Keeping in Touch with Parents
Keeping in touch with your child's progress at secondary school can feel very different from what you are used to at primary school, so it's natural to wonder how easy it will be.
Parents tell us that communication is a real strengths (see the downloadable survey results below). We know that communication and support between families and the school makes a real difference; we're committed to making it as strong as possible.
The Form Tutor - your first point of contact
Your first point of contact will be your son's form tutor, who will see your child on a daily basis and have an overall picture of his academic progress, attendance and wellbeing.
You'll have the Form Tutor's name and email address, as well as that of the Head of Year. You can also call both the tutor and the Head of Year on 0208 299 5300 and leave a message with our efficient reception team. We aim to respond to all emails and telephone calls within 24 hours.
If your question or concern is more specific (for example, about a particular subject) you may be directed to contact the relevant subject teacher or Head of Department. For more serious concerns, such as safeguarding, you can speak directly to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. See our Safeguarding page for details.
If you're not sure who to contact, please contact our reception on 0208 299 5300 or info@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk and they will be happy to direct you to the right person.
Our home-academy agreement
We all want the very best for your son, and research shows that students thrive when parents and schools work in partnership. That’s why we have a Home-Academy Agreement – a simple summary of what you and your son can expect from us, and what we ask from you and him in return, so we can support his learning and wellbeing together.
We’ll ask you to read the agreement before your son joins the academy and be ready to ask any questions you may have, and then sign the agreement either before he starts, or during the first week of term. You’ll find the Home-Academy Agreement at the bottom of this page.
Parents’ evenings
You will be invited to the school at least once a year for a Parents’ Evening, at which you will meet your son’s subject teachers to discuss academic progress, behaviour and overall wellbeing. We'll let you know well in advance when parents' evenings are planned, to make it as easy as possible for you to attend. You’ll be able to ask questions, raise concerns and gain a clearer understanding of the curriculum and expectations.
Parents’ evenings help to strengthen the partnership between home and school, helping parents support their child's learning more effectively, and encouraging students to stay engaged and motivated in their education.
Regular assessments
All students in the academy are assessed regularly, with a formal assessment twice a year. These tests aim to develop students' exam technique and enable them to demonstrate depth of knowledge, critical thought and, for many subjects, their practical skills. Most importantly, they are used to help gauge progress.
In order to keep you informed about your son’s/ward's progress, we will report back to you at two points during the academic year – one mid-year report and one end-of-year report. These reports will summarise the academic and non-academic progress your son has made.
MyChildAtSchool app
All parents have access to the MyChildAtSchool app, which gives you instant access to important information like attendance, behaviour, timetable and reports – all in one place. Before you son joins the academy we’ll invite you to download the app and give you the necessary login inform. With real-time updates and secure messaging, it makes it easier to stay informed and involved in your child’s school life.
Performances and events
Each year our thriving Performing Arts department puts on musical and theatrical performances that are a highlight of the school year – including our annual school production and our summer and winter musical showcases.
These are always fabulous events – giving our students the chance to shine on stage, and we warmly welcome all our parents to be part of the magic!
Parent Voice
Would you like to support the academy and have your say in how it is run? Then why not get involved in Parent Voice, the parents’ forum for Harris Boys’ Academy East Dulwich. Contact Parent Voice at voice@harrisdulwichboys.org.uk or see our Parent Voice page for the latest news.
Regular newsletters and latest news
So many fantastic things happen all across our academy – every school day! Our latest news pages of the website and termly newsletters make it easy to keep in touch with the bigger picture of what’s happening at Harris Dulwich Boys, and all the amazing things our students are doing.
Parent survey results
Each year we survey all parents to ask their views on how their son is getting on at school – whether they feel safe, are making good progress and about how well parents feel informed. You can download this year's and last year’s results below.
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