Our community As a school we are committed to offering vibrant extra-curricular activities in which participation is valued and celebrated. We understand that there is far more to education than the learning that takes place in the classroom and there is always an activity available for those who want to get involved. We believe students should take advantage of the opportunities provided; they will meet new friends from other classes and years; and learn a new skill or see a subject in a different light. Our extra- curricular timetable changes termly to allow for a wide range of sports, societies and clubs. Many of these groups are led by our Sixth Form students who wish to share their passion for a subject or activity. Opportunities for student leadership are provided in all year groups. In the School Council, students take part in the decision making process and form part of student panels during the staff recruitment process. The enthusiasm, creativity and organisational abilities of our students are demonstrated through the student led school magazine ‘The Beacon’. Our students also participate in voluntary groups and debating teams. Our Junior and Senior teams in the Bar Mock Trial have competed at regional and national finals. Students at King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls are encouraged to continue with their extra-curricular activities whether they be sporting or musical. Our sporting and performing arts facilities are superb. We have a Music Centre which exists in a converted church on the school site. This houses performance spaces, music rooms and practice rooms as well as a range of instruments. We offer a wide range of ensembles which perform in concerts throughout the school year and at school events. We hold an annual Music residential to Whitemoor Lakes for all those interested as well as an annual Celebration of the Arts evening, where students showcase their work in Drama, Dance, Music and Art. Learning is not limited to the confines of the school site, there are many opportunities to travel a little further afield. Our biennial expeditions for students in Year 10 to 13 with Far Frontiers offers the girls the opportunity to broaden their life experience and participate in voluntary work. Trips to Germany and France allow girls to practise their language skills. Students learn about their heritage through a variety of history trips and enhance their cultural education through visits to the theatre. There are also opportunities that offer girls experiences in the great outdoors whether that be a ski trip, team building activities or participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Students from King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls have travelled all over the world with the school. Charity fundraising is an integral part of the school year. Students and staff commit themselves with great enthusiasm to a range of original fundraising events. Each form has a charity representative, each year has a School Council role and there are two senior prefects who oversee the events in school. We support a range of causes each year; Comic Relief, Sports Relief, LEPRA, Pink Day and Children in Need. Our biggest events are the annual Race for Life Pink Day held each year in support of staff past and present and Children in Need week which comprises of a series of form organised fund raising activities. As a result, we raise over £15,000 each year for the organisations we support.