KEHSKING EDWARD VI HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

prospectus2012/2013

BACKGROUNDKing Edward VI High School was founded in 1883, andmoved to new buildings on its present site in Edgbaston,adjacent to King Edward’s School (for boys) in 1940.Excellent facilities have been developed with a 10mbuilding programme having been completed in the last 8years and the school is fortunate in having lovely groundsso near to the city centre.

There are approximately 570 girls of good academic abilityfrom 11 to 18 years of age.The majority join the school atage 11 after taking an admission examination and stay for7 years.

Some join at age 16 for a two year A-level course. Girlscome from a wide area of theWest Midlands and proceedto higher education.

GOVERNORS - 2012/2013Mr D Holmes (Chairman & Bailiff))

Mr S G Campbell (Vice Chairman)

Mr G Andronov

Mrs G Ball

Mr J Beeston O.B.E

Mr P Burns

Mr T Clarke

Mrs A East

Mrs J A Green

Mr S Heer

Mr J F X Miller

Mr S M Southall

Mr M B Squires

Mrs S H Stobbs

Mr G P Thomas

Mrs A Tonks

introductionCurriculum information... The First Five Years

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The Chairman of Governors may be contacted atthe following address:

Foundation OfficeSchools of King EdwardVI in BirminghamEdgbaston Park RoadBirminghamB15 2UD

THE CURRICULUM

KEHSKING EDWARD VI HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

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THE CURRICULUM:

• aims to be distinctive in its strong academic emphasis,within a framework of the moral, social, aesthetic andspiritual development of the individual

• emphasises the importance of independent study andcritical, creative thinking

• aims to inspire a love of learning for its own sake and apursuit of excellence in school and beyond

• includes areas not studied for examination assessmentwhich are valued as much as those which are studied forexternal accreditation

• provides opportunities for service to others

• aims to complement a full range of extra curricularactivities

• recognises that virtually 100% of girls will go on todegree courses

SCHOOL ETHOSThe school works to promote an atmosphere where allmembers of the school community will try to act towardseach other in a way which shows respect, consideration andan appreciation of others as individuals, regardless of race,religion or disability.

We strive to maintain a community which upholds highstandards in a spirit of understanding and service to others.Social and moral issues are discussed with girls in manycontexts and the importance of individual responsibility isstressed.We hope to foster good relations between staff andgirls and between girls themselves.

Where inappropriate, dangerous or hurtful behaviour hasoccurred, individual strategies are discussed with thoseinvolved and appropriate staff, to ensure a more sociallyresponsible way forward.

To establish our ideals, we rely much more on an atmosphere,a tradition that appeals to the heart and mind rather than onstrict rules and punishments which are kept to a minimum.

TEACHING GROUPSThere is no streaming at any stage. On entry at age 11, girlsare divided into form units and continue in these groups forfive years.Where there are option choices, girls work ingroups according to the subjects taken.

All girls are encouraged equally. The school hopes to respondto each girl’s needs on an individual basis. There is nopositioning of girls in examinations - only grades are given.

In each course girls are expected to acquire a goodworking knowledge of practical, everyday language andto speak and write it with confidence. A sound basis formore advanced study is also ensured.

The long term aim of the modern languages departmentis to kindle an interest in other cultures, to inform girlsabout life in other European countries and to give themthe linguistic skills that they will require to succeed inthe international employment market of the future.

Girls are encouraged to have correspondents abroad andtake part in visits to the countries of the language beingstudied. They benefit greatly from conversation classesgiven by native speakers.

HISTORYAll girls study History in the first three years, and mostgirls take the International GCSE (IGCSE) course as anoption in the fourth and fifth years. The emphasis is on aquestioning approach that seeks to foster an appreciationof History as an interpretive discipline. Girls work with avariety of resources, and specialist staff employ a rangeof teaching methods intended to challenge bright pupils.The overall approach stresses the acquisition of bothhistorical knowledge and analytical skills.

Topics studied in the first three years include aspects ofthe Middle Ages; change in the early modern world; anddevelopments in British politics and society in thenineteenth and early twentieth centuries. At IGCSE levela wide and important variety of topics in twentieth-century History is studied, including: Germany, 1918-45;Superpower Relations, 1945-62; India, 1919-47; andChina, c.1911-c.1989. This distinctive course is designedto develop girls’ awareness of modern History on a globalscale and to provide them with a secure framework forunderstanding the twenty-first century world.

GEOGRAPHYAll girls follow the Geography course for the first threeyears. A range of topical issues are studied during thistime, including population, weather and climate, hazardsand global warming. Map work and GeographicalInformation Systems form an important element of thesyllabus throughout the three years.

A variety of teaching strategies are used including groupand individual work, essay writing and debating skills.Girls are encouraged to think independently aboutpeople, places, the environment and the way in whichthe world is used. Use of ICT, in research, analysis andpresentation, plays an increasingly important part in thegirls’ learning.

A large proportion of girls continue with the study ofthe subject to GCSE.We follow a varied syllabus whichencompasses all of the important Geographical issuesfacing the world today.

ENGLISHWe aim to develop a love of literature and enhancecommunication skills through reading and studying awide range of texts.

English Language and English Literature are taught asone integrated course in the first five years. Lessonsinclude a variety of activities, a great deal ofdiscussion and exploration of ideas through drama.

Formal elements of grammar, punctuation and otheraspects of English usage are part of the first andsecond year syllabus, and features of language comeunder consideration throughout the course. The skillsrequired for various forms of written communication,including creative and formal writing, are developedand practised.

MATHEMATICSAll girls follow a five year course leading to the higherlevel of the IGCSE.

Programmes of study are designed to encourage apositive attitude to the subject so that problemsolving is approached with confidence, enjoyment andperseverance. Appropriate practical work helps todevelop understanding and skill in using Mathematicsin a variety of situations. A balance of individual andgroup work caters for different rates of progress.

In order to widen their mathematical horizons, girlsare encouraged to enter national competitions andtheir success in these has been impressive. Each yearsome are selected to participate in the prestigiousNational Olympiads.

SCIENCEBiology, Chemistry and Physics are taught separatelythroughout the school from entry at Year 7.

There is much emphasis on experimental work andthis approach develops confidence as well aspromoting understanding of scientific concepts.

All science lessons take place in well-equippedlaboratories.

All girls continue with three separate sciences up toGCSE.

MODERN LANGUAGESThe modern languages department has specialistteachers in five modern languages. The first language,French, is compulsory through the first 5 years.Spanish is offered as an option every year in theLower Fifth. German, Russian and Italian are offered asan option in the Lower Fifth on a two year rotatingcycle. Girls entering the school in 2012 will have thechoice of German or Russian and those in 2013 willbe able to opt for Italian.

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An optional G.C.S.E. course in years four and five is a mostpopular choice. The Edexcel syllabus followed is assessedby coursework and a controlled test. Exhibitions are heldin the department in the summer of each academic year.

MUSICThere is a great deal of music-making of a high standard inthe school, much of it in extra-curricular time inconjunction with boys and staff from King Edward’sSchool.

The department has excellent facilities: a teaching roomwith good quality audio equipment,Yamaha keyboardsand Computers (using ‘Sibelius’ software); a large rehearsalstudio and eight individual practice rooms; and also a pipeorgan in the school hall.

In April 2012 our superb new Performing Arts Centreopened. This houses a 400 seater Concert Hall andRecording, Drama and Dance facilities jointly shared withKES

Each girl follows a three year course which is broadlybased on the guidelines of the National Curriculum toinclude listening and appraising music, performing andcomposing. The performing topics include singing which isregarded as being very important and continues to bepopular. A balance is kept in class activities betweeninformation and enjoyment of the subject for its ownsake. Girls arrive at the school with a very wide diversity ofmusical backgrounds and we aim to accommodate theneeds of all.

In the fourth and fifth years a G.C.S.E. course is offered asan option.

Individual instrumental lessons at an extra fee can bearranged in school with visiting teachers in a great varietyof instruments (pianoforte, violin, cello, horn, organ etc).Individual singing lessons can also be arranged.

A leaflet is available giving more detailed information.

CREATIVE LIVINGA non-examined course – “21st Century Creative Living”has been developed for the first three years. Thiscomprises of short courses in a variety of subjects whichenable the girls to acquire practical skills in many areas,and also gives opportunities for creativity.

These courses include: Animation, Ceramics, DigitalPhotography, Drama, Electronics, Film Photography, FoodStudies, ICT, Music and Textiles.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONTECHNOLOGYIn the first year there is a separate course in Informationand Communication Technology in which girls becomefamiliar with the use and scope of the network ofcomputers which we have in two spacious rooms. Girls areencouraged to apply what they learn to other areas of the

CLASSICSIn the first year there is a brief introduction to theClassical World, including stories of the gods of theAncient Greeks and exploration of some areas of daily lifethrough the medium of stories, games, dressing up and artactivities. Some basic Greek language will also be studied.

All girls begin Latin in the second year and continue withthe subject to G.C.S.E.

The Cambridge Latin course is followed. In this, variousaspects of Roman civilization are studied and competencein language is developed so that girls are able to read andtranslate Latin literature in the later stages of the course.There is considerable use of audio-visual aids and linkswith other subjects are made.

Classical Greek is an option in the fourth year. A reading-based course book is used with the aim of teaching thelanguage and introducing students to many aspects ofGreek mythology, social life and history. The G.C.S.E.syllabus is completed in two years and consists of a studyof Language, Literature and Life.

RELIGIOUS STUDIESGirls of all faiths or none are welcome in the school andthe foremost aim of the Religious Studies department is tooffer an inclusive curriculum to ensure that every studentfeels able to make a significant and valued contribution.

The general course followed by girls in the first five yearsincludes a study of the six major religious traditions of theWorld: Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islamand Sikhism, as well as some study of the Bible. Debateand discussion of moral, ethical and philosophical issues isalso incorporated. An open and enquiring approach to theserious academic study of the subject is encouraged.

In the fourth and fifth years a G.C.S.E. course onChristianity and Judaism is a popular option.

ART & DESIGNA modern, purpose-built centre contains excellent facilitiesfor Art & Design - two studios for general Art & Design,separate studios for ceramics and textiles, facilities forphotography and computer-aided design and a libraryhousing a comprehensive range of books, magazines andaudio visual resources. As well as a splendid exhibitionfoyer. The school also benefits from its close proximity tothe University of Birmingham’s Barber Institute of FineArts which gives a unique opportunity for regular accessto one of the finest collections of Art in theWestMidlands.

In the first three years all girls follow a broadly basedcourse which develops skills in drawing, painting, ceramics,graphic design and mixed media. The syllabus is structuredto meet the full requirements of the National Curriculum.Appreciation of aesthetic and functional aspects of art,craft and design is encouraged at all stages.

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CAREERS AND UNIVERSITY SELECTION ADVICEOur aim is to help girls make informed personalcareers decisions by promoting a wide awareness ofthe vast range of career opportunities available tothem. Girls are also guided through the universityselection and application procedures to ensure theychoose the courses and institutions best suited tothem as individuals. From the Lower Fourth onwards,girls are asked to think, in the broadest sense, abouttheir ambitions and possible career paths. All girls,regardless of year group, are encouraged to discussoptions informally with Careers advisers, form teachersand subject teachers.

The formal careers programme begins in the autumnterm of the Upper Fifth year. Each girl has anindividual interview with the Head of Careers in whichthey discuss preliminary university and career plans (ifthe girl has any as yet) and consider girls’ AS choicesfor the Lower Sixth in the light of these. Each girl thencompletes a computerised objective assessment. Theautumn term in the Upper Fifth also sees a series of 5timetabled talks by 15 outside experts covering a widerange of careers and GAPYear opportunities.

Lower Sixth girls, as part of their General Studiescourse, have 5 weekly sessions on university selectionand interview techniques and, immediately after theend of AS examinations in the Summer term, a ‘UCASBriefing’ which includes mock interviews byexperienced outside interviewers and practicalworkshops where every girl starts to write her UCASPersonal Statement.

In the Upper Sixth there are mock interviews arranged,with both school staff and outside interviewers,ongoing advice as university offers start to comethrough, and extensive advice and support when A2results are received.

The ‘Careers Society’ also holds regular lunchtimemeetings offering a range of speakers for girls fromLower Fifth upwards. Interviews with representatives ofthe Armed Forces are also available for those who areinterested. There is a Careers Forum every year. Eventsfocusing on specific areas are also held regularly.

The Careers Room is well stocked with up to dateuniversity prospectuses, information on a myriad ofcareers, videos, CDs, internet link and a developingdatabase from former girls on their universityexperiences. All girls are welcome to use the CareersRoom and there are regular lunch-time drop-insessions every week.

The Careers Department consists of two members ofstaff with one person taking overall responsibility.There is good liaison with universities and colleges ofall kinds and both staff and girls attend a variety ofcourses annually.

curriculum and to use the computer facilities in theirown time. A variety of topics is covered, includingPowerpoint presentations, Excel, and website design.

PHYSICAL EDUCATIONThe school has first rate sports facilities including amodern sports hall, indoor swimming pool,netball/tennis courts, and two full size, artificial, sandbased hockey pitches, a grass hockey pitch and afitness suite. All facilities are on the main school site.

Participation is the most important feature in steeringall through a varied physical education programme.Girls have the opportunity to extend their physicaland social skills within a controlled and disciplinedenvironment. All girls are encouraged to participate inthe variety of extra curricular activities available tothem. Many are involved in the pursuit of excellencein both team and individual sports.

In the first year, girls spend six week blocks focusingon a particular activity, giving them the basis withwhich to develop skills and an understanding of theactivities being covered. They participate in hockey,netball, dance, gymnastics, swimming, fitness,rounders, tennis, athletics and volleyball, and are giventaster lessons in football and rugby, orienteering andbadminton.

In the second year, skills as well as tacticalunderstanding are developed and all activities arerevisited from the first year, although instead offocusing on the development of swimming strokes thegirls explore synchronised swimming as an activity.

In the Upper Fourth the girls continue to spend sixweek blocks on an activity. Through working in teams,the girls examine the various roles that are integral forsuccessful team work.

In the Lower and Upper Fifth, different activities, suchas basketball, lifesaving, softball, are focused upon,and there are opportunities to utilise thecardiovascular and free weight equipment available inthe fitness room. In the Lower Fifth, Junior SportsLeader’s award is offered, which gives girls theopportunity to develop their organisational andcommunication skills as well as enhancing leadershipqualities.

In the Lower Sixth, some external coaches are invitedinto school to enable girls to follow a wider range ofactivities, which include yoga, kick boxing, aerobicsand zumba.

SIXTH FORM COURSESInformation about these is given in a separatepamphlet.

Curriculum information... The First Five Years06

Debating SocietySenior CreativeWriting SocietyShakespeare Film SocietySongWriters’ Society

Sixth FormJoint with King Edward’s SchoolAnagnosticsEurodramaModern Languages SocietySenior Dramatic SocietyShakespeare SocietyEconomics SocietySenior Christian UnionInter-Faith Discussion GroupScientific SocietyMaths Society

King EdwardVI High School for Girls onlyBreakfast ClubFitness ClubGeographical SocietyOrganisation of a wide variety of Community Service activities, including:Parties for Old People, Day Trip for Under-Privileged Children, Summer FêteYoung Enterprise companiesProduction of the school magazine, ‘Phoenix’Visits to (foreign language) films, as well as visits to plays, workshops andlectures University Open Day visits and Insight coursesStaff/Sixth Form Reading GroupHistory SocietyFrench Cinema Society

Activities Involving theWhole SchoolSwimming Club/Life SavingFootball ClubA wide variety of Fund Raising events for charity and other communityservice activitiesMusical activities and drama productions which are carried out jointlywith King Edward’s SchoolJunior and Senior quiz teams involved in inter school competitionsWriters’WorkshopsLiving History Group

OverseasVisitsA number of departments including Art, Classics, Modern Languages, R.S.,P.E., have organised subject specific overseas visits in the last few years.The school has an exchange programme with schools in Canada and NewZealand.

Sport/Physical RecreationTeams in hockey, netball, tennis and rounders regularly play inter-schoolfixtures on some weekday evenings and most Saturday mornings. Thereare badminton, swimming, life saving, archery, fitness, volley ball, squash,fencing and gymnastics clubs. Senior and junior dance workshops preparean annual production.

MusicWeekly activities provide opportunities for any girl to take part in somemusic-making whatever her level of musical achievement. They includeWind Band, Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, String

PERSONAL DECISION MAKINGDuring the first five years girls follow a course, “Personal DecisionMaking”, in which they explore and discuss a wide range of issues whichcall for personal choice and help develop some life skills. In the first year,this is delivered in the form period and in following years in a timetabledPDM lesson. Several staff and outside experts are involved in theprogramme which includes units on study skills, first aid, relationships,business and finance, personal health, drugs, citizenship, practicalrelaxation and self defence.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

REGULAR ACTIVITIES AND SOCIETIESThere is a very full programme of extra-curricular activities, some joint withKing Edward’s School. Senior girls often help in the organisation of these.They include the following:

Thirds and Lower FourthU12, U13 Hockey, Netball, Swimming, Tennis and Rounders teamsJunior ChoirJunior Christian UnionJunior Drama ClubJunior DanceWorkshopJunior Maths Club 3rds onlyJunior Science ClubBeginner SwimmingJunior History Group (joint with KES)Prose Reading GroupJunior CreativeWriting SocietyGymnastics

Upper Fourth - Lower FifthBadminton/Squash ClubDuke of Edinburgh Award SchemePhotography ClubRounders ClubsDrama ClubSenior DanceWorkshopU14 Hockey, Netball, Tennis, Swimming and Rounders TeamsIntermediate Drama ClubJunior CreativeWriting Society

Lower Fifth - Upper SixthSenior Dramatic Society - JointLower Fifth Dramatic Society -which includes KES 4th year1st XI, U16, and U15 Hockey and Netball teamsIndoor HockeySenior and U15 Tennis teamsSenior DanceWorkshopBasketball ClubSenior Badminton/Squash ClubSenior ChoirRussian SocietyDuke of Edinburgh Award SchemeAmnesty InternationalChoral SocietyAerobicsBasic Food HygieneReading Group

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are sought outside the normal age group. Each girl isconsidered on her own merits.

• KEHS does not discriminate against race, creed, colour,nationality or national or ethnic origin. All applicantsreaching the required standards have equal opportunities.

• Applications from prospective pupils with a disability areassessed on the basis of their academic suitability for theschool and the criteria and procedures used will not debar ordisadvantage applicants with disabilities. Discussion aboutthe support required for pupils will be separate fromassessment of suitability.

ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONSAt age 11Closing date for applications – 24th January 2013 for entry inSeptember 2013.

Girls are examined at the school in English and Mathematics,and there is also a Reasoning test. The syllabus is such as shouldnormally be covered by girls of good ability, and no specialpreparation is advised. Papers set in previous examinations arenot available.

11+ Entrance ExaminationThe examinations are held on two successive days Thursday31st January and Friday 1st February 2013 and the procedure isusually as follows:Day 1 English 1 hour

Mathematics 45 minutesReasoning 1 hour

Day 2 Mathematics 1 hourEnglish 1 hour

The order and length of papers is subject to alteration.

English PapersBoth English papers in the entrance examination are designed totest reading and writing skills and to explore a candidate’spotential. In the past poems, pictures and passages of prosehave appeared on the papers for candidates to examine. Taskshave included comprehension type questions, creative writingand an opportunity to respond personally to the stimulusmaterial. Candidates are given time at the beginning of eachexamination to read the paper through and are advised to spendthis time familiarising themselves with the material, thequestions and the instructions on the paper. They shouldendeavour to answer questions fully and appropriately.

Mathematics PapersThe papers consist of a series of questions of varying lengths,which are designed to test the candidate’s ability to use andapply the straightforward processes of arithmetic. Nocalculators of any kind are allowed. Formal knowledge of algebraand geometry is not required. Some questions are deliberatelydesigned to test response to a simple but unfamiliarmathematical idea for which no previous knowledge is required.

It is emphasised that candidates should show their workingclearly, and not assume that it is only the answer which is ofinterest to the examiner.

Orchestra, Jazz Band, Chamber Music, Choral Societyand Junior Choir. Regular concerts are given in theConcert Hall of the stunning Performing Arts Centre;the highlights of the school year are the Christmasand Summer Concerts.

DramaIn addition to the ever popular annual Junior andSenior productions, there are several drama clubswhich meet regularly and stage more informalpresentations. A Stage Crew option for sixth formersalso provides opportunities for theatre design, setconstruction, lighting, props, costume, publicity andstage management.

A well equipped drama studio in the Performing ArtsCentre allows for work-shop style productions.

Recent Senior productions have included ‘LesMiserables’, ‘Sweeney Todd’, ‘Great Expectations’,‘Romeo & Juliet’ and ‘Hairspray’.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award SchemeMany girls take part in a range of school-organisedpractical activities and expeditions which enable themto qualify for Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Expeditions and TripsExpeditions of various kinds form an important part ofschool life both in term-time and during the schoolholidays. These include theatre trips, visits to places ofhistorical, geographical, scientific or classical interest,ski trips, tours of art galleries, treks and outdoorchallenges. If a trip is considered to be of importancefor an external examination, the school will offersubsidy to those on an Assisted Place on request.

Community ServiceA wide variety of fund-raising events are organised bygirls to support charities of their choice. In additionsenior girls give practical help with projects in thelocal community and run community events in schoolfor the elderly and for young children.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURESelection process

• The school seeks to identify applicants who willflourish at KEHS by considering how their standardin the admissions examination matches thestandards of the school.

• The school considers both the candidates’ rawscore on admissions papers and examines theirindividual papers.

• The school considers information from thecandidate’s primary school and any other relevantinformation.

• Most applicants are admitted into school withintheir appropriate age group, but occasionally places

Curriculum information... The First Five Years08

limited number however, and places are awarded onthe basis of results in the Admissions examinations.

MUSIC BURSARYThe Thomson Music Bursary is offered to one girl onthe Governors’ Assisted Places Scheme. The bursarypays for one year of instrumental individual tuitionlessons. Parents of girls eligible are informed about thisbursary.

FEESFees are payable not later than the first day of each term.

The termly tuition fees for the school year 2012/2013are £3540 (£10,620 p.a.) The fees for the school year2013/2014 will be published by June 2013.

OPEN MEETINGSOpen evenings and Saturday mornings for prospectiveparents and girls have been arranged as follows:

2012 Thursday 3rd July5.00pm - 8.00pmSaturday 29th September9.45am - 12.00noon

There will be an Open Evening for 16+ entry onWednesday 10th October 2012 from 4.30 - 6.00pm.

2013 Saturday 19th January9.45am - 12.00noon

There will be introductory talks at 11.00am for 11+Entry on both Saturdays, and a 16+ introductory talkat 10.30am at the January meeting. These talks willinclude some general information about admissions’examinations.

Enquiries are welcome at anytime

DATES OF EXAMINATIONSEntrance Examinations11+Thursday 31st January and Friday 1st February 2013(Closing Date - Thursday 24th January 2013)(Girls born between 1.9.01 - 31.8.02)

16+Saturday 2nd March 2013(Closing Date – Friday 8th February 2013)(Girls born between 1.9.96 - 31.8.97)

General InformationAll papers are designed to be accessible to any girl performing wellat Key Stage 2.We are not looking for what a candidate has beentaught so much as for what they might be able to achieve and areaware of the diverse educational experiences of our candidates. Allexaminations are set and marked by staff at the school and eachgirl’s scripts are discussed and considered before a decision onoffering a place is made. Every year there are more able girls sittingthe examination than we have available places and some girls notoffered a place will be put on our waiting list. Those girls will haveshown us that if a place became available, they will be well able tosucceed with us.

Girls must have reached the age of 11 years by 31 Augustfollowing the examination. Girls younger than this can beconsidered in some circumstances; parents of such girls are askedto communicate with the Principal in the previous Autumn Term.

The school will do its best to accommodate potential candidateswho have particular needs of any kind. In the first instance, familiesare asked to make an individual approach to the Principal.

Entry at ages 12 to 15Should we have no current vacancies, we may set an assessmentexamination in January at the same time as the 11+ examinationso that girls can be considered for places should a vacancy occurduring the academic year. Successful candidates would then be puton a waiting list on the understanding that a vacancy may notoccur.

All applicants are required to sit assessment tests and are admittedif there is a vacancy, if the standard reached indicates that they areof the academic calibre of girls who entered the school at 11.Applicants may also be called in for interviews.

Entry at 16There is an entry each year into the sixth form for girls wishing tostudy A-level. Application should be made to the Principal as earlyas possible in the preceding academic year. All applicants arerequired to sit entrance examinations, and some are called forinterview. The school warmly welcomes a number of new girls intothe Sixth Form each year.

SCHOLARSHIPSUp to two full scholarships may be awarded on the results ofEntrance Examination to girls entering the first year. Thesescholarships are offered as a part of full fees. A scholarship over50% would not be awarded; normally each full scholarship isdivided between up to eight girls as there is usually a number ofvery able girls applying. Scholarships are independent of parentalincome and are normally tenable for 7 years.

BURSARIESAssisted PlacesThe Governors’ assisted places scheme is means tested and parentswishing to apply for fees remission must complete and returnannually a statement of income form. The scheme aims to ensuregirls who would benefit from King Edward VI High School’seducation can come, irrespective of parental income. There are a

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THE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATIONThe Parents’ Association provides a valuableopportunity for social contact.

PARENTS’ UNDERTAKINGBefore admission is granted, parents are required tosign the School Form of Undertaking, the terms ofwhich are:

1. To conform to the School Rules (copy of currentrules shown below).

2. To pay the fees when due.3. To give due notice of one term of the intention to

remove the girl.4. To pay for any wanton damage done by the girl.5. Not to take the girl out of School in term time

without the prior permission of the Principalexcept in case of illness.

6. The girl shall normally reside in the parental homewhile a girl is at the School. Any otherarrangements must have the written consent ofthe Governors in advance.

RULESAll pupils of the school are bound by the followingRules, and by such other Rules and Regulations as maybe made from time to time by the Principal

1 Health The instructions for exclusion from schoolin case of infectious or contagious diseaseindicated on the health chart provided by theschool must be observed. A medical certificate isrequired in some instances on return to school.Girls must present themselves for medicalinspection by the School Medical Officer whencalled upon to do so.

2 Attendance The usual hours of attendance, whichmay be modified on occasion, are:- Monday toThursday inclusive, from 8:45am to 4:00pm formost girls, and Friday 8:45am to 3:20pm for allgirls. The school does not organise supervisionoutside these hours, unless parents are notified ofspecial arrangements.

It is essential for girls to attend school regularlyand punctually, and any girls not attendingpunctually at the appointed hours or being absent(except in case of illness) without permissionpreviously obtained from the Principal, is liable todismissal.

Parents are asked to phone or fax school as earlyas possible in the morning on the first day ofabsence due to illness.When absence is caused byillness, even for one session, a letter from a parentmust be brought on the girl’s return, stating thecause and dates of absence. After three days’absence, a letter should be sent to the Principalstating the cause of the continued absence.

OTHER INFORMATION

ASSEMBLIESThere are daily assemblies, some whole school andsome in forms.

These take a variety of forms but the materialpresented is usually of a spiritual, ethical orcommunity nature. It is hoped that girls of all faiths orof none feel equally welcome.

ADMISSION CEREMONYThis is held in June for new girls and their parents; it isan introduction to the School.

UNIFORMAll girls are required to conform to the rules governingschool uniform. Uniform is not worn in the Sixth Formbut Sixth Formers are expected to dress suitably.

BOOKS & STATIONERYThese are provided by the School.

SCHOOL HOURSMonday to Thursday: 8.45am to 4.00pm; Friday:8.45am to 3.20pm. Pupils in Year 7 finish lessons at3.20pm on four days and 4.00pm on the other day.

There are special buses daily from and to Solihull (viaAcocks Green and Moseley), Stourbridge andWalsall.

MEDICAL INSPECTIONSThese are held regularly by the School Medical Officer,the first in the term preceding entry, if possible. TheSchool Medical Officer is also happy to meet withgirls and/or parents, if requested.

A school matron is responsible for looking after girlswho become ill or are injured. Parents are required togive telephone numbers where either can becontacted if necessary.

LUNCHBoth full and snack meals are available. Girls may alsobring packed lunches to eat in the school dining room.The Catering Department also provide food atmorning recess and breakfast from 8.15am.

COMMUNICATIONSParents are welcome to contact teachers overconcerns. Each girl will have a form teacher andpastoral co-ordinator. One Deputy Principal overseespastoral matters and the other Deputy Principal,academic matters.

The Principal is always pleased to see parents byappointment. Meetings with year-groups of parentsare held annually. Parents are very welcome at avariety of activities - e.g. plays, concerts, matches. TheParents’ Association organises a range of social events.

Curriculum information... The First Five Years10

3 Care of Property All personal property and school books must be clearly marked with the owner’s name. Money should always becarried in a marked purse on the person, or given in at the SchoolOffice. Valuables should not be brought into school. Care should betaken that money or important items are never left in desks orcloakrooms.

Although every care will be taken to prevent losses, the Governorscannot accept responsibility for the loss of pupils’ clothing or effects.

4 Uniform All girls below the Sixth Form are required to wear SchoolUniform, including when travelling to and from school.

5 Notice of Leaving Before the removal of any pupil from the school,notice in writing must be given to the Principal not later than the firstday of the girl’s final term at the school. In default of such noticebeing received, a sum equal to a term’s fee must be paid in lieu ofnotice.

6 Use of illegal substances, smoking or the drinking of alcohol isnot allowed, either in school, or on any pupil related activityincluding travelling to and from school. The possession or use of anyof these items in school-related situations will be subject todisciplinary action, and may result in suspension or expulsion.

7 Sanctions The admission of a girl is conditional on acceptance of therules and expectations of pupils published by the school from time totime.While every effort is made to inform parents about seriousbreaches of school rules, it must also be accepted that the Principalhas complete discretion in the imposition of sanctions, includingsuspension or expulsion.

Where parents consider that a particular sanction is unjustified theymay follow the Complaints Procedure which is available from theSchool Office and published on the School Website.

SCHOOL POLICIESCopies of the following school policies are available from the school andon the website:Accessibility PlanAdmissions PolicyAlcohol and Tobacco PolicyAnti-Bullying PolicyBehaviour PolicyCareers EducationChild Protection PolicyComplaints ProcedureCurriculum PolicyDisability PolicyDiscipline and Exclusion/Reward and Sanctions PolicyDrugs PolicyEqual Opportunities PolicyFirst Aid PolicyHealth & Safety PolicyPhysical Needs and Learning Support PolicyPupil Sanctions PolicyRecord Keeping PolicyReports and References PolicySafeguarding Policies (7 linked policies on Child Protection)Trips and Visits PolicyTeaching and Learning ApproachesUse of ICT, Mobile Phones and Electronic DevicesWork Experience Policy

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KEHSKING EDWARD VI HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Edgbaston Park Road

Birmingham B15 2UB

Telephone 0121 472 1834

Facsimile 0121 471 3808

Email: enquiries@kehs.co.uk

www.kehs.org.uk