PSHCE & SEX EDUCATION One period per fortnight is set aside at Key Stage 3 with a further period set aside in Key Stage 4 for the delivery of PSHCE. Physical, Social, Health, and Careers Education (PSHCE) is not an isolated curriculum area. It has a symbiotic relationship with all areas of school life including subject areas, pastoral concerns, social and economic factors and media exposure. There is also a nationwide safeguarding requirement to cover specific subjects. The curriculum provides an opportunity for students to understand real issues that contribute to their health, wellbeing, resilience and independence. We also embrace opportunities for external speakers to present to year groups. Further information about our PSCHE and Sex Education provision can be found on our website. PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT Parents are invited in to school to discuss academic progress at annual Parent’s Evenings, but also for key information events, as well as celebrations and performances. These are all equally important ways for you to be involved in the all-round education of your child. It all starts with the Welcome Evenings in April, where new students due to join us in September are invited into school for the first time. This is followed by a Year 7 Induction Evening in the autumn term. At key points for option choices we run information evenings, including opportunities to hear more about the final transition to Post-18 education. The school utilises technology to keep parents informed through email, text and online systems. This includes online access to reports and assessment information throughout the academic year. Opportunities to feedback to school include surveys and focus groups as and when appropriate. CAREERS EDUCATION The Careers Education Independent Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme is designed to help students to develop a career plan, guided by accurate and impartial advice, in preparation for the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities of life beyond King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls. Students build upon their skills, awareness and understanding through group discussions, careers interviews, workshops, masterclasses and workplace visits during Activity Days and Year 11 Work Experience Week.