Frequently Asked Questions
If you think of anything else then please do not hesitate to contact us on info@harriscrystalpalace.org.uk
On the first day, will we go on a tour of the academy?
Of course! We will ensure that all our pupils get the opportunity to see all of the building and get an idea of where their lessons will be taking place. We do not expect you all to learn this immediately, we know that this takes a little time and there will be lots of signs around the academy to help you find your way. Please ask any member of staff if you are unsure.
What are the start and finish times for year 7 students?
The academy is open each day from 8.00am and Year 7 students are expected to arrive no later than 8:25am Monday to Friday. They finish their day at 3:20pm Monday – Thursday and 2:00pm on Friday.
How many lessons will year 7 have each day?
Year 7 students have 4 lessons a day.
Do Year 7 pupils get homework each week?
Homework is an essential part of the learning process and teachers will use homework as a way of consolidating and promoting independent learning. Students will receive homework each week. All set homework will be on your My Child At School app.
Regarding children who might have learning difficulties, how will the children be assessed or how do you receive the information about children that might need SENCO support?
We have contacted all our new Year 7’s primary schools’ and requested all SEN information. We also carry out LUCID testing for all students which enables us to detect any undiagnosed special educational needs and ensure students receive the support and differentiation needed.
Will I be in the same lessons as the people in my form group?
Not necessarily, secondary school is different to primary school in lots of ways – but one of the key aspects is that you move around the building and work with different groups of students. This will mean that you may be with different students in different classes.
How do I get involved in extracurricular clubs?
We have an exciting range of extracurricular clubs at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace, and it is a fantastic way to learn new skills, meet new friends and get really involved in the academy community. Each term you will be able to sign up to different clubs ranging from Robotics to Film Clubs
What languages do students do in Year 7?
We have a brilliant MFL department at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace and we are very proud that all our Year 7 students will learn either French or Spanish and have a 40-minute Mandarin lesson each week.
What are the options for food/drinks (bring your own or purchase at school) and is it cashless?
Students are welcome to bring their own healthy packed lunch, or we have lots of options available at our canteen, before school for breakfast, at break and lunchtime. We do not allow large bottles of fizzy drinks, large bags of crisps or boxes of biscuits / crackers at the academy. We do operate a cashless system where students use their fingerprint to pay from an account that is topped up online by parents/carers. Information on signing up to this will be sent out in advance
How will I know what to bring on my first day and if I have packed lunch do I have to keep it in my school bag until lunch time?
Each student needs to bring a black bag to school with them every day. You should carry in your bag a pencil case, with black or blue pens, ruler, pencils, eraser and a green pen. If you do bring a packed lunch, then yes you will need to carry it with you as we are unable to store food items for students.
Do we have a teacher we can speak to, if things are confusing at the beginning of Year 7 or we need advice?
All our staff are here to help and support with settling into Harris City Academy Crystal Palace, but your form tutor will be the best person to go to in the first instance. You will see them every morning and you will get to know each other very well as we go through the school year. Your form tutor will be able to answer any questions or concerns you have so please do ask – however minor they may seem.
Do students have to keep their jumpers/blazers on all the time?
Jumpers are not mandatory (although they are recommended in the winter months) but students must always have their blazers with them.
At playtime and lunchtime will there be a mixture of year groups on the playground or just Year 7s?
We have one lunchtime at the Academy. This does mean that Year 7s will be with other year groups during lunch.
Although it is a no mobile phone policy, would they be allowed their mobile on their person/in their personal belongings (if switched off) for travelling to and from school?
Students can carry their mobile phone whilst travelling to/from the academy, but it must be switched off before entering the school gates, stored in their bag and not seen at the academy. If a students’ mobile phone is seen it will be confiscated and handed in to reception until the end of the half term or if a parent or carer comes to collect it. We do not take any responsibility for mobile phones that are lost whilst at the academy.
