student and we strongly encourage our Year 7’s to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. The Enrichment activities available throughout the year are a great way to learn a new skill whilst meeting new people. With so many exciting things ahead this academic year for you Year 7 students, we look forward to joining them for this adventure!
4 September 2025HACL Students Experience the Rich Culture of ChinaThis July, 40 eager students from Years 9 to 11 embarked on an unforgettable ten-day cultural and educational summer camp to the vibrant coastal city of Xiamen, China. The trip was a fantastic opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in Chinese language, history, and traditions, fostering global citizenship and creating lifelong memories. The adventure began on Tuesday, 15th July, as the group arrived at Xiamen airport, full of anticipation. After settling into their hotel, the students had their first taste of Chinese daily life by visiting the local supermarket. The formal programme commenced on Wednesday with an opening ceremony and ice-breaking activities, designed to build camaraderie. This was followed by a specialised Chinese language lesson focused on the theme "Hello, Xiamen!", providing essential cultural and linguistic context for their stay. The day's activities concluded with a fascinating hands-on workshop on Bassé Falang – the intricate art of enamelling on copper for which Xiamen is famous. A major highlight of the trip was the excursion to the picturesque island of Gulangyu on Thursday. Students explored its car-free streets, admired the colonial architecture, and visited the beautiful Shuzhuang Garden and its captivating Piano Museum. Later, they experienced the bustling energy of Zhongshan Road pedestrian street, where they enjoyed a dinner of delicious local street food. The cultural immersion continued on Friday with a visit to the Xianyue Academy, a traditional Confucian 书院 (shÅ«yuàn - academy). Here, students participated in a traditional Chinese cultural fair, gaining deep insights into the nation's philosophical and artistic heritage. On Saturday, the group took a day trip to the historic city of Quanzhou. They explored its ancient streets, visited a museum dedicated to Intangible Cultural Heritage, and took part in immersive workshops to experience these traditional crafts firsthand. A core objective of the trip was to build international connections. This was beautifully realised on Sunday during a joint event with local high school students. Our students participated in friendship-building activities and were presented with certificates to commemorate their successful completion of the day. The spirit of international cooperation continued on Monday with a visit to the campus of Chinese Language and Culture College of Huaqiao University and a tour of the impressive Xiamen Metro system. The day's most exhilarating activity was a dragon boat racing experience on the university's lake, where our students teamed up for a fun and energetic competition. The final excursion was a breathtaking journey on Tuesday to the Yongding Tulou, the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage listed Hakka Earth Buildings in Zhangzhou. Students explored the stunning Yunshuiyao ancient pathway and the magnificent Huaiyuan Lou building, marveling at these unique communal living structures. The day culminated in a splendid farewell buffet dinner. On their last morning, the students had one final cultural experience: a traditional dragon dance workshop. After this energetic send-off, they packed their bags and souvenirs, heading to the airport with new friends, new skills, and a profoundly broader understanding of Chinese culture. Student voices: reflections on the trip The true measure of the trip's success lies in the students' experiences. Here’s what some of them had to say: "From the stunning places we visited to the rich culture we explored, every part of the journey felt magical. Thank you for creating so many memories that I know we’ll carry with us for many years to come." "Beyond the sightseeing and cultural immersion, this trip helped me solidify what I want to pursue in the future, and where. It’s given me a clear goal and real motivation to keep pushing forward with my Chinese studies, and I’m sure many of my classmates feel the same way." "I thought the earth buildings in Zhangzhou would just be a history lesson, but they were alive. Seeing families still living there, playing mahjong in the courtyard, made it feel so real. It was incredible to walk through the same doors people have used for hundreds of years." "The dragon boat racing was the best part for me. We were all terrible at first, completely out of sync! But working together with our team to finally get it right was an amazing feeling." "I was nervous about the food, but the hotpot dinner was so much fun. Choosing what to cook and sharing the meal with everyone felt really social. And the street food in Zhongshan Road was a delicious adventure, I tried things I never would have at home!" "The enamelling workshop was much harder than it looked! It gave me a real appreciation for the skill of the local artists. It’s one thing to see a souvenir in a shop, but another to understand the patience and precision required to make it." The trip was a resounding success, perfectly blending education, cultural exchange, and adventure. The students represented our school with immense enthusiasm, curiosity, and excellent behaviour throughout. We are incredibly proud of them and look forward to offering more such transformative experiences in the future.  
2 May 2025Harris Clapham Students Shine on Unforgettable Ski Trip to ItalyStudents from Years 7 to 10 at Harris Clapham embarked on an exciting ski trip to the Italian Alps—an experience that will be remembered for years to come. Over the course of a week, our students not only embraced the adventure with enthusiasm and determination but also made outstanding progress on the slopes, impressing both staff and instructors alike. From the moment they arrived, the group demonstrated exceptional conduct and team spirit, representing Harris Clapham with pride and maturity. Within just two days, every single student had reached the top of the mountain—an incredible achievement that reflected their perseverance, resilience, and eagerness to learn. This was their first time skiing, but their rapid progress was truly remarkable. Under the guidance of experienced ski instructors, they quickly picked up essential skills, gaining confidence and control on a variety of runs. By the end of the week, students were tackling intermediate slopes with ease and enthusiasm, showcasing how much they had accomplished in such a short period. Beyond the skiing, the trip offered opportunities for students to develop independence, form lasting friendships, and experience a new culture. Evening activities brought the group even closer together, and staff were continuously impressed by the kindness, respect, and positive attitude shown by all. This trip was a clear example of how travel and challenge can bring out the very best in young people. The Harris Clapham students were outstanding ambassadors for their school, and we are incredibly proud of each and every one of them. Plans are already underway for next year's adventure—and if this trip is anything to go by, it promises to be another unforgettable journey.
28 March 2025Exciting Trip to Newmarket and the British Racing SchoolOur recent school trip to Newmarket and the British Racing School was an unforgettable experience for all involved. Nestled in the heart of the UK's horse racing industry, Newmarket provided the perfect backdrop for our students to immerse themselves in the world of equestrian sports. Learning about horse riding Upon arrival, our students were greeted by the friendly staff at the British Racing School. The day began with an informative session on horse riding techniques. Students learnt about the importance of posture, balance, and communication with the horse. The instructors emphasised the significance of building a trusting relationship between rider and horse, which is crucial for successful riding. Exploring careers in horse racing The trip also offered a unique opportunity to explore various careers within the horse racing industry. Students were introduced to the diverse roles that contribute to the world of horse racing, from jockeys and trainers to veterinarians and stable managers. The British Racing School provided insights into the training and qualifications required for these careers, inspiring many students to consider future opportunities in this exciting field. Understanding horse care A significant part of the day was dedicated to understanding horse care. Students learnt about the daily routines involved in maintaining the health and well-being of horses. This included feeding, grooming, and medical care. The hands-on experience allowed students to appreciate the dedication and hard work that goes into caring for these magnificent animals. Feeding and Nutrition: Students discovered the importance of a balanced diet for horses, which includes a mix of hay, grains, and supplements. They learnt how different types of feed contribute to a horse's overall health and performance. Grooming: The session on grooming was particularly engaging. Students practised brushing and cleaning the horses, learning how regular grooming helps to maintain the horse's coat, skin, and hooves. They also learnt about the tools used in grooming, such as brushes, combs, and hoof picks. Medical Care: Understanding the basics of equine medical care was another crucial aspect. Students were introduced to common health issues that horses may face, such as colic and lameness, and the importance of regular veterinary check-ups. They also learnt how to recognise signs of illness and the steps to take in case of an emergency. Stable Management: The importance of maintaining a clean and safe stable environment was highlighted. Students learnt about mucking out stalls, ensuring proper ventilation, and the significance of providing fresh water and bedding. Hands-on horse riding experience The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the hands-on horse riding experience. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students had the chance to ride horses themselves. This practical session was met with enthusiasm and excitement, as students applied the techniques they had learnt earlier in the day. The joy and sense of accomplishment on their faces were evident as they navigated the riding arena. Reflecting on the experience Overall, the trip to Newmarket and the British Racing School was a resounding success. It provided our students with valuable knowledge and practical experience in horse riding, horse care, and the various careers within the horse racing industry. The day was filled with learning, laughter, and memorable moments that will undoubtedly inspire our students for years to come. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the British Racing School for their hospitality and expertise. This trip has not only enriched our students' understanding of horse racing but also ignited a passion for equestrian sports and careers.
3 March 2025Celebrating Chinese New Year With South Bank UniversityOn Friday, our academy was filled with energy, culture, and celebration as we hosted a special Chinese New Year performance featuring incredible guest performers from London South Bank University. Students and staff were treated to a spectacular series of traditional Chinese performances, showcasing the richness of Chinese culture. The event included vibrant Chinese dancing, an exhilarating lion dance, and mesmerising performances on traditional Chinese instruments such as the guzheng and pipa. The audience was captivated by the high-energy martial arts displays, and the atmosphere was further elevated with Chinese pop music, adding a modern touch to the festivities. One of the highlights of the event was the interactive segment, where a few lucky students were invited on stage to learn and practice a traditional dance from Northeast China, using a beautifully crafted cloth. This hands-on experience brought even more excitement to the performance, as students engaged directly with the cultural traditions being showcased. Another memorable moment was when everyone joined in singing “Let It Go” from Frozen in both English and Chinese, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere that truly brought the school community together. The enthusiasm from students and staff alike was incredible, with many describing the event as a memorable and enriching experience. It was a wonderful opportunity for our school community to celebrate diversity, appreciate Chinese culture, and come together through the arts. A huge thank you to our talented performers from London South Bank University for bringing such an engaging and immersive experience to our academy. We look forward to more cultural celebrations in the future.