Handsworth Grammar School
Continuing Education
Our Aims
This new 'Faculty' brings together under one umbrella, those Departments which contribute to the broader education and guidance of our students, and prepares them for the challenges ahead. We seek to underpin the work of the 'academic' departments by ensuring that our students have a secure foundation of social, moral, cultural and economic awareness, which provides a framework in which learning is enhanced.
As the students' intellectual curiosity and maturity develops, they are encouraged to reach out beyond the confines of their academic studies to learn from each other, and to express themselves clearly and coherently. Throughout their education at Handsworth, and after they leave, we provide the resources, opportunities and professional guidance to help students make appropriate careers decisions and gain the experiences which enable them to aim high, and achieve their ambitions.
We are proud of the level of support and guidance which we provide through both formal timetabled sessions, and the extensive 'drop-in' service offered to students, and their parents/carers, which includes post-examination results 'surgeries' for Year 11, 12 & 13 students.
Key Stage 3
All students in Years 7 to 9 are given formal 'Citizenship' lessons which enable the topics to be delivered in a structured and informative manner by Form Tutors and other teachers, with visiting guest speakers providing their specialist knowledge. Careers Education and Guidance is embedded in the topics and is enhanced by additional staffing in Year 9.
Key Stage 4
All students in Years 10 & 11 are given formal 'Citizenship' lessons. As in KS3, this enables the topics to be delivered in a structured and informative manner by subject teachers, with visiting guest speakers providing their specialist knowledge. Careers Education and Guidance is embedded in some of the topics and is enhanced by additional staffing in order to prepare students fully for the world of work through Work Experience. The profile of Work Related Learning and Enterprise Education are to be raised through school-based and work-based activities. Academic Departments are being supported to develop further an 'enterprise culture' which can be embedded in their schemes of work, and feed into each student's career plan.
Key Stage 5
All students in Years 12 & 13 are given formal 'General Studies' or 'Creative Thinking' lessons which are designed to inform and stimulate the minds of our senior students. Students' perceptions are challenged, and their knowledge of subjects outside their specialist areas grows, alongside an appreciation of how ideas develop. It is expected that students will sit AS and A level examinations in either General Studies or Critical Thinking. Careers Education and Guidance is delivered through group discussions and one to one meetings throughout the two years. Students have extensive opportunities to consider their future careers and are guided in preparing their own career plans.
