Ethos and Values

Our drive at Harris Garrard is to break down barriers to ensure that all our students thrive within our school.

We want our pupils to be well-educated, but it's more than this: they grow into well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world once they leave this academy.

Through an aspirational programme beginning when they join us in Reception, students finish their primary curriculum in Year 6 and shine as they prepare for their secondary transition and future outside of school. 

Over the course of their education, we support students to develop the levels of confidence, resilience and motivation that they will need to achieve as young adults. 

Our pupils take pride in their work and are enthusiastic about their learning. We believe that education extends beyond academic achievement: it encompasses the development of character, moral compass and the creation of a strong work ethic.

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The HGA Way

The HGA Way in our Primary Phase is simple: students should be Ready, Respectful and Safe. In the Secondary Phase, this expands to incorporate students to show not only Respect but Resilience and Rigour in everything they do.

This seamless progression from primary to secondary ensures that our pupils are not only academically prepared but also socially and emotionally equipped to navigate the complexities of the world beyond our academy. This comes through in the HGA Promise - our map of culturally broad enrichment for our students. From learning an instrument, seeing a West-End show, experiencing the world of virtual reality or even as simple as riding a train and visiting the seaside, every enrichment opportunity has been carefully chosen to offer our students a wealth of real-world experiences. 

Our school is grounded in a foundation of exciting and engaging learning for our students, and we take a no-nonsense approach to education. We aim to instill a sense of purpose and accountability in every student. These principles guide our interactions within the school community and extend to our relationships with families and the wider society.

We celebrate diversity and encourage open-mindedness, fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued. By nurturing these traditional values, we prepare our students not only to excel academically but also to contribute positively to their communities and uphold ethical standards throughout their lives.

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The HGA vision for teaching

Our vision for teaching and learning is firmly rooted in the principles of cognitive science, emphasising a research-based and evidence-informed approach to education.

We understand that effective learning goes beyond rote memorisation; it involves fostering a deep understanding and critical thinking skills. We design our curriculum and teaching strategy to enhance memory retention, promote active engagement and encourage metacognition among our students.

We prioritise personalised learning experiences, recognising that each pupil has unique strengths and needs. Through formative assessments and data-driven decision-making, we continually refine our teaching methods, ensuring that they align with the latest findings in recent empircal research.

Ultimately, our goal is to create a dynamic learning environment where all students feel that they belong and develop the cognitive skills necessary to become lifelong learners, capable of tackling complex challenges in an ever-changing world.