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31/03/26

We are reflecting on our incredible photography exhibition called: 'Belonging'.       

27/03/26

Enjoy your holidays and we look forward to seeing you for summer term!       

26/03/26

Have you read our newest edition of our student magazine? If not, you can read it via this link:  canva.com/design/DAG_IzxZmo8…

23/03/26

It's always great to hear what our students are reading for please! For the National Year of Reading, HGAED are all in.      Video  

20/03/26

We are wishing you a Happy Eid Al-Fitr!     

13/03/26

Hear from our Scholars about what they have been up to!          Video  

10/03/26

This year is the National Year of Reading and at HGAED, we are ALL IN! Have a look at what our students are reading over half term.     

09/03/26

Happy International Women's Day for yesterday!   

06/03/26

Calling prospective Year 7 parents! Unlock your child’s potential with a Harris Scholarship via this link:  harrisdulwichgirls.org.uk/26…

06/03/26

What a privilege to hear these PWC graduate scheme employees speak!     

05/03/26

Here is what a couple of our students wore today to represent International Women's Day!     

05/03/26

Hear from some familiar faces about what they used to read when they were your age!      Video  

05/03/26

Happy World Book Day 2026!     

04/03/26

Here is what a couple of our students wore today to represent International Women's Day!     

04/03/26

To kick off International Women's Day at HGAED we had the pleasure of hearing about Linda E's career. Linda E is a presenter, actress, model, host and content creator from South London, with Nigerian roots. She inspired many of the girls today!     

04/03/26

International Women's Day is widely celebrated here at HGEAD. Today we look into this year's theme - Give to Gain.     

02/03/26

Happy National Careers Week!      Video  

26/02/26

Hear from our Scholars about what they have been up to!          Video  

25/02/26

This year marks 10 years of creative activism at the Centre for Creative Explorations (CCE). It brings together young people, artists, and creatives to explore identity, community, and social change.           

24/02/26

Check out our Spring 1 edition of the newsletter! You can read the full edition on our website       

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Latest News

Posted on September 20th 2010

World Cup Composer Sings Our Praises

Russ Ballard and JHOne of Britain’s leading songwriters was guest of honour at our academy in May when he judged the academy’s music composition competition.

Russ Ballard, whose anthem Hope was chosen by Nelson Mandela to be performed at the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup, spent nearly two hours in our music suite listening to compositions by different groups of students.

Mr Ballard’s hit songs include God Gave Rock and Roll to You, Since You’ve Been Gone and a host of other songs for artists including Roger Daltry, Hot Chocolate and Elkie Brookes.

Mr Ballard listened to 13 songs composed and performed by students in years 8 and 11 before carefully judging the compositions on their lyrics, melody and performance.

 ‘I was very excited by the musicianship and maturity of lyric writing,’ said Mr Ballard. ‘Quite honestly, I wasn't prepared to be so moved. I'm sure many of these young students will be able to follow a career in music, if they so wish.’

Mr Ballard then heard our Gospel Choir and was so impressed that he has asked them to record this World Cup anthem, Hope.