The Sixth Form

Welcome to HWGA Sixth Form — where Strong minds. Clear purpose. Limitless futures truly comes to life.

At HWGA Sixth Form, we believe every student arrives with potential waiting to be shaped, strengthened, and celebrated. Our environment is built on ambition, opportunity, and unwavering support — a place where you are encouraged to think boldly, express confidently, and grow into the young leader you are destined to become.

You will be guided by a dedicated team committed to shaping your future through rich opportunities for talk, expression, growth and resilience. From university and career pathways to educational trips, external speakers, and enrichment experiences, you will be exposed to the world beyond the classroom — and prepared to step into it with purpose.

You will also have the chance to join a subject society, representing your chosen field across the academy. This is your platform to raise the bar, inspire younger students, and make your subject shine at HWGA.

To ensure you have everything you need to excel, every student receives a learning device, stationery bundles, and revision guides — practical tools designed to give you the strongest start and the best chance of reaching your true potential.

HWGA Sixth Form is more than a place to study. It is a community of aspiration, empowerment, and opportunity. We cannot wait to welcome you into our Sixth Form family and watch you grow into the confident, capable young woman you are becoming.

At the heart of my role as Associate Assistant Headteacher for Sixth Form is a clear and unwavering purpose: to strategically lead our sixth form so every student’s experience is enriched, supported, and elevated. My work is rooted in the belief that education is not just about academic success — it is about shaping futures, nurturing character, and empowering young women to discover who they can become.

I aim to lead, inspire, react, and respond with intention and compassion. Every decision I make is guided by the commitment to give students the keys to unlock their knowledge, enabling them to thrive not only academically but socially, emotionally, and personally. Sixth form is a transformative chapter, and my mission is to ensure every student feels equipped, valued, and capable of reaching their true potential.

I am genuinely thrilled to be part of the sixth form team. I am passionate about seeing the potential in every student — not just the potential they already recognise, but the potential they haven’t yet discovered. I believe in giving young women the space to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. Growth happens in those moments, and I am committed to creating an environment where that growth is encouraged and celebrated.

Together, we will continue to shape a sixth form that opens doors, broadens horizons, and prepares every student for the future they deserve.

The Sixth Form continues to grow from strength to strength. In May of 2021, we moved into our fantastic purpose-built sixth form centre and our students have been benefiting from the excellent new facilities that this has provided. Students now have a dedicated space that includes a common area and seminar rooms which are giving our students an increased sense of independence and access to outstanding resources.

We have high academic standards and expectations for our students, reflected in our A Level and Level 3 BTEC results. A comprehensive induction programme is provided to ensure that students have a smooth transition from year 11 into year 12. Students can also take part in a wealth of enrichment activities including clubs and societies. We take pride in promoting both extra-curricular and super-curricular activities to enrich our students experience of being in Sixth Form. Further to this, our Student Leadership Team, led by our Head Girl, play a tremendous part in supporting students across the academy.

Here at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy, we not only provide outstanding academic support, but we also have a strong pastoral team who are dedicated to ensuring student wellbeing and welfare are at the heart of the support and guidance we provide. Thus fostering a vibrant, friendly and supportive atmosphere.

I look forward to welcoming you.

At HWGA Sixth Form, we believe that every student deserves the skills, confidence, and support to reflect, correct, and improve in all that they do. These habits are not just academic tools — they are essential life skills that shape our students into resilient, thoughtful and work‑ready young adults.

Our dedicated sixth form team is always on hand to offer pastoral support, guidance, and nurture. We want every student to feel seen, heard, and valued, because flourishing begins with belonging. Whether a student is navigating academic pressures, personal challenges, or planning their next steps, we are here to walk alongside them.

Every student’s well‑being matters deeply to us. We provide support for emotional, social, and physical well‑being, ensuring that no one feels they have to manage difficulties alone. Mental health is a priority at HWGA, and we are committed to making sure every student feels safe, supported, and cared for.

If any student requires additional help, we offer this in a safe and compassionate environment, ensuring they can access the right support at the right time.

At HWGA Sixth Form, students are never just learners — they are individuals with potential, purpose, and promise. And we are here to help them grow into the very best version of themselves.

In our efforts to prepare you for the world beyond education, we take our dedication a step further and support your development as independent, confident, resilient and responsible professionals and citizens through setting professional standards and having an accountability programme that is designed to encourage self-regulation.

• Build successful working relationships with teachers, peers and any external agencies that you work with, through empathy and respect for all.
• Demonstrate resilience by ensuring you meet the high expectations of attendance and punctuality.
• Show a concern for society through respecting the environment, equipment and resources at the academy by taking responsibility for your own actions.
• Demonstrate a sense of community ethos through compliance with a professional dress code when attending the Sixth Form.
• Become an integral part of the Sixth Form community by participating positively in events and celebrations, further demonstrating a concern for society.

• Conduct yourself in accordance with our academy’s high expectations in terms of work ethic and engagement with your learning, demonstrating high standards of self-regulation for class work and independent study, including set home study.
• Strive for mastery in your subjects through consistently applying relevant HPL ACPs in all lessons.
• Take responsibility for own progress through self-regulation during independent Scholarship Development sessions, working on content that requires attention based on feedback received from teachers, as well as developing breadth of knowledge through wider reading.

In action, this means that we lay out our expectations clearly and expect our Sixth Form students to conduct themselves in the correct manner at all times, providing appropriate challenge when required. Our day-to-day expectations are as follows:

Attendance and Punctuality 

• High Attendance — Students must maintain 98% attendance or above to ensure strong academic progress and full engagement. 

• Punctual Arrival — Students are expected to arrive to school, all lessons, tutor time and enrichment sessions on time, prepared to begin learning immediately. 

Conduct and Professionalism 

• Professional Attire — Students must follow the Sixth Form’s professional attire guidance, presenting themselves in a manner suitable for a workplace environment. 

• Ready, Respectful, Calm — Students should be ready to learn, respectful towards staff and peers, and calm in their conduct, contributing to a positive and focused learning atmosphere. 

• Role Model Behaviour — As senior members of the school community, students are expected to set an example for younger pupils through their behaviour and attitude. 

Learning Expectations 

• Active Engagement — Students must bring the correct equipment, participate fully in lessons and complete all independent study tasks. 

• Independent Responsibility — Students should manage their workload effectively, meet deadlines and take responsibility for their academic progress. 

• Equipment – Students should ensure that they are fully equipped for the subjects they are taking to fully access their learning. 

Representation of HWGA 

• Community Conduct — Students must uphold the values of HWGA both on-site and when representing the school externally. 

Student Leadership at HWGA Sixth Form gives our learners the structure, confidence and opportunity to lead with purpose. Through roles such as Head Girl, Deputy Head Girl, Senior Prefects, and Prefects, students take ownership of Sixth Form life and help shape a community that is current, vibrant and forward‑thinking. 

Our leadership team works collaboratively to keep the Sixth Form experience fresh and engaging. Leaders act as a bridge between staff and students, confidently sharing the thoughts, ideas and ambitions of their peers. This ensures every student has a voice and feels represented. 

Taking on a leadership role is more than a title — it’s a chance to develop essential skills for the future workplace. Communication, initiative, teamwork, problem‑solving and responsibility all grow naturally through real experience and meaningful contribution. 

At HWGA, we believe leadership is learned by doing. Our Sixth Form students step up, take charge and make a difference. 

“Great leaders harness personal courage, seize hearts and minds of those around us and empower and encourage the minds of those we are surrounded by to strengthen the capacity to make new leaders. As a student leader I did and still do my best to empower the women around me to be the best versions of themselves in this world we live in” – Sophia Akhtar

“The role of head girl has helped improve my communication skills as I was required to work with a team of deputy head girls and ambassadors to delegate roles for certain duties; through this I was able to build my confidence and step out of my comfort zone by speaking to many individuals within my year group which will continue to benefit me as I will find the task of socialising and public-speaking more natural in the future” – Arshia Iqbal

“Being deputy head girl has meant I have been able to communicate effectively with younger years allowing me to build my confidence and engage with certain individuals. In addition the role has allowed me to be more responsible in being actively involved in student voice as well as giving people the chance to be heard” – Savaira Isaaq

At HWGA, enrichment is a core component of the Sixth Form experience. This policy outlines how enrichment opportunities are structured and delivered to support students’ academic success, personal development, wellbeing, and preparation for life beyond school, including higher education, apprenticeships, and employment. 

The enrichment programme aims to: 

• Broaden students’ learning beyond their A‑Level or vocational subjects 

• Develop transferable skills such as research, problem‑solving, teamwork, and resilience 

• Promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing 

• Prepare students for adult life, including financial independence and informed decision‑making 

• Enhance students’ personal statements and employability profiles 

All Year 12 students must participate in one core enrichment pathway, selected according to their study programme

EPQ is available to students who would benefit from independent academic study and who are considering higher education. EPQ is particularly suited to students aiming for university courses that value extended research and critical analysis. 

Students will: 

• Design and manage an independent research project 

• Develop academic writing, referencing, and presentation skills 

• Engage with a supervisor to monitor progress and reflect on learning 

In Year 13, enrichment operates on a rotational basis to reflect students’ increasing academic demands while maintaining holistic development. 

Students rotate through the following areas: 

Activities aim to promote lifelong healthy habits and stress management. 

This may include: 

• Physical activity sessions 

• Health education workshops 

• Lifestyle choices relating to diet, sleep, and exercise 

Participation supports resilience and helps students manage the pressures of Year 13. 

Mindfulness enrichment supports students’ emotional health during a high‑pressure academic year. These sessions encourage students to develop coping strategies transferable to university and employment. 

Sessions focus on: 

• Stress management and anxiety reduction 

• Emotional literacy and self‑regulation 

• Breathing techniques, reflection, and mental focus 

Personal finance is a compulsory enrichment strand delivered during Year 13 rotations. This is a course by OCR which will give UCAS points joined with EPQ to form one A – level worth of UCAS points. This strand ensures students leave HWGA with practical financial knowledge for independent living. 

Students learn about: 

• Budgeting and money management 

• Banking, credit, and interest 

• Student finance, loans, and repayment 

• Payslips, taxation, and national insurance. 

Our Sixth Form Societies give every subject the space to flourish through the student lens. They empower learners to take ownership of their academic passions, champion their disciplines and bring subjects to life across the whole school. 

Each society leads its own initiatives: from mentoring younger students to hosting external speakers, all with the aim of promoting their subject, widening exposure and inspiring the next generation. This is student leadership in action: creative, ambitious and outward‑facing. 

Our societies work closely with lower year groups, offering workshops, talks and activities that spark curiosity and build confidence. By sharing their enthusiasm, Sixth Formers become role models who shape the academic culture of HWGA. 

Each society reflects a unique area of study and the students who bring it to life: 

• Mathematicians — promoting problem‑solving, logic and mathematical curiosity. 

• Social Scientists — exploring people, society and the world we live in. 

• Lawyers — developing advocacy, debate and legal thinking. 

• Digital Techs — championing innovation, coding and digital creativity. 

• Scientists & Medics — inspiring future researchers, clinicians and STEM leaders. 

• Economists & Entrepreneurs — driving enterprise, financial literacy and economic understanding. 

• Poets & Playwrights — celebrating language, expression and creative writing. 

• Humanitarians — exploring culture, history and the human story. 

• Fine Artists — showcasing creativity, visual expression and artistic identity. 

What Societies Represent? 

At their core, our societies represent: 

• Student voice — subjects seen, shaped and shared through student leadership. 

• Community impact — connecting Sixth Form with the wider school. 

• Academic passion — celebrating what students love and turning interest into action. 

• Professional growth — building confidence, communication and leadership skills that matter beyond school. 

Once again, the number of students gaining a university place has increased on the last year. From our class of 2021/22, 78% of students went on to secure University Places. In total, our Year 13 cohort received an impressive 279 university offers, from 47 universities across the United Kingdom. Many students have gone on to study at Russell Group Universities, and other top institutions across the country. More students than ever have gone further afield to attend University, including The University of Manchester, University of Warwick and University of Leicester. The local Higher Education establishments remain popular, with many students going to our local red brick; the University of Birmingham, Aston University, The University of Law and Birmingham City University.

Our students have pursued a variety of different subject areas, including; Medicine, Law, Optometry, Pharmacy, Social Work, Criminology, Neuroscience, Chemical Engineering, Architecture, Policing and Investigation, Education, Child and Adult Nursing, Learning Disability Nursing, Graphic Communication and Accountancy. The sheer variety in their interests and ambitions has been exciting, inspiring and we wish them all the absolute best on their chosen University course.

Many of our students have also secured places on competitive local apprenticeships, professional training courses and employment in local businesses, with some even returning to our school, now as employees.