Wellbeing
Our pastoral care, and everyone's emotional wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at Harris Primary Academy Orpington. For the children in our school to succeed they need to feel happy and valued as individuals. Our core values underpin all of our pastoral work.
Our curriculum, extra curricular opportunities and the additional opportunities we offer allow for each child to flourish into the young person they want to become.
We pride ourselves on knowing each child really well, this means we can respond to their needs quickly and sensitively. There are a range of systems in place so that every child feels comfortable to talk about any issues or concerns they may have. Communication between home and school is vital and we encourage parents to be actively involved.
Every morning, each child is welcomed into the Academy by a familiar adult and greeted as they start the day. Staff are quick to pick up on any concerns or worries a child might have, responding to them swiftly. Our ARP pupils share communal breakfasts where they can practice talking about their feelings and listening to others explain how they feel. They can also share ideas on how to manage those feelings.
Our Personal, Social, Health and Economic programme incorporates elements of critical thinking, philosophy and ethical discussions to develop pupils’ qualities and attributes as individuals, family and community members and to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to physically and emotionally well rounded lives. We spend much time talking about rights and responsibilities and recognising the value of opinions different from our own.
