Brief background to the song.

The School Song was first sung in the 1950s, with words by the then Head Teacher J. J. Walton and music composed by B. L. Page. There are four verses followed by a chorus (the original lyrics can be found below). Most of Handsworth Grammar School’s current pupils, and those who have left in the last few years, will be unfamiliar with the School Song. Equally, there will be some of you reading this who recognise the School Song and can recite a few lines or more (including some of the ‘alternative’ words that boys in the past slipped in). Whether you know the song or not, I hope you will join in the selection of a new fifth verse.

 

Why a new verse?

As part of the 150th Anniversary of HGS we decided to create a competition for all year 7 pupils. Their task was to create a new fifth verse that could continue, or build upon, the original 4 verses. There were more than 20 submitted and these have been narrowed down to 5. The selection of the new fifth verse rests in yours hands!

 

The closing date for voting will be the 1st July 2012.

Good luck choosing.

 

M Ward

Head of Music