Personal Development
Personal Development at Harris Academy Greenwich is designed to prepare students for the transition from sixth form to post-18 life, including university, apprenticeships or employment. At this stage, it is about more than character development; it is about building independence, confidence and curiosity, ensuring students are ready to thrive in the adult world.
The curriculum encompasses:
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Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE)
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Careers Education and Guidance
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Wider Learning to encourage reading and research beyond A levels
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Student Leadership and Societies
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Pastoral and Wellbeing Support
The Student Experience
Students at Harris Academy Greenwich engage with the Personal Development Curriculum through a range of dedicated opportunities each week:
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Weekly Assemblies: whole-cohort sessions to share important updates, opportunities and community messages.
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Tutor Check-ins: regular one-to-one time with a tutor to reflect, set goals and seek support.
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PSHE and Careers Curriculum: structured sessions that develop resilience, awareness and readiness for life beyond sixth form during morning tutor sessions.
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Weekly Wider Learning: exploring academic and professional themes beyond A levels, encouraging reading and independent research.
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Student-Led Societies: Students lead or participate in societies ranging from medicine and law, to chess strategy and debate. Some of the societies we offer are:
Medicine Society is designed for students considering a future in medicine or related healthcare careers. The society offers insight, guidance, and peer support for navigating the medical application process.Weekly discussions draw on the experiences of older students who have already been through the process, providing realistic guidance and reassurance in a supportive environment. The Medicine Society creates a friendly and collaborative space where students can ask questions, share concerns, and build confidence.
Stock Market Society introduces students to how financial markets actually move, using structured reading, chart analysis, and critical thinking. Sessions focus on independent thinking and disciplined analysis, using text-based resources such as Investopedia and Chart Champs to develop a repeatable method for understanding markets. This society highlights the academic depth and real-world relevance of sixth form opportunities. It’s ideal for students interested in economics, business, finance, or simply understanding how the world’s markets function beneath the headlines.
Badminton Society welcomes players of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced competitors. The society provides a fun, active, and social way for students to stay fit while developing skill, teamwork, and confidence outside the classroom. Badminton Society promotes leadership, collaboration, and inclusivity, offering a relaxed but energetic environment where students can unwind, meet new people, and represent the active side of sixth form life.
Law Society introduces students to the foundations of law through discussion, debate, and practical legal activities. Designed for students interested in law, politics, or social justice, the society encourages critical thinking and confident expression in a supportive environment. Students explore key areas of law including criminal law, tort, and human rights through engagement with landmark cases, ethical dilemmas, and real-world legal issues.
Chess & Strategy Society is a popular society designed for everyone, from total beginners to confident players who want a challenge. Students learn the fundamentals of chess, develop strategic thinking, and gradually build up to competitive tournament play. Students learn the very basics, understanding how the game works, before progressing through openings, tactics, endgame techniques, and real match skills such as time management and notation. The society culminates in a final match where the overall winner is crowned Sixth Form Grandmaster, alongside a reflective session led by the student organisers to evaluate the experience and improve future societies.
Debate Society develops confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills through structured discussion and formal debate. Open to all students, the club encourages participation from those new to debating as well as those with prior experience. Members explore a wide range of topical, social, and ethical issues, learning how to construct clear arguments, evaluate evidence, and respond thoughtfully to opposing viewpoints. Sessions focus on public speaking, reasoning, and respectful disagreement, helping students articulate ideas clearly and persuasively.
The aim is that our Sixth Form Societies resemble a University experience and prepare students for those environments as well as providing the opportunities for extension and exploration in their favourite subjects. We encourage students to launch new societies so our offer is constantly growing!
Additional Enrichment Opportunities
Students also benefit from a wide range of enrichment activities to broaden their skills and experiences, including:
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Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
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Specialist links with Macquarie Bank and Saatchi & Saatchi
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Work experience and internships
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Student leadership roles, including leading enrichment activities for younger students
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Peer and academic mentoring
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Annual cultural and academic trips, including trips to universities
6th Form reading
As part of our commitment to developing curious, well-informed and intellectually confident young people, we are delighted to share this wider-reading guide for our Sixth Form subjects. The books recommended here are not textbooks, but engaging, accessible and enriching titles chosen to broaden students’ horizons, deepen their understanding of the disciplines they study, and spark a genuine love of learning.
Click here for the 6th Form Reading beyond the curriculum list (2025/26)
Wellbeing and Support
Wellbeing underpins all aspects of sixth form life. Students have constant access to pastoral support, and tutors work closely with individuals to ensure they feel happy, supported and ready to succeed.
Personal development at Harris Academy Greenwich ensures students leave not only with excellent results, but also with the confidence, independence and skills to make a meaningful impact in their next chapter.