Our curriculum As a school we offer a broad and balanced curriculum where academic rigour is valued and enjoyed. Whilst we want our students to achieve high academic success, we also believe that there is much more to education and learning than examination results. We have a commitment to providing a vast range of opportunities and enriching experiences through which students can develop their passion for learning. Discussion, debate and critical thinking form a key part of school life, students are encouraged to express their own ideas, ask questions and seek out answers for themselves. It is this curiosity and independence of mind that, we believe, will prepare them for life beyond King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls. KEY STAGE 3 All students in Years 7 to 9 study Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Dance, Design and Technology, Drama, English, French, German, Geography, History, Maths, Music, Physical Education, Physics and Religious Education. These year groups follow the National Curriculum guidance for each subject. Students are assessed against our own carefully devised assessment scheme of word descriptors which are linked to potential GCSE outcomes and give a clear comparison to national expectations. In Year 9 the statutory subjects of English, Mathematics and the three sciences start the GCSE courses and assess using GCSE grades 9 – 1. KEY STAGE 4 GCSE options are made in the spring term of Year 9 and an Information Evening is held for students and parents every January. Students are provided with advice and guidance throughout the GCSE option process. In Years 10 and 11 all students study English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In addition they have a statutory requirement to continue non-examination classes in PSHCE, General RS and Physical Education. From September 2017 General RS is subsumed within PSHCE which has been extended to two lessons a fortnight. In addition there is an Activity Day in Year 10 focused on General RS issues, followed by another in Year 11 Students will then choose; one Modern Foreign Language from French or German and one Humanity from Geography, History and Religious Studies. Students are then able to make two further choices from another language, the remaining humanity subjects, Art, Computer Science, Drama, Food and Nutrition, Music, DT-Textiles, PE. THE SIXTH FORM The vast majority of our students choose to remain at King Edward VI Handsworth for Girls to continue their studies to A-Level. Our options system is flexible to allow students to study those subjects about which they are passionate. Alongside those subjects offered at GCSE, Economics, Further Mathematics, Government and Politics, and Psychology can all be studied at A-Level. Students choose three A-Level subjects to commit to over the two years of study. In addition all students complete the Extended Project Qualification, allowing them to pursue an individual area of interest. Students also have lessons in Physical Education and PSHCE. Our enrichment programme offers Sixth Form students the opportunity to engage in volunteering and work experience placements.