Curriculum

Our curriculum will reflect our academy values: scholarship – character – community, and drive us in our mission to unlock a thirst for learning for all to successfully access an ever-changing world.

The overarching aims of our curriculum will underpin the following outcomes:

As a High Performance Learning School we use the Advanced Cognitive Performance characteristics (ACPs) to unlock the core knowledge within each unique subject.  Linked to our value of scholarship, the ACPs are used in lessons to ensure that students know how to think about what they are learning and are able to use their disciplinary knowledge and think like scientists, mathematicians and historians.  If a student is making some predictions during a science experiment they will be using the ACP – connection finding to generate some thoughts on what might happen next.  If a student is debating in English, they will use the ACP – intellectual confidence to ensure they are able to rationalise their argument with knowledge and experience.  The Values, Attitudes, Attributes are the foundations to the quality of education, which our curriculum is built upon.  Our academy values of character and community underpin these foundations and are central to our beliefs and ethos.  The VAAs can be seen being discussed in and outside of lessons where students show how they behave as a HWGA student and member if our wider community.  A student who asks questions, takes interest in life beyond the classroom and maybe gets involved in student council will be showing the VAA – Confident and Enquiring.  A student that overcomes obstacles and set backs is showing perseverance.

High Performance Learning (HPL)

Our core aim is excellence for all which is underpinned by our vision, mission and values. We are a High Performance Learning World Class school which means that we believe in the HPL philosophy and framework. This means that we believe that all the students can be high performers, and we teach with these expectations in mind. We use HPL to develop our core values of scholarship, character and community which focuses on the Advanced Cognitive Performance skills and the Values, Attitudes and Attributes of the HPL framework. Your child will be taught these characteristics in the curriculum and through our pastoral support. The HPL framework is a set of characteristics that are well researched to prepare students for now and the future world of work.

If you have further questions, or would like more information about our curriculum, please contact our Deputy Headteacher Ms S Yates by email at syates@hwga.org.uk

We implement our curriculum using a consistent learning framework which starts with students retrieving knowledge previously taught. Your child will follow a framework of modelled practice where the teacher explicitly models learning during the ‘I Do’, time for collaboration and questioning in the ‘We do’, then handed over to students during the ‘You do’ phase to apply their thinking. To maximise learning and engagement, the following climate for learning framework outlines the attitude to learning that will support great progress and excellent outcomes.

The Curriculum Leaders Team at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy (KEVI HWGA) is dedicated to delivering a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. Each leader brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for fostering academic excellence. They meticulously plan and map out the curriculum to ensure that students not only acquire essential knowledge but also develop critical thinking skills and a love for learning. The team is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can thrive and achieve their full potential. Their collaborative efforts are integral to the academy’s mission of nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Mrs A Fox – Head of Art and Textiles

I am the Head of Art and Textiles in this amazing school full of studious and ambitious young students. My goal is to ensure students receive the most exciting and creative education within both Art and Textiles. To really feel excited about their accomplishments with my department.

My team are conscientious and creative, and we are all committed to ensure the most inspired and imaginative artwork is formed by our dedicated and talented students. I am passionate about students working to the best of their abilities and feeling confident within a wide range of media and techniques, such as painting, felting, embroidery and printmaking.

It is a joy to see the potential within all students within my subjects.

Mr K Ali – Head of Computing

Since 2005, I have dedicated myself to teaching and have accumulated extensive experience in KS4 and KS5 education. I have held roles as Head of Department and taken on whole-school responsibilities in various schools. Currently, I am the Director of IT, Co-Head of 6th Form, and HWGA’s BTEC Quality Nominee.

I support the 6th Form Team with KS5 progress and intervention. We encourage students to actively engage in their learning, work diligently, participate in extracurricular activities, and manage their time effectively.

I am deeply committed to ensuring that each student reaches their full academic potential and is well-prepared for their future pathways. Drawing from my extensive teaching experience, particularly in Key Stage 5, I am passionate about supporting our 6th Form students to achieve their goals and succeed in their future endeavours. Our goal is not only academic success but also the holistic development of each student, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to excel beyond their time with us.

Ms A Adeyemo – Director of English

I joined the school in September 2023, and have been Director of English in April 2024. Having been educated and previously taught within the foundation, I have a deep understanding and passion for our school’s ethos and values.

I am particularly passionate about literature and theatre, and I strive to instil this enthusiasm in my students. My literary interests span gothic literature, Shakespeare, and modern and contemporary literature and culture. My curriculum goals focus on developing students’ academic writing skills, increasing their confidence and oracy, and nurturing success at both GCSE and A Level.

What I enjoy most about the school is the supportive and vibrant community. The dedication of both staff and students to continuous improvement and excellence makes it a truly inspiring place to work. In my role, I relish the opportunity to guide and mentor students, helping them to discover their own love for literature and achieve their full potential.

Mrs H Newman – Head of French

As the Head of French at HWGA, my main role is to create an engaging, well-rounded French curriculum to ensure all students who study French, irrespective of their ability, can reach their full potential. I feel privileged to work in a school where there are so many online resources available to both staff and students which are interactive and give students immediate feedback which helps them to make further progress. My main goal this year is to further embrace the diverse range of cultures in our school environment and to use these to strengthen student interest in this subject.

Mr A O’Grady – Head of  Humanities

I have had the pleasure of working at KEVI HWGA for the past nine years, and my passion for Geography has only grown stronger.

I firmly believe that Geography is essential for a sustainable future for our planet.

Teaching Geography allows me to witness the development of students’ curiosity and fascination with the world around them, which is incredibly rewarding.

Our Geography curriculum is designed to stimulate a sense of wonder about the world, inspire students to shape a better future, and equip them with essential skills for the future.

We have a knowledge-rich curriculum that enables students to deepen their understanding of the subject over time, building on their comprehension of the complex relationships between people, places, and processes on local, national, and global scales.

Miss Z Richardson – Head of Health and Social Sciences

As the Head of Health and Social Science at HWGA, it is my role to strategically manage all six social science subjects within the department: sociology, psychology, law, criminology, economics and health and social care. I am privileged to work with a fantastic group of staff to inspire our young girls to achieve their goals and aspirations through social science.

My role allows me to go into different social science lessons to see the learning in action and work with the students on giving the what they need to succeed in their studies. I am thrilled to have achieved fantastic exam results in social science in the recent exam series which is a true credit to the hard work and determination of the staff and students.

I am extremely passionate about giving all students the ingredients they need to succeed in the best way possible therefore, I will always strive for allowing students access to whatever they need in order to make this happen. Our curriculum goals moving forward are to continue to work closely to close gaps in knowledge and application to maintain high exam results so students can move forward to their first choice destinations.

Miss A Hussain – Head of History

As Head of the History Department, I am passionate about embedding a deep, questioning engagement with the past. Our enquiry-based curriculum inspires students to view history as a vital tool for understanding today’s world.

We celebrate Britain’s rich history while embracing global diversity, empowering students to engage in debates and make evidence-based judgments. Topics like Black Tudors, the Empire in World War I, migration, LGBTQ+, and equality movements reflect a breadth of perspectives, promoting inclusivity and respect for differences.

History at KEVI HWGA equips students with critical analytical skills, preparing them to succeed and become thoughtful, inclusive, and resilient members of society.

Mr T Akhtar – Director of Maths

I have worked at HWGA as the Director of Maths since 2023. I believe this role plays a pivotal role in shaping the mathematical journey of students. This leadership position involves me overseeing the maths department, developing innovative curricula, and fostering a love for mathematics among students. I am passionate about making complex concepts accessible and engaging, ensuring that every student reaches their full potential.

I have a deep love for mathematics, a commitment to educational excellence, and a desire to inspire young women to pursue STEM careers. I enjoy problem-solving, exploring new teaching methodologies, and staying updated with the latest advancements in mathematical education.

At HWGA, we aim to teach for understanding and know that the answer is only the beginning. We ensure that all our students leave HWGA having the ability to be fluent, to reason and to be able to problem solve. For them to become great mathematicians, we teach for mastery. Mastering maths means pupils acquiring a deep, long-term, secure, and adaptable understanding of the subject.

Mrs S Green – Head of Performing Arts

I am the Head of Performing Arts at HWGA. My role is to teach Drama and help with all work in the performing arts faculty. I am passionate about giving students the chance to build their confidence in all areas not just in performing in Drama. As a faculty we love to create chances for the girls to showcase their incredible talents to each other and friends and families.

My curriculum goals are to continue to give the girls a wide range of skills to be able to use in all subjects, with confidence being key to everything I do in Drama . I also want my curriculum to be engaging and fun, spanning a wide range of styles, genres and practitioners to give the students as much knowledge on the subject as possible.

Mrs P Shoker – Head of PE

I began my journey at KEHWGA in 2008 as a trainee PE teacher and have been the Head of PE since 2010. My passion for sport and exercise runs deep, having played football in the Women’s Premier League and coming from a sporty family.

I believe that daily exercise is as essential as brushing your teeth, and I am committed to helping students understand its importance. The benefits of regular exercise are massive, and I want our students to leave school equipped with the knowledge to lead healthy, active lifestyles.

Key components of a healthy lifestyle include:

• Exercising for 60 minutes each day
• Drinking 2 litres of water daily
• Sleeping 8-10 hours each night
• Eating a balanced diet

As PE teachers, we deliver a diverse range of activities within the curriculum, focusing on teaching skills, strategies, tactics, and teamwork. Our goal is to supply all students with the knowledge and confidence they need to pursue physical activities beyond school. Whether it’s joining a Netball club, playing Badminton with family and friends, or engaging in other sports, we want our students to feel prepared and enthusiastic.

We also aim to provide students with the understanding necessary to achieve their personal fitness goals. If they want to lose weight, they will know effective fat-burning techniques. If their goal is to tone muscles, they will be familiar with the exercises that will help them achieve this.

By instilling these habits and knowledge, we aim to inspire lifelong healthy living. Our ultimate goal is for students to confidently lead active, balanced lives and share these benefits with future generations.

Ms M Robin – Head of PSHE

It has been an absolute pleasure being a member of the KEVI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy team, for the past 25 years!!

As the Head of PSHE, I ensure that all students establish and develop their own values, attitudes and virtues, shaping their individual Character.

My role affords the opportunity to ensure that we have a structured and robust curriculum, which enables students to explore an array of different topics, engaging in theory and practical learning opportunities.

Creating rich experiences, ensures that students are able to develop their knowledge and understanding and can demonstrate the application of their skills with great confidence.

All of these attributes are paramount for students, as they prepare to embark into leading their independent lives and in accessing a wealth of opportunities to their full potential, in an ever-changing world.

Mrs A Hussain – Head of Religious Studies

As the Head of Religious Studies at KEVI HWGA, I am deeply passionate about exploring the rich diversity of religious traditions and their profound impact on individuals and societies. My role involves leading a dynamic and inclusive curriculum that encourages students to engage thoughtfully with religious and ethical questions.

My curriculum goals consist of encouraging students to think critically and reflectively about religious beliefs and practices. Incorporating insights from history, philosophy, and social sciences to provide a holistic understanding of religion. Inspiring students to become informed, compassionate, and thoughtful individuals who can navigate and contribute to our diverse world.

Miss T Akhtar – Director of Science

I have been the Director of Science at HWGA since 2022, bringing with me extensive experience from a variety of school settings. Over my long teaching career, I have held numerous roles, each contributing to my commitment to delivering high-quality science education. At HWGA, my primary responsibility is to ensure that science teaching is of the highest standard, fostering a stimulating and supportive environment where students can thrive academically and develop a lifelong appreciation for science.

Science has always been my passion, with a particular love for both physics and biology. I am captivated by how physics explains the laws governing the universe and how biology uncovers the intricate mechanisms of life. From exploring forces and energy to understanding the complexities of ecosystems and the human body, I strive to share my enthusiasm for these subjects with students, making learning both engaging and meaningful.

In my role, I am dedicated to supporting both staff and students, ensuring that our curriculum not only prepares students for exams but also equips them with practical skills and scientific literacy to succeed in their future endeavours. Through hands-on experiments, innovative teaching strategies, and a focus on critical thinking, our department works tirelessly to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and informed global citizens.

I am proud to be part of a team that values the curiosity and potential of every student, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact at HWGA.

Dr A Flores – Head of Spanish

I have been the Head of Spanish at HWGA since April 2023. From the moment I first stepped into the school and met the students, I knew this was the right place for me. My role encompasses a variety of tasks, from creating an exciting and inclusive curriculum that enables students to master the subject, to supporting all of them in achieving their grades.

I love teaching languages because it’s like sharing a part of my culture. I firmly believe that learning a language is more than just learning words and grammar; it is also about understanding the world, appreciating other cultures—something we encourage at HWGA—and becoming more open-minded. As a teacher, I have the privilege of seeing students grow, mature, and develop a passion for the subject.