Every student a leader: Discover Harris Science Academy East London

• Attainment at GCSE is in top 20% of schools in the country
• Progress and attainment for disadvantaged students is in top 12.5% of schools nationally
• 4th most improved in London over 2 years
• 24th in the country for improvement over 2 years
• Attendance now significantly above national

Speaking with Principal Dan MacPherson, who spearheaded these changes, gives a keen insight into the dedication and care that embodies the staffing body, as well as the determination for each and every child to succeed. After all, having gone from a school that was in special measures to an academy that would score as “Outstanding” in every category is quite the achievement.

“Our results this year will be amongst the best in the borough, which is fantastic for the students, particularly given how badly they were let down just a few years ago. Also, in terms of the students’ experience, the students are really happy here. They get really well looked after, and we work hard to develop their character to make sure that not only do they have the best qualifications, but they also develop the skills that mean they’re going to smash the class ceiling and be the real change makers of the future.”

With such an aspirational mission to achieve, one could wonder how HSAEL goes about instilling these values into the students?

“On Mondays, we start with Monday Morning Mantra, our positive self-affirmations, where all students and staff say ‘we are leaders, we are going to make a difference, we are going to change the world.' That’s how we kick off a Monday to get people pumped. We have readings in the afternoon, where one student will stand up in front of the whole school and read a motivational poem, quote or reflection. In lessons we work the students hard; all the children do a really traditional, academic curriculum including Latin, to make sure that what we’re teaching students is what will have them stand shoulder to shoulder with those that go to private or grammar schools.”

Character development is at the forefront of their objectives, ensuring that not only is their curriculum varied, and grades are achieved, but that the person receiving their education is more than simply one among hundreds.

“We want to make sure that our students don’t just have the grades, it’s not just about a piece of paper, it’s about making sure that they’ve got all of the other things that we know often holds people back.”

To achieve this incredible objective, the Academy makes sure to provide the students with the kind of experiences that can truly shape a person.

“On 12 days in the year, we take all students off timetable and do specific character development work, so that might mean every year group doing debating or public speaking practice, every student leaving the city in one way or another like going to the beach or countryside, and every student going to an art gallery or the theatre."

Being able to provide this care and attention to the students is something Dan is most proud of, and an aspect of life at HSAEL that is achieved largely by the size of the student body. Where in other schools available within the same borough there are hundreds of students per year group, involving an ever-rotating roster of staff to keep up with demand, the Harris Science Academy can focus on the child to achieve the best possible outcome for each student.

“What you get at HSAEL, which I do think is unique, is that you get a very high performing school where your child is known as an individual. I can name 90% of the school in the corridor, and I think particularly for year 7 families where your child has been at primary school for years, where you know the teachers, the headteacher knows the family, it’s a really big shift to go to a secondary school but particularly one that’s so large. What we offer is that you don’t have to make that distinction. You don’t have to think ‘I want my child to go to a great school, therefore I must send them to a big school.’ We want them to be able to say, ‘I want them to go to a great school and I’ve got the choice now’.”

Harris Science Academy East London wants to see each child who walks through their doors change the world, and to change it for the better. Armed with a traditional and academic curriculum to match any independent school, the belief and fortitude that their focus on character development can inspire, alongside the care and attention of staff recognising the strengths and weaknesses of each child as an individual, there’s little doubt that these students will go on to achieve great things.

“We talk to students about how we want them to be the bosses, the CEOs, the entrepreneurs of the future, but we want them to be ethical and moral bosses. It’s not about success at all costs, it’s not about being cutthroat and ruthless, it’s about learning how to achieve highly in a way which is both appropriate and brings people with you.”

If you want to be part of an academy that truly inspires, head over to the website for more information: www.harrisscienceeastlondon.org.uk