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HandsworthGRAMMARSCHOOLTheBRIDGEJuly2014Issue18CharityupdateSeepage9ClubsandSocietiesSeepages32-34SchooltripsandvisitsSeepages10-21 WelcomefromtheHeadmasterItgivesmegreatpleasuretowelcomeyoutotherelaunchedBridgeMagazine.HandsworthGrammarSchoolhasbeenmovingorwardinapositivewayoverthelasttwoyearsanditisentirelyfttingandappropriatethatwewelcomebackTheBridgeMagazine.IthinkitairtosaythatthecontentsothemagazinemorethanamplydemonstratethewonderultalentandvibrantcommunitythatisHandsworthGrammarSchool.IwouldliketotakethisopportunitytothankMsElaineBrownMrAdamKilcullenCatherineMunyarariandSharayeCampbellaswellasRebeccaEnglandandGusMacDonaldatAmmacDesignoralltheirexpertiseandsupport.HaecOlimMeminisseIuvabit.MrSimonBirdHeadmasterTHEBRIDGE2TheBridgein2014WevebeenawayalongtimebutwearebackFormostoyouthiswillbeyourfrstexperienceoTheBridgeotherswillrememberthe2009editionbutwhoeveryouarewehopeyouwillenjoythenewlookBridge.AsyoucanseeromthecoverothemagazinebothHandsworthGrammarSchoolandTheBridgeMagazinehavealonghistoryandanexcitingutureWewouldliketoencourageanyonewhowantstocontributetouturemagazinestostartnow.AsaveryamouswriteroncesaidForeveriscomposedonowssoiyouhavebeeninspiredgetwritingtodayThankyoutoeveryonewhocontributedtheirtimetheirwritingskillstheirartworkortheirgenerallovelinesssothatthiseditionoTheBridgewaspossible.IwouldparticularlyliketomentionCatherineandSharayemyco-editorsortheirorganisationalexpertiseandorencouragingeveryonetomeetdeadlines.IwouldalsoliketothankGurdeepPipandAnielorgivingupanentiredayoschooltoprooreadastackoarticlesandorpatientlyhelpingmetoimprovemyITskillsLastlyTukeerKhayamandNikhilorsteppinginatthelastmomenttohelpwithrewrites.EnjoyMsBrownHandsworthGrammar150thAnniversaryThelatesixteenthcenturysaweightbridgescrossingtheRiverTame.Threewerewoodenootbridgesandfvewerewoodencarriagebridges.OneothesewasGroveLaneootbridge.JohnHogettswhoownedTheGroveinGroveLanedecidedthattheincomederivedromsome50acresolandheownedshouldbeusedtomaintainandrepairthebridgesintheparish.ItherewasanyexcessmoneyitwasdecidedthatitshouldbeusedorcharitablepurposesintheparishoHandsworth.InthiswaytheBridgeTrustwasestablishedin1612.By1802theresponsibilityortherepairandmaintenanceothebridgeswastranserredtotheCountyoStaordandovertimeasignifcantsurplusomoneybecameavailable.In1812theTrusteesgave800tobuildaschoolneartheParishChurchoSt.Marysandby1857oncethePrimarySchoolwasestablishedtheBridgeTrustconsideredbuildingaGrammarSchool.1000waspaidorapieceolandoGroveLane.Thebuildingcost2300BigSchoolwaslitbygasandhadtwoopenfresandtheSchoolLodgewasbuiltorthePortertolivein.TheentrancewasonGroveLanewhichwasanarrowlanewindingthrougharmlandDawsonRoaddidnotexistatthattime.Soon5thAugust1862theHeadmasterMrGuestopenedtheBridgeTrustSchoolto63boyswhocametobeexaminedinreadingwritingandmathematics.OneotheoriginalSchoolRulesrelatedtouniormaseachboyhadtowearhiscapatalltimeswheninHandsworthortheimmediateneighbourhood.Someothebesttraditionsneveradeaway2012sawHandsworthGrammarSchoolcelebratingits150thAnniversary.TheollowingeventstookplaceAGalaDinnerSummerSoireeAnniversaryWalksosuccessulitisnowanannualeventpublicationoBridgeMagazineextractsCelebrationCakeeventmemorabilialaunchandaSchoolSongcompetition.WealsolaunchedourSixthFormCentreprojectwhichisnowwellunderway.ItwasabusyandsuccessulyearintherichanddiverselieoHandsworthGrammarSchool. footwashENTRANCEHALLNASTECHNOWORKSMUSICSPORTSHALLOFFICELOBBYLINKCOMMONROOMVOIDABOVEOFFICEOFFICE11232DISABLEDWCYARDUPUPFIREEXITFIREEXITFIREEXITSNGATplatformliftFIREEXITCOFFEELOUNGEStupFFKITCHENSERVERYFESTAFFWCCOMMONROOMTOILETSEXISTID.TEXISTINGCRRIDORdnSIXTHFORMBUILDINGPROGRAMMEThenewSixthFormbuildingSEPROPOSEDELEVATIONEAST3IfIcanwearahatImcuttingtheribbon.MsMilesPassingschooleverydayyoumusthaveseenitthenakedskeletonrameothenewSixthFormbuilding.ConstructioniswellunderwayandhopeullybyOctober2014weshallhaveourbrandnewcuttingedgeSixthFormCentre.ThenewdevelopmentwillallowmoreHandsworthGrammarstudentstostudyandachievetheirullpotentialinastateotheartbuildingseparatedromthehustleandbustleoschoollie.Suchaprojectsoontobealandmarkrepresentstheschoolsmovementtowardstheuture.Thisenormousdevelopmentwillcostapproximately1.1millionjusttoconstructthebuildingandshouldcostjustover1.6mwhencompleted.Sincetheschoolboughtthepubnextdoorin2009alotohardworkhasgoneintomakingthisormerpubintoamodernbuildingworthyobeingapartoHandsworthGrammarSchool.MsMcGoldrickhasdescribedthisasanexcitingtimeorthisschoolitsstudentsandeveryoneassociatedwithit.MrBirdstatedthatAnewSixthFormCentrewillallowourstudentsmorereedomsandprivilegeswhichtheydeserveorstayingwithusuntilyear13.Anybuildingprojectisexpensivebutwemustlookatthisasaninvestmenttowardstheuture.IhopethenewSixthFormCentrewillbeacomortablelearningenvironmentandshouldhopeullyadvanceourschoolImayevencomebacktocuttheribbonocourseImustbeallowedtowearahat.MsMiles.IhopethenewSixthFormCentrewillbeamoderncontemporarybuildingthatwillhelpthestudentsulfltheirpotentialandhelpusachievewhatwesetoutto.NikhilDewitt10Alred.ThechangeswontstopaterthisnewbuildastherearemanyutureplansortheschoolthemostinterestingbeingtherenovationoBakerStreet.BakerStreetwillhopeullybecomeaullAstroTurpitchandhaveaweatherresistantcoveringwhichwillallowpupilstoplayallyearround.Anotherkeyutureplanistofnallysolvetheageoldproblemolockersintheschoolandtocoverthesmallquadareabetweenthemathsroomsandthemainbuilding.So...watchthisandanyotherspace... InspiringthemindsofthefutureWehaenowenteredthepublicphaseoourFundraisingCampaign.Wewouldwelcomecontactromanyparentswhowouldliketobeinoledinthecampaignasaolunteer.PleasecontactSantushChaunkriaourCampaignManageron01215078272orcampaignhandsworth.bham.sch.uk.Pleaserememberthattheaimothecampaignistoraise500000towardsournewSixthFormCentreandutureprojectswhichwillbeneftallourstudentsaswellasthewidercommunity.PleaseseetheFundraisingareaothewebsiteorurtherdetails.SIXTHFORMBUILDINGPROGRAMME4Friday5thJulysawoer60membersotheFriendssitdowntoadeliciousdinnerseredinBigSchool.TheeeningincorporatedtoursothecampusdisplaysooldphotographsandmemorabiliaaswellasspeechesbytheChairotheFriendsAnneMcGoldrickandHeadmasterSimonBird.Agoodtimewashadbyallandoldriendswerereacquainted..PLANTROOMMUSICROOMMUSICROOMLINKLINKTECHNOLOGYWORKSHOPOPENMINDS..PROPOSEDELEVATIONNORTHPROPOSEDELEVATIONSOUTH..EXISTINGSPORTSHALLMUSICSILENTSTUDYAREAPROPOSEDELEVATIONWESTHandsworthGRAMMARSCHOOLInspiringthemindsofthefuturecampaignOvER150YEARSOFACHIEvEMENTFriendsoHandsworthGrammarSchoolannualdinnerFUNDRAISINGCAMPAIGN 5PRIzEGIvINGANDAWARDS2013headlineresultsGCSE47ofallgradeswereAA95ofallgradeswereAtoC65ofallstudentsattained5ormoreAAgrades20studentsattained10ormoreAAgrades7studentsattained12ormoreAAgrades2studentsattained13ormoreAAgradesAlltheguresaboveareincreasesonourperormancein2011and2012.ALeel99passrate54ofallgradeswereAtoBOver10ofstudentsattainedallAtoAgradesTherehasbeena14riseinthepercentageofAtoBgradesinthelast2years.AberystwythUniversityEntranceScholarshipcompetitionsuccessOurcongratulationsgotoMoheenAmininYear13whohasbeenselectedoraMeritAwardinHumanGeographyandEnglishLiteratureintherecentEntranceScholarshipcompetitionatAberystwythUniersity.TheScholarshipsareawardedonacompetitiebasisandaredependentonacandidateachieingaminimummarkineachpaperandtheaggregatemarkobothsubjectscombined.WelldoneMoheen.HaingwontheTeamotheYearAwardattheNationalAwardsorSchoolSupportStaNASBMtwooourteamwereinitedbyDaidCamerontoisitNumber10DowningStreet.ColetteLawandPaulineHodgedulyobligedandamidtightsecurityenjoyedaantasticdayinLondon.TheyweregienatourothewholebuildingwhichincludedisitingspecialroomssuchastheCabinetmeetingroomaswellasroomswhichwerespecicallyusedbycertainPrimeMinisters.TheyweregienanoeriewothehistoryoNumber10andallthechangesthathaetakenplaceoertheyearsaswellasatourothegardenswhereDaidCameronandPresidentObamaamouslyenjoyedaBBQtogether.TherewasalsotimeorphotoopportunitieswhichattractedasignicantcrowdatthegatestoDowningStreet.AgoodtimewashadbyalleenthoughthePrimeMinisterhimselwasnotinattendanceHeadGirlnominatedorprestigiousBirminghamYoungProessionalotheYearAward2013CatherineMunyarariwastheyoungestnalistinthe2013BirminghamYoungProessionalotheYearAwardsBYPYintheAspiringTalentCategory.TheBYPYAwardsarethebiggestproessionalbusinessawardsinBirminghamcelebratingtheoutstandingworkobusinessindiidualsacrossthecity.Shewasshortlistedrommanyandwastheyoungestcandidateinthecategoryandinthecompetition.ThecompetitionwastoughIdidthebestIcould.Irubbedshoulderswithsomanyinfuentialbusinessleadersacrossthecitythismakesmeeryoptimisticortheuture.DowningStreetvisit PrizegivingHandsworthGrammarSchoolenjoyeditsannualPriegiinginBigSchoolonFridayeening.Itwasantastictoseesomanyproudparentsandrelatiescelebratingwithstaandstudentsalikeatourannualeent.MrDaidWheeldonwasourprincipalguestandgaeathought-prookingspeechpriortodistributingtheprieswhichaddressedthewholeaudience.EthanGrifthsandSharayeCampbellourDeputyHeadsoSchooldelieredaeryconfdentoteothanks.PRIzEGIvINGANDAWARDS6AhmedHamaTheUniersityoBirminghamChemicalEngineeringAhmedMushfkurAstonUniersityBirminghamBiologicalSciencesAlasowSuaadMusseOmarAstonUniersityBirminghamOptometryAliHafjulDeMontortUniersityLawAliOmarKeeleUniersityGeneralFoundationYearAndersonDanielAstonUniersityBirminghamPoliticsandSocialPolicyArshadTabisheTheUniersityoBirminghamLawBadoghuAnilCoentryUniersityLawBasatiaJagrubalSinghDeMontortUniersityPharmacyBaseelMohammedAstonUniersityBirminghamComputingScienceBassiHareySinghAstonUniersityBirminghamEngineeringFoundationBeghShelyTheUniersityoBirminghamPharmacyBegumJeneaTheUniersityoBirminghamBiochemistryBellThomasEdwardAstonUniersityBirminghamCommunicationsEngineeringBhaktaNikhilSunniUniersityoNorthamptonEconomicsButtSabeelaPlymouthUniersityDentalSurgeryChoudryzaeemUniersityoBradordAccountingandFinanceColeyRebekahAshleighOliiaCoentryUniersityBiologicalandForensicSciencesDhaddaTaranSinghAstonUniersityBirminghamLawDhaliwalGurinderpalUniersityoNottinghamComputerScienceandManagementStudiesDhandaSanjitUniersityoDerbyDiagnosticRadiographyDhillonRomaBirminghamCityUniersitySociologyDinRehmanAstonUniersityBirminghamChemicalEngineeringDinhMichaelAstonUniersityBirminghamPharmacyDouglasKhariTheUniersityoBirminghamEconomicsEhsanRoheelAstonUniersityBirminghamPharmacyFearon-SmithJamahlLouisBrunelUniersityLawGallowayJackWyKitBrunelUniersityBiomedicalSciencesGeneticswithProessionalExperienceGarbuttBenjaminJamesCoentryUniersityEnglishLEAvERSDESTINATIONS 7PRIzEGIvINGANDAWARDSGhaoorAarAstonUniersityBirminghamOptometryGhauriMalikaTheUniersityoBirminghamPharmacyGillPaaniqueAstonUniersityBirminghamMathematicswithEconomicsGillSukhrajSinghCentralLancashireUniersityScienceFoundationentryHarrisToniNottinghamTrentUniersityPsychologyHasanSyedaWasiaUniersityoWolerhamptonBiomedicalScienceHassanYasinSaeedUniersityoWarwickMathematicsandPhysicsHewittKyleTheUniersityoShefeldChemistryHussainDanyalTheUniersityoBirminghamPolicyPoliticsandEconomicsJacksonMarlaUniersityoManchesterSociologyJagpalManjeeanSinghBirminghamCityUniersityMechanicalEngineeringwithFoundationYearJohalSucbinderSt.JohnsCollegeCambridgeChemicalEngineeringiaEngineeringKaditiTakundaAstonUniersityBirminghamMechanicalEngineeringKaillaShaneTheUniersityoBirminghamPharmacyKaliraiGurdasTheUniersityoBirminghamEconomicsKhambSameshTheUniersityoBirminghamLawKhatunMahuaUniersityCollegeLondonChemicalEngineeringKumarMichaelGeorgeCoentryUniersityLawMahalJageerSinghKeeleUniersityInternationalRelationsandPoliticsMahmoodSaqibAstonUniersityBirminghamPharmacyMajidHaseebAstonUniersityBirminghamEngineeringandAppliedScienceFoundationMarwayGurjitTheUniersityoBirminghamAccountingandFinanceMcCallaTeinCoentryUniersityAccountancyMohamoudHasaAstonUniersityBirminghamEnglishLanguageMooreCalinDeMontortUniersityBiomedicalScienceMusogaFrankderrickUniersityoManchesterPetroleumEngineeringNadeemSanaTheUniersityoBirminghamAccountingandFinanceNagraAmandeepKaurAngliaRuskinUniersityCrimeandInestigatieStudiesExtendedNasimSaimaKeeleUniersityPharmacyPahalDeepinderAstonUniersityBirminghamLawQuraishiAharAhmedAstonUniersityBirminghamOptometryQureshiAusaamahAhmadUnierstyoNottinghamPhysicsQureshiFaisalUniersityoWarwickMathematicsandPhysicsRaqibAbdulAstonUniersityBirminghamBusinessandPoliticsRashidAneesaCoentryUniersityPsychologyRashidNaeemMohammedDaminurTheUniersityoSt.AndrewsMedicineRehmanMohammedDaniyalUniersityoManchesterEconomicsRehmanSaadAstonUniersityBirminghamOptometryRindiRakeshTheUniersityoBirminghamEuropeanPoliticsSocietyandEconomicsSaeedAmmarTheUniersityoBirminghamNuclearEngineeringSajidFurqhanDeMontortUniersityPharmacySinghAmardeepAstonUniersityBirminghamEngineeringandAppliedScienceFoundationTajShamusrafnUniersityoBradordBiomedicalScienceTaneerMohammedUsamahUniersityCollegeLondonPhysicsThomasNathanialUniersityoDerbyPsychologyTopadarNaeemRahmanTheUniersityoBirminghamMathematicsUl-HaqKhiarUniersityoWolerhamptonPharmacyvirdeeAmandeepSinghAstonUniersityBirminghamComputingorBusinessITMBWilliamsAyeshaKingsCollegeLondonLaw UniversityofOxfordSummerSchoolGurdeepMallinYear12hasbeenawardedaplaceontheUniersityofOxfordSummerSchool.TheOxfordsummerprogrammeisaimedatgiingstudentstheopportunitytoexperienceOxfordandtoallowthemtoformtheirownopinionsonthesuitabilityofOxfordfortheirfurtherstudies.Thisisquiteanaccomplishmentasonlyafewplacesareawardedonthisprestigioussummerschooleachyear.CongratulationsPRIzEGIvINGANDAWARDS8NetcraftAQAALeelComputingawardOurcongratulationsgotoFaisalQureshiwhohaswonanawardsponsoredbyNetcraftforhisALeelComputingexamperformance.FaisalattainedanAgradeforhisComputingexaminconjunctionwithanotherAandAinhisothersubjects.Netcraftisproidingpriesnationallytothetop50performingComputingcandidatesinthisyearsALeelComputingexam.NetcraftisaninternetsericescompanyproidinginternetdataanalysisdefencesagainstfraudandphishingandwebapplicationsecuritytestingwhichhasteamedupwithAQAtosponsorthepriesthisyear.WelldoneFaisalLeadingEdgemembershipHandsworthGrammarSchoolhasmetthecriteriaforLeadingEdgemembership.LeadingEdgeisanationalnetworkforhigh-performingschools.Itisessentiallyapartnershipof300ofthebestschoolsinthecountryandispartoftheSpecialistSchoolsandAcademiesTrust.KingsCollegeLondonScholarshipHeadGirlCatherineMunyararihasbeenawardedaprestigiousDesmondTutuScholarshiptoKingsCollegeLondonfornextacademicyear.TheScholarshipswhicharenamedafteroneoftheUniersitysmostfamousalumniarededicatedtotheadancementofknowledgelearningandunderstandinginthesericeofsociety.Catherinehadtosubmitanessayandhercurriculumitaeaswellasexamplesofhercommunityworkintheapplicationprocess.OnlyahandfulofsuchawardsaremadebyKingseachyearanditistoherimmensecreditthatCatherinehasbeensuccessfulinherapplication.CongratulationsHGScelebratescontinuedimprovementinacademicachievementandattainmentTheDepartmentforEducationhasjustpublishedtheannualRAISEonlineReportfor2013whichgiesHandsworthGrammarSchoolmuchcauseforcelebration.SomeheadlineguresincludeThisisourhighesteerbest8GCSEsscoreandiswellaboenationalscoresaeragepointsscoreof407nationalscoreis338.Thisisourhighesteervalueaddedscoreof1020.HGSisnowinthetop18ofschoolsnationallyupfrom26in2012.Wewillnotrestonourlaurelsthoughandcontinuetostrieforimproementbutthisisagreattestamenttothehardworkofourstaffandstudents.HGSawardedTop5RatingFollowingarecentunannouncedEnironmentalHealthcheckHandsworthGrammarSchoolCateringdepartmentwereawardedthetopFoodHygieneratingof5.CongratulationsBritishComputerSocietyawardTheBritishComputerSocietyBCStheCharteredInstituteforIThasawardedHandsworthGrammarSchoolApproedCentrestatusfollowingarecentisit.ThisisagreatachieementfortheITdepartmentwelldone 9CHARITYYear13StudentsledbySharayeCampbellmadeandsoldcakesinaidoMacmillanCancerSupportonFriday27thSeptember.405wasraisedbythesaleocakesdrinksanddonationsbypupilsandsta.Manythankstoallthestudentsandstawhohelpedtomakeandsellthecakes.MacmillanCancerSupportisacharityveryclosetomyheart.Itmeantsomuchtometohavesomanystudentsteachersandcateringstasupportmeinmakingthiseventbothspecialandsuccessul.Iamsohappywiththefnalamountraised.Manythanks.SharayeCampbellDeputyHeadGirlYear12GirlsWalkorGazaTohelpGazaschildrenreceivepsychologicalcareandmedicalcheck-upsYear12studentsAaishaMaryamAyanandAlliaparticipatedinasponsored5milewalk.TheWinterWalklastyearraisedover117000whichhelpedtobuildGastroenterologyCardiologyandRespiratoryDepartmentsortheAl-DurrahHospitalinGaza.MacmillanCancerSupportSpringtermcharityThistermwehaveraisedover3200oravarietyogoodcauses.TheollowingcharitieshavebeensupportedTheKempHospiceBirminghamSoupKitchenTheBrainTumourSocietyGoodShoutSportRelieWehaveheld2non-uniormdaysandaspartoSportRelieourstudentshaveorganisedandparticipatedinaDodgeBallTournamentwherethestaorgottododgeaNetballMatchaFootballTournamentandanIronManCompetition.Thishelpedtoraiseover1650.Congratulationsandthankstoallwhotookpart.ThismeansthatthestaandstudentsatHGShaveraisedover9200todateoravarietyogoodcausessuchasSportRelieChildreninNeedBirminghamChildrensHospitalandBirminghamShelterthisacademicyearalone.WintertermcharityCharityFundraisingSuccessYear7raised300orLepra.Year7raisedover1000throughtheannualsponsoredwalk.Year13raised405orMacmillanCancerSupport.Weraised418ortheLittlePrincessTrust.Weraised500orBirminghamChildrenHospital.Weraisedover2200orChildreninNeed.Weraised500ortheBirminghamChristmasShelter.Weraised500orRidingortheDisabled TRIPSANDvISITS10LessonsfromAuschwitzProjectPolandvisit5-3-14TheLessonsromAuschwitzprojectbeganwithaseminarwherewemetourgroupsandeducatorsromtheHolocaustEducationalTrust.WeheardthemoingsuriortestimonyoSusanPollockaHungarianJewwhosuriedthehorrorsobothAuschwitz-BirkenauandBergen-Belsen.HerincrediblesuriortestimonytaughtusararelyseenindiidualaspectotheHolocaust.WegainedabrieinsightintothehistoryotheHolocaustandhadalessononpre-warJewishlieinEuropebeoreourtriptoPolandtoisitthecampsthemseles.AteraeryearlystartwetraelledtoKrakowwithourgroupoellowstudentsromacrosstheWestMidlandsbeorebeingurtherseparatedintogroupso18-20peoplewithaspecialisteducatorpergroup.WearriedinthePolishtownoOwicimwhereweisitedapre-warJewishcemetery.ThiswaserythoughtprookingasnoneotheheadstonesinthecemeterywereplacedbythecorrectpersonintheperiodoNazioccupationtheheadstoneshadbeenremoedandusedorkerbstonesaroundthetown.ManygraesarestillletunmarkedasthemajorityoheadstoneswereoundinragmentsaterthewarbyJewswhobraelyreturnedtotheirhometowntheseragmentsomarbleandstonewerebuiltintoamemorialtothedeadothetown.FollowingthiswetouredthesitesobothAuschwitzIalabourcampandthenontoAuschwitzIIorAuschwitz-BirkenauwhichsawthedeathohundredsothousandsoJewsRomashomosexualmenandwomenandmanyotherkindsopeopletheNaziregimesawasunttolie.TheastdierencebetweenAuschwitzIwithitshardcoldbrickwallsthatoncecontainedtheworkbenchesoDr.MengeleandRudolHessandthebleakcoldandastopenyetsomewhatclaustrophobicspacesoBirkenauisremarkablystark.TherailwaytracksthebarbedencestheguardtowersandthebrickchimneysowoodenhutsnowlonggoneisallthatstillstandsoBirkenauthegaschambersthatsawthedeathohundredsothousandsoindiidualpeopleweredemolishedbytheSSattheendothewar.WesawthecattlewagonsthatSusanreerredtogiingasoberingandincreasinglyrareindiidualandpersonalinsightintotheeentsthathappenedonthaterygroundonly70yearsago.ToconcludethedayaprayerwassaidinHebrewbyRabbiMarcustohonourthedeadandcandleswerelitandplacedattheendothetraintracksthatormanypeoplewastheendotheirlieasreemenandwomen.Onthe13thMarchMariyamandIattendedourollow-upseminarinwhichwediscussedwithellowstudentsourideasandthoughtsonthedayoncewehadhadtimeorittosinkinandalsodiscussedwaystopassonthelessonswehadlearned.Wedecidedthatanassemblytothe6thFormwasthemostdirectwayandwiththehelpoMrMohammedandMrConwaywespoketothewhole6thormaboutthereallessonsoAuschwitz.Wealsotaughtanater-schoolclasso13gitedYear10historiansandlookedathowthelessonsarestillwellandtrulybeinglearned.FollowingthisthoughtprookingassemblyinwhichMr.MohammedclearlyoutlinedthelinkstothecentenaryotheGreatWarwenallyhadtimetolookbackatourownexperienceandrefectonhowtheexperiencehadaectedus.ThedaytriptoPolandandtheprojectasawholehaswidenedmyknowledgeothispartohistorybutmoreimportantlywidenedmyiewotheworldandhumanityasawhole.WewouldliketothankallinoledwiththeprojectespeciallyMr.MohammedwhosetirelessworkwiththeLFAteamensuredtheprojectransmoothlytheassemblywasaspowerulasitwasandorselectingustoparticipateinthistrulylie-changingprojectexperience.ConnorMcGrathY12andMariyamMustafaY13WhenwewereinthecoachIwasimaginingwhatIthoughtitwouldbelikemassieeldswithwoodencabinsmuddybarbedwireeerywherebutwhenwearriedatAuschwitzitwasashockbecauseIrememberlookingoutsideandthinkingWowthatspretty.Itlookedindustrialjustoldtraditionalworkplacebuildings.ItdidnteencrossmymindthatitwasAuschwitzuntilConnorpointedoutthatitwas.Iwasshockedattheactthatitwassodeceptielookingatityouwouldneerhaeimaginedwhatwasgoingoninside.ThesignaboeAuschwitzitselsaidWorkMakesYouFree.WhenlearningabouttheHolocaustIwouldalwaysthinkSurelytheyknewbutactuallyisitingitjustshowsthatthosewhohadtheunortunateateoendingupinAuschwitzwereullyconincedtheyweresentheretoworkandstartanewlie.WewentinsideAuschwitzanditwasjustsurrealalltheguresandgraphswereoerwhelming.BehindglassdisplaycasestherewereticketsromGreecetoAuschwitz.OurtourguidetoldusthestorybehindoneotheticketsaboutthisoneRomaamilywhosoldalltheirpossessionstobuyaticketinordertogettoAuschwitz.PeoplewereconincedthatitwasaRelocationProgrammeastarttoabetterlieandtheNazisplanneditsopreciselybyeensellingticketstoaddtothedeceit.Holocaustassembly 11TRIPSANDvISITSCambridgeCollegesPhysicsExperienceOnthe9thoMaytenstudentsromYear9accompaniedbyMrJonesandMrMohsinheadedtoCambridgeUniersityoraPhysicsExperience.WehadatouropartotheUniersityandoneotheirCollegeswhichisabitlikeahalloresidence.ApresentationtwolecturesandapracticalscienceinestigationinolinglightwereallcrammedintoonedayThedaystartedbrightandearlywehadtobeatschoolby700.Weletschoolonceeeryonehadarriedwhichwasabout710andarriedatNewnhamCollegeatabout920.TheaadeotheCollegewasbeautiulthewholewallbeingcoeredwithiy.ItreallyseemedliketheextensiehistoryotheUniersitywaswritteninthecityitsel.TheUniersityCollegesandDepartmentsweredottedalloertheplacewhichiswhyitseemedlikeeerystudentneedsabikeInsidetheCollegewaseerythingastudentwouldneedromabedroomtoacanteenwhichseredmealsthreetimesaday.WedeelopedaeelorUniersityliesilentlywalkingdownthecorridorsbecausetherewereexaminationstakingplaceandseeingstudentsbookspiledfetotenhighwithalaptopinrontothem.TheCollegehasitsownlibrarywiththousandsobooksanditalsohasaloelygardenwhereyoucouldeitherstudyorenjoyanicepeaceulwalk.WehadapresentationinClareCollegeabouthowtheUniersityeducationsystemworks.ItwaseryinormatieandmadeuslookorwardtoUniersityeducationeenmore.Thepresentationalsotoldusaboutwhatauniersitylooksorinaperson.Itsnotjustthegradestheyarelookingorbutalsothepotentialinaperson.WehadourlunchheretoobeoresettingoorthePhysicsDepartment.HereattheCaendishLaboratorywehadtwoshortlecturesaboutlight.Thefrstwasaboutwhattypeowaelightisandaboutotherelectromagneticwaestoo.Thesecondwasonhowastronomerscreateimagesospacewhenisiblelightistooainttoseeclearly.Thesetwolectureswereseparatedbyaewpracticalsaboutreractionolightmakingatelescopeandfndingtheocallengthoalens.ThenwelettheUniersityoCambridgeandarriedbackatschoolat1845ateragreatPhysicsdayoutCalebBrownAlthoughtherewerehundredsopeoplethereitwascompletelysilentthesilencewaspiercingandhaunting.ThedisplayinBlock4wasothehairthatwascutromthosemurderedinthegaschambers.1950kgohairwasondisplaythehairrom40000people.Someothehairwasinbraidssomewascurlysomestraightandsomehadponytails...Itwassurrealtoseesomuchhairrealhumanhairromrealhumansthatdiedinthegaschambers.ItwasawultothinkthatthisisonlyaractionothehairasmostoitwaspackedandshippedtoGermanytoenrichciilianlie.Prisonershairwassoldormoneyandwasmostuseultothetextileindustriesasitwasusedtomakeblankets.SomewasstuedintopillowstobeusedbytheGermans.WethensawapieceocloththatwasmadeinGermanyromthehairtransportedromAuschwitandyoucanactuallyseethehairfbresattheendothecloth.ItwasdisgustingandIaskedmyselhowcouldhumanbeingsdothistootherhumanbeingsHowdiditeergettothispointWewenturtherdownBlock4andtherewasanotherdisplayonethatmademyheartsink.Behindglasswerethousandsoshoesbelongingtobabiesandchildrenmoth-eatenbabyclotheslittlechildrenstoysandsuitcasesaloneslipperwithsequinswasperchedontop.Itwasheart-breaking.Therereallyisnootherwaytodescribeit.Thesewereinnocentbabiesandchildrenbuttheywereseenaseilandsubjectedtothegaschamber.Ididntunderstandhowitwashumanlypossibletodothat.Therewerethousandsopotsandpansshoebrushesandtinsopolishphotoalbumsandsetsokeys.Peoplejustlikeuswholockedtheirdoorsintheanticipationoreturninghomeoneday.Innocentciiliansarekilledingenocides.WewentintothegaschamberinAuschwitIanditwastheworstexperienceotheday.300ousinsideitwassocrampedanduncomortable.OntheceilingwecouldseetheholesthroughwhichtheNaiswoulddroppelletsozyklonB.Iwasthinkingithiswasseentyyearsagowedallbegassedalie.Achillingthought.WethenwenttoBirkenauexterminationcamporAuschwitIIandthefrstthingthatcameintomymindwashowenormousitwas.AlotoitwasdestroyedbytheSSandallthatremainedwerethebrickchimneys.Itwashorrendous.IanyoyouhaeseenTheBoyintheStripedPyjamasorseenimagesodeathcampsthatiswhatBirkenaulookedlike.Morethan700prisonerswereputinonebarrackandatleastfepeoplehadtosleepineachpallet.Whenwewentinsideitwasreeingcoldtherewasnoinsulationnobedsjuststraw.Wewerewearingcoatsandbootsandtheseprisonerswouldhaebeenwearingjustathinprisonuniorm.Theinamoustraintrackusedtotransportpeopletotheirdeathsrunsthroughthecentreothecamp.Itstopsabruptlysymbolisingtheendothelineorsomanylies.AswestoodontheplatormwheretheprocessoselectionandseparationwouldtakeplaceweweretoldhowDrMengleusedtowhistleandhumtohimselwhilehecarriedoutselection.Iremembereelingangerathowsickamancouldbe.ListeningtothesuriortestimonyoSusanPollockmadetheexperiencemoresurreal.Shepinpointedthathatepropagandaandhatespeechisadangerousthing.ShewastellingusabouthertransportationtoAuschwitromHungaryandhowshelostftymembersoheramilyincludinghermotherandatherwhowerekilledonarrial.Itwassoupsettingtohearaboutherlieatthecampandthetorturesshewassubjectedto.HowdoesanyonemoeonromsuchdeastationItsanoerwhelmingexperienceactuallybeingthereonethatIcouldntpossiblyfndthewordstodescribe.ImadetherightdecisiontoisitIthinkitsimportantorpeopletoseeAuschwitsothatitneereerhappensagain.PeopleshouldneerbeallowedtoorgetwhattheNaisdidandweshouldneerorgetthe1100000soulswhohadtheirliestakenawayromthem. SkiCourseNewYear2014ThisyearsskitripthequietestormanyyearswastoPilaintheAostavalley.Justninestudents-onlythreeowhomhadskiedonsnowbeore-andtwoteachersheadedoortheItalianAlpsonthe28thDecember.Thiswasnotonlyanincredibleopportunitytoexperienceskiinginabeautiulresortbutalsoarareopportunitytomeetotherskienthusiasts.IhadbeenontheskitriptwicebeoresoIhadaairunderstandingowhatthetripwouldentail.Firstoallthejourneyonlyenjoyableorthosewhomanagedtogetsomesleepduringthetwentyhoursspentonacoachwithalargegroupromanaircadetregimentbutworthit.Byabout10a.m.theollowingmorningwearriedintheAlpsandcaughtafrstsightowhatwewouldgraduallygetusedtooertheweek...snowAteracouplemorehoursandajourneythroughaerylongtunnelwearriedintheAostaalleyhometothetallestmountainintheAlpswellhaloit.Wehadourskisbootsandhelmetsallocatedtousbeoreweheadedoorlunchatthehotelwherewewouldbestaying.Aterwardswehadtimetounpackrelaxwithagameotabletennisandprepareorthefrstdayonthesnow.Eachdayweskiedorourhourswithanhourorlunchbutmoretimewasaailableoranybodywhowishedtodoeenmore.DuringthistimeImanagedtocoermostotherunswhilsttheotherscompletedallthebluesandared.Ourtechniquesimproeddrasticallyoerthecourseotheweekandeeryonemadeconsiderableprogress.Wewerealsoabletoexperiencethestunningiewsandeenlookdownonthesnowcloudsbelow.whenweheadedtoahighaltitude.Ittookseeraldaysandseeraleggsbeorewefnallygotaullycookedboiledeggandactualtoastnotjustwarmedbreadorbreakast.WeateinseeralothemountainrestaurantsatlunchtimeandtherewasachoiceopizzapastahotdogschipsandaewmoreoptionswhichIwontgoontoname.FordrinkstherewaswaterCoca-ColaSpriteandhotchocolatewhichhadahighiscosityandwasmorelikemeltedchocolate.Oureeningmealariedeerynightbutalwaysstartedwithabowlopasta.Forthemaincoursemostoushadtheegetariandishasonlyonestudentcouldeatmeatbutneerthelessthehotelproideddeliciousmeals.ItwasaantastictripthisyearandIthinkIspeakoreeryonewhocame.Iwouldurgeanyonewhoisthinkingaboutgoingnextyeartogo.Skiingisanamazingopportunityandalthoughitisexpensieitisdefnitelywortheerylastpenny.IwouldliketosayamassiethankstoMrBirdandMrJonesororganisingthistripespeciallyastheyhadtoswitchtoanotherproideratertherequirednumberostudentswasnotmet.ToseemorepicturesoourtripyoucanlookattheSkiTrip2014Albumontheschoolwebsite.JosefFeiven10G12WomeninEngineeringandComputingGirlsromYear12weretakentotheWomeninEngineeringandComputingconerenceatCoentryUniersityonWednesday5thMarch.HandsworthGrammarSchoolwastheonlyschoolintheWestMidlandstobeinitedtothisprestigiouseentwhichisaimedprimarilyatundergraduatestudents.ThegirlsheardpresentationsromsuccessulwomenwhoworkorIBMTATAEONandRollsRoyce.TheywerealsoabletositinaullsizeHarrierJumpJetwhichislocatedintheworkshopoCoentryUniersity.ThepictureshowsMariaMahmoodsittinginthecockpitotheHarrierJet.TRIPSANDvISITS 13SciencetriptoParis44studentsromYears8-11and5teacherssetoromHandsworthat630amonFriday25OctoberorthePortoDoer.Althoughwedidstopatsericestationsorreshairandtostretchourlegsitwasstillalongandarduousjourney.Somedecidedtospendtheirtimelisteningtomusicwhereasothersoptedtocatchuponsomesleep.AteraboutfehourswearriedinDoerorourerry.Thetwo-hourcrossingromDoertoCalaisransmoothlywithplentytodo.WethendepartedorParisromCalaisthisjourneyalsolastedaboutfehoursmeaningthatwearriedatourhotelatabout700pm.OnSaturdaymorningwedepartedoracruisedowntheRierSeineat9amandhadthenplannedtogouptheEielTower.OurtriptotheEielTowerwasornothingthoughasGreenpeaceprotestorshadclimbedtheTowertodisplayalargeposteraboutsaingtheplanet.AsaresulttheTowerwasclosedandnoonewasallowedupuntilthepolicehadtheprotestorstakendown.ConsequentlywedecidedtocomebacklaterandgofrstorlunchontheChamps-lyses.AterawalkdowntheChamps-lysestakinginthesightswewentbacktotheEielTower.TheiewromthesecondstageotheTowerwasmagnifcenteenthoughithadbeguntorain.AsaresultothepoorweatherwedecidedtopostponeourisittotheSacreCoeurandreturntothehoteltohaeagameoootballonParisFCstraininggroundlocateddirectlybehindourhotelwithMrMohsin.OnSundaymorningwedepartedortheStadedeFranceoraguidedtour.ThestadiumdisplayedmanyamousarteactsincludingasignedBrailshirtromRonaldonotCristianoRonaldoandzinedinezidanesbootsromthe1998WorldCupFinal.AterlunchwewenttotheCitedesScienceswherewewerelettoexplorethemanythingsthatthisplacehadtooerThePastPresentandFutureoGamesConsolesWheredidliebeginandmanymoreexhibitionsthatwereworthexploring.ThenaterashorttripwearriedinMontmartreandascendedthemanystepstotheSacreCoeurwherewealsoisitedasmallshoppingandartistsareatobuysouenirs.Wethenarriedbackatthehotelintimeordinner.OnMondayourreturnjourneytoCalaiswasthesameasthejourneyromCalaistoParisbutIwishIcouldsaythesameortheerryridebacktoDoerDuetostormsandextremeweatherconditionsthewaterwaseryroughandtheerrywasshakingalotwhichmeantwestruggledtowalkinastraightlinewithouttrippingorlosingourbalance.DuetothismanyonthiserrywereseasickandthecleanershadamassiejobontheirhandsaterwearriedatDoerThejourneybacktoschoolwassmoothwithnointerruptionswhichmeantthatwearriedbackinHandsworthat10pm.InmyopinionthetripwasantasticandIwouldstronglyrecommendittoanyoneelsewhohasthechancetogo.MohsinAliYear11Year1011rewardtriptoBowlplexOnTuesdaythe11thoFebruaryagroupoapproximatelyftypupilsromyears10and11wenttotheBowlplexatBroadwayPlaaasarewardortheirexcellentbehaiourandprogresssincethestartotheacademicyear.ThepupilswereaccompaniedbyMrMohsinMrBirdMrCampbellandMrHawkinswhokindlygaeuptheirreetimetotakeus.Whatwaseidenttoallousbothpupilsandstawasthatthetripwasagreatsuccessitsawonderwhywehadntdonethisbeore.Wethinkwespeakoralltheyear10sand11swhenwesaymoreothesameplease.NathanBellRaphaelDobrashian-Yates10NelsonTRIPSANDvISITS WhitemoorLakesMay2014On12May201462Year7sandsixteacherssetoorWhitemoorLakesActiitiesCentre.DespiteaninitialhiccupwhenanancientdoubledeckerbusturnedupinsteadotwocoacheswearriedontimetostarttwodaysoActionPlusadentures.Allboystookpartinaprogrammeoactiitieswhichincludedratbuildinglakeswimmingcanoeinghighropesabseilingzipwireclimbingarcheryencingproblemsolingandcampfregames.Thecentreispurposebuiltandonlythreeyearsold.Assuchtheacilitiesaresuperb.Theboysandstawereaccommodatedinmoderncomortableroomswithen-suiteshowerroomsandtoilets.Thedininghallproidedexcellentnourishingmealsandthepublicareaswerewellequippedorentertainment.Whatwaseryrewardingistheprogressthatalltheboysmadeinstretchingandchallengingthemselesoutotheircomortzones.Someboyswhowerenerousoheightsatthebeginningotheisitwereabletoscaletheclimbingwallonthelastmorning.Seeralstatookpartinallormostotheactiities.MrPaskinshowedhisPhysicalEducationprowessinallactiities.MrsChandanwasearlessoheightandadab-handcanoeist.MrMohsinshowedgreatcourageclimbingtothehighestpointotheHighRopesbeoredecidingthatdiscretionwasthebetterormoalour.OntheTuesdayeeningmanyboystookpartinanindoorootballtournamentinthecentresportshallanddemonstratedtheirskills.Thereweresomemishaps.MrArnoldscanoeturnedturtledippinghimandthetwoboysinitintothelake.Anundignifedhaulingoutintoaninstructorscanoeensued.Someratbuildersspentmoretimeinthewaterthanontheirratbutitwasgreatunandthedryingroomtookcareotheirwetclothesaterahotshower.AttheendotheisitmanyboysreceiedcertifcatesortheirachieementsintheactiitiesbutalsoorthetidiestroomAgreattimewashadbyallandwereturnedtoschoolalittlemoretiredbutgreatlymoreulflled.JArnoldHeadofYear714AbseilingwasreallycoolItmadeyoueelarushoadrenalinebutreallysaetoo.TheirwristbandsreadReleasingPotentialandIdidntrealiseIcoulddosomuchuntilIwentEshwarAlltheactiitieswerereallyunespeciallyhigh-ropesKishanRat-buildingwasreallygoodThehigh-ropeswerescarybutunSamirTheactiitieswerescarybutitwasworthitShofOnthesecondnightwehadacamp-fretherewastoomuchsingingbutitwasgoodMajidSynagogueVisitTheRSdepartmentwouldliketothankSingersHillSynagogueoraabulousisitonMonday21stJanuary2014.7Nelsonand7Henrythoroughlyenjoyedtheirtour.TheyweregientheopportunitytoseeJewisharteactsandaskalotointerestingquestions.Welookorwardtotakingtheotheryear7ormsandthoseboyswhowillbestudyingJudaismaspartotheirGCSEoerthenextewdays.MrsDonoghueTRIPSANDvISITS 15OnSaturday18thJanuary2014agroupopupilswenttoManchesterMuseumoScienceandIndustryMOSIoraSciencetripwhichhadabitohistorythrownin.Wearriedatschoolat9amandwaitedorMrKeane.Whenhearriedwesetoonthehourandahallongjourney.OnthewaywepickedupMrJonesatabusstop.ThejourneywasquiteunaswekepteachotherentertainedandpinchedDanyalssnacks.Thejourneydidnoteeltoolongasthetimefewby.WhenwearriedatthemuseumwehadabriengromMrKeaneandthenwentbyourseleslookingaroundtheariousdierentexhibitions.TherstthingweisitedwasthePicturessectionwherewetookpicturesoourseleswhichwerethendisplayedonthemanyscreenshangingromtheceiling.Wethenwenttothetrainengineexhibitionwherewesawmanyoldtrainsincludingoneothersteertrainsanditscarriages.IntheSciencesectionwemeasuredourreactiontimeandourbodytemperature.Therewasalsoanareawhereyoucouldmakehugebubblesandmixlightstogethertomakedierentcolours.Ataroundmiddaywehadlunchatthecae.WethenwentontoseetheTechnologysectionwherethereweretelephonesteleisionsandcomputersrommanyyearsagoincludingthersthomedesktopcomputer.AterwardswewenttotheTransportexhibitionwhichhadWW1WW2andthersteerplanesandalsooldandamouscars.Eentherstmotorbikesandmilkfoatswereonshow.Iwasmoreinterestedinthecarsbutwasamazedhowbigtheplanesandhelicopterswere.At200pmwegatheredtogetheratthemuseumentranceandlet.Webrokethejourneybackatasericestation.ThetripwasawesomeandIwoulddenitelygoagainastherearemanythingstolearnandalotoexcitingandinterestingthingstosee.IwoulddenitelyrecommendMOSItoanyone.YouwillseethingsyouhaenotseenbeoreandIamcertainthattheotherswouldagreewithme.IwouldliketothankMrJonesandMrKeaneortakingtimeouttoorganisethisamazingtrip.ReedwanAliMOSIvisitALLHUMANLIFEISHEREKINGLEARCOMESTOTHEELECTRICShakespearestragedyKingLearmayhaebeenwrittenbetween1604and1606butanyonelisteningtotheYear13Literaturegroupsdebatesinclasswouldquicklyrealisetheuniersalandcontemporarynatureothethemesothisplayamilyrelationshumansueringtheeectsooldageandthenatureoman.Shakespearereallyisaplaywrightoralltime.HGSwasluckytohaetheopportunitytoattendabespokepriatescreeningothecurrentNationalTheatreproductionoKingLearonTuesday6thMay.AmotleycrewoYears13studyingtheplayorA212abouttostudytheplayatertheirASexamsand10whomaywellchooseAleelEnglishLiteratureattheendoYear11assembledoutsidetheElectricCinemainStationStreetat9.45.readyortheday.Itwasascrambleortheleathersoasandseatsonceinsidebutthehierarchyoyeargrouppreailed.MissesBrownGerrardandMilesmeanwhilesettledcomortablyontheirsoawithcoeeandcakeTheplayisnotaneasyrideandYears12and10copederywelldespiteerylittlepriorknowledgeotheplot.Neerthelesstheypickedupquitealotthroughtheactorsphrasingothecomplexlanguageandthebrilliantsettingandphysicalaction.Theeye-gougingsceneiscertainlynotorthesqueamishandLearsdaughtersGonerilandReganarenorolemodelsordaughterstoollowbutmanyintheaudiencewillhaebeenmostshockedatthesightoSimonRussellBealestrippeddowntohisbaggyunderwearWhileYear13oundthetimingotheperormanceparticularlyhelpulespeciallyasanillustrationoAO3interpretationsodramatictextsallwhoattendedthescreeningwillagreethatitwasaeryworthwhiletrip.ThanksparticularlytoMsBrownororganisingthis.TRIPSANDvISITS 16PhysicsBigQuiz2014OnMonday27thJanuarytwelestudentsromYear9wenttotheso-calledPhysicsBigQuizanannualeentheldattheUniersityoBirminghamintheGreatHall.Weletschoolintheminibusandarriedatabout940.WethentookourseatsinourthreeteamsoourcompletingaPhysicswordsearchwhilstwaitingorallotheotherschoolstoarrie.Onceeeryonehadtakentheirseatsweweregienanintroductionandthequizbegan.Thereweresixroundsintotal.ThelastroundwasaspecifcroundontheGAIASatelliteandtheMilkyWaywewereinormedothisparticularroundbeoretheeentsowecouldreisethistopic.Aterwehadcompletedthreeroundswehadlunchollowedbya45-minutelectureromanastrophysicistwhichwaseryinormatieandenjoyable.Thenwecompletedthelastthreerounds.TofnishwehadtheAwardsCeremonywherethetopthreeteamseachwonmedals.Eachschoolcouldenterasmanyasthreeteamswhichwedid.Outothe94teamsenteredourhighestplacedteamfnishedfthsotheresachallengeornextyearsYear9toimproeuponthisItwasagreatdayoutorallousandwearehopingtohaethechancetotakepartinanysimilareentsintheuture.CalebBrownTRIPSANDvISITSFootnoteTheresultswereverytightindeedatthetopendwithonlyafewpointsseparating1stand6thplaces.CongratulationstoBishopVeseysGrammarSchoolmyoldschoolforcomingtopMrJonesBiologyfeldtriptotheNaturalHistoryMuseumIcannotthinkoasinglefeldinBiologyorMedicineinwhichwecanclaimgenuineunderstandinganditseemstomethemorewelearnaboutliingcreaturesespeciallyourselesthestrangerliebecomes.ThisquotationromLewisThomasreallysumsuphowyoungmindslearnandwhatbetterwaytolearnthantoisitoneothemostprestigiousmuseumsontheplanetLondonsNaturalHistoryMuseum.ThismuseumbroughtawetoourYear13Biologysetandexceededalloourexpectations.FromtheelegantarchitecturetotheextremelyinterestingexhibitstotheSpiritTourwewereallowedtoexploretheworldandmostimportantlyHistory.WearriedinLondonbytrainandateremergingromtheSouthKensingtonStationthesheersizeothisextraordinarybuildingbecameapparenttous.Itsintricatearchitecturethatincludedtallpillarsandgargoylescaptiatedeachandeeryoneous.Theentirebuildingwasawonderinitsel.Onenteringthemammothmuseumweweregreetedbyagiantdinosaurskeletonwhichwasindicatieothewondersyettobeseenatthemuseum.Eerythingwasabsolutelybeautiuleenthetoiletswerepalatial.Whenweprogressedurtherintothemuseummoreandmoreincrediblethingsmadethemselesapparent.Aterexceedingourinitialexpectationsthemuseumcontinuedtoamazewithexhibitsthesizeoabluewhaleliterally.variousspecieswerepresentinthisroomandwesawanimalsthatwewereamiliarwithandsomewhosenameswedidntknowhowtopronounce.Theentiremuseumwasanexperiencewhichwewillallcherish.Theexhibitswerebreathtakingandtheactswerereallyinterestingwhowouldhaeknownthatwewouldseea11scalebluewhaleThiswastheeducationalpartothefeldtrip.TheSpiritTourallowedustoseeaarietyospeciespreseredinmethylatedspirithencethename.Thespiritwasusedtoensurethatbacteriaarekilledespeciallysaprophyticbacteriawhichwouldotherwisedecomposetheorganisms.TheSpiritTourhoweerwasallaboutsciencenotsentiment.Attheendothetourwesawwhatresearchtookplaceinthemuseumsomeowhichisreallyground-breaking.TheremainderothetimeatthemuseumwasspentintheDinosaurexhibition.Beingtakenbacktoourchildhoodascinationwiththemwasanexperienceenjoyedbyall.ThehighlightothisexhibitionhadtobethemechanicalscalemodeloaTyrannosaurusRex.ArjanLalMayurParmar 17MissionPossibleTanzaniaProjectWhatisMissionPossibleMissionPossibleisaschemesetupbyIslamicHelptogieolunteersaullspectrumothehumanitarianaidprocessandinolescampaigningundraisingandadeploymentabroadoupto10daysWhatdidyouwanttoachievefromtheprojectMissionPossiblewasmyrstintroductiontohumanitarianaidsoIieweditasajourneyoexperience.IwantedtogainanunderstandingoundraisingtoseewherethemoneywasbeingusedandmoreimportantlytheimpactotheundraisingdoneinBirminghamontheillagersoKisrawe.HowmuchdidyouraiseandhowdidyouraiseitThetargetoreacholunteerparticipatinginMissionPossibleis5000sonaturallyIwasquitedauntedbythissum.Istartedowithbucketcollectionsaroundtownandschoolandmanagedtoraise1000romthisbutitwasntenough.WiththehelporiendsandamilyIorganisedacharitydinneratLaFaoritarestaurantLadypoolroadhighlyrecommendedandmanagedtoraiseastaggering25000.Iamerygrateultoallwhosupportedmycampaignandallowedmetotakethisliechangingjourney.HowwasthemoneyusedBasicallythemoneyraisedbyalltheolunteersisputintoapotandthendistributedasneeded.Themoneyinourmissionwasusedtoundwatertanksequipmentortheschoolchildrenrawmaterialsorbuildingandinrastructureaswellasmaintenancecostsortheolunteers.SowhatdidyoudothereOurmissionwassplitintothreeteamswithtwoolunteersineach.TherstteamwasLielihoodandDeelopmentandocusedonthelongtermchangestoKisrawe.Thisincludesplantingtreesoruturegenerationsimplementingbeehiesandmostimportantlyeducatingtheillagersonhowtosustainthemselesandbecomeindependent.ThesecondteamwasEducationwhichocusedontheschoolsintheillageinteractionwiththechildrenandparticipationinlessons.ThethirdteamwhichIwaspartotookcontrolothedistributionowater.Thisinoledbuildingwatertanksdiggingreseroirsandconstructingwaterharestingsystemsbothortheneediestpeopleintheillageandortheillagetouseasawhole.HowhasthisexperiencechangedinspiredyouDrastically.Weseeandhearinthemediaaboutsituationspeopleareliinginacrosstheworldandocoursewesympathisebutwecanttrulyunderstandwhattheyregoingthroughuntilweseeitwithourowneyes.Meetingillagersmakingriendswiththeeldersandteachingthechildrenareallexperienceswhichcantbeexpressedinwritingandcanonlybetrulyunderstoodhaingbeenthere.EennowIthinkbacktotheworkthatIdidinKisraweandthebeautiulpeoplethatImetandgetoerwhelmedwithemotionsojoyandlonging.ItrulydidleaeapartomeinArica.Whatwasthemosteye-openingencounterWheninstallingthewaterharestingsystemsmycolleagueFarooqandIhadthetaskochoosingthemostneedypeopleintheillagetoinstallthelimitedamountowaterharestingsystemswehad.Anemotionalchallengeinitsel.HoweermidwaythroughconstructingadrainpipeorHajianelderlygentlemanourMissionleaderinormeduswehadtomoethewaterharestingsystemtoanotherhomewhoseresidentwasineengreaterneed.HaingtoexplainthistoHajiwasoneothemostdicultthingsIehadtodobuthisresponseiswhatgrippedme.HajididntcomplainHajididnteenexpressanynegatiity.Hethankedusortheworkweweredoingandunderstoodtherewassomeonewhoneededitmorethanhim.Thiswasamanwhoinoureyeshadnothingandstillhadcompassionorthosewhohadeenlessthanhim.Theselfessnessothismanisanexperiencethatwillstaywithmeoreer.WhyisitimportantforyoungpeopletovolunteerTotraelandexperience.LiinginEnglandwearetrappedinabubblethingsareerydierentinotherpartsotheworld.IknowwearetoldoerandoeragainhowpeoplearesueringthisandthatbutitdoesntaectusrightWecanjustdonateabitomoneyhereandthereandeerythingwillbeokayrightWrong.Wearethegenerationwhocanmakechangehappenandchangewillonlycomeromunderstanding.AnyclosingstatementsGetoutthereandmakeadierence.HamzaChaudaryTRIPSANDvISITS 18InordertoullyappreciatethecontextoanAleelsettextitisrecommendedthatstudentsexperiencethereal-lielocationsotextsandtheplacesthatinfuencedthewriterswhoproducedthosetexts.ItwaswiththisinmindthatanintrepidgroupoYear13EnglishLiteraturestudentsisitedHaworthonamore-than-rainydayinlateOctober.Braingathree-hour-longtripintheschoolminibustheywererewardedeentuallybytheopportunitytostepintotheworldotheBrontes.TheexhibitsintheBronteParsonageMuseumtheguidedtourthroughthedrippingtreesotheadjacentgraeyardandtheundergraduatestylelecturebyoneothemuseumscuratorsallseredtohelpthestudentstoagreaterunderstandingotheconditionswhichshapedEmilyBrontesclassicnoelWutheringHeights.ButtherewerealsosomelessorthodoxwaysondingoutaboutthecontextothenoelCurtisandJonathandressingupinvictorianclothesallphotographiceidencehasalasbeendestroyedMrConwaysextraordinaryhill-startsomewhereinHaworththetotalenjoymentothelocalshandchipsto13raenousstudentsplushungryteachersThetriphomewasneer-endingtheFridaynightmotorwayrushhourmeaningthatthepartywerenotbackuntilaterdarkandtheirbedtime.Neerthelessaworthwhileandmemorabledaywashadbyall.GCSEScienceLiveEentOnTuesday4February2014agroupousromYears10and11gottheopportunitytoattendoneotheGCSEScienceLieeentsatSymphonyHall.HerewegotthechancetoseeandheareoBritainstopandmosteminentscientistsinorderoappearanceRobertWinstonAliceRobertsAndreaSellaLucieGreenandJimAl-Khalili.TostartothedaywewereeachissuedabookletwithdetailsabouteachscientistthelecturesandsomegeneralarticlesaboutstudyingScienceandworkingasscientists.WithmuchenthusiasmtherstscientistwasthenintroducedLordRobertWinstonandhebegantalkingabouttransgenetictechnology.ThroughthishewasabletoexplainmanyascinatingprocessesincludingapoptosisprogrammedcelldeathandhesweetlytouchedontherstsuccessulIvFinhistory.ThesecondspeakerProessorAliceRobertsocusedoneolutionaryanatomy.Howcana1.5millionyearoldskeletonoayoungboyshedlightonwhatitmeanstobehumanaeryprooundquestionwhichsheansweredbasedonthediscoeryotheskeletonoayoungboysincenamedNariokotomeboy.NotonlywasProessorRobertsabletoexplainwithabsoluteclaritythehistoryandtimelinebehindhumaneolutionshewasabletodescribeunequiocallythechangeinhumananatomyoerthelast1.5millionyears.ThenextscientistonthelistwasDrAndreaSellawhoskippedenthusiasticallyontothestage.HislecturestartedowiththequestionHowdidthezebragetitsstripesThroughcleeranalogiesandhisalmostirtuosicabilityotalkingwiththeaudiencehewasabletodrawanalogiesbetweenbiologicalandchemicalprocessesandcomparetheinherentpatternsocertainchemicalsolutionstothestripesonthezebra.NextcameLucieGreenwhoexpressedherloeoroureryownSun.HerdescriptionwasalmostpoeticshetalkedaboutongoingprocesseshappeningintheSunthatareseldomnoticedandshedescribedrecentsatellitemissionswhichwillenableustokeepaneyeonoureryneighbour.ThelastscientistothedaytopresentwasJimAl-Khalilionwhatinmyopinionwasthemostascinatingtopichetalkedabouttheideaotimetraelandexplainedthisseeminglyimprobablepossibilityusingconceptssuchastimedilationandrelatiitymind-bogglingstuDuringthedaywealsoheardromaChieExaminerabouttypicalexaminationmistakesandtipstoimproe.AbigthankstoMrJonesororganisingthetripitwasatrulymemorableexperienceKhubbaibHasan11NTRIPSANDvISITSAwanderthroughtheworldofWutheringHeights 19TRIPSANDvISITSASandA2GeographyfeldtripTheLakeDistrictiswellrenownedoritsbeautiulsceneryandwarmheartedcommunitiesbutwhowouldhaeknownthatwewouldhaeencounteredsomanydierentGeography-relatedtopicswhichwouldplayakeyroleinourunderstandingoGeographyonthistripOnthe18thoMarch201426SixthFormGeographystudentswentonaresidentialtriptothebrightanderybeautiulLakeDistrictNationalPark.GeographicalSkillsplayamajorroleinouroerallASandA2gradesdespitethetripbeingalotounitwasitalorourlearningtoo.Ateralongour-hourjourneyontheminibusestoLancashirewhichwasextremelyunweweregladtobeonoureetagainThatdidntlastbecausebeorelongwewereaskedtowalkabouttwokilometresupa400mmountainnottooarromourbaseatCastleHead.AlthoughthewalkwasessentialorASGeographersortheyreisecoldenironmentsglaciersinparticularitwasalsoagreatwayoreeryonetointeractandgettoknoweachother.WewerethenbackordinnerwhichwasreallyniceespeciallypuddingwhichwasaLancashirespecialityStickyToeePudding-lotsotoeeAterthatwewereabletorelaxorsowethoughtAteralittlebreakweheadedtotheclassroomsandstartedpreparationsorourfeldworkthenextday.TheollowingmorningASGeographerssetotostudytheRierEea.Itwasawetandcolddaybuttheadantageobeingwithriendsmadetheexperiencemoreenjoyableandmadetheworkseemlesschallenging.ASGeographersinestigatedriercharacteristicssuchasdischargehydraulicradiusgradientandManningsMhowroughthechannelisandtoseehowtheseeatureschangeddownstream.BygatheringtheinormationtheywereabletoanalysethedatausingstatisticaltechniquessuchasSpearmansrankcoefcientandthenmakeconclusionsabouttheirhypotheses.MeanwhileA2GeographerswereinestigatingthechangesosandduneswithdistanceromtheseawiththeLakeDistrictsmostamoussanddunehabitatSandscaleHaws.AlthoughtheywerejustaewkilometresawayromtheothergrouptheyweremuchluckierwiththeweatherandeenmanagedtoexperienceabitosunshineOntheThursdayweallisitedBarrowinFurnessatownoonly60000.A2GeographersassessedtowhatextenturbandeclinehadoccurredandealuatedBarrowsrecenturbanregeneration.ASstudentsconductedarioussureystocompareBarrowwithLindalearuralillagesuchasenironmentalqualityruralityandproisionoserices.Theyalsocomparedsecondarydatalookingatageprofleshouseholdtenuresocio-economicdemographicsandoccupationtypes.Wethenreturnedtotheclassroomandanalysedandpresentedourdatatoeachother.Anicedinnerollowedandthensometimetorelax.SomewatchedootballsomeplayedootballandothersplayedtableootballwhereasthegirlsjustchilledOntheFriday-ourlastday-weisitedKirkbyMoor.A2Geographerswerelookingatplagioclimaxandhowtheheathermoorlandsaremanagedtokeeptheirbeauty.Wewereluckyenoughtomeetthemanwhomanagestheheathermoorlandshealonelooksater1000acresoland.HeathermoorlandsarereallyimportantorourheritageastheyarefairlyuniquetoBritain25ofallheathermoorlandsaresituatedhere.ASGeographerswerelookingattheisualandnoiseimpactsowindturbines.Therewere12turbinesonKirkbyMoorwhichproduce4.8Megawattsenoughtopowersome2700homes.WealsohadthechancetoseeBarrowOshoreWindFarmandHeyshamNuclearPowerPlantinthedistancewhichfttedinnicelywiththeenergyissuesunitowork.WealllearnedalotromourexperienceatCastleHead.ItwasreallyunandwerecommendanyoneconsideringASA2GeographytodefnitelygetinoledPuttingtheuntoonesidewethinkthetripreallyhelpeduswithourGeographicalskillswhichisanimportantpartoourexamthisyearanditallowedustodoitinthegreatoutdoorsThiswasmorethanwecouldeerhaelearnedromanytextbook.Itwasanexperiencetoremember.HamzaAkramMunaBulaleh 20Year10GeographyeldworkDuringthesummertermthreegroupsfromtheyear10geographyclasseswenttoCardingMillvalleyforourdatacollectionforuseinourcontrolledassessment.Itwasacloudydayandabitdullbutsurprisinglyitwasnttoocold.Weleftschoolat900andittookusaboutoneandahalfhourstogettoCardingMillvalley.OnarrialwechangedintoourwellingtonbootsgatheredourequipmentwhichconsistedofrangingpolesclinometerscorksandastopwatchandheadedupthealleytowardsthesourceoftheriertakingintheiewsofLightSpoutwaterfallontheway.WeateourlunchontheLongMyndplateauandhadawonderfuliewofthehillswhichhadlotsofsheep.ThesheepcametowardsusprobablyfromthesmellofourlunchbuttheyranoffbecausewescaredthemAfterlunchwestartedourdatacollectionwithhelpfromourteachers.Wedidourdatacollectionatfoursitesandwemeasuredelocitywidthanddepthofrierandloadsize.Tomeasuretheelocitywemeasuredout10metersusingourmeasuringtapealongtherier.Wedroppedthecorkandtimedhowlongittooketoreachtheendofthe10metertape.Tomeasurethewidthanddepthwegotatapemeasureandmeasuredacrosstherier.Tomeasurethedepthweputameterstickerticaltothegroundandmeasureditalongateach10cminteralofthemeasuringtapealongtherier.Tomeasuretheloadwegotonepersonfromeachgrouptopickoutthreerandomrocksandmeasurethelongestlengthandtheshortestlengthofthethreerocks.Fromourresultswelearntthatthefurtheryouareawayfromthesourceoftheriertheelocitywidthanddepthincreasesandthesizeoftheloaddecreases.Afterwecollectedourdatawewentbacktotheminibusandpackedtheequipmentawayandchangedourbootsbacktoourtrainers.Weleftatabout330pmandarriedbackatschoolat5pm.ItwasalongandharddaywithalotofwalkingandgettingwetbutitwasreallyfunAdilMahmood10AlfredTRIPSANDvISITS Year12GeographicalSkillsresidentialAttheendothespringtermbothA1andASGeographystudentswentonaresidentialtriptobrightandsunnySlaptonLeyDeonFortunatelyitonlyrainedoronedayotheourwewerethere.Ateranexhaustingour-hourrideontheminibustotheSouthoEnglandwhichwasextremelyuntooweweregladtoarrie.Weunpackedourbelongingsbutbeorelongwewereaskedtowalktoanearbyshinglebeachwherewedidabitogeologyandstudiedsomerocks.AtertakingalongtrekbacktoourresortwewerelettorelaxortherestotheeeningorsowethoughtAteralittlebreakweheadedbacktotheclassroomandanalysedallothedatawehadgathered.OerthecourseothenextthreedayswewenttotheHarbourneRiertotryandinestigateriercharacteristicssuchasdepthwidthandolumetoseehowtherierchangesdownstream.WepractisedtheRierDancetokeepwarmandlearntourkeytermsseephoto.Wealsolookedattheimpactsofoodingandthesolutionsthathaebeenimplementedtotrytoreducefoodingintheuture.ContrarytowhatyoumaythinkwalkingintherierproedratherunthoughitsashamenooneellinWealsoisitedpartsoPlymouththatrecentlyunderwentregeneration.ASstudentsconductedsureysrelatingtotheenironmentandisualqualityolieapparentinthesurroundingareatodeterminethedierencesbetweenareas.AnareathathadreceiedextensieregenerationGunWharwasanamazingsightandenableditsresidentstoprotecttheirhousesromfoodingmuchmoreeasilythannormalareas.SoallinallGeographyisnotjuststaringatabunchorocksandcolouringthingsinalthoughwediddoquitealotothatwehaduneenwithalltherainandacertainsixthormersloudsinging21RSCChemistryworkshopOnThursday6thFebruary2014agroupoyear8swereortunateenoughtoattendaChemistryatWorkeentarrangedbytheRoyalSocietyoChemistryattheThinktankScienceMuseum.PupilswereselectedacrosstheeormsbasedonScienceTeacherandFormTutorrecommendationsandtheaimothedaywastogiepupilsaninsightintopossiblecareersrelatedtoChemistry.PupilsweretreatedtoaChemistryMagicShowwhichinoledthingssuchasryinganeggusingliquidnitrogenaswellasthecombustionoethanolumesinawhooshbottle.PupilsalsohadtheopportunitytoexplorethedierentareasotheScienceMuseumitselcompletelyreeocharge.Pupilsthentookpartinthreeworkshopsalldesignedtogiepupilsaninsightintodierentindustrieswherechemistryisapplicable.TheyattendedworkshopsontheChemistryoperumemakingtheChemistryoDNAinwhichtheywereabletotakeawaytheirownDNAsampleandtheChemistryinoledinMaterialScienceswhichincludedtheopportunitytowinchocolatebarsNoisittotheScienceMuseumwouldbecompletewithoutthecustomarystopatthegitshopandthisisitwasnodierent.ItwasabrieyetenjoyableinsightintocareersinChemistryandthepupilswentawayreinigoratedaboutChemistryasasubjectandwithideasohowitcanbeusedoutsideothelab.MrMMohsinTRIPSANDvISITS 22ARTHANDSWORTH 23 Sportsround-upSPORTS24HandsworthGrammarSchoolisveryproudofallitsstudentswhocontinuetoshowgreatpotentialinalltheirsportingachievementsinandoutofschool.Thisyearwehaveintroducedsomenewsportsandmanyofourstudentshavejoinedavarietyofprestigiousteams.SHUJAMEHMOODYEAR9hasbeensignedbyAstonvillathisyearollowingarecommendationromMrConway.Shujaisacentreorwardandhasbeenaregularinthevillaunder14steamthisseason.HehopestobeAstonvillasfrstBritishbornAsianstrikerKAIHOYEAR7isanoutstandinggymnastandispresentlyranked6thorhisageinthecountry.HetrainseerydayaterschoolatEarlsGymnasticsclubinHalesowen.JOSEPHFEIVENYEAR10isoneothecountrysbestyoungcyclistsandisnowranked14thinthecountry.HecompetesbothontheroadandontrackortheSolihullCyclingClubandaspirestobeanOlympianonedayanexcellentachieementorhim.RAJVEERMAHALYEAR10istheamateurWKAmixedmartialartsjuniorBritishChampion.HehasmadeHandsworthGrammarSchoolproudbyrepresentingbothBirminghamandBritain.COREYBLACKETTTAYLORYEAR11waspersuadedtoleaeHandsworthGrammarattheendoYear10lastsummerinordertotrainulltimewithAstonvilla.CoreyisaregularintheAstonvillaunder15steam.HehasalreadyhadEnglandrecognitionbybeingonstandbyortheEnglandunder16ssquad.LEOPOLDJOHNSONYEAR12isanoutstandingoutsidecentreletandrightwingplayerortheAstonOldEdwardiansRugbyClubTeam.IntheirleaguematchwinagainstTamworthRugbyClubitwasLeopoldsantastictrythatearnedhimPlayerotheMonth.OURFOOTBALLTEAMScontinuetohaeAstonCupsuccessthisyearwithHGSwinningboththeunder16sandunder14scupfnalsonagloriousnightatBodymoorHeath.THEYEAR9BASKETBALLTEAMhasacquiredsomeexcitingplayersandtheyhaebetteredtheirplaysandknowledgeothegame.Despitetheirlackoheighttheyhaeliterallymadegreatstridesandwonmorethanhalotheirgamesintheirfrstseason.WRESTLINGThenewWrestlingClubwasluckyenoughtohaeacoachingsessionromormerwrestlingstarGladiatorKhan.YEAR12STUDENTSworkedatAlexanderStadiumrecordingtheresultsoeachEnglishSchoolsAthleticChampionshipseentsorlieSKYTvcoerage.THEYEAR8CRICKETTEAMwererunnersupintheWarwickshireIndoorTournamenttheteamhadanimpressiewinintheirleagueagainstsixotherschoolstoreachthefnalsorthesecondyearrunning.THEGIRLSNETBALLTEAMhaealsoemergedthisyearTheteamledbyMsWhartonarecontinuingtogrow.TheytrainharderandgetbetterbythedayASTONVILLASELECTIONSHandsworthGrammarSchoolcontinuesitslong-standingpartnershipwithAstonvillaFootballClubasShujaMehmoodin9HenryhasbeenselectedtoplayortheClubatUnder14leel.ShujaplaysorboththeSchoolandtheDistrictteamswherehehasbeenregularlyscoringgoalsorbothsides.HewasspottedlastseasonwhentheHGSYear9teamwontheAstonandSaltleyCupatBodymoorHeathAstonvillastrainingandAcademyground.ShujajoinstwootherHGSStudentswhoarealsoAcademyplayerswithAstonvillaCairoBrooks-HooandDonnellBenjamin.ASTONSCHOOLSFOOTBALLLEAGUECHAMPIONSTheYear7FootballteamarethenewlycrownedAstonSchoolsFootballLeagueChampionsintheiragegroup.Thisisagreatachieementandafttingwaytoendtheterm.WelldoneASTONLEAGUEDIVISIONONECHAMPIONSCongratulationstoourYear7FootballteamwhoremainundeeatedandhaerecentlybeencrownedtheAstonLeagueDiisionOneChampions.ThisisagreatachieementandisawonderulwaytoclosetheseasonortheplayersandcoachesMrNicholsandMrPaskin.Welldone WrestlingClubThisacademicyearsawtheintroductionoaWrestlingClublinkedwiththeBirminghamWrestlingFederation.ThoseboysbeingcoachedbyRadosaNekiconeothestarsoTvsGladiatorsaremainlydrawnromyear10andtheSixthForm.Theyarereallyimproingundertheguidanceotheircoachandhopetoplaysomematchesintheuture.25TabletennissuccessHassanNawazplayedorAstonvillastabletennisteamaspartothePremierLeague4Sportinitiatie.AlongwiththreeothermembersothesquadtheyplayedteamsromDerbyCountyNottinghamForestWestBromwichAlbionandStokeCity.Theywonthecompetitionbywinningtwomatchesanddrawingtwo.ItwasaantasticcompetitionplayedtoahighleelandHassanplayedamajorroleinthesuccessotheteam.WestBromwichAlbionSelectionsWBAACADEMYIsahIdris7WWBACOLTSACADEMY1downfromAcademyWillSmith7AKeinMatinyadze7AAdanGeorge7AontrialalsogettinggoodreiewsplayingweeklyorAESDistrictWBAPLAYERDEVELOPMENTCENTRE2downfromAcademyIanStanjanoic7HYear8WarwickshireCricketIndoorLeaguerunnersupTheyear8indoorcricketteamreachedthefnalsbywinningtheirleagueinconincingstyle.TheybeatHamsteadHallHolyheadandLordswoodBoys.TheWarwickshirefnalwasplayedatEdgbastonwithfeteamsplayinginaroundrobineent.HandsworthGrammarSchoolbeatLinworthSmallHeathandPlantsbrookbutlosttoWashwoodHeathwhoweretheeentualwinners.Thisteamhaereachedthefnalsorthepasttwoyears.Perhapsnextyearwillbeouryear.RugbydeelopmentWetookaU13RugbysquadtoAstonOldEdwardiansRFC.ThemorningwasaseriesocoachingsessionsandgamesledbyRFUDeelopmentCoaches.IntheaternoonweplayedthreegamesagainstSmithswoodNorthBirminghamAcademyandGreatBarr.SPORTS SPORTS26Theyear9basketballteamhashadaerysuccessulfrstseasonandhaereachedtheplay-osotheNorthBirminghambasketballleague.DespitethisbeingtheirfrstcompetitieseasontheboyshaemadehugeprogressthroughouttheseasonunderteammanagerMrConwayAssistantHeadteacherandteamcoachMrKingHeadoICT.TheyhaeworkederyhardandtrainedregularlyeachThursdayaterschoolundertheguidanceotheircoachandteammanager.Despitetheteamslackoexperienceandtallplayerstheyhaeperormedadmirablyortheschoolandhaeearnedplauditsalloerthecityortheirsportsmanlikebehaiourandfneattitude.Wehaeplayedninegamesintotalwinningthreeandonlynarrowlylosingtheotherswhichhastakentheteamintoourthplaceintheleagueandconsequentlyaplaceintheplay-os.HGSYardleysaHGSlost3624HGSGreatBarrhHGSlost7435HGSBishopveseyssHGSlost3130HGSStJohnWallHGSwon3118HGSPerryBeechesHGSlost3730HGSHodgeHillHGSwon3810HGSSmithsWoodHGSlost4239HGSHolyheadHGSwon2510HGSSmithsWoodHGSlost3937TheteamhasalsohadacoachingsessionromPaulDuggieDouglastheheadcoachotheBirminghamKnightsbasketballteam.TheteamhasbeencaptainedbySuainElahi-Fadl9WandhasconsistedotheollowingplayersSuyaanIran9GMalirPadda9WBilalSaleem9GEttanKorpal9WviekNarandaas9WKarlFrater9HJasdeRajan9WGurkiratThandi9GMaloneMukwende9GInderSangha9G.TheteamhasreachedtheNorthBirminghamplay-osandthesewilltakeplacelaterinthesummertermMrCJConwayPaulDuggieDouglasisitedHGStoworkwithourschoolBasketballteam.PaulisHeadCoachotheBirminghamKnightsandsaidhowimpressedhewaswiththestandardoBasketballshownbyourboys.TheplayersquizzedhimonhisBasketballcareerandlistenedintentlytohisadice.BirminghamKnightsbasketballcoachatHGSYear9basketballreportforSeason201314BasketballsuccessTherecentlyreormedBasketballteamatHGSareintotheKeyStage3semi-fnalsotheNorthBirminghamBasketballLeague.TheteamrecentlybeatHolyheadSchool25-10.Goodluck 27POETRYANDSTORIESDearHarryYouwillgettwolettersonyour16thbirthday.Ionlywishthiscouldbeoneothem.Thefrstwillberomyourdeadatherbutheisntandhesnot.ThesecondwillberomtheYouthWelareBoardexplainingthatnowyouare16youarelegallyentitledtoknowthatyouratherJamesisinprisonorkillingyourmotherLilyinafrebombattackonhercar.JamesbecameinsanewhenheoundhiswiehadhadanaairwithyourUnclevernonandthatvernonwasyourbiologicalather.InanironictwistyouendedupbeinglookedaterbyyourmotherssisterPetuniawhohatedyouasapermanentreminderoahusbandsinfdelityandasisterstreachery.Thetragedyotheirliesistidiedawayintoacarcrash.Itwillbenosurprisetoyourpsychoanalystthatyouspentyourchildhoodinadelusion.Unhappyboyswillusuallybecomeheroesintheirdreamsanditiseasiertotriumphoeranimaginaryoethanacereality.HandsworthGrammarbecameHogwartsailureatootballbecameaantasyoQuidditch.Intherealworldthethugscheatsandbulliesprosperedinyourimaginationgoodtriumphedoereilandgirlswerelesscomplicated.Somesuggestionsorthenextewyears.Dontactuallycallyourteachersbytheircodename.DrBowenwasalwayspuzzledwhenyoucalledhimDumbledoreaccidentally.MissDonoghueoundyourdepictionoherasSybillTrelawneyrathertouching.JustbecauseDrWallachwasalwaysgrumpyitwasharshtonamehimMoody.AndasorMrSnape...letsnotgothere.Moreadiceitmayseemunbelieablenowbutthingsdoimproe.PetuniadiorcesvernonandtakesDudleywithher.vernonacknowledgesyouashissonandyoupatchthingsupyouwillneercallhimdadbutheskindookay.Tryandtalktothe6thormgirlstheycanbekindandthoughtulanddontgetcalledgayorit.Getoutmore.AoidthebackoMunchies.Realriendstakeeortbutdontanishwhenyouwakeromthedream.AndthatletterromJamesPotterIonlyIcouldtellyounottoreadit.AllthebestHarryPotter-DursleyBeyouBeyouBeyouDontdisguisebecauseowhattheysayBeyouBeyouThatwillmakeyougladeerywayDontletwhatpeoplesayaboutyouDontletthemtellyouthatyourlieisthroughDontletthemtellyouwhoyouwanttobeJustbeyourselandyoullbehappyBeyouBeyouBeyouBeyouDontdisguisebecauseowhattheysayBeyouBeyouThatwillmakeyougladeerywayDontletthembeaproblemDontletthemtellyouyourlieisdoneBeyouEerymomentIntimidationisromjealousySodontlistentowhattheytellyoutobeDonotchangebecausetheywantyoutoButwhatyoushoulddoisjustbeyouBeyouBeyouBeyouBeyouDontdisguisebecauseowhattheysayBeyouBeyouThatwillmakeyougladeerywayDontletthembeaproblemDontletthemtellyouyourlieisdoneBeyouEerymomentDontletthemjudgeyouDontletthemjudgeyouDontletthemjudgeyouBeyouBeyouDontletthemjudgeyouDontletthemjudgeyouDontletthemjudgeyouByDavidAkinfemiwaAnadultHarryPotterwritesalettertohimselfaged16 POETRYANDSTORIES28AnumberostudentsinyearsevenandeightenteredtheYoungWritersATwistInTheTaleminisagacompetition.WearepleasedtosaythatwenowhaveanumberopublishedwritersinourmidstandwehaveincludedUsmanKhans8Alredwinningentryoryourentertainment.YoungWriterscommentedonthewayHandsworthGrammarstudentswrotewithimaginationperceptionexpressionandcreativeuseolanguage.WelldonetoallcompetitorsDearEstherreviewMyavouritevideogameisntactuallyagame.Mostreviewershavedescribeditasaninteractiveartexperience.InactualactitsmoreoaplayableshortstorywhereyoutaketheroleoamanwanderingaHebrideanIslandbecomingmoreandmorelostinsideohimseltryingtocometotermswiththedeathohiswieEsther.AsthegamesocialwebsiteexplainsitDearEstherisaghoststorywheretheocusisonexplorationuncoveringthemysteryotheislandowhoyouareandwhyyouarehere.Themaingameplayiitcanbedenedasthatisexploringtheislandandlisteningtoragmentsothestoryreadouttoyoumostowhichareinarandomorder.EachplaythroughoDearEsthereelscompletelyandutterlypersonaltotheplayerwitheachplaythroughlastingaboutonehour.Theoptimumplaythroughislateatnightheadphonesonwithlightsandsubtitleso.ThegamessensorydetailsareastonishingwithadesolatescorecomposedbyJessicaCurry.Theplainactowalkingaroundanabandoneddrabislandasaguiltstrickenmansearchingoranswersismorbidlybeautiul.DearEstherissplitintoourchaptersTheLighthouseTheBuoyTheCavesandTheBeacon.Eachchapterismorebeautiulthanthelastwithlayeredmetaphorsbothvisuallyandaudiblycreatingabeautiulscenetowalkthroughonethatcouldonlybecreatedthroughtheormovideogames.Perhapsthemostvisuallystrikingchapteriswhenyouventuredownintothetunnelsbeneaththeislandwithbioluminescentrockormationssotlyguidingyoualongtotheinevitableendingothepiece.ThestrangethingaboutDearEstheristhatdespitefoodingyoursenseswithstrangeglowingcircuitrypaintedeverywhereandconusedsnippetsotheBibleweavedinandoutoboththevoiceoverandthesceneryitneverasksyoutoapplythem.Therearenopuzzleshereorplacestouseyourvariousideasothestory.TheonlypuzzleinactisworkingoutwhathadactuallyhappenedtothecharactersinsidethestoryishewalkingaroundanislandinreallieorishestuckinsideacomaisheallthreeothepeoplehehasdescribedorishenoneDearEstherneveranswersthesequestionsandleavesituptotheplayertogureoutwhyanhour-longexperiencecanmoveandtouchhimbutwithouthimeverullycomprehendingtheentirestory.HoweveryoucanlookatDearEstherromotherangles.Itcouldjustbeanoverpricedpoorlywrittenwalkingsimulatorwithvaguelyprettythingstolookatasamanreadsastorytoyou.Iwouldarguethatyeswhileithasnogameplayitisstillanincredibleexperience.DearEstherinvokesthesameeelingsaswalkingalongabeachatnightsittingaloneonawindyclitopcontemplatingyourexistentialreasons.DearEsthersubtlymanipulatesyouintoeelingthisslowlybringingnighttimeuponyouhavingtheconstanttelegraphpolewatchingyouoryourentireplaythroughinvokingasortoEyeoSauroneeltoit.Thisexperienceisoneyouneedtoletyourselgothroughnotghtingitbutridingitouttotheendeelingthesameemotionsandpainasthenarratorclimbingthesamehillsandchallengesandultimatelyreachingthesameend.AsonereviewerputsitDearEstherisoilpaintingpoetryeulogyandvideogameallatonce.Anditsneverlessthanascinating.PipTurnerYoungWritersCompetitionCinderellamadeherwayintotheballroomwithherintricatewhitedress.ShewalkedtowardstheprincewhohadrejectedherimmensebeautyandhadinsteadgoneorCinderellasstepsisterDruzella.Cinderellarushedbacktoherpalaceinherlargemagicalpumpkinwithherheartmetaphysicallytornbythehandsomeprincesheartlessrejection. 29POETRYANDSTORIESBOOKSBooksareendlesslyascinatingtheirpagesproidecomorttheircharactersbecomeriendsandtheirmoralsteachusaluablelessonsaboutliedeathandeerythingbetweenApersoncanencounterawell-writtenbookcenturiesateritwaswrittenandthinkthatitisonoreleancetotheirliebutthepowerulnatureolanguageissuchthatitcapturestheeryessenceandspiritotheauthorsthoughtsandemotions.Thissemidiinerelationshipbetweenwriterandreadertranscendsculturetimeandreligionexplainingwhyliteratureissuchapowerulmeansocommunicationwhichhasenduredormillenniaandcontinuestothrie.IcantrememberatimeinmyliewhenIhaentread-andormebooksarethemostpoweruloportalsbecausetheyallowustoescapethestarkrealityolieintoaplacewhichdemandsnothingapartromattention.PersonallyIhaeapreerenceorbookswhicharesetinarawaylandsamongstpeoplewhoseliesareinnowaysimilartomyownnotonlydoesthisallowustoappreciateothercultureswaysolieandphilosophybutitalsoallowsustobecomemorewell-roundedasindiidualsabletoappreciateothersandhaeamoresensitieapproachtolie.KhaledHosseiniisknownaroundtheworldorbeingtheonlyAghanauthorwhowritesinEnglishproidingadelicateglanceintoacountrywitharichhistoryandculturewoentogetherwiththethreadothetraditionopoetryandstory-telling.Foreignerswritingaboutcountrieswithwhichtheyhaebecomeenamouredproducesimilarlypassionateworksbecausetheyareabletocapturethecaptiationwithdierentcultures.TheperectexampleorthiswouldundoubtedlybeArthurGoldensMemoirsoaGeishawhichillustratesthechangesinoneoJapansoldestartormsagainstthebackdropothepoliticalandsocialupheaalwhichollowedtheSecondWorldWarOnamorepracticalleelthereisaclearandinexorablelinkbetweenreadingandacademicsuccessbecausechildrenwhoreadromanearlyageareabletodeelopawiderocabularywhichaidsintheirunderstandingwhichinturnleadstohighlydeelopedocabulary.Itisalmostacycleoprosperitywhichharnessestheskillsneededoracademicandproessionalsuccessindeedthishardworkdeterminationanddesiretosel-educateiswhatcharacterisedtheIndustrialReolutioninBritain.ManyotheinentorswhopropelledBritainintotheIndustrialAgereceiederylittleormaleducationandbuiltontheirbasicliteracywithahugearrayobooksormetheseromanticisedaccountsosel-mademenreiteratetheworldopossibilitiesthatreadingbrings.MostoatHGSoriginateromcountrieswhereilliteracyisaerystarkrealityandbychoosingtonotreadIhonestlythinkthatpeoplediscardtheexcellentopportunitiesthatwehaehadaccessto.LiteratureappealstomebecauseitcomesinmanyormsrangingromthehighlydistinguishedworksorespectedphilosopherstobookswhichsubtlydescribethearyingpigmentationsoacolouryouknowwhatImreerringtomeaningthattheretrulyissomethingtosuiteeryone.Iacceptthatbooksseemattimestobesodetachedromrealitythatthereisnosemblanceouseulnesshoweeritisimportanttorecognisethattheimportancedoesntlieintheexistenceomonstersbutinthelessonthatthesemonsterscanbedeeatedsomethingwhichappliestoallpeopleregardlessocultureageandsocialbackground.Howeeritisimportanttobeawarethatinmanypartsotheworldeentodayartandliteraturearesubjecttocensorshipsuchisthepoweroartisticsel-expressionthatmanydictatorseelittobeaerytangiblethreattotheirholdonpower.IndeeditwasMaozedongounderothePeoplesRepublicoChinawhostatedToreadtoomanybooksisdangerous.AssuchIbelieethattonotreadistohaeacompletedisregardorthereedomthatweasyoungpeopleinBritainenjoythereedomtothinkthereedomtoquestion...IdecidedtoputtogetheralistobooksthatIhaereadandwhichhaehadahugeinfuenceonmecausingmetothinktoquestion.IhopethatyouwillreadatleastaewotheseandseewhyIamsopassionateaboutliterature.Booksarethequietestandmostconstantoriendstheyarethemostaccessibleandwisestocounsellorsandthemostpatientoteachers.CharlesWilliamElliotAmericanAuthorandAcademicReadinglist1.TheKiteRunnerKhaledHosseini2.SchindlersArkThomasKeneally3.TheDiaryoAnneFrankAnneFrank4.ToKillaMockingbirdHarperLee5.JaneEyreCharlotteBronte6.NinteenEightyFourGeorgeOrwell7.AnimalFarmGeorgeOrwell8.GreatExpectationsCharlesDickens9.AThousandSplendidSunsKhaledHosseini10.TheCatcherintheRyeJDSalinger11.TheHarryPotterSeriesJKRowling12.TheGreatGatsbyFScottFitgerald13.WarandPeaceLeoTolstoy14.OMiceandMenJohnSteinbeck15.MemoirsoaGeishaArthurGolden16.ASuitableBoyvikramSeth17.DedasEnglishTranslationSaratChandraChattopadhyay18.OlierTwistCharlesDickens19.AndTheMountainsEchoedKhaledHosseini20.AChristmasCarolCharlesDickens21.CharlottesWebE.B.White22.TheCompleteWorksoShakespeare23.LesMiserablesvictorHugo24.TheCasualvacancyJKRowling25.WinniethePoohA.A.Milne26.LieoPiYannMartel27.MarriageMaterialSathnamSanghera28.TheHungerGamesSuanneCollins29.ThePercyJacksonSeriesRickRiordan30.WutheringHeightsEmilyBronte MUSIC30MusicDepartment20132014InSeptember2013wewelcomedMs.vaughantothemusicdepartmentwhohasjoinedHGSollowingthedepartureoMr.Sosulski.MrSosulskihadtaughtatHGSorthreeyearsandletinordertotakeaull-timeteachingpost.InNoemberwetookasmallnumberoA-leelstudentstoSolihullSixthFormCollegetoattendanA-leelmusicdaydelieredbyBangorUniersity.ThefrstbigeentotheyearwastheWinterConcertatLadywoodArcontheeeningo19thDecember.WewereerypleasedtobeabletoreturntothiswonderulBirminghamconcertenuethatisusedbyawiderangeoproessionalensemblesorbothconcertsandrecordings.Almost100studentsromacrossthethreekeystageswereinoledandtheyperormedinawiderangeodierentstyles.Theenuewasstandingroomonlyandtheatmospherewasriendlyanderyappreciatie.Atthebeginningo2014wetook45enthusiasticmusicstudentstoheartheworld-amousCityoBirminghamSymphonyOrchestraatBirminghamsSymphonyHall.Formanyitwastheirfrstexperienceohearingaullorchestrainalieperormance.Theprogrammeincludedarangeodierentpiecesromtheclassicalworldtothecomputergamingworld.MorerecentlyweheldtheannualInstrumentalProgresseeningorthestudentsinyears7throughto9.TherewereantasticsoloperormancesromBalkaarCamaraRyanirandJaiaswellasgroupperormancesromariousguitarkeyboardandwoodwindensembles.Wehaeincludedanumberodierentpicturesoallotheeentsromthepasttwelemonths.IyouhaenotattendedaschoolconcertbeorewestillhaetheSummerConcertonThursday10thJulyatHGS.Comeandjoinus.MusicDepartment. InteriewwithAlpeshChauhanMUSICQWhendidyoustartlearningthecelloAIstartedlearningthecelloagedsixatHallGreenInantSchoolwithBirminghamMusicSericeteacherveronicaRaen.QWhatotherinstrumentsdoyouplayAIstartedlearningpianobymyselonanoldkeyboardwehadathomeandthenstartedhainglessonswithSteanCzepielatHGSanddidmyGrade5and6withhim.IdidexperimentwithhaingoddlessonsonotherinstrumentsatHGStooasmyinterestinconductingmademeinterestedinlearninghowarangeodierentinstrumentsworkedincludingtrumpettrombonetubaandorgan.QWhendidyoudecidethatyouwantedtopursueacareerinmusicAIalwaysknewthatmusicwaswhatIwantedtodo.IalwaysgraitatedtomycelloinlunchbreaksandaterschoolandIwouldbeplayingpianointheshorterbreaks.MusicwasandstillismymainloeQWherehaveyoustudiedAAtertheinitialeyearsatHGSIstayedonoraurthertwoorsixthorm.Ithendidaour-yearBacheloroMusicdegreeontheClassicalCelloattheRoyalNorthernCollegeoMusicunderCBSOsectionleaderEduardovassallo.IamnowcompletingmynalyearothePostgraduateMasteroConductingatthesameplaceRNCM.QCouldyoudescribeyourexperienceattheRNCMATheRNCMwasatotalreleaseorme.IjustwantedtoplaymusicandlearnmoreaboutitallthetimeandcomingtotheRNCMallowedmetobearoundmusicianseerydayorsixyearsnowandtodeelopasasmallshinaerylargepond.Ihaelearnedimmenseamountsbeenabletoexploremyownmusicalinterestsandmakesomegreatlike-mindedriends.QWhatisyourtypicaldayAThereisnotypicaldayIamatakeystageodeelopmentsothingsgetbusierandbusierandaryromdaytodayrommonthtomonthandromyeartoyear.DependsonwhatandwhenyougetbookedtodothingsIamcurrentlyonae-hourcoachjourneywiththeCBSOasAssistantConductorontheirEuropeantour.ThejourneyisromGermanytoLuxembourgwheretheorchestraplaytheir15thconcertin17daysbeorefyingbackhometomorrowQYouwererecentlyawardedaconductingfellowshipwiththeCBSO.WhatdoesthisinvolveATheCBSOellowshipisalearningdeelopingandpracticalcourse.Isitinonasmanyproessionalrehearsalswithworld-renownedconductorsasIcanlearningromhowtheyworkwithorchestras.Ialsohelpthemwithbalancequestionssittingoutintheaudiencetoletthemknowicertaindetailsarecomingacrossoriitsoundshowtheywantittoinariousconcerthalls.IhaealsobeeninoledinoutreachworkwiththeCBSOandwillbeconductingtheminconcertorthersttimeinacoupleomonths.QDoyouhaveanylong-termplansAIcantanswerlong-termplans.OcourseIamonajourneywhereIhopetobecomeaproessionalconductorhoweerthatcantakeaarietyoroutes.IjusthaetokeepgainingmoreexperienceconductingmoreorchestrasintheUKandurtheraeld.QWhichmusicianshaveyouhadtheopportunitytoworkwithAAsaconductorIhaereceiedmentoringandcoachingromsomeotheworldsbestconductorsincludingAndrisNelsonsStanislawSkrowacewskiJacanSteenEdwardGardnerandAndrewLitton.IhaebeeninoledinmasterclasseswithvasilyPetrenkoandJuanjoMenainthelasttwoyears.IhaealsobeenluckyenoughtojustobseresomeconductorssuchasSirSimonRattleSakariOramoSirMarkElderandGianandreaNosedainrehearsalandconcert.QWhatadvicewouldyouofferstudentsatHGSwhomightbethinkingofacareerinmusicAHGSstudentswhoareaspiringmusicians-realisethattheliewontbeglitzandglamoraerylongtimeiatanytimeatallYouhaetodoitbecauseyouloemusic-itsnotsomethingtojusttryoutatuniersity.IyouloemusicandwhatyoudoitwillalwaysbeextremelyrewardingoratleastIhaeoundittobesosoarHonestmusiciansreallyhaetoworkandworkandworkbutthesensationodoingsuccessulconcertsandperormancesismorethanworthit.QOkaybehonesthowmuchpracticedidyoudoatHGSAAtHGSIusedtopractiseabouthalanhourorsosomelunchtimesandthendoaroundtwohoursathomeoncello.Myaimwastodoatleasttwohoursbuthopeullythreeeachday.AttheRNCMthistargetchangedtoourorehours.QFinallydoyouhaveanyfavouritecomposersAMyaouritecomposersincludePucciniandTchaikosky.IloethepassionobothothesecomposersandPucciniespeciallywhohastheabilitytomakepeopleeelecstatichappysadordistraughtbythepoweromusic.OtherparticularaouritesareShostakoichBrahmsandRachmanino.Alpeshsorthcomingengagementscanbeoundatwww.alpeshchauhan.co.ukAutumn2013ExamResultsSanakaanSukanthanGuitarGrade2MeritSamuelLauGuitarGrade2PassBrandonMasihGuitarGrade3MeritAtulvermaGuitarGrade3MeritArrandeepBolaGuitarGrade3MeritPipTurnerGuitarGrade5PassHamzaChaudaryGuitarGrade7MeritRajLawrenceS.SaxophoneGrade4MeritCalebBrownPianoGrade2PassRajeeBadhanPianoGrade3PassThereareanumberofotherstudentswhowillreceivetheirexamresultslateronintheyear.31 CLUBSANDSOCIETIES32UnitedKingdomYouthParliamentanUPDATEHandsworthGrammarstudentsandmembersoftheUnitedKingdomYouthParliamentUYKPVikramPatelCatherineMunyarariGabrielDobrashian-YatesandJulesSinghhavehadaneventfulyearintheirroles.Wetookalookatsomeofthethingstheyhavebeenupto.MakeyourMarkBirminghamResultsOer11000youngpeopleromacrossBirminghamtookpartintheUKYPMakeyourMarkcampaign.TheBallotpaperhad15issuesdesignedbymembersotheyouthparliamentoryoungpeopleaged1118yearsoldacrossthecountry.Inthe2013campaignoer478386youngpeoplecasttheirotesthatismorethantheoteinthePoliceCrimeCommissionerelectionsandthelargestyouthdemocraticelectioninthecountryThetopissuesinBirminghamwere1.1619BursaryFund2.BetterWorkExperienceandcareersadice3.LiingWage4.Acurriculumtoprepareusorlie5.FundouryouthsericedontcutthemHouseofCommonsDebateWhatisalwayspopularisnotalwaysrightOnFriday15thNoember2013alongside300otheryoungpeopleromacrosstheUKtheourHGSstudentsrepresentedoer11000youngpeopleinaliedebate.ItwaschairedbytheSpeakerotheHouseTheRt.Hon.JohnBercowMPandwitnessedbytheDeputyLeaderandShadowLeaderotheHousewithYouthMinisterNickHurdMPandLabourChairotheBackbenchCommitteeNatashaEngelMP.ThenationalresultsromtheMakeyourMarkelectionsnationwidedecidedthetopeissuestobedebatedontheday.Thetopenationalissueswere1.votesorall16-and17-year-oldsinallpublicelections2.Betterworkexperienceandcareersadice3.Combatingyouthunemployment4.zerotolerancetowardsbullyinginschool5.AcurriculumtoprepareusorlieEachothetopissueswasdebateduntiltwonationaldebateswereselectedthesewere1.Acurriculumtoprepareusorlie2.votesorall16-and17-year-oldsinallpublicelections.TransitioningfromGCSEtoASVideoGabrielDobrashian-YatesandCatherineMunyarariinteriewedYear13studentsonthebestwaysopreparingorA-Leels.TheUKYPcreatedashortideowhichincludedadiceromsixHGSstudents.EllaOtemwosaidWhenyoustartatanewsixthormitisokaytobenerousbecauseeeryoneisinthesameboat.RaailKhansaidItiseryimportantyouresearchthecontentoyourA-leelsbeoreselectingthemsoyouknowwhattoexpect.Thiscampaignwasitalinraisingtheproleocommoninsecuritiesmanystudentsacewhenmakingthattransitionhoweeritisimportantolderstudentssupportandworkwithyoungstudentstoeradicatetheseinsecurities.Votesat16LobbyYoungpeoplemakeup25oftodayand100oftomorrowInsupportothenewUKYPcampaignvotesat16lastDecemberGabrielDobrashian-YateswasamongstalegionoyoungpeoplewhowerelobbyinginLondontoreducetheotingageto16.TheUKYPhasseenScotlandloweringtheotingageandCatherineMunyararisaidWelieinaworldthatisconstantlychangingwehaeseentuitioneesalmosttripleandwhodothesechangesaectmostyoungpeople.Thatiswhyitisitalwehaeaprominentsayinpoliticsandinfuencethedecisionmakers.GabrielandAnamUKYPelectionsuccessGabrielDobrashian-Yateshasbeensuccessullyre-electedasaUKYPrepresentatieorBirminghamandYear12studentAnamhasbeenelectedtorepresentSandwellorthe2014-2016term.ThestudentswillworkwithyoungpeopleintheircommunitiestocontinuetoraiseissuesthataecttheutureoyoungpeopleintheUK.Stage2EllaImEllaImintheUpperSixthandinSeptemberIwanttobestudyingEnglishandDramaatuniersity.IthinkIealwayshadapassionordramaandtheatreandabouteyearsagoIjoinedayouththeatrecalledStage2.BeingamemberoStage2hastaughtmesomuchandIehadalotoun.Ireallywouldrecommendthatallyoungpeopletakepartinsomeotheractiityoutsideoschool.FormethatwasStage2becauseitoeredsomanydierentopportunitiessothatyoucouldjoinineenwithoutbeinganactor.ThelastproductionIwasinwiththiscompanywasduringtheEasterholiday.TheplaywasWhyIsJohnLennonWearingaSkirtbyClaireDowieitwasaboutthestrugglesogrowingupagirlinthe60sandeelinglikeyoudonttit.Theplaywasquitepoliticalandhardhittinginplacesbutitwasalsoeryunnyandastpaced.IwaspartothebandthatplayedlieBeatlestracksthroughouttheplay.ThisprojectwasreallyspecialtomebecauseitwasmylastproductionwithStage2butalsobecausewewereabletoworkwiththewriteralittleduringtheterminaworkshop-shealsokindlycamedownromLondontocatchtheFridaynightperormanceandtalktousaterwardsYoucanndacopyothereiewatwww.behindthearras.comreviewsamreviewsAMapr-Jul2014John-Lennon-review-S204-14.htmlWegot45starsandIgotalittlementiontoo 33CLUBSANDSOCIETIESHGSplayedhosttoanumberoexternalorganisationswhoallcametospeaktothe6thormstudentsandengagethemindierentactiitiesromjewellerymakingtofnancialmanagement.Year12studentsbeganworkontheirUCASapplicationor2015andthiswasollowedbyaseriesopresentations.ThefrstwasromCarlSmithwhospokeaboutthedangersandtemptationsacingyoungdriers.ThesecondpresentationwasromormerstudentKeshaBhatwhospokeabouthisworkandaboutsexismamongyoungpeople.MrsChandanourPsychologyteacherspokeaboutdomesticiolenceandwealsohadtwoisitorsromtheaccountancyfrmDeloittewhospokeabouttheircompanysBrightstartprogramme.Year13weretreatedtopresentationsromJamesSeymourdirectorostudentrecruitmentatAstonUniersityandMrDuckourUCASco-ordinatoralsospokeonapplicationsorstudentfnanceandthenwewereallowedtochooseapracticalactiitytotakepartin.ThechoicesrangedrompotterywithourheadoArtMrLynchayogaclasswithMariromHandsworthLeisureCentrejewellerymakingwithEstelleBennetCookingonabudgetledbyShaleenMeeluandrockclimbingattheWestBromwichClimbingCentreledbyMrWoodcock.Agreatandmemorabledaywashadbyall.DynamicDebatingSuccessintheESUdebateOurnewdebatingteamstormedtheESUSchoolMaceDebatingCompetitionGabrielDobrashian-YatesandvikramPatelrepresentedtheschooleloquentlyreachingthequarterfnalsinthetournament.UniersitytalkonMathematicsinSpaceTraelDrGeneralisanAstrophysicistandMathematicianromAstonUniersitythrilledSixthFormstudentswithhispresentationontheuseandapplicationomathematicsinspacetrael.HerelayedthestoryotheamousApollo13missionin1970whenonlyaknowledgeomathematicsparticularlyectorsandtangentsallowedthecommanderothemoduletoguidetheill-atedcapsulebacksaelytoearth.ThedramaticjourneywasmadeintoanOscarnominatedflmstarringTomHanksasCommanderJimLoell.DrGeneraliswhossonisaormerpupilisitedHGSaspartotheSpeakersorSchoolsprogramme.Hisenthusiasmandwittydelierybotheducatedandentertainedtheyear12and13studentsmanyowhomwaitedtospeaktoDrGeneralisaterthepresentation.SixthFormCitizenshipDay HaroonGulfrazHEADBOYHardworkmuststartonyourfrstdayinthisinstitution.Themoreworkandeortyouputinatthebeginningotheyearthebetteryouwillperorm.Calculationsandessayswillbemuchclearerandstressleelslower.YouwilllearntoadoptanaturalworkethicwhichwillensureyourA-LeelgradeswillgieyouthekeytocompetewithotherstudentsoryourdesiredcourseatUniersity.SharayeCampbellDEPUTYHEADGIRLIbelieeaschoolshouldnotonlyproideacademicsuccessbutthemotiationtoachieeandulflonesowngoals.HandsworthGrammarSchooltrulyproidesthisandasDeputyHeadGirlIhaethehonouroassistinginitsprogress.Ibelieepassingthetorchontouturegenerationsisimportantitisourroletoinspireandempower.ItakemyroleasDeputyHeadGirleryseriouslyandhaegienmyalltothisextremelyprestigiousschool.34Year8enjoyedadayonormaltimetabletotakepartinauniquelearningexperiencebothinandoutsidetheclassroom.Theocuswastolearnabouttheissuessurroundingelectriccarsandthetechnologythatmakessustainabilitypossible.Thestudentsmadeabuggyusingasupercapacitorwhichoncechargeddoesnotneedabattery.Theseweremadeandthenracedtoaryingdegreesosuccess.WeweregrateulorthesupportoRenaultwhoproidedinspirationintheormoanall-electriccartheTwizy.Thiswasanexcitingexperienceorthestudentsandstaandgeneratedagenuineenthusiasmtolearnmoreabouttheissuesandchallengesthatwewillhaetoaceinthenottoodistantuture.CLUBSANDSOCIETIESINTERvIEWSYear8supercapacitorcarchallengeSeniorPreectscornerCatherineMunyarariHEADGIRLItisagreatpleasuretohaebeenselectedtorepresentsuchadierserangeostudents.AsayoungwomanIwouldhighlyencourageallprospectieemalestudentstonoteelintimidatedbytheirmalecounterpartsbutbedeterminedtoreachtheirullpotential.AtHandsworthGrammaritisnotonlyacademiathatisitalbutitisthesupportandopportunitiesproidedsuchasregularcareersadiceuniersityspeakersopendaysandcommunityolunteeringplacementsthathelptocreateawell-roundedstudent.WiththedeelopmentothenewSixthFormCentreIseepositiechangesahead.IamhonouredtohaebeenapartothisestablishmentanditslegacyandIknowtheutureotheschooliserybrightOssamaEl-ShukriHEADOFSCHOOLCOUNCILSinceYear7IhaeoundHGStobeaschoolwheretheteachersmotiateyoutoachieethegradesyouarecapableoattaining.Howeerattheendothedayitisalldowntoyou.Youhaegottobewillingtoinesttimeandeortintoyourutureandyoureducation.Istronglyadiseyoutoworkhardasthegradesyouachieewilldeterminewhetherornotyoucanapplyoryourchosendegreeandcontinueyouracademicjourneyatuniersity.EthanGrinsDEPUTYHEADBOYThroughoutmyseenyearsatHandsworthGrammarschooltheSixthFormershaealwaysbeenthebestrolemodelsandambassadorsotheschool.AsDeputyHeadBoyIamconfdentmyexperienceswillenablemetobeagoodexampletoallprospectiestudentstoseewhatmaturesensibleandconfdentstudentsweSixthFormersare.Myrolehasallowedmetoempowerotherstudentswiththedeterminationtheyneedtosucceed.Ienjoyallsportsandtheschoolssportsacilitieshaebeenagreatplatormbyproidingopportunitiesormetorepresenttheschoolinsportteams.ThedeelopmentotheSportsHallisanamazingassettotheschoolandasprospectiestudentsilikemeyouloesportthisisagreatplaceoryou. QHowlonghaveyoubeenteachingatHGSAIebeenhereor18yearsIonlycameorayearbutIendedupstayingbecauseIloeditsomuchQWhatarethebiggestchangesthatyouveseenduringyourtimehereAIeseenmanychangesinmy18yearsatHGSthebuildingshaebeentransormedbeyondallrecognition.AlsoIegotolderIlaughawkwardlynotknowingwhattosay.Butatthebaseoitallthestudentsneerchange.QDoyouremembertherstlessonthatyoutaughtatHGSAIdoactuallyitwasinMsGerrardsroomwhichwasntcalledroom7backthenwithaclassosilentYear9sandthetextIwasteachingwasGreatExpectations.IwasshockedbytheactthattheyallhadpensaswellasbytheactthattheycouldallaccessthetextastarkcontrasttotheLondonComprehensiethatIhadbeenpreiouslybeenteachingatQWhatwillyoumissthemostaboutHGSApartfromourY12EngLitClassAIllmissalotothingsaboutHGSmyriendsandcolleaguesthestudentsbutmostlybeingpaidtotalkaboutthingsorwhichIhaeagenuinepassionButIlltellyouwhatIcertainlywontmisswakingupat600ameerymorningthethree-hourdailycommuteandthemountainsopaperworkQWhoareyourfavouriteauthorsAPhilipLarkinEmilyBronteGeorgeEliotvirginiaWoolTSEliotTennysonDonnaTarttTobiasWoleDorothyWhippleandPatrickHamilton.QHaveyouanyadviceforMrDubayAGetontopothatbloodypaperworkAlsochocolateihewantstokeepthedepartmentsweet35INTERvIEWSAdilRayOldBoyreturnstoHGSAdilRaywholetHGStostudyatHudderseldUniersityin1992returnedtohisoldschoolorachatandtogieusthewisdomohisexperience.AdilgaetwoshortpresentationstoapackedBigSchoolrstlyoSixthFormersandsecondlyamixedgroupoKeyStage3students.HethentookaarietyoquestionsrangingromwhohisaouriteteacherwasandwhichootballteamhesupportedAstonvillatowhetherhepreerredsaagordhal.HeproidedsomeexcellentadiceonmakingthemostotheopportunitiesthatHGSproidesandtheneedtoollowyourdreamswhethertheybeacademicmusicalartisticorsporting.Heposedoranumberopicturesandsignedmanyautographsorthestudentswhothoroughlyenjoyedmeetinghim.ItwaswonderultowelcomeAdilbacktoHGSandMrJoneswasabletopresenthimwithhisoldormphotographraisingagooddealolaughter.WearegrateultohimortakingtimeoutohisbusyscheduleheiscurrentlywritingthenewseriesoCitizenKhanandlookorwardtoseeinghimbackatHGSinthenearuture.MilesawayDear16-year-oldMeWhatwouldItellyouxedin1974asyouarewithoutmobilesiPodsemailWaterstonesAmazonandallthethingsIdependonnowFirstlylookateryourteethcutthesugaroutnowespeciallythoseFruitSaladchewsthatcostsolittleandtastesogood.Findsomethingtofosswitheenthoughfossdoesntexistyet.Raidthesewingbasketandndsomethread.Secondlytalktoyourgrandmamoreandaskalltheimportantinterestingquestions.valueheropinionsandhermemoriesandwritethemdownbecauseby2011theywillbeeryhazyinyourownmemoryandthatwillbesoooorustrating.Thirdlylookaterallyour45sandkeeptheminyourparentshouseratherthanluggingthemaroundromplacetoplaceastheywillgetscratchedtattyandeentuallyyourhusbandwillleaetheminawardrobewhenyousellyourrstfatinLondon.Theywillbeworthalotby2011.FinallyapologisetoyourmusicteacherorbeingsohorribletoherinYear7thewholeclasssinginginahigh-pitchedoiceandplayingtherecorderupsidedownandsoreducinghertotears.Itwasbullyingandabitpatheticreally.GoodLuck. INTERvIEWS36GoodbyeMrArnoldQOveryour26yearsatHGShowhastheschoolchangedAThebuildingshaechangedtheyarecleanerandbetterequipped.WhenIrstcameheretherewerenocomputersAndtherearenowgirlsintheschool.QWhatwillyoumissmostwhenyouleaveAAllthemembersostathataremyriends.IhaeenjoyedworkingwithyoungpeopleastheykeepyouyoungQWheredidyoustudyAAlsagerCollegeoEducationAlsagerTrainingCollegeinManchester1973-1976.QFunnyteachingmomentsATherehaebeentoomany.QWhatsubjectsdidyoustudyatA-LevelAEnglishLiteratureGeographyandHistory.QHowdidyoubecomeaBiologyteacherAAterteachingEnglishIchangedtobecomeaBiologyteacher.IdidanOpenUniersitydegreeinScience.QWhydidyoubecomeaBiologyteacherAIhaealwaysbeeninterestedinthenaturalworld.QDidyouplayanysportsatschoolASwimmingAthleticsIwasaeryastrunnerandRugbyIplayedinsidecentreandwings.QWhatmemorydoyouhaveofyourteachersAInA-Leelgeographywehadashortplumpteacherhewalkedabitlikeapenguin.MyriendsandIwoulddrawcartoonsabouthimandhisadentureswecalledthemTheAdenturesoPeng.QHaveyoueverhadaYOLOmomentAAllthetimeEeryFridaynightwhenIopenabottleowine.QWhatisoneofyoufavouritebooksACatch-22byJosephHeller.QWhatwasthelastreallygoodlmorTVprogrammeyouwatchedABreakingBadthelastseries.QIfyouhadonesuperpowerwhatwoulditbeATobeabletofylikeSuperman.QWhatisoneofmostbeautifulplacesyouhavetravelledtoAIslayScotlandIgocyclingandwalking.Itiswildbeautiulquietandhassixwhiskydistillers.Ihaebeentherealotandwillbegoingthissummer.QDoyouhaveasayingyoulivebyALieyourliehonestlyandworkhardandplayharder.SweetsixteenWhenIwasaskedtoconsiderhowIwouldlivemylifedifferentlyifmagicallywhiskedbackintimetotheageof16awholeraftofideascameintomymind.Howeveraftermoreconsideredthoughtitbecameapparentthatthehardestpartofthisexerciseisrememberinghowdifferenttheworldwasthentonow.Iwas16in1971yesImveryoldandtheworldwasadifferentplace.Theplanetwassmallerthennotphysicallybuttravelwasrelativelymoreexpensiveandlessavailable.TheRyanairsofthisworlddidntexistsomyrstthoughtthatIwouldliketohavetravelledmoreextensivelymighthavebeenlesseasy.Wewerealllessafuentthannowandtheideaofgapyearsandthelifestylethatstudentslivetodaywasnotareality.IwasexpectedtositmyAlevelsthengointohighereducationstraightaway.Therewasntreallyanalternativeexceptforthericherfew.Therewerenostudentloanstospendontakeawaysalcoholcinemaandnightclubs.Ifyouwerepoorwhichwewerentyougotafullgrant.Ifyouwererichwhichwewerentyouhadenoughmoneyanyway.Forthoseofusinthemiddlewereliedonwhatourparentscouldaffordorwerepreparedtogiveus.Formethatwas4aweekinmyrstyearatAlsagerCollegeofEducationteachertrainingcollege.4didntgofareventhoughbeerwasonly14penceapintandpricesofeverythingwereconsiderablylessthannow.Buyingbooksforcollegewassomethingthatwasdonereluctantly.Ipreferredtospendmysmallallowanceinthebaroronrecordsandmusicgigs.ButwhatifIdhadalittlemoremoneyMusichasalwaysbeenoneofmygreatestinterests.IwouldhavedearlylikedtoseemoreofmyfavouritebandsandboughtmoreoftheirrecordstoplayonmymonoDansetterecordplayerwithitssapphirestylus.Therewasthisrichkidintheroomnexttomineatcollegeandhehadthisfantasticsystemwithareel-ro-reeltapemachineandilluminatedgreenbuttonsstateoftheartnodoubt.Thebuttonswerenttheonlythingsthatweregreen.Oneofthegreatestdecisionsonemakesinlifeisachoiceofcareer.WouldIstillbeateacherifIhadmytimeagainTherehavebeentimesinmycareerwhenIhavethoughtIwouldhavepreparedtodosomethingelse.ThereareplentyofcareersthatwouldhaveearnedmemoremoneyandImighthaveenjoyedmore.Thereareofcoursemanyjobsthatareharderandpayless.IhavetoadmitIdoliketheacademicholidaysandwouldhatetohavethestandardfourweeksayear.MorerecentlyIlookbackonmyyearsinteachingwithsomeprideandfeelthatifIvemadeapositivecontributiontoyoungpeopleslivesthenithasbeenveryworthwhile.Sotobe16againsoundsallverywellbutisthat16thenor16nowMostolderpeoplewouldsayYesOKbutonlyknowingwhatIknownow.Remember16-year-oldsstillhavealottolearnandthewisdomofolderyearsisalongwayoff.OverallImfairlyhappywithmylotevenifmytimeonthisEarthislessthanitusedtobe.Ivelivedthroughaperiodofprolongedpeaceinthiscountryandrelativeafuence.IllstayasIamthanks. BonjourWhichareainFranceareyoufromLimogesasmallbeautiulcityinthecountrysideeryamousormakingporcelain.WhatfondmemoriesdoyouhaveofyourchildhoodEerysummerIusedtogotoasummercampbytheseaside.ItwassounIloeddoingsandarchery.WhatsubjectsdidyoustudyatA-LevelInFranceIstudiedEngineeringMathsPhysicsEnglishGermanPEFrenchPhilosophyHistoryGeographyandChemistry.WheredidyoustudyPoitiersUniersity2000-2003whereIstudiedEnglishandFrenchForeignLanguagesandormyPGCEIstudiedatOxordBrookesUniersity2004.AtschooldidyouevergetadetentionYesIrememberhaingadetentionorthreehoursandwalkingsixmilestogetthereWhatmemorydoyouhaveofyourteachersInFranceIhadthisclumsyPhysicsteacherwhodidntreallypayattentiontowhathewasdoing.Hewouldalwaysputtheacidtesttubesinhispocketandorgethehadthemwhenhebentoerhewouldspillalltheacidsinthetubes.DidyouplayanysportsatschoolHandballbadmintontabletennisandIplayedandtaughttennis.WhatisoneofyourfavouritebooksTheBookThiebyMarkuszusak.MoviesAnythingbyQuentinTarantino.WhatwastherstconcertyouattendedInEnglandIwenttoseeMuseinManchestertheywereamaingIlikepunkmetalandjustabitoeerythingaslongasyoucanmoetoit.IfyouwerentateacherwhatwouldyoubeArockstaritlookssounIfyoucouldinventanythingwhatwoulditbeAtimemachineCanyouimagineyourhistorylessonswithatimemachineDoyouhaveasayingyoualwaystrytolivebyCarpeDiem.TravellingIhaebeentoTunisiaandDjerbaIamexcitedtogotoJapanthisyear.IfyouhadonesuperpowerwhatwoulditbeTobeinisiblesoIcouldbeagoodspy.IfyoucouldgobackandtellyouryoungerselfanythingwhatwoulditbeIwouldnottellmyselanything.Theprocessodiscoeringyourselismuchmoreimportantthanthenalresult.WhatadvicewouldyougivetostudentsTryyourerybestnowsoyouwonthaeanyregretslaterINTERvIEWSWheredidyoustudyUniersityoFreiburgintheBlackForestinGermanywhereIstudiedEnglishCelticStudiesandGerman.WhatfondmemoriesdoyouhaveofyourteensTheyareallmusical.Iwasamemberotwochoirsandspentmostomyteenssinging.WhatdidyoustudyatA-levelInGermanyIstudiedamongothersubjectsBiologyChemistryEnglishHistoryMusicGeographyMathsandLatin.WhatlanguagesdoyouspeakIspeakfuentEnglishGermanFrenchIrishGaelicabitoWelshandTurkishandIamlearningSwedish.IalsounderstandLatinsomeSpanishandalittleMacedonian.IloelanguagestheweirderthebetterDidyouplayanysportsatschoolIwasamemberothevolleyballteambutwastooshorttocompetewiththetallergirls.WhatmemoriesdoyouhaveofyourteachersAtschoolIhadaLatinteacherasaclasswewouldalwaysdistracthimtoteachusanythingotherthanLatinorexampleancienthistory.WhatisoneofyourfavouritebooksTwoOldWomenAnAlaskanLegendOBetrayalCourageandSurialbyvelmaWallis.FunFactaboutyouIhaebeenaegetarianor12yearsandaeganoraewmonths.WhatareyourhobbiesIenjoymusicpotterygardeningknittingDIYcyclinghikingreadingphotographyandtraelwriting.WhatwasthelastmovieyouwatchedPippiLongstockinginSwedish.IfyouhadonesuperpowerwhatwoulditbeToeradicatepoertyandenironmentaldestruction.MusicAtagetenIattendedmyrstconcertTheMagicFlutebyMoart.AlsoIliketoexperiencecountriesthroughtheirauthenticmusicIlikethetraditionallyinspiredmusicoeerycountry.WhatwasyourrstsolotravellingexperienceThiswasonanexchangetripwithaschoolinNorwichoraweekIwasonly13yearsold.TravellingThroughtraellingIhaerealisedthatitmakesyouricherasapersonbecauseoalltheculturesyouknow.Youwillalwaysmisssomethingromthecountriesyouhaeisitedandliedinbutyouneerreallyhaethateelingobeingcontentinoneplaceanymore.Whatareyourtravellingtips1Gettoknowalotaboutthecountrybeoreyougo.Thisissoyouaresaeandthatyouknowenoughabouttheculturetoshowrespectandconsideration.2Forgetaboutpackageholidaysandjustplanyourholidaywell.3Stayandlearnwithlocalpeople.WhatcountrieswillyoubetravellingtonextSwedenandtherestotheScandinaiancountriesAlbaniaandSpain.WhatadvicewouldyougivetostudentsBeopentonewthingsandalwaysdothingsyouarepassionateabout.EUtakeoverbidatHGSWhatchangesarehappeninginourModernForeignLanguagesDepartmentWesentHeadGirlCatherinetondout...MrsFeissMsHeliasGutentag 38InconclusionWehopethatyouhaeenjoyedreadingthislatesteditionoTheBridge.PlanningornextyearseditionhasalreadybegunSoiyouhaeanyideasorarticlespleasedoemailthemtotheEditorialteamatthebridgehandsworth.bham.sch.ukWereallydoencourageasmanyoyouaspossibletocontributetothemagazinesopleasedontbeshyinsharingyournewsiewsstoriespicturesandsoon.38LEAvERSHellomynameisCelinaTalibIstudiedPsychologyReligiousStudiesandEnglishliterature.IplanongoingtoBirminghamUniersitytostudyPhilosophyandPoliticalScience.ItsbeenagoodlearningexperiencegoingrompriateschoolingtoGrammarSchoolithastaughtmetobemoreindependentandgetthingsdonebymyselormysel.Thankstoalltheteachers.HellomynameisChetanSoni.IstudiedBiologyMathsGeographyatHGS.Theteachershaebeenincrediblysupportiewhethertheyeknownmeorjustayearorthroughoutmytimehere.ThenumberoriendsIemetissurrealandIeenjoyedwatchingHGSprogressoertheyears.IhopetostudyGeologyatUCL.P.S.Enjoyedgettingwhoopedwhenplayingstudents.teachersootballHiImMayur.IstudiedBiologyHistoryandPsychologyatHGS.ThebestpartomytimeatHandsworthGrammarSchoolwasDoE.IwanttostudyPsychologyatUniersityoLeedsandwisheeryoneintheyearthebestortheuturetoo.MynameisRavailIhavebeenatHGSsinceyear7.IstudiedMathsPhysicsandEconomicsandImhopingtostudyAccountingandFinanceatDeMonortUniersity.ThroughoutmytimeatHGStheonethingIhaealwaysexperiencedisthewillingnessotheteacherstohelpsupportandguideyourlearning.HimynameisTajaIstudiedEnglishPsychologyandReligiousStudiesandhopetostudyEnglishatKeele.HGSwassuchawelcomingplacecomingromanallgirlsschooltoamixedschoolIwasnaturallyslightlyapprehensiebutitwassoeasytomakeriendsandadapt.MynameisTanassarNasirHGSmademewhoIamtoday.IhaeenjoyedmanythingssuchashaingthenicknameSmileyeeryonecalledmethatbecauseohowmuchlsmileAgoodmemoryisbeingpartotheAthleticICTSupport2013atAlexanderStadium.IenjoyedeerythingatHGSIamgoingtomissitespeciallymyriendstheteacherstheschoolthebasketballtheparktheoodtheareathebusjourneysthenon-uniormdaysthesmileyameallotherachieementsandeerythingromrootogroundIstudiedPoliticsLawandReligiousStudiesatHGSandhopeullyIwillattendtheUniersityoShefeldtostudyLaw.HimynameisUmae-FarvaShahIstudiedBiologyBusinessandPsychologyatHandsworthGrammarSchool.IenjoyedmeetingloadsogreatnewpeopleandalsodoingnewsubjectsthatwerereallyinterestinglikePsychology. GOLDFlSHBRAlNYouwillhaetoexcusethemessImaraidthatmyhousemateandIhappentorelyonotherstomaintainthecleanlinessoourenironmentandasyouknowthesedaysyoujustcannotgetthesta.Itsprettydullhere.Notagreatdealhappens.Theusualcomingsandgoings.WedohaeagrandstandiewoTHEM.THEYrequentlyengageinsomeritualthatinolesstrangerepetitieraisingoTHEIRelongatedns.Youwillhaetoexcusethemess.Andmylittleriend.YesheisnttheulltankiyouknowwhatImean.Hejustollowsmearoundcheerullymutteringtohimsel.TheonlyariationiswhentheoodarriesromTHEM.Allwedoisswimuptowardthelightandoodappearsromthebeyond.MylittlechumandIhaeagoodoldmunch.verypleasant.Ireallycannotwishormore.PerhapsalittlemoresophisticatedcompanyYouwillhaetoexcusethemess.Imnotsurehowithascometothis.Imnotreallyusedtosuchsqualor.Imaraidmyriendoerthereisratherresponsibleorthis.Heisnterybright.IhaetriedtoappealtoTHEMbuttheydontseemtonotice.THEYaredeatomypleas.Theyseemtobeuninterestedinmyplight.Imjustnotusedtoliinglikethis.Theoodisdreadul.TheswooshingthingoerthereiseryirritatingYesImeryproudomylittleplace.Ihaealoelyhousematetoo.Loelycleanatmospherebeautiulcolouredfooring.Theoodissmashing.Allourneedsarecateredorbythesepaleserantswholieoutthere.THEYarenoteryengagingbuttheyareeryecientandwewantornothing.LoelyWHATAMIDOINGHEREWHOAMIWHOISHEWHYAMIHERE39WearetworescuecatsbythenamesoTreacleandMurphy.Ourownerhadusromkittensandtookusbacktoherhome.WeliketobringpresentstoherallothetimeandIknowsheenjoyssharinghowkindandgenerouswearetoherstudentsatschool.Amongstheraouritegitsarethepregnantmouseadeadmouseonatrapapigeonweeende-eatheredthisoneorheraamilyobabyblackbirdsandrogs.SherequentlywilltryanddiscusswithuswhethercatshaetheabilitytoeelcompassionorthecreaturestheycatchorwhetherwehaeaconscienceShespendshereeningschasingaroundatertwosmallerhumans.Oaneeningweliketotryandcurluponthetablenexttoherpilesopaperthatsheistryingtowriteonsheisneerkeenonourhelpwithhermarking.TreacleandMurphyDUTCHHowsaboutyeaulhanImaHuntawayandbuiltlikeabrick...wallBackinthedayIwasusedtoherdsheepcausetheyreasthickasaditch.LikemostHuntawaysImblackandtanwhichgoesdownlikealeadballooninourhousebutweregoodworkers.....wereromNewzealandyaseebutwewereoriginallysentthereMybreedarelargechestedlikemybigbrotherSilestandIccurrentlyweighabout30kiloswhichisabout50lbsinrealmoney...butIhaefoppyearswhichmakesmelookcute...ButdontjudgeabookbyitscoerRight.Right.Right.Ooooheh.ImSpike-the-CatandImaScouser.Imreallyhardgotacurlypermandcanrobstuoryeriyouwant...oopsjustplayingtotheiciousBirminghamstereotypethere.Calmdowncalmdown....Rightrightright.SoIloeWhiskaspouchesandmymistresswhoisalsoaScouserbyorigingiesthemtomesometimes...soIloeherorthat.ShedoesntalwaysbutIknowiIgoonandonandonshewilleentuallygieincosshesasottouch.ShelikesbooksandsoIhaetolistentohergoingonandonaboutwhatshesjustreadandshelikeschocolatetoobutsodoIandsometimesshesharesherswithmebutnotsturomHotelChocolatcosthatsherae.Soyoucanguesseasywhosheiscantyou.InotyoureadiLoveSpike-the-CatxxGarnetatNightfall-AnEnglishBulldog.ImGarnetatNightallanEnglishBrummiebulldogomediumsiewhodisplaysthetypicalbulldogspiritthroughoutthedaysomewhatakintoresilienceasalearninghabitImsturdyandsmoothhairedwithafatwrinkledaceandbroadchest.SomemightsayIresemblemyownerbeingshortandstockywithroyalbluebloodrunningthroughmyeins.IenjoylongwalksalongtheRierColeinsouthBirminghamwhilstmyownerlistenstoclassicalmusiconhislatestsmartphone.Ialsosnorelouderthanmygadgetgeekownerespeciallywhenheistalkingaboutawell-knownMidlandsootballteamspoorperormanceeeryweekend.SoyoucanguesswhomyowneriscantyouLoveGarnetatNightfallxxMynameisMaiseyandIama3yearoldSpringerSpanielbrownandwhiteincolour.Iloerunningintheparkeatinglotsooodincludinghumanoodandjumpingintoerymuddypuddles.ThereareacoupleophotosomeoryoutoseeonecleanandoneasIpreercoeredinmud.IlieinHarbornewithmyownerwhoIthinkmaypreercatsespeciallyblackones.WhodoyouthinkthismightbeMaiseyTEACHERSPETSCanyouguesswhotheybelongto HandsworthGRAMMARSCHOOLGroveLaneBirminghamWestMidlandsB219ETTel01215542794Fax01215515575Emailenquiryhandsworth.bham.sch.ukwww.handsworth.bham.sch.ukDesignedandprintedbyAmmacDesignLtd01926883376www.ammacdesign.com