On the 27^th of June 2025, Year 10 had the pleasure of visiting Bletchley Park on a Computer Science Trip, a day packed with activities that encompassed our algorithmic thinking skills, knowledge of encryption and even cryptography. When we arrived, we were met with an expert tour guide who took us over to the Bletchley Mansion and quizzed us with questions about our prior knowledge of codebreaking and enlightened us with some fascinating information. After this, we were taken over to the entrance of two garages, these were full of different types of vintage vehicles. At first sight, it didn’t look that special. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This was the very entrance where thousands of motor cyclists called Dispatch Riders would bring in valuable intelligence from covert drives during the war. They played a crucial role by delivering encrypted messages to and from Bletchley Park from stations called ‘Y stations’ to the experienced team of expert codebreakers.

After the Dispatch Riders, we visited inside the mansion, which was the very centre of attention as many gathered around the rooms which contained original radios, differing papers packed with code and all organised scrupulously into grids, which made codebreaking more effective. After this, we had the privilege of viewing ‘The Cottages’ where some of the most prolific Codebreakers such as Dilly Knox, Mavis Lever and even the man regarded as the ‘forefather of modern computer science, Alan Turing’ worked in these buildings. This was the very site where the first codebreaking of Enigma by an exclusive British team took place and produced intelligence showing that the Allies had successfully deceived the Germans in the ‘Double Cross’ operation regarding the location for the D-Day landings.

We also got to visit a mini cinema which displayed the significance of codebreaking in the war effort and how crucial it was to gather intelligence such as the Battle of Cape Matapan, where Italian ciphers were decrypted, informing the Royal Navy of Italian and German ship movements. We then moved onto the tours of the Huts where prominent codebreakers like Gordon Welshman worked to break the Enigma codes. Hut 8 was home to the office of Alan Turing, the founding father of modern computer science. I remember it like it was yesterday, his room had two desks with their own typewriter, a map on the far left of the room and a mini chalkboard hung on the wall, accompanying a black telephone. To this day, I still cannot believe that I stood in the same room where Alan Turing’s brains had conjured up the most ingenious thoughts of the century, solving problems during times of national insurgency, when the welfare of the country depended on him.

Finally, we received an excellent lecture presented to us by the staff at Bletchley Park on encryption codes and cryptography as well as an insight into the field of Quantum Computing.

The Bletchley Park Trip was an enjoyable experience based around the many wonders Computer Science can perform, I am very grateful and lucky to have been able to partake in this trip as it deepened my understanding of the fundamental concepts such as encryption and made me appreciate the applications of computer science in British history.

Sarujan Kasinthan, 10G

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding commitment of our students who have achieved 100% attendance this term. Their dedication to learning, punctuality, and consistency sets a shining example for the entire school community.

Each of the pupils listed below has shown exceptional reliability and a strong sense of responsibility by being present every single day. This is no small feat, and we commend them for their perseverance and positive attitude.

Let’s give a huge round of applause to our 100% attendance stars in each of our year groups. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are so proud of you!

Year 7

Year 8 & 9

Year 10 & 12

On Sunday 6^th July, 40 Year 8 students accompanied by 5 teachers flew from Heathrow Airport to Rome to spend a busy two days in the capital city before transferring via Pompeii to Sorrento, where a slightly more relaxing time was spent exploring sites within the Bay of Naples.  The group flew back to Heathrow from Naples on Friday 11^th July.

Harrison (8A) writes:

When we landed in Rome, the first thing I realised was just how hot it was.  However, I soon adjusted to the heat and started to take in the brilliant landscapes that surrounded me.  After we had checked into the Hotel Floridia, we began our walk (and metro ride) to the Vatican City (the World’s smallest country).  When we got there, I was simply in awe.  The sheer attention to detail on the buildings, walls and even fountains was extraordinary and the sense of holiness within St Peter’s Basilica was very peaceful.

The next day, we continued our exploration of Rome by visiting all of the major tourist attractions.  In the morning, we walked to the Colosseum where we enjoyed a guided tour of the amphitheatre.  Afterwards, we visited the Roman Forum via the Palatine Hill.  It was interesting to see parts of this hub of Roman life still standing after 3000 years.  After lunch, we visited Piazza Navona which is one of the main squares in Rome. What is interesting about this place is that it sits directly above the Domitian Stadium which was used as a circus in the Roman era. Following this, we had the opportunity to visit the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon which are all recognisable movie backdrops. However, they definitely look even better in real life!

On Tuesday, we visited Pompeii, the famous historical city in the bay of Naples. Many houses, shops, streets etc. were preserved by the ash and volcanic rock during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79; the mountain provided an amazing background for many great pictures.  As such, the city provides an invaluable record of Roman life.  After exploring Pompeii we continued our coach journey to Sorrento, where we checked into our second hotel of the trip, Hotel La Ripetta.

Wednesday involved more brilliant experiences.  We took a ferry across to the island of Capri and then boarded a smaller boat for a tour around the island.  We then explored the main town which was rammed with designer outlets, restaurants and many other expensive shops. The island seemed so small, it was almost impossible to believe many famous celebrities, such as Georgio Armarni, lived there.

On Thursday, our climb to the top of Mount Vesuvius was tiring but certainly worth it. Being 1300m above the city of Naples allowed many great photographs to be taken.  After our descent, we travelled back to Sorrento where we had time to explore the town’s pedestrianised streets.  Finally, we finished the day in the best possible way with a trip to one of the clear water beaches of the bay.

The last day was equally as informative with a visit to Herculaneum (another city engulfed by the volcanic effects of Mount Vesuvius).  It was a moving experience walking the streets of the once busy seaside fishing village. Many skeletons from the inhabitants still lie over 2000 years after most of the villagers perished in an horrific way. Our last exploration in Italy was of the catacombs of Naples which contain many important Italian patrons’ and martyrs’ tombs. A truly holy experience rounded off the trip the best way possible. Our last views of Italy lasted only a minute or so as we soared up through the clouds on the way back to London.

Overall, the trip to Italy was a truly brilliant experience and is one I would recommend to anyone who has the chance to go on.

Click here to view more photos in the gallery.

Friday 11th July, thirty outstanding Year 7 pupils from Handsworth Grammar School were treated to an exciting rewards trip to Redpoint Climbing Centre in Birmingham. This special outing was a celebration of their exceptional conduct and achievements throughout the academic year.

Upon arrival, pupils enjoyed a relaxed lunch together before diving into a thrilling hour-and-a-half climbing session. With a variety of climbing walls to explore, everyone had the chance to challenge themselves, build confidence, and support one another in reaching new heights—literally!

The weather was perfect, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the day. It was heartwarming to see pupils come out of their shells, encouraging each other and celebrating every accomplishment. Many expressed a keen interest in returning to Redpoint, either for future rewards trips or even during the summer holidays with family and friends.

This trip wasn’t just about climbing—it was about growth, teamwork, and celebrating the spirit of Handsworth Grammar School. The courage and enthusiasm shown by our Year 7 pupils were truly inspiring.

Thank you, Year 7! You’ve had a fantastic first year, and we couldn’t be prouder. Your hard work and positive attitude have set a brilliant example. We look forward to many more achievements and rewards experiences in the future. Stay motivated—there are plenty more opportunities ahead!

Enjoy your well-deserved summer break!

Mr Bansal

📸 Click here to view more photos in the gallery

HGS Student chosen to represent Team GB at the  Skopje 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF)

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has announced the 54 athletes selected to represent Team GB at the Skopje 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), and we couldn’t be prouder that Kaiden Hitchins, one of our students in Year 10, has been chosen to compete in the swimming.

The whole Handsworth Grammar School community is wishing him the best of luck for the Games, which run from the 20th – 26th July.  Team GB’s young athletes, all aged between 13 and 18, will compete in 10 of the 15 disciplines on the programme including artistic gymnastics, badminton, basketball 3×3, canoe slalom, judo, mountain bike, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and taekwondo.

This represents a tremendous achievement for Kaiden and is a testament to his dedication to 3.45am starts and training sessions in the depth of winter. We look forward to following Team GB’s progress but will be saving our loudest cheers for Kaiden!  #HGSCARES!