Citizenship at Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy

Citizenship themes are woven throughout the Personal Development long-term plan, with every year group engaging in Citizenship lessons as part of the PSHE curriculum and through our bespoke Aspire and Achieve days.

Through these sessions, pupils deepen their understanding of how to participate actively and responsibly in modern society. They explore key areas such as democracy and government, rights and responsibilities, the justice system, active citizenship, diversity and identity, and financial literacy. These lessons are reinforced through the PSHE curriculum, which complements and extends pupils’ knowledge and skills.

In addition, wider curriculum subjects also incorporate Citizenship concepts—such as media and information literacy, climate change and sustainability, and the UK’s role on the global stage. Real, contemporary case studies rooted in both local and international contexts help bring the subject to life and allow pupils to connect their learning to the world around them.

SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development)

Embedding SMSC development across the curriculum ensures that pupils grow into confident, compassionate, and responsible individuals. The following outlines how each aspect is nurtured throughout school life:

Spiritual Developments:

• Subjects such as Religious Education, English, and Art offer opportunities for pupils to reflect on their beliefs, values, identity, and the wider meaning of life.
• Lessons in Science and Geography inspire curiosity by exploring natural phenomena, the universe, and the diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
• Music, Drama, and Art encourage pupils to express their thoughts and feelings while learning to appreciate different spiritual viewpoints.
• PSHE, history, and science lessons introduce pupils to moral dilemmas and ethical debates—ranging from medical ethics to environmental responsibility and global conflict.
• Exploring significant events and social movements helps pupils understand how moral choices shape societies.
• Pupils are supported to respect others’ rights and make thoughtful, responsible decisions that contribute positively to their communities.

Social Development:

• Collaboration through group projects, PE, Performing Arts, Clubs, societies, sports days, problem solving and team building opportunities, various trips & experiences all develop students’ social skills. These experiences build character, develops confidence, resilience and self-esteem.
• Initiatives such as charity work, volunteering through student leadership opportunities helps students to develop strong citizenship values.
• Current affairs discussions teach pupils about equality, diversity, inclusion, and healthy relationships and supports their understanding of social issues.

Cultural Development:

• Pupils explore a wide range of cultural traditions and perspectives through music, art, literature, and RE celebrating diversity and cultural differences.
• History lessons highlight cultural contributions and the influence of events such as colonisation, migration, and global exchange.
• Geography, Modern Foreign Languages, and global studies help pupils understand the interconnectedness of today’s world and appreciate cultural diversity providing students with global awareness.
• The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team plays a vital role in creating a school environment where every pupil and staff member feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. Their work ensures that the school promotes fairness, celebrates diversity, and removes barriers creating inclusivity.
• PSHE supports cultural development through the “Celebrating Differences” topic by helping pupils understand, respect, and value the diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives within their community. It encourages pupils to challenge stereotypes, embrace individuality, and build positive, inclusive relationships that contribute to a respectful school culture.

Whole-School Approach to SMSC and Citizenship:

• HWGA marks key cultural and moral occasions—including Remembrance Day, Diwali, Eid, and Black History Month to encourage reflection and celebration.
• Respect, fairness, and kindness are embedded in behaviour expectations and everyday interactions.
• Enrichment including clubs and societies, the house system, trips, and wider experiences broaden pupils’ horizons and expose them to new cultures, viewpoints, and ideas.

By fully embedding SMSC across the curriculum and school life, pupils develop a strong moral foundation, cultural awareness, and the social skills needed to become thoughtful, active, and responsible members of society.

King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy (HWGA) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, welcoming a diverse group of young women from the vibrant community of Handsworth. The academy’s ethos, deeply rooted in mutual respect, fosters a nurturing environment where each girl is encouraged to believe in her potential for success. This belief is not just theoretical; it is embedded in the fabric of HWGA’s culture, where the student welfare system plays a pivotal role in supporting the girls’ academic and personal growth.

From the moment they step through the doors in year 7, the students are emboldened to strive for their “personal best” in every examination, a journey that continues through to sixth form and sets a foundation for lifelong learning. The academy’s reputation, built on the pillars of hard work and high-quality education, resonates within the local community, a testament to the dedication of both students and staff.

The pride in the students’ achievements is palpable, reflecting the collective efforts of inspiring teachers, supportive families, and the girls themselves, who approach their studies with diligence and determination. This collaborative spirit is integral to the academy’s ethos, ensuring that every student not only meets but exceeds their own expectations.

Continual improvement is not just an aspiration but an expectation at HWGA. The academy’s commitment to excellence challenges students and staff alike to reach new heights, fostering an environment where academic achievements and personal development go hand in hand. The array of academic and enrichment opportunities available ensures that the girls’ education is comprehensive, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

The young women of HWGA are not just students; they are leaders in the making, each with a unique potential that the academy helps to cultivate. With a future that shines bright, these students stand ready to make their mark on the world, carrying with them the values and experiences that have shaped their time at Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy. It is this unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of women that makes HWGA not just a school, but a launchpad for success.

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

Teacher Training Days

• 1 September 2025
• 2 September 2025
• 17 October 2025
• 5 January 2026
• 20 July 2026

Vision 

“To empower every young woman to think critically, lead with courage, and grow with empathy—so she shapes the future as a confident and compassionate leader.” ​ 

Mission 

• Nurture a culture of lifelong learning through curiosity, challenge, and high performance.​ 

• Develop courageous, compassionate character, rooted in self-belief, empathy, and resilience.​ 

• Build strong community connections, enabling every student to contribute with pride and purpose.​ 

​

Values 

Scholarship – Character – Community 

Aspire and Achieve Days 

Aspire and Achieve Days form a coherent and purposeful extension of our PSHE curriculum and supports our curriculum intent by ensuring students regularly engage with content that builds knowledge, skills and personal development in a way meaningful.  These days also provide access to a wide and rich set of experiences for all pupils through specialist workshops and sessions led by external agencies.  These days aim to enhance student understanding, promote resilience and encourage active engagement.  

Aspire and Achieve Day Structure 

• Every year we have three full, collapsed-timetable days, ensuring dedicated time to support personal development and wider learning beyond the academic curriculum. The last Aspire and Achieve Day is dedicated to our Sports Day, which celebrates teamwork, resilience, and physical wellbeing, providing students with the opportunity to develop leadership, collaboration, and a sense of community in a fun and inclusive environment. 

• Aspire and Achieve day lessons are delivered by form tutors, subject specialists, and external speakers.  All lessons are age appropriate and planned with clear intent, focusing on PSHE key concepts, character education, careers, practical life skills and citizenship. 

• Student voice is at the heart of all we do.  We evaluate every Aspire and Achieve day which inform future planning and strengthens the effectiveness of our personal development offer. 

External Speakers/Guests: 

• Loudmouth 
• See Her Potential 
• West Midlands Police 
• Wes Midlands Fire Service.  
• St Johns Ambulance 
• Narconon drugs prevention & Awareness 
• Impressionable minds.  
• Talk the Talk. 
• Problem solving & Team Building Company 
• Wise up. 
• Positively you. 
• School of Sexuality 
• Stand Against violence 
• The Smoothie Company. 
• The Self Esteem Team. 

Careers Speakers/Guests 

• RAF,  Open Palm employability, NHS, Career Sense -Dream bigger, Ask apprenticeships, HS2, Student Hub, LIS, Pathfinity, Army, Police, Fire Service, Navy, KPMG, HSBC, Various colleges and University visits.  

• Tuesday 9th December 2025
• Wednesday 22^nd April 2026.
• Tuesday 7th July 2026

Character Education fosters the development of ethical individuals by empowering students to embrace good values. Aristotle once wrote, “we are what we habitually do.” The habits that children learn and practice when they are growing up follow them through into adulthood.  Character Education reinforces the “whole child” agenda that shifts the emphasis from academic achievement to long-term learning and personal development.  Whilst KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy are committed to ensuring that all students achieve their personal best, we are also dedicated to ensure that students flourish and become the best version of themselves by:

• Teaching students about the positive traits that inform their motivation whilst guiding conduct.
• Providing them with the knowledge, core values and skills necessary for success throughout life.
• Helping students grasp what is ethically important and how to respond appropriately in a range of situations.
• Teaching students to consider the right course of action that correlates to a given situation, basing decisions for the right reasons.

At KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy, we strongly value the development of the whole child.  We know that strong examination results are important for future success, however, we strive to provide a fully rounded education whereby our students become great citizens who can function effectively throughout life in modern Britain. To that end, our Academy virtues are at the heart of all we do; we reflect upon these across the Academy. Our 10 virtues are embedded across the curriculum, through our rewards events, assemblies, tutor time, PSHE and personal development days.

KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy Virtues:

Human flourishing requires the acquisition and development of intellectual, moral, civic and performance virtues.  All are necessary to succeed in life. KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy take pride in promoting our 10 Academy virtues to develop confident, compassionate students, successful learners and responsible citizens.

These virtues (amongst others) can be “caught” from interactions in our community, “taught” through educational experiences and reflection, and “sought” out by people who come to pursue and direct their own character development.

KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy – Character Caught

Character is ‘caught’ at KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy by using this common virtue language with students both inside and outside of the classroom.  Character is caught from staff modelling behaviours and through emotional transmission.  The positive ethos is encompassed in all aspects of Academy life.

KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy – Character Taught

Character is ‘taught’ at KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy through the direct teaching of character education in PSHE lessons, tutor time activities, personal development days, and in all subject areas.  Making character education explicit and visible helps students to understand the importance of developing their characters to embrace life’s challenges, while building an inner resilience to overcome barriers.

KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy – Character Sought

Character is ‘sought’ out at Handsworth Wood Girls Academy through ensuring that all of our students have access to the widest range of learning opportunities through our extensive enrichment programme, competitive house system and wide range educational visits and trips, that contributes to the development of good character.   These pursuits give everyone the chance to experience something meaningful regardless of where they are from or their background.

As humans, we learn and grow from new experiences.  At King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy, we ensure that all of our pupils have access to the widest range of learning opportunities through our extensive enrichment programme.   This provision provides all pupils with the opportunity to learn, develop and master a range of skills that will help to create lifelong interests, whilst building positive relationships, confidence, self-esteem and resilience.  We recommend that all students at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy participate in at least two enrichment activities each week.

As humans we grow and learn from new experiences. KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy Pupil Pledge provides opportunities for students to develop their character by ensuring that they have access to wider experiences outside of the curriculum.

KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy understand the importance of ensuring that our students leave the academy as well-rounded young people with the qualifications, skills, knowledge and character to succeed in the future. Through the Pupil Pledge, we make a firm commitment to provide opportunities for our students to be exposed to a holistic educational experience in the time they have with us.

The Pupil Pledge provides a ‘bucket list’ of activities to complete before they leave our Academy. These activities will support students’ personal development by building skills and qualities needed to reach their full potential.

Pupil Pledge…to give you the edge

1. To attend a residential.
2. To be involved in charity/fundraising events
3. To make a change in the community.
4. To take part in outdoor and adventurous activities.
5. To take part in a performance/speak publicly.
6. To represent your house /school
7. To venture out beyond the local community.
8. Visit a place of higher or further education.
9. To visit a place of British/National history.
10. To attend a live professional performance

The KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy House System is an integral part of Academy life, where students develop a strong sense of pride and belonging through a wide range of healthy competitions held each half term. 

Every student is assigned to a house group when they join the Academy. Students are encouraged to show team spirit by taking part in house competitions, motivating others to get involved, and supporting one another in all house events. 

The House System provides pupils with opportunities to learn, develop, and master a variety of skills that foster lifelong interests. Through regular participation, students build positive relationships, confidence, self-esteem and resilience. We encourage all students at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy to engage in as many house competitions as possible to help develop these important character skills. 

The House System is overseen by the Director of Character and Personal Development and the House Co-ordinator. Each house has a dedicated House Captain, who plays a key role in promoting participation across all year groups. House Captains also plan and lead their own house competitions each term, helping to strengthen leadership, teamwork, and community spirit within their house. 

Each of our six houses were named after inspiration figures chosen by our students for the values they represent.

David Attenborough

Colour: Green

Motto: ‘Curiosity leads to discovery’

Sir David Attenborough has spent over 70 years educating the world about nature and our planet. He has travelled to some of the most remote and challenging places on Earth, showing incredible resilience in his commitment to learning, exploring, and sharing the truth about our environment.

He reminds us that compassion isn’t just about how we treat each other — it’s also about how we treat our planet. He has spoken openly about the importance of protecting the natural world, reminding us that every small action we take can make a difference. His lifelong dedication shows us that resilience means not giving up on the causes that matter, even when the challenges feel huge.

Sir David teaches us that caring for the Earth is an act of kindness, courage, and responsibility — values that each of us can show every day.

Nelson Mandela

Colour: Yellow

Motto: ‘Courage in every action, integrity in every choice’

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid leader who spent 27 years in prison for standing up against injustice. Even after everything he faced, he came out determined to bring people together and became the first Black president of South Africa in 1994. His courage, forgiveness, and commitment to equality make him someone I deeply admire.

He led South Africa to its first ever fully democratic election in 1994, becoming the country’s first Black president. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his efforts to end apartheid peacefully.

He helped create the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, promoting forgiveness and unity instead of revenge.

Florence Nightingale

Colour: Purple

Motto: ‘Care is at the heart of the community’

Mary Seacole didn’t just break barriers — she stormed through them with determination, courage, and a huge heart. When people told her “no”, she confidently created her own “yes”.

Travelling across the world during the Crimean War, Mary used her medical knowledge to help injured soldiers when they needed it most. She even built the “British Hotel” near the battlefield — not for holidays, but as a place where soldiers could recover, rest, and feel supported.

Mary Seacole shows us that determination, compassion, and self-belief can create change, even in the face of injustice.

Tanni Grey Thompson

Colour: Pink

Motto: ‘Resilience turns obstacles into achievements’

Tanni Grey Thompson is one of Britain’s greatest Paralympians, winning 11 Paralympic gold medals and competing in marathons across the world. After sport, she became a member of the House of Lords, working to improve disability rights and make society more inclusive. She inspires me because she proves that barriers can be challenged and changed.

She won 11 Paralympic gold medals and set more than 30 world records in wheelchair racing. Tanni has became a member of the House of Lords, using her platform to fight for equality and disability rights.

She is a role model for resilience and determination, overcoming challenges and inspiring people to believe in their own strength.

Malala Yousafzai

Colour: Orange

Motto: ‘Knowledge empowers, courage inspires’

Malala  Yousafzai is an incredible young woman who began speaking up for girls’ education when she was just 11 years old, and even after facing huge challenges she refused to give up on what she believed in.

She went on to become the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize winner and created the Malala Fund to help girls all over the world access education.

Her courage, resilience, and determination make her a powerful example of the qualities we celebrate in High Performance Learning — from empathy and concern for others to confidence, critical thinking, and perseverance. She shows us what is possible when you use your voice bravely and stand up for what is right.

Students who demonstrate commitment to their house by participating in house events receives house points on Arbor, as well as participation points. Students who show regular commitment will be able to progress to achieve their Half and Full colour Awards. Additional house points are awarded for 1st to 6th place entries, with the student receiving a prize if they come 1st in a competition. All of the house points are added together at the end of the academic year and the house with the highest number of points will win overall. This house group is congratulated with the House Trophy.

1st place = 60 points

2nd place = 50 points

3rd place = 40 points

4th place = 30 points

5th place = 20 points

6th place = 10 points

And more to be confirmed during the year.

World Space Week Competition

Christmas Cookie Competition

Create your own Game Competition

Road Safety Article Competition

UK Parliament Bookmark Competition

EDI Welcome Poster Competition

Eco-friendly house model Competition

We asked the students to give shout outs to the members of the King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy team who made a difference to them.

Here’s what they had to say:

“shout out to all teachers for being an inspiration for me to pursue a career in teaching as well.”

“Miss Jones works SO hard to make everybody happy and to support everyone – I know every other staff member does too but you can FEEL the support that she gives, not just experience it.”

“Mr Ali – always being great and putting a smile on everyone’s face! Thank you!”

“Ms Harte-for being an amazing club teacher and always supports us 🙂 #Miss Harte is the best”

“Mr Chai for never judging anyone’s failures and being positive about everyone’s results.”

“Miss Kavanagh – sooo sweet and amazing. – makes me feel welcomed in the lesson and I enjoy her lesson loads.”

“Miss Blanchette because she helps us when we don’t understand something and gives us helpful advice, not only on work but also mental health. She also makes students feel included.”

“I want to give a shout out to Ms Hussein, Ms T, Ms Jheeta and Ms Takhar because they have been very supportive and caring towards me during my journey in HWGA and have made me feel like i belong there and they always have smiles on their faces and always know what to say and when its the right time to say it”

“Miss Kouser for always making sure situations are dealt with and making sure her year group is ok ”

“Mrs Denley for being kind and nice”

“Miss Mazhar – really nice teacher, always able to help and give advice”

“Ms Imran because she is very kind and calm”

“Miss Aziz, Miss Dingwall, Mr Singh they all actually helped sort out stuff that had me feeling was never going to end.”

“Ms Stefan because I can talk to her about a lot of things and not feel judged about it.”

“Miss Hussain – A level psychology teacher. She is an understanding teacher who tailors her way of depending on her student. She teaching makes you feel heard and values your opinion. She is also optimistic and very supportive, which makes you enthusiastic for her lessons. She is willing to give extra time when needed and is very caring.”

“Mrs Floras lessons and teaching has got me improving in english a lot especially in Language which I used to struggle and her PowerPoints are really helpful for topic content and for GCSE revision”

“It is Miss Fox because in her classroom there are beautiful paintings and all of the paintings were so creative”

“Miss T for supporting me in lesson when she comes in and helps me improve my behaviour”

“Miss Runacres and Ms Hussain (pastoral manager). They are both fair and nice to me.”

“Ms Chen because she always helps everyone”

“Mr Din and Mr Mehmood as they understand us girls when we talk to them.”

“Miss T ?,? Miss Dingwall ?and the biggest shout out is to ?Miss Takhar?? Miss Runacres?? Miss Jheeta? because I can talk to them about anything and when something happens they are so calm and the put a real smile on my face and every they are positive even when its a bad day and they alway make sure I’m working hard and make sure I have a smile on my face everyday so i would like to give them the biggest shout out for there hard work and what they have done for me”

“Ms Orton because she does so much for me and is just great”

“I think Miss Thind and Miss Chowdury this is because I really love the way they care about me trying to help understand the reason of why I’m worried always find a solution”

“Ms Jaouen, she is very kind to us, makes sure we as a whole form don’t get in trouble, she put a coat rack for us so we can leave our coats and not get a negative. She also helps us all the time.”

“The dinner ladies because they are nice and caring and dedicated to their work”

“Miss Hussain (history teacher) because she recognises me when I write a good paragraph and she gives everyone a chance to answer a question .”

“Miss Orton, She’s very nice and friendly and gives good advice when I need it.”

“Mr Sangha for being the most real teacher. He tells us the truth instead of sugar coating it which helps us to know what areas we should improve in. He also gives us a lot of exam practice as well to solidify our learning. I respect him so much for that.”

“Miss Adeyemo- she’s very funny and patient and she really helps with my work and guides me when needed”

“Ms Jaouen, she is lovely and helpful. She always helps me with my work and creates so many resources to use. I know that I could speak to her if i had an issue.”

“Ms Bibi she allows the class to understand the work without it feeling like a overwhelming amount as well as allowing the class to not feel bored or distracted”

“Ms Takhar because she puts effort for getting the best things for us”

“Miss Jheeta because she is always very kind and caring towards her students and if we don’t understand something she helps us by going through it in detail”

“Miss Aktar she always tries her best to teach us and tries her best to explain the concepts always checking what we do and don’t understanding”

“Miss L Hussein (the English teacher,8G form tutor) she’s really nice and funny and really easy to talk to and she gives such good vibes.”