King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School has been celebrating its 160^th Anniversary for the past year. The school is technically the oldest Grammar school in Birmingham with a long history of achievement and success. As part of our planning and decision making we liaised with students, staff, governors and trustees as well as specialist companies like Limelight Studios.

As part of our celebrations we have:

• Enjoyed a celebration lunch for all staff and students.
• Enjoyed a Birthday Cake.
• Installed a flag pole which proudly flies the school flag.
• Installed time capsules representing each year group which are to be opened in 40 years’ time.
• We have commissioned handmade, bespoke new furniture for Big School which include a table, chairs and lecterns.
• We have commissioned as a centre piece our new stained-glass window.

The stained-glass window was designed and created by Derek Hunt of Limelight Studios who met with our students and staff as well as taking on board all the suggestions and ideas put forward by School Council et al. The contemporary design is a celebration of the inspirational values of Handsworth Grammar School and captures the school’s long history of teaching students in a caring and uplifting environment, within the local community. The window demonstrates how the school is in and of the community. The central inscription is an excerpt from the poem “Biko the Greatness” by Benjamin Zephaniah who was born in Birmingham and raised in Handsworth.

“The Greatness that inspired educators to become liberators And a nation of children to become great themselves”.

The imagery in the window represents Birmingham through the sky line and Bull, the NHS, our multicultural students both female and male, Remote Learning, Sport, Music, Academic Success, our history and traditions from the Bridge Trust to the King Edward VI Foundation and the poppies represent the blossoming of intellect and knowledge as well as referencing the Fallen Heroes from War.

The window has been made traditionally using handmade techniques including coloured antique glass and lead, with supporting saddle bars and copper ties. All the detailed imagery was hand painted onto the glass and kiln fired. The design is uplifting and celebrates the history and significance of Handsworth Grammar School.

The dedication ceremony took place on Thursday 16th March 2023 and was led by Reverend Dr Robert Stephen, Chair of Governors. I would like to express my deep gratitude to our Charity Trustees who funded this project.

Dr SN Bird.

 

 

 

  

  

 

We have taken the decision to maintain our plan of action for both 15/3/23 and 16/3/23 as was communicated last week on the 8/3/23. This means that School will be open on 15/3/23 for Year 7, 9, 11 and 13 students as well as vulnerable and SEND students. The remaining year groups will be working remotely. On 16/3/23 we will maintain our plans for remote learning for all year groups. School will be open for vulnerable and SEND students only.

This decision has been taken despite the possibility of bus strikes this week being minimised as well as bus strikes possibly taking place next week. All our plans are in place so that all students will be able to follow their normal timetable on 16/3/23. This gives our students, parents and staff some stability and continuity in what is an increasingly complex situation. School will be open as normal for all students on 17/3/23 as planned.

We will continue to update you as we have more information.

Thank you for your continued support.

Due to inclement weather school will close today at 12:30 pm. School will be open tomorrow as normal unless we notify you otherwise.