HGS E-Newsletter (24-10-14)

The Challenge

15 of our year 12 students will be going to different locations during half term, all around England for three days as part of a residential experience, taking part in canoeing, abseiling, rock climbing and a variety of outdoor and adventurous activities.

We have the largest group of students from any school in Birmingham taking part and following the residential experience the students will be taking part in community activities to make a real contribution to improving their local area.

“The Challenge” is a government backed scheme which HGS pupils have been involved in since it started four years ago, and gives our students a real opportunity to develop new skills and to bring youthful energy to local community projects.

We look forward to hearing about their exciting trips after half term.

Belgium Trip

Football Success

Last night our Year 7 Football team beat Hamstead Hall 2 – 1 and Year 8 won 5 – 1. Congratulations!

11+ Guidance

Parents/Carers will receive their results letter from the Grammar Schools of Birmingham by Wednesday 22nd October 2014. This letter contains your sons score, and the cut-off scores for the Grammar Schools from last year. This is to be used as a guideline when you fill out your preference form, which can be completed online or collected from the Local Authority.

Macmillan Coffee Morning

As part of the national programme raising awareness of Cancer and as part of Cancer Awareness Month we decided to do our bit to raise much needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Care. There are currently some 2 million people living with Cancer in the UK. We held a Coffee morning where we sold cakes and drinks during first and second lunch in the main school hall. We raised a total of just over £250 on the day which we are delighted with as £220 will pay for a Macmillan Nurse for a day and help people living with Cancer and their families receive essential support. It was a huge honour for us to take part and raise some much needed funds as well as raise awareness.

Rima Legah, Zain Akhtar, Serena Kumari, Zohaib Khalid, Anjali Thaper and Hawwah Ishaq

 Macmillan (1) Macmillan (2)

House Debating Competition

This academic year has seen the first House Debating Competition for many years. The whole of Year 9 took part and debated the motion surrounding whether or not Uniform should be worn at School. There were some excellent debates throughout the day. The individual winners were Henry and Alfred who argued against a Uniform with Nelson winning the debate arguing in support of School Uniform. The overall House Debating Champions were Alfred with Nelson in second place, Henry in third place, William in fourth place and Galahad in fifth place. Well done to all.

Enrichment Day

Sixth Form

All Year 12 and 13 students enjoyed a varied and interesting Enrichment Day on October 14th. All pupils and students in the school had their normal timetable suspended for the day and followed a rich and diverse programme of activities. One of the key aims of the Enrichment programme is to educate the whole person both in and outside the classroom setting. In this way Handsworth Grammar School students will be empowered to become tolerant, understanding and compassionate, knowledgeable and well-rounded learners who will be a force for good in the wider community.

Year 12 students attended a number of thought-provoking presentations which were designed to educate, inform and challenge them:

  • Jane Scott from the Institute of Chartered Accountants SPOKE about the opportunities for employment in this field after university.
  • Former HGS student Karamveer Saini spoke about the opportunities with Deloitte, one of “The Big Four” accountancy firms in the world, and about his decision not to go to university but to join Deloittes “Brightstart” programme instead.
  • Fire Fighter Ian Sturmey presented on the dangers of young drivers, and the consequences of their sometimes reckless driving, and the impact that this can have on young peoples’ lives and families.
  • Another former HGS student, Keshav Bhatt from “Revolution Hive” worked with students to challenge their perceptions about broad gender issues.
  • WPC Tracey Robbins presented on the dangers in this country from radical extremists who can influence idealistic young people.

 Year 13 students listened to the wisdom of Professor Simon Gates from Warwick University who talked about his fascinating career and the journey which he has made from studying Zoology, to now being the Professor of Clinical Trials at one of the country’s leading universities.

David Maxwell from Aberystwyth University, presented on “What Admissions Tutors look for” which gave some clear insights into the UCAS application process.

Finally, year 13 students were able to choose a recreational activity from Pottery, Yoga, Jewellery Making, Cooking on a Budget, or Bouldering and Climbing.

 A great day much enjoyed by all students and staff.

 Year 7 to 11

Year 7 to 11 students also had a rich and varied programme of activities on Enrichment Day as follows:

  • Year 7 Media Day
  • Year 8 Enterprise Day
  • Year 9 House Competition
  • Year 10 Visit to The National Memorial Arboretum
  • Year 11 House Football Tournament

The above programme saw the students exploring the role of the Media, the variety of forms of Media and the potential impact it can have upon individuals and society as a whole. The Enterprise activity saw the students design and create a product and then sell it to a panel of judges. House activities played a part for the first time in many years and saw the students competing at table tennis, basketball, badminton and football as well as Debating the rights and wrongs of a School Uniform! Finally the trip to the National Memorial Arboretum enabled the students and staff to reflect upon and remember the large number of people who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their community and country in the line of duty and service.

 

Yr 9 badminton form champions 9H- IMG_2737

HGS E-Newsletter (17-10-14)

Aston League Football Success

The Year 8 Football team beat Perry Beeches 5 – 3 and the Year 9 team beat Perry Beeches 3 – 1 in the Aston League last night. Congratulations!

Y8Football-Squad