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15/08/25

Harris Academy Bermondsey doubles their number of A* and A grades every year https://t.co/ljrJboNLMy

17/07/25

Vacation Mode Activated (…almost) Mabel’s still got one day left with the students,⁰but the sunglasses say otherwise.⁰She's got that "out-of-office pending" energy. 😎🐾⁰#TherapyDog pic.twitter.com/TDXLQizFOW

17/07/25

Vacation Mode Activated (…almost) Mabel’s still got one day left with the students, but the sunglasses say otherwise. She's got that "out-of-office pending" energy. 😎🐾

16/07/25

Year 12 took on the Entrepreneurs Academies Challenge at NatWest Moorgate! They ran a simulated phone biz, tackling real-world tasks in finance, marketing & more—gaining key startup insights. Read more 👇🏽 https://t.co/aePnTlDiuB pic.twitter.com/06wLx495xN

11/07/25

Huge congrats to Harris Academy Bermondsey for placing 3rd in the Grand Finale—out of 2,250 students! 👏 Special shoutout to Gloria, who won the ‘Rising Star’ award for her resilience, earning £300 Axel Arigato trainers! pic.twitter.com/34YQn7Nyq6

11/07/25

Huge congrats to Gloria from Harris Academy Bermondsey for placing 3rd in the Grand Finale! Her team Motivatorz wowed judges with bold climate solutions. A big win for Southwark & the future of STEM! pic.twitter.com/E4rBlpYw8r

11/07/25

Sunshine, sports & non-stop vibes! ☀️🎶 Girls Allowed lit up the 3G pitch with ESP Foundation & Year 8/9. VR, boxing, dance & more! Huge thanks to Ms Kelly, ESP coaches & Yr10 photogs Amelia & Nicole. What a day! 👏 pic.twitter.com/UPqp5EcIQx

10/07/25

Spectacular performances at the Harris Federation Festival of Music. https://t.co/WVFuUYIJEJ

09/07/25

Steel Pans playing Classical music! Soloists, Choir. Y5 electric guitar solo! The talent in our schools is amazing! Congrats to all of you, what wonderful performances. pic.twitter.com/TjYEnwK9KV

04/07/25

Six Y10 students are Grand Finalists in Sustainable London 2025 with ! Their climate solutions could win a cash prize, trophy & career opps. Finale: Mon 7 July, 5-8:30pm, NatWest HQ. RSVP: https://t.co/JomhCxSAB5 pic.twitter.com/KEtXv1wiCa

24/06/25

pic.twitter.com/QYDgZ7mzu9

18/06/25

Our Year 10s are proud to be part of the Sweaty Betty Foundation campaign highlighting why 1 in 3 girls stop PE due to changing room experiences. HAB is 1 of 5 schools redesigning these spaces into positive, empowering environments. Read more here >> https://t.co/M4A97DxpIq pic.twitter.com/VFdSJdQVxf

18/06/25

Our trailblazing Year 10s are leading ’s campaign tackling why 1 in 3 girls drop PE due to changing room issues. HAB is 1 of 5 schools redesigning them into empowering spaces. Our students are architects of change. 💪 https://t.co/M4A97DxpIq pic.twitter.com/2BborGvd6K

18/06/25

🧵1/2 On (and actually everyday) I'd like to send a big shout out to my team, department and faculty 🧵1/2 💜 https://t.co/jG5J6hLAuP

18/06/25

🧵1/2 On (and actually everyday) I'd like to send a big shout out to my team, department and faculty 🧵1/2 💜 https://t.co/jG5J6hLAuP

18/06/25

Our trailblazing Year 10s are leading ’s campaign tackling why 1 in 3 girls drop PE due to changing room issues. HAB is 1 of 5 schools redesigning them into empowering spaces. Our students are architects of change. 💪https://t.co/M4A97DxpIq pic.twitter.com/yRSrZ7e69a

05/06/25

Newsletter out now! Download your copy here https://t.co/kHhZRpLM5u

05/06/25

Huge congratulations to HAB Year 10 students Niamh, Megan & Isra! All three earned Gold in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge & qualified for the prestigious Pink Kangaroo Challenge. Special shoutout to Niamh – Silver & Best in School! 🥇✨ pic.twitter.com/RXDd0ORD5j

03/06/25

🎉 Huge congrats to HAB6 stars Tiamaria, Isabella & Swabra, for smashing the HSK 1 Mandarin exam after just 1 year of study! Despite Year 13 pressures, they’re continuing Mandarin at uni—true dedication to language & culture. pic.twitter.com/DYlBoG63ci

02/06/25

Our students shone at the Words for Work: Women in Leadership event with & Lancôme. From powerful panels to inspiring speeches, HAB is shaping future leaders—full of ambition, compassion, and respect. pic.twitter.com/c08L4iJkvv

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Latest News

Posted on November 18th 2024

From Fear to Friendship: How Mabel Helped Me Overcome My Phobia of Dogs


Mabel2024 11


Throughout my early years at HAB, I was deathly afraid of dogs because I was only told about the dangers and risks that exist with them around. However, since Mabel was brought to school, I realised that dogs could be very calm and friendly. I didn't know the importance of conquering phobias until I was at a work experience placement and the owner of the company brought his black Labrador puppy into the office space. If I was still afraid, I would have run away, and it would have looked very unprofessional. So that means that Mabel, saved me from making a terrible first impression.

Now, I'm not afraid of dogs anymore and, in fact, sometimes I enjoy their company. Mabel taught me that the majority of dogs don't acknowledge your existence until you acknowledge theirs first.

For anyone spending time around dogs—whether you’re confident, cautious, or completely terrified—it’s important to remember some key safety tips:

  1. Always ask before approaching – Not every dog is as calm as Mabel. If you see a dog, especially one you don’t know, make sure to ask the owner’s permission before petting or interacting with it.
  2. Learn the signs of stress – Dogs show they’re uncomfortable through behaviours like growling, showing their teeth, or tucking their tails. If you see these signs, give the dog space.
  3. Respect their boundaries – Some dogs may not enjoy being touched, particularly in sensitive areas like their ears or tail. Always let the dog approach you first before trying to pet them.
  4. Stay calm – Dogs can sense fear or anxiety. If you’re nervous, try to remain still and avoid sudden movements.
  5. Don’t disturb a dog when they’re eating or sleeping – These are moments when even the gentlest dogs might react defensively.

Mabel’s presence at HAB has been a wonderful reminder that, with patience and understanding, fears can be overcome. She’s not just our therapy dog—she’s also a great teacher, helping us learn how to interact with dogs in a safe and respectful way.

By Breanna, HAB Sixth Former.


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