Harris Academy Rainham

Welcome from the Principal

An extremely warm welcome to The Harris Academy Rainham website. I hope that the website provides you with the information that you require and gives you a flavour of what our academy is about. Harris Academy Rainham is a great place to be.

Mr. G Stananought - Principal

8 March 2024HAR Celebrates World Book DayOur passion, love and celebration of reading continues with quizzes, competitions and wider reading in Learning Guide time. Each student in KS3 has been given a book token which can be exchanged for a free book in participating stores. Please also encourage your children to explore the wealth of resources, including free audio stories, on the official website: https://www.worldbookday.com/ Students are also invited to participate in a World Book Day quiz and Reading Competition (see below). Submit entries to librarian Miss Awurdi and/or Mrs Turker by 28th March. KS3-Reading-competition.pdf World-book-day-quiz.pptx

16 February 2024Year 9 Explore Future Options - South Essex College PresentationYear 9 students had a presentation from South Essex College in January, where they learned about the different Post 16 options and pathways available to them at the end of Year 11, including A-Levels, Apprenticeships and T-Levels. The presentation helped our students to become more curious about their future options and started to inform them about opportunities beyond Year 11. This assembly formed part of our careers and PSHE programme to help support our students with the Key Stage 4 options process. We want our students to be as knowledgeable as possible about the options available to them now as they end Key Stage 3, and how Key Stage 4 options start to link with Post 16 options, including routes into work, training and other vocational and academic opportunities. Such experiences, information and advice further helps our students to manage the options decision-making process and make confident choices in terms of which subjects to study at Key Stage 4. What students said they learned from the event "That you don't always have to go to college and that you can get an apprenticeship." "I now know what T Levels are." "About other possible colleges to go to when I finish Year 11, depending what I want to do." "That it is a good idea to start thinking about what to do at the end of Year 11 as this might help with options." "That if things don't go to plan there are many possible options available." "That you don't have to go to college and study A-levels, you can do apprenticeships or T-levels as well." "How many jobs that offer apprenticeships." Thank you to South Essex College for providing our students with a really informative, beneficial and enjoyable experience.

1 February 2024Learning About Apprenticeships With TrustFordTrustFord, part of the Ford retail group, visited the academy last week to talk to Year 10 students about apprenticeships and work experience opportunities at the company. Students met two former TrustFord apprentices who are now working at the company and also from current TrustFord apprentices too. This was a great opportunity for our students to find out from young people currently studying with TrustFord what it is like to complete an apprenticeship there. Students hear from Elle May and Aliscia Burrows, two former apprentices who now work at TrustFord. Inspiring assembly Students learned about apprenticeships and what they entail, including an overview of required qualifications, how and what you might study, the support you receive, expectations, salary and benefits. Students were surprised at just how many different apprenticeships were available within the company. This was a very informative and inspiring assembly showing the extensive opportunities that exist within the local area. Our students showed great enthusiasm and interest throughout, as well as curiosity about the potential opportunities available to them now and after finishing Year 11. Students participated in some interactive tasks and had the opportunity to ask questions. Examples of which included: What are the usual hours of work? What is the salary range and potential salary on completion of the apprenticeship? Is a job guaranteed at the end of the apprenticeship? How many job opportunities are there? When are apprenticeships released? How do we find apprenticeship opportunities with TrustFord? Why are you called TrustFord and not Ford? What is your favourite part about working for TrustFord? What is the difference between going to a college and doing an apprenticeship? What separates you from other companies that offer apprenticeships? "Thank you again for another warm welcome," said a representative from TrustFord at the event."We've had a great time visiting and talking to the students, they asked some really good questions. We have also had quite a few work experience requests and are currently looking at finding them placements." Thank you to the representatives from TrustFord for providing our students with this opportunity and for supporting the careers education of the students at Harris Academy Rainham. Ms Kears, Associate Assistant Principal Students hear from current TrustFord apprentices about the range of opportunities on offer.

23 January 2024HAR Alumni Return to Inspire Year 9We welcomed back several of our Harris Academy Rainham Alumni last term to speak to Year 9 students about their career and pathway since leaving school. It was our pleasure to welcome back our alumni, who are all in employment or currently studying at university. Our students had a lovely day meeting and getting to spend some time with our visitors. The students were polite, engaged and asked some great questions about our alumni's career journeys including: Did you enjoy your time at this school? What was your favourite subject at school and why? How did you decide what you wanted to do straight after leaving school? What subjects at school helped you to get your job? When you were my age, what did you want to do in the future? What do you like best about your job/course? If you could go back in time, is there anything in school or work that you would do differently? Student feedback was really positive about the experience as they found it so valuable meeting people who were once also students at Harris Academy Rainham. Thank you to our alumni who joined us on the day and our alumni partners, Future First, who helped to plan and deliver this event. Ms Kears, Associate Assistant Principal Our students could ask the alumni questions such as "If you could go back in time, is there anything in school or work that you would do differently?" Our alumni spoke to our Year 9 students about their career and pathway since leaving school. Thank you to our alumni and to our alumni partners, Future First, who helped to plan this event.

22 January 2024TrustFord Workshop - Inspiring Automotive WomenTrustFord, the world's leading Ford dealer, visited the academy earlier this month to deliver a presentation to the female students in Year 10. The aim was to inspire women to have careers in the automotive industries and break down stereotypes. TrustFord aims to achieve a better gender balance by filling 30% of leadership positions with women by 2030, through a “30 by 30” strategy. The TrustFord strategy is to enable girls in school to meet women in the automotive industry, because “if they can see it they can be it”. It was an interesting and inspiring experience for the students and a great opportunity to learn about the vast number of different roles and apprenticeships within the sector. The students asked some great questions including: "What made you choose a job in the industry?" "What is a typical salary?" "Do you personally feel women are treated differently in the industry?" "Do you offer work experience for students?" The speakers commented on how well behaved and engaged our students were throughout the workshop. They were really impressed with their maturity and the questions asked. Thank you to the representatives from TrustFord for providing our students with this opportunity. Ms Kears, Associate Assistant Principal TrustFord aims to fill 30% of leadership positions with women by 2030. It was a great opportunity to learn about the vast number of different roles and apprenticeships within the sector.

12 January 2024'Within Her' Workshop and Assemblies with LakeishaIn December, Harris Academy Rainham had the pleasure of hosting Lakeisha Annang, a successful business owner and former Harris Academy Crystal Palace student. Lakeisha, who pursued Law at University and later held positions as a civil servant in Government departments, shared her remarkable career journey with our students. Lakeisha is now the proud founder and owner of Within Her, a goal-setting and coaching business. Following her career story, Lakeisha used her experience to engage students from Years 7 to 10. She encouraged them to reflect on their own attributes, skills, and aspirations. During the session, students actively participated, asking questions such as: 'What challenges did you face when starting your business?' 'Which job did you enjoy the most before starting your own business?' 'What are your key values?' 'What is the most important piece of advice you would give us?' 'What inspired and motivated you to achieve your goals?' 'Do you have a team working with you?' The feedback from students about the workshop and assembly was very positive. They found the event not only interesting but also highly informative. After the event, students shared some important lessons they took away. Boosting confidence: They gained insights into staying motivated, building confidence, and believing in themselves. Working hard and setting goals: The significance of hard work and the importance of setting goals were key points they found valuable. Learning from mistakes: Students learned that making mistakes is a part of the learning process and contributes to personal growth. Essential skills: The assembly highlighted the importance of employability skills like communication and leadership. Exploring careers: Students got a glimpse into various career paths, giving them a broader understanding of future possibilities. Thank you to Lakeisha for delivering an inspiring and motivating assembly, leaving a lasting impact on our students. Ms Kears, Associate Assistant Principal Entrepreneur Lakeisha Annang encourages students to reflect on their own attributes, skills, and aspirations.

8 January 2024Year 10 World of Work Day - Report & PicturesIn December we organised an engaging World of Work Day for Year 10 students, providing them with a unique opportunity to enhance their understanding of essential career skills. The day featured five workshops dedicated to refining their knowledge of CV writing, interview techniques and employability skills. A key highlight was the mock interview, conducted by external professionals. This immersive experience aimed to equip students with practical skills, empowering them to confidently prepare for their future in the professional world. Throughout the day, students actively participated in workshops, displaying remarkable enthusiasm and interest. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and employers. Notably, the external visitors overseeing the mock interviews expressed how impressed they were with the students' high-quality responses to questions and the overall maturity demonstrated during their individual interviews. This event ensures our students are well-prepared for the challenges of the professional working world. We commend our students for their active engagement, and we extend our gratitude to the external visitors for their invaluable contribution to this impactful event. External visitors and workshops Thank you to the following companies for their support with the workshops. Morgan Sindall - CV writing workshop Team Matrix - Employability skills Prima Partners Recruitment - Interviews Harris Alumni, and Harris Academy Rainham connections - Interviews Hawk Training - Interview techniques Emily Walmsley (Harris Federation Careers Advisor) - Unifrog Feedback from employers "The event was fantastic, really well organised and some really engaged students throughout the day. It is really refreshing to work with teachers who support careers education and are engaged in this type of activity." Morgan Sindall "It was great to meet the students at Harris Academy Rainham and support this event." Team Matrix "We really enjoyed helping out with this event. I think the students will be absolutely fine in the working world and so many students impressed us. The students we interviewed presented themselves really well." Prima Partners Feedback from students "The mock interview was beneficial as it's helped give me an idea of what to say or what can be asked in an interview." "It was beneficial because I learned how to write a CV." "I learned what things are necessary in a CV and interview." "I know now how to correctly answer questions during an interview." "I liked the mock interviews because it puts you under a lot of pressure especially when you face to face with someone you've never met before." "The interviews has helped me learn what to do and what not to do." "I know all the things I should now add to a CV." "This day was very helpful, thank you." "Everything I learned will help me in a interview." "I learnt what to say and how to act in an interview." "The CV workshop really helped me because it has got me ready to write a real one." Workshops helps students with CV writing, interview techniques, and employability skills. Thank you to all the companies for their support with the workshops. "I learnt what to say and how to act in an interview." "The mock interview was beneficial as its helped give me an idea of what to say or what can be asked in an interview."

21 December 2023Post 16 Careers Fair for Year 11 - Report & PicturesYear 11 students attended our Post 16 Careers Fair, which took place on Thursday 30th November. The afternoon began with a presentation delivered by the ASK Programme and Amazing Apprenticeships on Post 16 pathways including, apprenticeships and T-levels. Students were really engaged and further enhanced their knowledge of the options available to them at the end of Year 11. Students then spent time in the fair where they had an opportunity to speak to a range of exhibitors. These included sixth forms, colleges and universities, as well as apprenticeship and T-level educators from a range of institutions and companies. We also had our Federation Careers Advisor at the fair for 1-1 questions and support. Some stalls included current or past apprentices and students. This gave students an opportunity to hear first hand experience and ask important questions. Some of the exhibitors included: New City College RAF South Essex College Barking and Dagenham college Harris Rainham Sixth Form College Fire brigade Metropolitan Police Skillnet training academy Sixth Form USP college Final Checks academy Mears group ASK and Amazing apprenticeships Care Providers Voice Our students were enthusiastic and asked thoughtful questions to each exhibitor. They participated in meaningful conversations about courses, entry requirements, entry pathways, labour market information and career opportunities. Students left the fair informed, more confident about their next steps and inspired to achieve their future goals. Exhibitor comments following the event Exhibitors commented on how polite, well behaved and interested students were during the event. They were impressed with the maturity of the students and how many had a clear idea of their potential next steps. Feedback also highlighted the high quality of the questions that students were asking during the event. Student comments following the event "I know confidently where I would like to go now." "Each stall promoted their college, sixth form, courses or university in a very pleasant way and knew what to talk about, no matter the question." "I am more aware of the options in the our area." "I was able to talk to a range of people and ask questions." "The flyers being handed out about our choices were really helpful." "They provided good information on my subject choices." "They answered all my questions and gave me a real in-depth conversation on the courses I am interested in." The exhibitors were impressed with the maturity of the students and how many had a clear idea of their potential next step. Students had conversations about courses, entry requirements, labour market information and career opportunities. Exhibitors included sixth forms, colleges and universities, as well as apprenticeship and T-level educators from a range of institutions and companies.

9 November 2023Seven Day Sports Trip to SpainWe took 23 students (boys and girls) to Spain Solou on a seven day sports tour recently. We played netball and football versus English and Spanish teams, including games against Torredembarra and Marc Barta FC. We also visited PortoAventura Water Park, enjoyed a Nou Camp Stadium Tour and took a trip around Barcelona. It was an amazing cultural and sporting experience! We played netball and football versus English and Spanish teams. At PortoAventura Water Park. Enjoying a Nou Camp Stadium Tour.

12 October 2023Year 11 Autumn Mock Exam Timetable

6 October 20232023 Careers Fair for Key Stage 4 - ReportWe held our annual Careers Evening in September, welcoming more than 20 employers/employees to come and give presentations about their careers to the students in Key Stage 4. This included a doctor, solicitor, surveyor, engineer, data analyst, marketing director, construction company owner and many more. Over 100 students and their parents attended the event and feedback was incredibly positive. Each student was able to visit three different presentations over the course of the evening based on their personal career interests. During the presentations the professionals shared information such as their career journey, entry routes into their professions, typical responsibilities and expected salaries. Students were also given opportunities to ask questions. What students said... "It was good to see the range of jobs you can get when you leave school." '"I found the evening useful because it provided me more information on how to get into certain careers." "'The talk related to the career I want to have in the future within the medical field and gave me more information about how to get into the medical industry." "I found the evening useful because it allowed me to learn new things about particular careers." '"The presentations were interesting and the speaker interacted with us allowing me to ask questions." '"The speakers had a lot of knowledge about their careers." "The speaker was very informative and honest about what the job entails. It was very interesting and will definitely be something I consider as a future career." "The event gave an insight into different careers and gave me more information on careers I've been thinking about already."

31 August 20232022/23 Year 11 Results Day

17 July 2023Transforming Practice in Effective Learning Behaviours AwardHarris Academy Rainham has successfully applied for accreditation in Transforming Practice in Effective Learning Behaviours, awarded by SSAT, the schools, students and teachers network. This means that our school has met the highest standards of the Framework for Exceptional Education and that our work in this area is amongst the most effective practice nationally. Principal Gareth Stananought on what achieving the Transforming Practice in Effective Learning Behaviours award means for Harris Academy Rainham. We have been working on embedding effective learner behaviours for the last few years in our school as we believe this is of utmost importance to the community we serve. Our values of ‘Belong, Believe, Become’ emphasise the importance we put on our students becoming ‘profoundly human’ and having real choice- ‘our students can reach any university or career they choose’. This has made the embedding of effective learner behaviours such as self regulation, metacognition, and study skills, as well as attributes such as kindness, empathy and respect. To do this, we have adapted our approach to teaching and learning, and to behaviour. We explicitly teach students study skills and metacognition so that they can become self-aware, self-regulatory and independent. We also explicitly teach behaviour so that students can learn to adapt in different social settings and learn the importance of attributes such as kindness, respect, and assembly. Much of this comes from our tutor time curriculum and our assemblies. We also give students many opportunities to develop their leadership behaviours, through our ambassador groups who have all had a big impact in improving the school, such as our LGBTQ+ ambassadors, anti-racism ambassadors, eco ambassadors and more. Additionally, we have been keen to develop our staff leadership and learner behaviours through our research-led approach to teaching and learning and our many leadership opportunities including NQPs and various middle leadership training programmes. During both our peer review and our moderation visit, we had the opportunity to showcase the work we have been doing as a school over the last few years. Our peer review commented on being particularly impressed by our research informed approach to the explicit teaching of behaviour and our interesting approach to student leadership with our ambassador groups. During our moderator visit, Anthony mentioned how our approach and strategies are all clearly tied into our values, and again commented on the research informed approach to this. Both our peer review and moderation visit also commented on the fact we have lots of ex-students returning to our school to tutor younger year groups, suggesting the success in ‘developing the attitudes we value’. We thoroughly enjoyed being part of this process as it gave us an opportunity to showcase what we are proud of and reflect on the work we have done and our next steps. Our peer review process allowed us to really reflect on how we are adapting some of our teaching of behaviours to SEN students. Next year our focus will remain on rolling out our personal development strategy and creating even more student ambassador groups to give more students an opportunity for leadership. Gareth Stananought, Principal

6 February 2023Yr10 Mock Exam TimetableYear 10 Exam Timetable - Spring 2023

18 January 2023University Of Cambridge Engineering ExperienceWe took ten students to the University of Cambridge recently, where the Department of Engineering were hosting a Lego mindstorms competition. The students had a great time and experience where they got to solve engineering missions through programming and designing their Lego robot. They competed against a mixture of schools and ages including A Level students. They also presented their work to a professor of Engineering who gave feedback on their design project and design of robot. Finally they got to meet Dallas Campbell, presenter of the gadget show and Bang goes the theory. All students demonstrated the belong, believe, become values. I am very proud of what they have achieved in a short amount of time and limited resources. Special mention to Gary and Kelly for their support. Mr Debruin

12 December 2022Year 9 Explore Identity & Belonging With 'My London'Year 9 pupils had the opportunity to take part in the ‘My London’ project last week, run by the Museum of London. The project took place over several days and included an interactive assembly, a workshop and a visit to the London Docklands Museum. The project enabled our students to reflect on their identity, experience and belonging in London. During the workshop, students created a river journey of their identity and belonging, which will be part of the museum exhibition in 2023. We are extremely proud of our four students who shared their life stories, which will form part of the museum's archives. This oral testimony has enabled these students to leave a lasting legacy. The Museum of London will reopen in 2023 with the exhibition ‘My London’ and we are proud to have been able to offer this opportunity for students at HAR to have contributed to this. Ms Ingram

12 December 2022Science Demonstrations Show Students They Have The PowerExternal presenters from The Royal Institution came in last week to host shows on 'We've got the power', featuring ideas about sustainability. The show was open to our Year 7s and 8s, who were very excited to be part of this wonderful show. The Royal Institution is an independent charity dedicated to connecting as many people as possible to the world of science. We had two shows during the day, with 15 science demonstrations in each. They were: Fire in Hand Burning Coal CO2 Candle Extinguisher Blue Sky Infrared ‘Ray’ Gun Hero’s Engine Hand Crank Generator Hero’s Engine with Wind Generator Blowing Wind Generator Solar Panel Explainer Leyden Jar Electroball3000 Explainer and Pass Around Voltaic Pile Electrolysis Igniting Hydrox Bubbles with E-match using Electroball3000 During the show, students exhibited the best behaviour and were very curious to see how we can save our planet using science ideas. It featured different ways in which electricity is produced today and how we can make some sustainable changes to it, to save our planet from various environmental issues. It was an excellent event, and the pupils came out beaming and were speaking so positively about the experience. The curiosity from our pupils and their eagerness to get involved was so nice to see. It was an interactive session, where students also had an opportunity to help the presenter with the show. Watching our students, stand up in front of 180 people and help the presenter with a live show would have been a big step in boosting their personal development. We also had an opportunity to do some staff training after school. Staff did some fun experiments including making water rockets as an effective way to explain forces. Science is a very content-heavy subject, so linking it to such fun activities will help in student engagement. We received some excellent feedback about our students and the school in general from the royal institution. They were well impressed by the behaviour of students in the school and how they were so keen to be part of this fantastic event . The Royal Institution has been going for well over 200 years and has an international reach, working with world-leading scientists, from Hannah Fry to Carlo Rovelli. They believe that science is transformative. It shapes our world, and everyone should have a say in how it is used in our lives. Ms Ingram

6 December 2022Year 10 Drop Down Day - “Ready To Work”We held our first ever “Ready to work” drop down day for Year 10 students. During this day, students were off timetable and had a series of workshops and sessions, including CV-writing, interview skills, money skills, communication and teamwork workshop and a formal mock interview. Students were encouraged to wear professional dress (see below) and we really loved seeing how involved the students got in the sessions, especially the mock interviews. Students commented on how useful the day was and how it has helped them think on their feet, pay attention to the finer detail and that they now feel more prepared for the world of work as a result of today. What students said... “I found it useful because it helped me understand what you had to say in an interview.” “The interview was very helpful, and gave the experience of what it actually would be like.” “The team work exercise allowed us to evaluate ourselves and learn what it is like to work on a team.”

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