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 have:

• A Message from our Chair of Governors, Fazle Kinkhabwala 🎤
• School Iftar Night ☪️
• 25 to Thrive Update 🗓️
• Responsible Use of School Devices and Online Conduct 💻
• Reassurance Following Community Incident
• Sixth Form at KEVI HWGA ⭐
• World Book Day 2026 📙
• 10 Top Tips for Parents and Educators: Creative Ways to Encourage Reading 📚
• A HPL focus on Speed and Accuracy

We hope you enjoy reading this weeks news.

*Standing on borrowed ground, telling a story that still belongs to us all.*

On Friday 13th Feb At King Edward School, beneath stage lights and steady breath, history stepped forward in rhythm and voice. The story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the Six Triple Eight, unfolded not as a distant textbook chapter but as living testimony.

Eight hundred and fifty five Black women. Sent overseas during World War II. Confronted with 17 million pieces of undelivered mail. Ordered to clear the backlog and restore morale to American troops.

Their motto was clear: Where there is no mail, there is no morale.

Under the command of Major Charity Adams, they worked in freezing warehouses in Birmingham and Rouen. They faced war abroad and racism within their own ranks. Yet they sorted, organised, and delivered. They proved that discipline can be dignity and that hope can travel inside an envelope.

The dance and spoken word performance brought their labour into the present. Multicultural students stood together to tell a story rooted in Black American history but carried on British soil. The performance did not whisper. It rose.

Where there is no mail, there is no mother’s voice, no lover’s promise, no child’s crooked handwriting. Eight hundred and fifty five women stood against that silence. They sorted hope. They stacked faith. They sealed courage and sent it back to the front.

The creative direction honoured the weight of their service. While recent film has renewed attention to their story, this community performance felt intimate and immediate. It was not passive viewing. It was understanding through embodiment.

Echoes of past voices lingered in the words. Ain’t I a woman. I rise.

Charity Adams did not bend when white officers questioned her authority. She answered doubt with excellence. She commanded without apology. A pencil portrait captured her upright posture, chin lifted, authority carried in stillness.

Through movement and spoken word, students learned that resilience is lived. Boots stamped in unison. Arms reached forward as if pulled by letters themselves. Music swelled and softened like breath.

In the Ruddock Performing Arts Centre in Birmingham, young people of African, Asian, Caribbean and European heritage stood shoulder to shoulder to honour Black American women who served on British soil. They were not simply retelling history. They were claiming shared humanity.

Another drawing imagined broken chains transforming into a military stripe. Another showed silhouettes linked together, faint outlines of British and American flags blended behind them.

This was education in motion. The Six Triple Eight did not ask for applause. They asked for the chance to serve. They delivered.

The lesson by HWGA deserves to travel beyond it theatre. Parents should seek a copy, schools should teach it. Because when young people embody it , they carry it differently.

Their legacy lives in every student who now knows their names, in every girl who sees leadership reflected in Charity Adams, in every community reminded that morale is survival.

Where there is no mail, there is no morale. Where there is no memory, there is no progress.

If they could rise against war and prejudice, how will we rise now?

Wednesday 11th March 2026

• Be respectful in all messages and online communications.
• Do not use inappropriate, offensive, or unkind language—even as a joke.
• Never share personal information or photos without permission.
• Use school devices for learning purposes only, whether inside or outside of school.
• Report anything worrying to a trusted adult or member of staff.

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to reassure you following the community incident that took place in the Alum Rock area on 3 March 2026. As you may have seen in local media reports, police and emergency services responded to a serious incident near a local primary school. We have been in direct communication with Birmingham Local Authority and West Midlands Police, who have confirmed that the event did not involve any school site, pupils, or staff. As a precaution, some nearby schools implemented lockdown procedures. These measures were taken calmly and effectively and are designed precisely to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and staff. Our established safeguarding and critical incident processes remain robust, and we continue to work closely with relevant agencies.
We are aware that images, videos, and commentary about the incident are circulating online and may be upsetting for some pupils. We encourage parents to be mindful of what children may access on social media and to speak openly with them if they appear unsettled. If your child is worried or needs support, please let us know—our pastoral and wellbeing teams are available to help. School will continue to run as normal, and we will maintain a calm, reassuring environment for all pupils.

Should further relevant updates be provided by local authorities or the police, we will pass these on promptly.

This week we have launched 16 Reasons to Choose Our Post‑16, a showcase of what makes our Sixth Form such a vibrant, supportive and successful place to learn.

Yesterday, students and staff brought World Book Day to life with incredible creativity, energy, and imagination. From classic characters to modern favourites, the costumes across school showcased the joy and diversity of stories that inspire our community.

It was wonderful to see everyone – from every year group and department – celebrating literature in such a vibrant and engaging way. World Book Day continues to be a fantastic opportunity to highlight the value of reading for pleasure, storytelling, and creative expression.

A huge thank you to all staff and students for making the day so memorable. 📖✨

With reading for pleasure in decline, this practical guide offers ten thoughtful ways to reignite children’s enthusiasm for books. From valuing all forms of reading to broadening access to diverse materials, it explores how adults can nurture positive reading habits both at home and in school. Digital tools, audiobooks and augmented reality are also considered as engaging ways to support today’s readers.

It also highlights the power of social connection – recommending books, reading together and meeting authors – alongside the importance of modelling reading ourselves. With expert insight from literacy specialist Carl Pattison, this edition provides supportive, achievable ideas to help young people reconnect with reading and see it as a meaningful part of everyday life.

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.

• 24th March – Chai & Chat
• 25th March – Y10 Parents’ Evening
• Term Ends: Friday 27th March
• Summer Term Begins: Monday 13th April

• 9th March – Fashion Police
• 10th March – KS5 RS Candle Conference Coventry Cathedral
• 13th March – Pitt Rivers Visit
• 18th March – Y10 Parents’ Evening
• 23rd March – Y10 Urban Fieldwork Investigation
• 25th March – Humanities London Trip
• 26th March – Mini Model United Nations
• 27th March – Guest Speaker for GCSE & A-level Business – Ahmed Farooq
• 15th – 17th April – Y7 Residential

Please see information about how young people and families can access support for mental health through Pause. There is also information about events and workshops that are available.

Here are some practical tips to help stay grounded and healthy for teens:

1. Prioritise Sleep   8–10 hours of sleep each night. A consistent bedtime and reduced screen time before bed can dramatically improve mood, focus, and energy.
2. Move Your Body   Regular physical activity—whether it’s dancing, walking, or team sports-releases endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress.
3. Eat Smart   A balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, and Omega-3s supports brain function and emotional wellbeing. Skip the ultra-processed snacks when possible.
4. Talk It Out   Open communication with trusted adults or friends helps feel heard and supported. Listening without judgment is key.
5. Practice Mindfulness  Simple techniques like deep breathing, journaling, or yoga can help manage anxiety and build emotional resilience.
6. Build Positive Connections   Strong friendships and supportive relationships are vital. Join clubs or groups that align with your interests.
7. Manage Screen Time -Set boundaries that work for you-
   1. Create a daily screen schedule that includes breaks
   2. Use timers or app limits to avoid endless scrolling
   3. Keep screens out of bedrooms to protect sleep
8. Know When to Ask for Help   Mental health matters. If a you feel overwhelmed, support is available—whether through school counsellors, helplines, or trusted adult

Sleep Matters – Tips

• A consistent bedtime—even on weekends
• A wind-down routine (no phones 30 minutes before bed)
• A cool, quiet sleep environment

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days
• Shower and change clothes after being outdoors
• Use antihistamines as advised by a GP or pharmacist

• Drink 6–8 glasses of water daily
• Eat fibre-rich foods (whole grains, fruits, veg)
• Stay active to support gut health

• Practice breathing exercises or mindfulness
• Break tasks into manageable chunks
• Reach out to a trusted adult or school nurse

• Gentle cleansing twice daily
• Avoiding harsh scrubs or picking at skin
• Seeking medical advice for persistent or painful acne

• School nurses can advise on immunisation schedules
• Any health concerns can be raised with the school nurse/First Aid team.

Advice to Parents – School Age Immunisation Service has been published by the NHS to help you to understand the immunisations your daughter will be offered at school.

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.

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?

✓ Support your child with developing relevant skills and use with some accuracy. For example, learning their times tables correctly.

✓Once accuracy has been masted work to the speed required for the task.

✓ If accuracy is still present, attempt the skill at a faster pace – increasing the speed will help your child to develop automaticity of the skill.

✓ Plan tasks the speed needed to complete it – even with multi-step tasks.

✓ Support your child to strive for and achieve excellent levels of accuracy in work and then work rapidly without errors.

✓ Complete timed throwing and catching task to demonstrate to your child that accuracy is important before you can complete something at speed.

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.

• 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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