Kind Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls Academy has been awarded the prestigious World Class Schools Quality Mark (WCSQM). We are just one of 12 secondary schools nationally to achieve the award in 2021, and are currently the only school in Birmingham that have achieved World Class status.
The World Class Schools Quality Mark is a student-focused award for non-selective state schools that demonstrate the best education provision for young people in the UK. World Class Schools Quality Mark assesses students against a framework of skills, competencies and characteristics that young people need to flourish in an emerging global economy. A World Class School is one where parents know their children will reach their full potential, prepared to excel in higher education or become the brightest employees.
To achieve World Class status, Handsworth Wood Girls Academy completed a two-stage process which included a self- audit review, completing an assessment centre project, and producing a video titled ‘A Typical Week in the Life of Our World Class Academy’.
The self-audit was completed by the World Class Ambassadors against the World Class Schools framework demonstrating that:
1) Students are Excellent learners, and are highly literate Scientifically, mathematically, technologically and culturally confident.
2) Students out-perform others in similar contexts.
3) Students are dedicated to life-long learning.
4) Students are taught in a school which exceptionally well led.
5) Students are members of a school which focuses on their needs.
6) And finally, that students are the best candidates for employment and higher education.
The assessment Centre Project involved working with two other schools, virtually, to design a relaxation zone to meet the demands of another school. Students thrived in leadership roles such as, Project Manager, IT manager and Financial officer. Working remotely added extra challenge, but with the resilience and determination of the World Class Ambassadors, the project was completed ahead of schedule to a World Class sstandard.
The video titled ‘A Week in the Life of our World Class Academy’ was produced entirely by the World Class Ambassadors. A story board was created along with a filming schedule for the week, before finally filming the exciting events that were taking place in our Academy. The footage was then edited, and a voiceover was completed.
‘World Class Schools has enabled me to become the best version of myself. I was lucky enough to work in an amazing and supporting team where I was able to communicate and discuss the tasks we had to complete. The accreditation process showed me what teamwork truly means. Working remotely during these unprecedented circumstances which was a challenge, but we succeeded. As a result, I was able to develop my confidence, resilience and communication skills throughout this process.
Overall, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and thankful to be able to showcase our World Class Academy as part of our journey’.
Anisha Muir – World Class Ambassador.
Our next steps as a World Class Academy are:
We are delighted to have achieved the World Class Schools Quality Mark. With this award parents can be confident that they are sending their children to a school that is truly World Class, where students can successfully access a range of opportunities to enable them to them to flourish.
