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Welcome from the Principal: Mrs J Larizadeh

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Harris Academy Wimbledon. We are an ‘Outstanding’ (Ofsted 2023) secondary academy, established in 2018 to provide an excellent education for children in Wimbledon.

28 March 2025Newsletter 28.03.25This week has been filled with a wealth of exciting opportunities for our students. A group of our students are currently participating in the Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition. This challenge provides them with a fantastic chance to develop vital skills such as independence, teamwork, and resilience, all of which will serve them well in the future. We are also delighted to have had two amazing theatre trips – one to The Old Vic and another to The Globe Theatre. These trips have allowed our students to experience live performances in two of the most iconic theatres in the world, significantly enriching their cultural and creative learning. On Tuesday, we will come together at lunchtime to celebrate Eid, and I would like to extend my thanks to all those who have worked so hard to make this celebration special for our school community. It’s always a joy to celebrate the diversity of our students, and occasions like this play an important role in fostering understanding and unity. To all our families celebrating Eid, I wish you a very happy Eid Mubarak. Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming Curiosity Days, which will offer our students a wide array of engaging activities. These days present a wonderful opportunity for them to explore new interests and nurture their natural curiosity, which is such an essential aspect of the learning process. Wishing you an enjoyable weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-28.03.25.pdf

21 March 2025Newsletter 21.03.25Our Year 9 students showcased their dedication and creativity through their presentations for the First Give Charity initiative. The students worked hard to raise awareness about local charities and make a tangible impact in their community. Their passion, empathy, and teamwork were inspiring, and I am very proud of their efforts. These presentations demonstrated our students' ability to work together to support causes that matter and made a real difference. Our year 8 and 9 students also shone in the recent Mock Trial Competition. Their knowledge, confidence, and ability to work under pressure were remarkable. They demonstrated an impressive understanding of the legal process and the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving. Many students have also got involved in the Pi Challenge to explore the world of Maths including using their skills in Food and Geometry. This term, I have been impressed by how all our students have embodied our motto –‘make a difference’. Whether through charity work, sporting achievements, or academic excellence, they continue to strive for greatness while contributing positively to our school community and beyond. As always, thank you for your continued support. Best wishes, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-21.03.25.pdf

14 March 2025Newsletter 14.03.25Year 9 students led a fantastic day of fundraising for their chosen charities as part of the First Give Initiative. Students from the different tutor groups organised a plethora of activities, including a bake sale, karaoke, penalty shoot out, crossbar challenge, guess the sweets in the jar, scavenger hunt and even water ballooning teachers to raise money! It was extremely impressive to see how year 9 students took responsibility for their own organisation of fundraising, demonstrating a great deal of independence. Alongside raising money for some wonderful charities, their social action will also count towards their Bronze DofE Volunteering section, making the day even more worthwhile. Best wishes for an enjoyable weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-14.03.25.pdf

7 March 2025Newsletter 07.03.25Year 11 students received their mock exam results on Thursday during parents’ evening. They are now putting their revision timetables together from now until the first exam. They don’t need to panic as we are all here to help them, but they do need to work hard so they can all achieve their potential. I am very proud of them and know that they will focus on doing their best. Mr Arnold has been sending out a lot of information about attendance and I can’t emphasise enough how important it is that everyone attends every day. All the research tells us that poor attendance has a negative impact on achieving young people achieving their potential. Alongside the excellent work in lessons, the newsletter is jam packed with opportunities for the students – please encourage your child to keep getting involved! Best wishes for an enjoyable weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-07.03.25-1.pdf

28 February 2025Newsletter 28.02.25Welcome back to the second half of the Spring Term! In assembly this week, we discussed how hard work, and determination can turn our dreams into reality. We emphasised that success isn’t about waiting for things to magically fall into place – as the saying goes from the TV show Fame, "Success is paid for in sweat." Therefore, being independent and resilient will help us all make a difference and achieve our dreams. While we continue to focus on academic achievement in the classroom, HAWI remains dedicated to providing a wide range of opportunities to help students discover their passions and broaden their experiences. This half term, we have some exciting events lined up, including World Book Day, Science Week, Curiosity Days, the Swimming Gala, CCF camp, and Charity Day on March 14th. We encourage all students to get involved in as many activities as possible, including the extracurricular clubs and opportunities available each week. We would also be thrilled to see as many families as possible at our Quiz Night on March 13th – more details can be found in the newsletter. Best wishes for an enjoyable weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-28.02.25.pdf

13 February 2025Newsletter 13.02.25As we approach the end of this half-term, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a rewarding and successful few weeks at HAWI. We have had some exceptional achievements in both sports and the arts this term. Our Year 7/8 girls’ football team, Year 9 girls’ football team, Year 9 and 10 girls’ basketball teams, and HAWI’s hockey team have all shown incredible talent, teamwork, and determination in their respective competitions. In the performing arts, we were fortunate to witness an outstanding production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’, which showcased the creativity, hard work, and passion of both our students and staff. It has been a pleasure to see so many students thriving in their lessons. Our classrooms have been filled with enthusiasm and engagement, and the commitment of our teachers to deliver high-quality lessons has been evident across all subjects. From the outset of the term, our students have demonstrated remarkable effort and resilience, not only making a difference to their own learning but also positively impacting those around them. I would also like to extend my thanks to our dedicated staff, who continue to go above and beyond in supporting and inspiring our students every day. Their unwavering commitment to the students helps to make HAWI a great place to learn. Thank you for your continued support in making this half term such a success. I wish you all a well-deserved and restful half-term break. Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-13.02.25.pdf

7 February 2025Newsletter 07.02.25This week, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming the author Sam Sedgman to our school. The students were captivated by his visit, as he shared insights into his writing process and the adventures behind his books. It was an inspiring experience for all, sparking creativity and imagination in our students. In sports news, we are thrilled to announce that the HAWI A team were victorious in the Merton Football Club Tournament! Congratulations to all of the players for their hard work, dedication, and fantastic team spirit. A special thank you to the PE staff for their support. As we move towards the final week of term, we are looking forward to two exciting events. The students have been working incredibly hard on their school production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’, and we can't wait to see their performances come to life on stage. It promises to be a truly magical experience that will showcase their talent and dedication. And, the Lower School Disco is just around the corner, and we know the students are looking forward to dancing the night away. It’s set to be a fun occasion to end the half-term on a high note. Best wishes for an enjoyable weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-07.02.25.pdf

31 January 2025Newsletter 31.01.25Year 11 students are currently working incredibly hard in preparation for their mock exams, which are taking place at the moment. These exams are an important part of their GCSE journey, and we are so proud of their dedication and commitment. Staff are providing additional support and guidance to ensure they feel confident and wellprepared. Please continue to encourage your child to stay focused and do their best during this challenging time. We have every faith in them. Looking ahead, our Year 13 students are already in the midst of preparing for their mocks, which will take place straight after the February half term. These mock exams play a critical role in their A-level preparation and provide an excellent opportunity for students to refine their exam technique and assess their progress. In terms of their future aspirations, we are excited to share that 92% of our Year 13 students have applied for university places, with many having received early offers. These offers include a wide range of courses from the University of Cambridge, Durham University, Exeter University and the universities of Manchester, Bath, Warwick and York. We are thrilled to see the hard work of our students being recognised. The next few months will be crucial as they continue their preparations for both their mocks and the next stage of their academic journey. Year 9 students have been making important decisions about which GCSEs to choose for the next phase of their academic journey. This can be a challenging but exciting time, as students consider their interests and future career aspirations. We’ve been providing guidance through one-to-one meetings to ensure they are well-informed when making their choices. We encourage all parents to continue supporting their child through this decision-making process, as these choices will help shape their future educational and career path. As always, this newsletter highlights the wide range of opportunities available to our students, all of which we strongly encourage them to embrace. Wishing you an enjoyable weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-31.01.25.pdf

24 January 2025Newsletter 24.01.2025The HAWI Parents Association (WPA) plays a vital role in supporting and enhancing the school experience for both students and staff. Their dedication and hard work create a strong sense of community, making HAWI a welcoming place for all. From fundraising efforts to organising events, the WPA ensures that the school can provide enriching opportunities that might not otherwise be possible. Whether it's supporting HAWI events, helping at the lower school disco, or selling pre-loved uniform, the WPA fosters collaboration between the school and families. Their fundraising initiatives have provided valuable resources such as the basketball nets in the playground and additional sporting equipment for lessons. We have just ordered three football tables for outside. Thanks to the WPA, HAWI is not just a school – it’s a community where everyone works together for the success of every student. If you would like to join the WPA, please contact them at wimbledonparentsassociation@gmail.com On the 13th March, they are hosting the annual family quiz night. We would be delighted to see you there! Have a great weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-24.01.25.pdf

17 January 2025Newsletter 17.01.2025Today, it was inspiring to watch a Year 7 assembly focused on Althea Gibson, the pioneering tennis player who overcame significant barriers to achieve greatness. Not only did she demonstrate remarkable resilience in her athletic career, but she also fought against racial prejudice at a time when tennis was overwhelmingly dominated by white athletes. Gibson’s perseverance in the face of adversity allowed her to break racial barriers and become the first African American woman to compete in, and win, major tennis titles, including Wimbledon. Her story is a powerful example of how one person can make a difference—not only by excelling in their field but also by challenging social injustices and paving the way for future generations. At HAWI, we take inspiration from figures like Althea Gibson, which is why one of our houses is named in her honour. Our house names are all linked to inspirational people associated with Wimbledon, reflecting the values of independence, integrity, resilience, and making a difference. To help foster these qualities in our students, we offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. We encourage you to spend some time reviewing the available options and support your child in attending at least one activity. These experiences are invaluable in developing essential skills that complement academic achievements. Best wishes for an enjoyable weekend. Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-17.01.25.pdf

10 January 2025Newsletter 10.01.25Happy New Year, and welcome to the new term! I hope you all had a restful break and enjoyed quality time with family and friends. As we embark on this new term, we are excited to continue supporting all our students in making a difference to themselves and the lives of those around them. This term is a crucial time in the academic year, offering many opportunities for students to excel, take on new challenges, and work towards achieving their goals. We have a busy and exciting term ahead, with a range of events including assessments, extracurricular activities, and school trips. Some of the key highlights this term include: • The school production of Beauty and the Beast • The Lower School Disco • The Swimming Gala • The Careers Fair • Charity Day • Curiosity Days • And we will end the term with our Eid celebrations. Please keep an eye on the school newsletter to stay updated on important dates and upcoming opportunities for your child. We look forward to working closely with you to ensure your child’s success throughout this term. Thank you for your continued support and collaboration. Best wishes, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-10.01.25.pdf

13 December 2024Newsletter 13.12.24As we approach the final week of the Autumn Term, I am excited to share that it will be filled with festive events: the Winter Celebration, Christmas Lunch, Festive Christmas Jumper Day, Secret Santa, and our annual Door Decoration competition. This term has been a memorable one, and I am so proud of the incredible contributions our students have made. Highlights include Year 10 students supporting Year 7s with their reading, enthusiastic participation in House competitions, trips to the theatre and London museums, a visit to Royal Holloway University by our Year 12s, outstanding university offers for Year 13, a fantastic Cultural Evening, brilliant House trips, and strong performances representing the academy in various sports fixtures. And that's just the beginning! I would also like to extend my thanks to the dedicated staff who consistently go above and beyond to create these wonderful opportunities for our students. Your ongoing support of the academy is truly appreciated, and I am incredibly grateful for it. As we look ahead to the holidays, I wish you all a joyful and restful break. However, it is important that students continue to attend school every day until the end of term. Best wishes, Mrs. Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-13.12.24.pdf

6 December 2024Newsletter 06.12.24At HAWI, we firmly believe that recognising effort and progress is just as important as celebrating achievements. One of the ways we do this is through our Effort Stamps—which students can earn during lessons. These stamps lead to students collecting stickers and badges as a tangible reward for their hard work. We are thrilled to see so many of our students proudly earning their bronze, silver, and gold badges. In fact, this week, we had some outstanding achievers who earned the platinum badge for collecting over one hundred stickers! This is a remarkable accomplishment, and we couldn’t be more proud of their dedication and effort. We encourage you to support your children in collecting their stickers and badges and to wear them with pride. Not only do these rewards symbolise their hard work, but they also contribute significantly to their house points, bringing them closer to winning the coveted House Cup at the end of the year. Thank you for encouraging and celebrating your child’s progress alongside us. Together, we can continue to motivate them to reach new heights! Best wishes for an enjoyable weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-06.12.24_v1.pdf

29 November 2024Newsletter 29.11.24Teamwork is a key value that shapes every aspect of school life. From collaborating in lessons to competing in sports events, and even rehearsing for the school production, it’s essential in fostering a sense of community. This spirit of teamwork will also be crucial in some of our cherished traditions that we celebrate at the end of each Autumn Term. Here are a few highlights: • Decorate The Door Competition: Year 7 and 8 Houses will compete to create the best festive door decoration. • Festive Jumper and Lunch Day: Join us on Wednesday 18th December, for a festive jumper day, where lunch will be provided free of charge for all students. We’ll also be raising money for Save the Children—please consider making a donation. • Secret Santa for Each House: Students will be assigned a House member’s name and are invited to bring in a small gift (worth up to £2) to exchange during the House’s festive party on Friday 20th December. Additionally, we want to extend our thanks to Ms. Angely, our school librarian, for organising the annual book fair, which was a great success. A special mention goes to Year 11, who are currently in the middle of their assessments—we’re incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. I hope you all enjoy the weekend, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-29.11.24.pub.pdf

22 November 2024Newsletter 22.11.24Thank you to everyone who attended the Cultural Evening last night, and a special thanks to the WPA for their outstanding efforts! It’s been a vibrant week filled with exciting events, including Year 11 students taking part in the Young Citizens Mock Trial competition and some fantastic house trips. Looking ahead, we have our Curiosity Day on December 11th, offering even more opportunities for our students. Please check the Newsletter for further details. We are also incredibly proud of our Year 11 students, who are working hard in preparation for their assessments starting next week. At this stage, please encourage them to make the most of the revision materials provided by their teachers. Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable weekend, Mrs. Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-22.11.24.pdf

15 November 2024Newsletter 15.11.24The House System plays a vital role in fostering a strong sense of belonging, collaboration, and healthy competition among our students. This week, we held our first House Huddles, providing a chance for students to come together as a house, strengthening their connections and spirit. Looking ahead, next week we will embark on our first house trips of the year, an exciting opportunity for all students to participate, led by the Heads of House. Student voice is at the heart of everything we do. This week, we began receiving applications for the new Head Students who will take over from our current Year 13 leaders in January. The shortlisted candidates will present their ideas to the school, and then all students will have the opportunity to vote for the individuals they feel best represent them on the Student Council and at key school events. We are also excited to invite all parents to our Cultural Evening on Thursday. Tickets are still available, and all event details can be found in the newsletter below. Wishing you all an enjoyable week ahead. Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-15.11.24_v1.pdf

8 November 2024Newsletter 08.11.24I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the fantastic adventures our students have experienced over half term. 1. Choir Tour to Disneyland Paris – Our talented choir had the opportunity to perform in the magical surroundings of Disneyland Paris. Not only did they showcase their musical talents, but they also experienced the joy of being part of a global community, connecting with fellow musicians and exploring the park’s many wonders. 2. Ypres, Belgium – A moving and educational visit to the historic town of Ypres, where students learned about the impact of World War I. The trip included visits to memorials, providing our students with a deep understanding of history and the importance of remembrance. 3. ‘Generation Green’ Project – A thrilling experience, where students stepped out of their comfort zones to engage in teambuilding activities, outdoor challenges, and leadership exercises. It was a true test of their independence, integrity and resilience. As we look forward to this half term, we are excited to build our brilliant first half term, continuing to foster a sense of curiosity, collaboration, and academic growth. Alongside assessments for Years 8, 10, 11 and 13, there are many exciting opportunities on the horizon such as house trips and curiosity days. Thank you once again for your continued support. Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-08.11.24_v1.pdf

18 October 2024Newsletter 18.10.24Celebrating Black History Month: A day of reflection, education, and unity as we honour the contributions and achievements of individuals throughout history. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this celebration memorable! The Curiosity Days have been brilliant. We have been incredibly impressed with how the students have been curious about learning new things and have demonstrated our values of independence, integrity and resilience. I would like to thank the staff for planning these outstanding opportunities. We have received our first university offers for Year 13 students. We could not be prouder of seeing our first cohort of students grow and develop from Year 7 to Year 13 and now receive offers from prestigious Russell Group universities such as University of Manchester, University of Warwick and University of Exeter. We look forward to celebrating more success in the coming months. We have three residential visits during half term – Disneyland Paris, Belgium and the South Coast. We hope everyone has a great time. Thank you for all your support this half term. Best wishes, Mrs Larizadeh https://0e58658be539ee7325a0-220f04f871df648cf4a4d93a111e3366.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/harris_secondary_wimbledon/uploads/document/Newsletter-18.10.24_v1.pdf

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