Year 6 Transition

Dear families,

On behalf of everyone at KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our school community.

The transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 is indeed an exciting time filled with new opportunities and experiences. However, we also recognise that it may bring about some anxieties and challenges for both students and their families.

Please know that our team at the academy is dedicated to providing support and guidance every step of the way. We have implemented a variety of strategies to ensure a smooth transition for all students, addressing any concerns that may arise along the journey.

We want to reassure you that we are here to help and support you through this transition period. Our aim is to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive and succeed.

I encourage you to explore the resources and information available on our webpage, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.

We eagerly await the opportunity to meet you all in person and embark on this journey together.

Warm regards,

Miss K Takhar

Headteacher

As we approach the upcoming Induction Day events that will be hosted in July, there will be many questions that you may have.

We have collated some information below, that may help you in supporting your daughter transition from KS2 to KS3.

Each year, we have a theme that we focus on for our transition events. We have previously hosted events based on ‘Be Awesome, Go Big’ and alongside this, we use PiXL, as they produce an array of key discussion points for parents and carers and have presented some of these in the images shown.

At King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy, the staff teams are dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment.

The Senior Leadership Team, led by Headteacher Ms. K. Takhar, includes Deputy Headteacher Ms. S. Yates and our Assistant Headteachers who oversee various aspects of the academy, from student welfare to teaching and professional learning.

The Pastoral Team is committed to the well-being and personal development of students, with pastoral managers assigned to each year group to provide tailored support.

Additionally, the Extended Leadership Team and Additional Needs Team work collaboratively to ensure every student receives the guidance and resources they need to succeed. Together, these teams create a nurturing atmosphere where students can thrive academically and personally.

Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

We warmly invite you to our Year 6 Induction Evening, where you and your daughter will have the opportunity to:

• Attend a welcome presentation
• Meet our leadership team, form tutors, teaching staff, and current students
• Sample some of the delicious food from our canteen
• Take a guided tour of the school

This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the vibrant community at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy and learn more about the exciting journey ahead.

We sincerely hope you will be able to attend, and we look forward to welcoming you to our school.

As part of the Birmingham Induction Process, your daughter is invited to attend the Year 6 Induction Day at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy.

• Arrival Time: 9:00 AM
• Entry Point: Please use the Student Reception entrance on Church Lane

Your daughter will enjoy a fun and engaging day filled with lessons and activities designed to help her feel comfortable and excited about starting secondary school.

Dress Code:
Primary school uniform with trainers, as students will be taking part in a PE session.

Lunch:
Students may bring a packed lunch, or they are welcome to enjoy a free meal provided by the academy.

Pick-Up Time: 3:00 PM
Students will exit through the Main Student Reception. For collection, please park on the road rather than in the school car park, and feel free to wait outside reception.

Please note that this event is for pupils only.

If your daughter requires any medication or if there is any important information you feel we should be aware of, please contact Mrs. Begum in advance at rbegum@hwga.org.uk, or inform us on the day.

We look forward to welcoming your daughter and helping her begin her journey at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy.

It is school policy to encourage pupils to wear the designated uniform and to take pride in their personal appearance.

This is the uniform that all students are expected to wear.

• White revere blouse,
• Grey Jumper with Logo,
• Black Skirt or trousers,
• Grey or Black socks,
• Low heeled shoes,
• One pair of stud earrings,
• Plain black headscarves (optional).
• No trainers or pumps.

Our PE Kit is detailed here.

Our uniform is sold through the following suppliers;

• My Uniform Hub, 70B Soho Road, Birmingham, B21 9BH – HWGA – My Uniform Hub
• Clive Mark , 4-5 Three Shires Oak Road, Bearwood, B67 5AX  – King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy – Clive Mark

We also collect pre-loved uniforms throughout the year, to access the ‘Preloved Uniform’ shop please contact the Pastoral team here.

At King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy, we are proud to call ourselves an inclusive academy.  The aim of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) team is to provide support for any students who require it in order to help them fulfil their academic and social potential, as per our academy values.  As we cater for the news of SEND students in Birmingham and Sandwell, hence you can access advice and information about services available in the Birmingham area for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) on the Birmingham City Council website: https://www.localofferbirmingham.co.uk.  Furthermore, you can also access advice and information about services available in the Sandwell area for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) on the Sandwell City Council website: https://fis.sandwell.gov.uk/kb5/sandwell/directory/localoffer.page

Read more about our SEND and Inclusion team here.

As of October 2021, Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy have taken part in a joint operation involving Birmingham Children’s Trust, Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police. This will formally be known as Operation Encompass.

Operation Encompass has been established to help schools provide in-school support to children who have been present at, exposed to or involved in any domestic abuse incident.

We know that children can be significantly harmed physically and/or emotionally during these situations, and that it also negatively affects learning and behaviour in class.

Therefore, as part of the Operation Encompass procedure, and to help mitigate the resulting negative impact, the Academy will now receive a confidential phone call or email from West Midlands Police before 9am the morning, after a child or young person has been witness to, or involved in, any reported domestic abuse incident.

Here at Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy, we have a dedicated and child-focussed Safeguarding Team. They are specially trained to effectively use information the Police share in confidence, and enable the school to provide the right support to any student and their family.

We always endeavour to offer the best support possible to our students and believe this will be extremely beneficial for all those involved.

More information can be found at operationencompass.org

However, if you have any concerns or questions regarding Operation Encompass, please do not hesitate to contact me on (0121) 554 8122, and I will happily discuss them with you.

Yours sincerely,

Miss Jones

Safeguarding Manager

Autumn Term

• Term starts: Monday 1 September 2025
• Half-term: Monday 27 October 2025 to Friday 31 October 2025
• Term ends: Friday 19 December 2025

Spring Term

• Term starts: Monday 5 January 2026
• Half-term: Monday 16 February 2026 to Friday 20 February 2026
• Term ends: Friday 27 March 2026

Summer Term

• Term starts: Monday 13 April 2026
• Half-term: Monday 25 May 2026 to Friday 29 May 2026
• Term ends: Monday 20 July 2026

The School Calendar is here.