Personal Development

What is Academic Reading?

Academic reading is where students read around their subject areas, choosing a pathway of interest. For example, a student who is interested in Psychology may choose the Social Sciences ‘pathway’.

It is our intention that all Year 12 and 13 students are on a pathway in the year but also learn the skills for academic reading. All students take part in Academic Reading to not only develop their knowledge and understanding but to improve their literacy skills with accessing higher level texts. 

Why Academic Reading?

We wanted to create a bespoke way of getting students to read whereby they are reading in areas they are curious about and therefore reading because they chose their reading and with this hopefully enjoy reading. It will then also help to support them with their future destinations, as we know in interviews some students do struggle to discuss their subject of interest beyond the academic curriculum that is provided to them

We know that students who read outperform their peers who do not, and we also know students who read have higher levels of literacy in comparison to their peers.

We want our students to be competitive, to have the knowledge beyond the curriculum and the ability to ‘hold themselves’ in interviews so that they can go on to the ambitious destinations that they are capable of, and with this we are able to compliment the curricula Sixth Form teachers have put so much time into developing.

What is CRE?

CRE is Citizenship and Religious Education which is taught explicitly by form tutors in two tutor times per week. Students explore topical, ethical and philosophical issues including Fundamental British Values, in order to develop a wider understanding of the world and cultures we live in. It is an opportunity for students to develop their oracy and to explore a range of current and historical issues.

Why CRE?

In our Sixth Form we believe that we have a duty to develop responsible citizens who can serve the local, national and global community and we know that the CRE curriculum equips students with powerful knowledge, wisdom and passion to educate the mind and heart.

CRE promotes British values of democracy, equality and tolerance whilst developing resilience to challenge injustices and face adversities.  The CRE curriculum also prepares students for future destinations where interviews have previously required students to answer questions such as “what is culturalism?”.

Enrichment for All 

Further education can be stressful and demanding, so we ensure students maintain a balance between learning and wellbeing.  Students take part in enrichment once a fortnight.

Enrichment gives students the chance to build their cultural capital and explore opportunities that are not always presented in the academic curriculum. Our young people develop empathy- distinguishing between ‘listening’ and ‘hearing’.  They learn to avoid miscommunication, overreacting, and misinterpretation. They are prepared to make healthy connections in the workplace and society. Our enrichment programme is run in the form of student- and teacher-led societies. 

• Classic Literature Society
• Engineering Society
• Medic Society
• Geographical Debate Society
• Chemistry Society
• Neuroscience Society
• Physics Olympiad Society
• Trading Society
• UMKT Maths Challenge Society
• Magic the Gathering Society
• Interact Club
• Poker Society
• Sports Society

External Agencies

At Harris Academy Riverside we know that for students to compete they must offer ‘more than’, and we work with our students to develop all-rounded young people that can succeed in a highly competitive environment

Harris Scholars Advanced

This is a Harris Federation Sixth Form programme specifically designed to provide an unparalleled range of support and transformational experiences that go far beyond the classroom. From career mentoring and inspiring workshops to exclusive trips, lectures, and hands-on experiences, the programme is tailored to fuel subject passion and sharpen students' critical-thinking skills. Scholars will benefit from partnerships with leading experts, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a particular industry, planting the seed of ambition and creating the best opportunities for our Scholars to excel in their chosen areas.

Harris Experience Advanced

This is a Harris Federation Sixth Form programme specifically designed to help students prepare for the very best universities in the country, including Russell Group universities as well as Oxford and Cambridge. The programme is aimed at students who have achieved outstanding grades at GCSE or who prove themselves to be making outstanding academic progress early in Year 12 and maintain this throughout their two years in sixth form. 

K+

K+ is a two-year widening participation programme run by King’s College London. It is designed for year 12 and 13 students in London and some parts of Essex who have the potential to go to the best universities in the country but need support to get there.

Whilst on the programme, students are organised into 8 subject streams, based on what they might wish to study at university. It’s within these groups that students explore what student life might be like, from attending lectures and seminars given by King’s College London’s academics, to working with PhD students on academic projects, or learning about student finance and budgeting.