This Week in the Academy - 13th June 2025

Welcome to the academies weekly newsletter, rounding up the events of the past week and keeping you informed of coming events and information to support you and your daughter in school and beyond.

This week we introduce:

• The HPL VAA – Hardworking,
• Place a focus on Creative and Enterprising,
• publish the newest edition of the Rambler,
• We look at the use of Generative AI and
• update the School calendar.

We hope you enjoy reading this weeks news.

📰 The Rambler – May Edition is Out Now! 🌼

We’re excited to share the latest edition of The Rambler, our Sixth Form student-led newsletter. This month’s issue looks at the amazing Studio Ghibli, Japanese fashion, how celebrate the end of the exams and a students perspective on the UK political landscape.

The Rambler continues to be a platform for student voice, curiosity, and community spirit. We’re incredibly proud of the team behind it!

📖 Take a moment to read and celebrate the work of our young writers.

An unforgettable day of science, sunshine, and stretch thinking!

On Tuesday 10th June 2025, our Year 12 A-Level Biology students took part in an enriching field trip to Barmouth Beach, applying their learning on ecology in a real-world setting as part of the AQA Required Practical 12. The experience not only deepened their biological understanding but also provided an opportunity to develop a range of HPL skills and mindsets, all under clear blue skies and amidst stunning coastal scenery.

Throughout the day, students demonstrated high levels of cognitive engagement while investigating species distribution and biodiversity across both sandy shores and coastal sand dunes. Using transect lines and quadrats, they explored how abiotic factors like temperature, soil moisture, and light intensity influence ecological patterns, all essential components of Required Practical 12.

The sand dune system was particularly valuable for studying ecological succession, allowing students to see firsthand how different species colonise new environments over time. This required them to analyse complex patterns, draw conclusions from evidence, and evaluate environmental variables, reflecting the ACP strands of Meta-Thinking and Linking.

Their ability to connect classroom theory with fieldwork, work collaboratively, and adapt to challenges in an unpredictable outdoor environment demonstrated a strong commitment to the VAAs of Resilience, Confidence, and Agile Thinking. Students asked thoughtful questions, engaged in scientific discussions, and showed a real passion for their subject.

After a busy morning of data collection, students took time to enjoy the surroundings, including a scenic walk along the iconic Barmouth Bridge, soaking in breath-taking views of the estuary and mountains. Lunch was a well-earned treat , fish and chips by the sea although many had to defend their meals from overly ambitious seagulls. The shrieks, laughter, and flapping wings made for a moment that will be talked about for years!

We are extremely proud of how our students conducted themselves demonstrating independence, teamwork, and high levels of intellectual engagement. They were a credit to the school and truly embodied what it means to be high performance learners.

A huge thank you goes to Mrs Begum for her exceptional planning and leadership of the trip. A special mention also to our fantastic team of staff Mrs Khutan and Mr Sangha who supported students throughout the day with encouragement, expertise, and energy.

This was more than just a trip it was a transformational learning experience that connected science, curiosity, and character development in a beautiful coastal setting. We can’t wait to see the insights students bring back into the classroom as they complete their practical write-ups.

– The Science Department 🔬🌊🐟🧪

“Learning is not just about knowledge – it’s about becoming the kind of thinker and learner who thrives in every environment.”

Absence disrupts the education of the individual pupil and the whole class. Are you aware those children who do not attend regularly:

• do not achieve well in exams
• find it difficult to maintain friendships
• are more likely to become involved in crime
• miss out on opportunities in further education and the world of work?

Please be advised that term-time holidays are very unlikely to be approved. If families ignore this the absence will be unauthorised and you will be at risk of receiving a £160 Fixed Penalty Notice per parent on your return.

Last term, 36 parents have received Penalty Notices for taking students on unauthorised leave in term time.

Please note that, Birmingham City Council strongly discourages pupil leave of absence during term time. The expectation is that such leave would only be authorised in the most exceptional circumstance.

Please ensure that leave is taken in the school holidays only.

Frequent absence can add up to a considerable amount of lost learning and can seriously disadvantage your child in adult life.

• 5 minutes late every day means around 3 ½ days of education are missed
• a score of 90% in a test would be a good result but 90% attendance means that a child
• will have missed around 100 lessons over a school year.

The majority of our students are on time to school every day. Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring that your daughter attends school on time every day. Lesson 1 begins promptly at 8:45am, which means that your daughter needs to be in her seat waiting for the register to be taken by 08:40am.

Students who are late, without a valid reason, will sit in a 30 minute after school detention on the same day.

The only method for reporting your child’s absence is now through the Arbor Parent Portal App.

Using the Arbor Parent Portal App is quick and easy, and it is now our preferred way for parents to communicate absence reasons to the school.

For step-by-step instructions on how to report an absence, please visit our online guide.

Benefits of the Arbor Parent Portal App:

• Update student/parent details
• Top up dinner money
• Sign up for trips and clubs
• Check your child’s attendance
• Access school reports
• and now reporting absences

Additionally, our new school app, KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls (via Reach More
Parents), will be our primary platform for sharing school-related updates and information.

Please note that the absence reporting feature will no longer be available on other
platforms, and we will no longer monitor absences reported via Studybugs, even if you still have access to it.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Welcome to all of our new and existing students. Thank you to all who continue to support your daughter attending school every day and arriving on time. We have seen a dramatic improvement in morning punctuality, and attendance overall is way above the National average for Secondary schools. In fact, at the end of the Spring Term 2024 we were recognised as being in the top 25% of all FFT secondary schools for secondary attendance.

Please take some time to view the letters pertaining to Attendance and Punctuality at King Edward’s VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy that were sent to you by email in September 2024. If you didn’t get the email, then we have attached the letters here too.

• 27th June 2025 – End of Year Reward Trip (KS4)
• 2nd – 4th July 2025 – France Trip (SELECTED STUDENTS)
• 8th July 2025 -End of Year Reward Trip (KS3)
• 10th July 2025 – End of Year Reward Trip (KS5)

Summer Term 2025

• Term Starts: Monday 28 April 2025
• Half-term: Monday 26 May 2025 to Friday 30 May 2025
• Term ends: Monday 21 July 2025

Remaining INSET Days

• Monday 21 July 2025

• 17th June 25 – The Big Bang Fair NEC (Year 7 students – limited spaces)
• 24th-25th June 25 – Duke of Edinburgh Cannock Chase (Selected Students)
• 27th June 25 End of Year Reward Trip (KS4)
• 2nd-4th July 25 France Trip (Selected Students)
• 8th July 25 End of Year Reward Trip (KS3)
• 10th July 25 End of Year Reward Trip (KS5)

We are thrilled to announce that HWGA has achieved the prestigious Wellbeing Award! This incredible achievement highlights our commitment to ensuring that the wellbeing of both staff and students remains at the heart of everything we do.

We want to remind families that we offer a range of in-house support for students, so if you feel your child needs someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we are here to help.

Additionally, families should know that period products are provided free of charge at the academy. We are dedicated to ensuring our girls feel seen, valued, and confident, with no shame in asking for what they need.

We are proud of the way our students support one another, and we celebrate the
uniqueness and superpowers each girl brings to our school community.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

We know how challenging it can be to balance all the demands parents and carers have to cope with. That’s why NSPCC have put together some tips to help. All children need boundaries and discipline, and this guide helps you develop what works for you and your child.

If your family is in need of any support for any of the following issues –

• money advice,
• special educational needs,
• disability,
• food,
• housing,
• parenting groups,
• relationships,
• sexual health & family planning,
• under 5’s support,
• bereavement,
• mental health,
• leisure activities,
• physical health
• & much more.

Please see download the family action leaflet here.

Our Healthy Lifestyle Checklist:

• Exercise – 60 minutes a day
• Hydration – Drink 2 litres of water a day
• Nutrition – Eat a balanced Diet
• Sleep – 8-10 hours a night

Please find a range of helpful medical factsheets put together by the School’s First Aid Medical Lead.

If you would like to see these factsheets in an alternative language, please get in touch.

This week we introduce Hardworking – a behaviour.

Read more here

We use the High Performance Learning philosophy and framework in our school. This means that we believe that all the students can be high performers, and we teach with these expectations in mind.

Using the research-based High Performance Learning approach helps us to systematically build the cognitive competencies that lead a young person to thrive in school and in later life.

We embed the HPL philosophy throughout our school. We never tell our students they cannot achieve; it is just they are not doing it yet but with practice and persevere it will happen.

You can support your child with developing the High Performance Learning skills at home.

There are 30 skills which are broken down into the two categories of Advanced Cognitive Performance Characteristics (ACPs) and Values, Attitudes and Attributes (VAAs). These help students how to think, and how to behave.

HWGA will be sharing a some HPL key competencies (VAAS & ACPs) strategies with you weekly.

Using the HPL framework at home will help you to enhance your child’s academic
achievement and personal development.

Home Challenge:

• Quiz your child on the ACPs and VAAs. How may of each can they remember?
• Ask them to quiz you? Can you beat your child?
• Select 3 VAAs and ACPs at random. Can your child tell you what they mean?

Not there yet? Repeat the challenge – can you both beat your previous attempt?

✓ Encourage creativity through painting, drawing, dance, singing, baking.

✓ Ask your child about their school day, what have they been learning?  What new knowledge have they discovered?

✓ Encourage your child to be involved with DIY tasks that are safe.

✓ Involve your child in the planning and organising of family events.

✓ Ask your child to think a new fundraising idea that would raise money for charity.

✓ Can they upcycle a household item that would bring it back to life and make it reusable?

✓ Play a game of squiggle.  Draw a simple doodle on a piece of paper, can they add to it to create an animal or something recognisable?

QUESTIONS:

• Do you have a concern that a student is being physically, sexually or emotionally abused or neglected?
• Has a child/young person made a disclosure to you?
• Are you concerned that a student could be living in a private fostering arrangement?

REMEMBER:

• Please do not ask the student leading questions
• You must report concerns relating to FGM,CSE, FM, HBV and Prevent
• Do not ask children to remove items of clothing and do not ask them to write anything down or sign anything you have written
• Allegations against staff MUST be referred directly to the Headteacher (or to the Chair of Governors if about the Head)

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The Safeguarding Team will gather all of the information, link with multiple agencies and the decision will be made whether a referral to Children’s Services or an Early Help Assessment (or other action) needs to be made. Any information the Safeguarding Team are able to share with you will be shared. If you have any questions or a ‘gut feeling’, then please do not hesitate to seek advice and support from the Safeguarding Team.

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about: Generative AI Safety

Generative AI can be a brilliant tool for creativity and learning 🎨🧠 – but it’s not without its hazards. With 3 in 4 pupils now using generative AI (up from just 2 in 5 last year!), it’s more important than ever for parents and educators to understand the risks ⚡

This week’s free #WakeUpWednesday guide breaks down the key safety concerns around generative AI tools and offers expert advice for keeping young users safe. From encouraging critical thinking to safeguarding their privacy, find out how to help children use AI safely and smartly 🚀

• All students must wear jumpers.
• Skirts if worn should be black and pleated.
• Hoodies are not permitted in school.
• The school uniform consists of a jumper, a white revere blouse, and a black skirt or trousers.

Students are not permitted to wear trainers unless medically required to do so School shoes should be below the ankle.

Boots should only be worn in severe weather (snow).

Jackets/coats should be plain and Hoodies should not be worn in school.

• No nail polish/ false nails
• Make-up if worn should be natural looking
• False eyelashes are not permitted in schoo
• Pins are not allowed to be used for headscarves. Please use a safer style fastening to secure headscarves.

Jewellery:

• One stud in each ear
• One small nose stud – not a ring
• No rings,
• No bracelets – unless for religious purposes
• No necklaces.

We collect preloved but good quality uniform throughout the year. If you would like to donate preloved items, please bring them to the School reception.

if you would like to receive preloved items for your child, please contact the pastoral team at pastoralteam@hwga.org.uk

We are now using the Free School Meals Eligibility Checking Service in School. If you think that your child may be entitled to Free School Meals, please complete a ‘New Application’ on the following link: https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/birmingham

Just registering your child for Free School Meals means that the School gets extra funding – register now to make sure we don’t miss out!

Get notifications on your phone by using the King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls App available in your phones app store to download today.

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Visiting our website, you will find the news feed on the homepage with quick links to our most up to date news and information.