ABOUT US

There are no secrets about the basis of education at Harper Green. All pupils are expected to work hard to develop their full potential and demonstrate self-discipline in all that they do. The school is organised to provide a wide range of opportunities and pupils are encouraged to take advantage of them. Our structure ensures that each pupil is treated as an individual and progress is monitored carefully and regularly.

Since September 2003, Harper Green School has been an arts college. This means it has been successful in bidding to the Department of Education and Skills for funding to join the programme of the Specialist Schools Initiative.

This is a government scheme to enable schools to concentrate on specific areas of the curriculum. Our specialisms are the Performing and Visual Arts. This means that in addition to providing the full range of National Curriculum subjects the school will be aiming to develop to a very high level attainment in Art and Design, Drama, Dance and Music. New Links have been and will continue to be developed with our feeder primary schools, our neighbouring secondary school - Hayward, Post 16 providers and community groups.

We believe that our organisation must respond to the changing needs of children as they grow. We aim to provide a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum which provides each child with the essential areas of experience.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

During the foundation years pupils follow a challenging, varied and balanced curriculum, following National Curriculum subjects. In the main, subjects are taught in mixed ability groups although some subjects such as Mathematics, Languages and Science 'set' the children in groups based on their ability in these subjects. Literacy and Numeracy are given a high priority during these years.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

Towards the end of Year 9, pupils opt for some of the subjects they wish to study at GCSE level. Parents and subject tutors are closely involved in this process.

The school is housed in a mixture of traditional and more modern buildings where there are excellent facilities for a wide variety of activities and interests. As the number of pupils has grown, the school has continued to add many additional facilities. The school is keen to constantly update and improve the school environment and facilities. During the summer, red cafe 2 has been created as well as many improvements to our existing facililities.