On Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th July, despite the heat, King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls held two jam-packed drop-down (alternative curriculum) days, involving a wide variety of activities; most significantly, the return to school of 20 former pupils. Using the power of LinkedIn, former students were invited back, initially to talk to Year 9, who had missed out on career talks during the pandemic.
Jane Glendenning, Designated Safeguarding Lead & Director of Pastoral Care Years 7-11 at the school, recounts the activities across the two days:
"The overwhelming response from students who had left between 5 and 9 years ago, meant that we were able to host sessions for Year 9, 10 and 12. The presentations these former students gave on their journeys from our 6th form to where they are now, were incredible. What was particularly inspiring was their reflections on disappointments, their perceived ‘failures’ and the recognition of the role school played in making them the people they are today. Their journeys were testament to the perseverance and resilience they have shown both during their time at school and since then.
As a teacher hearing their stories, it was a real reminder of why I went into education. I have always believed that education is not about the subjects you teach (although it was nice to hear the feedback about my English teaching) but all the other things that happen in a school that help young people, and adults, to learn and grow.
It was a privilege to hear their frank and honest stories and they were so thrilled to be invited back into school, it won't be the last time we see them, I'm sure.
Local police officer, David Manns, provided some inciteful assemblies to KS3 on the dangers of vaping, addiction and knife crime and what the law says; two Year 11 ‘Agents for Change’ students delivered a workshop on EDI (following their training by EqualiTeach) and sessions were delivered to Year 8 by Joe Hayman of the British Values Project. All invaluable opportunities to reinforce our PSHCE and SMSC curriculum.
As our school has been taking part in an exciting new project with the Young People’s BioResource, a research programme aimed at improving physical and mental health in children and young people and reducing the lifetime impact of chronic illness, we were lucky enough to have Dr Anna Moore spend the Wednesday with us. Year 7s had practical lessons throughout the day from Dr Moore from the University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on extracting DNA from strawberries to explain the principle behind the BioResource research.
The enthusiasm and energy in the rooms throughout the two days was palpable, and the perfect way to end the term."
