Our geography department has made some exciting developments with our newly forged link with Dulles High School in Houston, Texas, USA. The project, led by Mr Thaper and Mr Sanders, has now hosted two group video conferences between the two schools and their respective classes; discussing topics ranging from school uniform to public holidays, cultural perceptions to diversity. A few pupils from Handsworth Grammar made a short video for their American counterparts, showcasing the school grounds, staff and school’s curriculum. Alongside this, both schools have sent care parcels to each other, containing ‘classic’ national food items, clothing and learning resources; with our British parcel containing a variety of items from Cadbury’s chocolate (Birmingham’s finest) and tea to photos of the Queen and current Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. Through this fantastic opportunity, they aim to develop this link further and continue to share resources and perspectives as well as challenge perceptions about our cities and nations – stay tuned!

 

On Friday the 12^th of November, yr 13 geography students made a trip to London to hear a conference about the general state of geopolitical affairs and current superpowers.

The conference lasted a few hours of which we were briefed as to environmental concerns and hazards that may be faced in the coming years, as such preparing us with a wealth of knowledge. This build-up of our knowledge was an informative eye opener into affairs not always addressed or explored making the trip worthwhile and contributory to our studies. Although, the trip, as a whole, was not limited to pure educational purposes, as with time to spare we were able to delve into Westminster abbey and visit Trafalgar square, an insight into our own local politics as well as an enjoyable exploration into the local history including past monarchs and important peoples. Night life within London was to say the least bright and coloured between the light line of cars trailing past and buildings piercing the sky adding an extra layer of depth into a place so different by a change of day.  Rounding it off with a mildly overpriced meal and visit to m&m world (so thick with sugar you could breathe it in), we were interrupted in our schedule by some minor territorial disputes caused by the unfortunate underbelly of society but lucky for us we had quickly improvised alternative travel plans, ensuring we all got home, albeit at 11:30pm however, Mr Thaper ensured we got home safely with taxis.…

 

 

 

 

The Year 12 and Year 13 quiz teams represented the school at the annual Lord Mayor’s Quiz in the Great Hall ta the University of Birmingham on 25^th November.

 

The two teams did very well and the year 12 team achieved our highest ever placing, 8^th from a total of 28 teams.

 

The year 13 team finished a very creditable 14^th in an event which was won by the team from King Edward’s School.

 

Mr Conway

EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) ensures fair treatment and opportunity for all. It aims to eradicate prejudice and discrimination based on an individual or group of individuals’ protected characteristics.

Inclusion. What does that mean?

Inclusion means creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. An inclusive environment can be enhanced once we are more aware of our unconscious biases (if they exist) and learn how to manage them.

Equality. What does that mean? At its core, equality means fairness: we must ensure that individuals, or groups of individuals, are not treated less favourably because of their protected characteristics. Equality also means equality of opportunity: we must also ensure that those who may be disadvantaged can get the tools they need to access the same, fair opportunities as their peers.

Diversity. What does that mean? Diversity is recognising, respecting, and celebrating each other’s differences. A diverse environment is one with a wide range of backgrounds and mindsets, which allows for an empowered culture of creativity and innovation.

There is a phrase above which some may not have heard much about before – protected characteristics. In 2010, The Equality Act identified protected characteristics as the following:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Discrimination on the grounds of any of these characteristics is illegal. Discrimination can take many forms including direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, bullying, harassment and victimisation.

All organisations have a responsibility to ensure that everyone feels valued, welcome, and equal.

Let’s make a few things clear:

Equality, inclusion, and diversity is not about being a woke warrior.

It is not only a legal requirement, but it is fundamental to the mission of every school.

It is about ensuring that our community is driven by understanding and compassion.

It is also about making sure that everyone feels safe, welcome, and not judged.

I have a vision for our school community which is the same as my vision of how society at large should be. It is a vision where black, white, lesbian, gay, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Jewish, disabled, single, married, old, young are equal in every way. The list is endless.

It is a community where all people, every student, every staff member, feel protected, empowered, cared for and equal.

By forging this in our school, and getting it right here in our community, we are empowering our students to get this right as they go about their daily lives, and as they leave HGS, they will become beacons of hope, ethical leaders and a Force for Good. This is why our Equality and Diversity committee is so important and Mr Mohsin and I look forward to our next meeting where we as a group are contextualising the protected characteristics mentioned above in order to raise awareness and understanding.

Stay well and safe.

Be kind to yourself and others.

Best wishes,

Dr Bird