GCSE ‘Science Live’
On the 29th February 2016, some of my Year 10 colleagues and I attended a GCSE ‘Science Live’ event that took place in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, the event lasting from 10am-3pm. Various schools from across the country came to have the opportunity to listen to some of the World’s leading scientists, and also to listen to a senior examiner who talked about what examiners tend to look for in examinations. We listened to five scientists in total. Professor Jim Al-Khalili spoke about Time travel, Professor Lord Robert Winston about Fertility and Genetics, Professor Alice Roberts about Evolution, Professor Andrea Sella about Chemical Reactions and Dr Simon Singh about The Big Bang.
I think that everyone who attended found the event very enjoyable and it was interesting to learn about things that we may not be taught in school.
Joshua Nagra
Computer Science Masterclass
During February 2016, 20 Year 12 Computing and Multimedia students attended an app development and design workshop at Aston University. The workshop was run by Dr Jo Lumsden and Dr Lilit Hakobyan, both experts in Human Computer Interface’s (HCI). The purpose of the workshop was to create a concept and then design a fitness application. Our 20 students, along with a number of external students, were split into teams of 6 where they were given an hour to create a concept and then design certain aspects of the desired application. Group 1 featured the department’s star students! – creating an application named ‘EZFit’. The application took advantage of a devices geometrical components such as the motion sensor, along with GPS capabilities in order to provide accurate and efficient tracking functions. The application also used an advanced formula that granted users points, taking into consideration the amount of exercise the user performed and the user’s BMI. The point system provided a competitive platform where friends could collaborate, in a manner that promoted a healthy lifestyle. Wearable technology was also considered.
Group 2 took a similar approach with an application named ‘iGo-uGo’. The application also considered various components of a device in order to provide similar tracking to that achieved by Group 1. Group 2 offered the ability to track the user’s diet along with several aspects of fitness. Group 3 took an interesting approach with their application ‘World Run’. Rather than taking a conventional approach of having a user’s fitness tracking as the main aspect of the application, they instead attempted to incorporate a game like aspect into the application, in order to appeal to a market of a lower age group. The application included images of world renowned locations in order to persuade the user to interact with the game while motivating them to lead a healthy lifestyle. All three groups excelled in the workshop, providing them with valuable information and experience in the field of Human Computer Interface’s (HCI). Hence, on behalf of all the students who attended, we would like to thank Dr Jo Lumsden and Dr Lilit Hakobyan along with Aston University for a valuable and memorable experience.
Donnell Burgess, Daniel Ahmed, Jason Lee and Reedwan Ali.
Futsal
The Under 16s Futsal team qualified for the Regional Futsal Finals at the Hockley Futsal Centre last night by winning all four of their games. Futsal is a version of 5 a side football, with a slightly heavier and smaller football.
Our team was in a group with Colmers Farm School, and Washwood Heath School. HGS played each team twice and our results were as follows:
HGS 4-1 Colmers Farm
HGS 5-0 Washwood Heath School
HGS 6-3 Colmers Farm
HGS 5-2 Washwood Heath.
The team was made up of Ettan Korpal, Shuja Mehmood, Myles Henry, Taran Gill and Franciszek Czech.
We now go into the regional finals, along with schools from Coventry and Solihull which take place on 28th April.
Hockey on the Astro Turf
The new Astro Turf on the Baker Street playground has provided the PE department with an ideal opportunity to re-introduce Hockey to the PE curriculum.
8 Galahad were the first group to have Hockey in their PE lesson on March 3rd and all of the boys enjoyed the lesson taught by our PE trainee Mr Bowles, assisted by Mr Conway.
Maths Success
The Maths department have enjoyed significant success in the recent Intermediate (Year 9 and 10) Maths Challenge. 4 boys are through to the next kangaroo round, 3 were awarded Gold, 12 Silver and 28 Bronze Certificates. This our first ever sitting at this level and all our students who took part are to be congratulated as well as Mr Sangar who oversees these events. Well done!
More Basketball Success
The U16s Basketball team continued on their unbeaten season with a narrow and hard fought victory over Perry Beeches Academy on Tuesday evening. The team secured a win by 26-24, and were led by star player Mo Mohammed who scored 5 baskets but just as importantly saved a number of Perry Beeches points by his outstanding defensive play.
Well done to all of the team.
11+ FAQ
11+ Enquiries for Entrance in September 2016
Frequently asked Questions
We are aware that this can be a very stressful time for parents/carers and boys alike, therefore we have tried to answer the frequently asked questions below. If this information does not answer your question please email the school using the contact page stating the child’s full name, date of birth and address with your query and a contact phone number.
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Q1. How do I appeal if I am not happy with the school my son has been given?
Birmingham Local Authority are handling our appeals so you need to phone them on 0121 303 1888 (option 4), or visit their website http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/sae
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Q2. If I have been offered a place at Handsworth Grammar School, what do I do next?
You need to complete the reply slip on the letter and send it in to us by 16 March 2016.
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Q3. Why hasn’t my son been offered a place at Handsworth Grammar School?
Birmingham Local Authority makes the offers on our behalf so any issues you have need to be taken up with them.
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Q4. What was the cut off score?
The cut off score was 209 this year. Students with the same score are sorted geographically so students who live closer to the school get preference.
Sports Round Up
Our Key Stage 3 Basketball team secured a comfortable victory over Aston Manor in their first match of the season with a 29 – 11 win. Mr Conway and Mr King were delighted with the boy’s performance and this bodes well for the rest of the season – well done
Our Year 7 and Year 9 Indoor Cricket teams have progressed to the Finals at Edgbaston County Cricket Club having become League Winners in their age groups of the Warwickshire Cricket League. Year 7 enjoyed a comfortable win over Turves Green recently with Turves Green scoring 80 runs in their 12 overs and HGS moving to 83 off only 8 overs. Good luck to both teams.
Yr 7 – 11 Enrichment Day
All staff and students were involved in a busy day of House activities, Personal Health presentations and Citizenship work.
Yr. 7- The Year 7 students were involved in a competition organized by the Civic Society of Birmingham. They had to research and deliver a presentation on what they could improve in their local areas. The Civic Society wanted the students to be aware of the issues in their local community and to come up with a solution for the issue. This takes a lot planning and excellent group work. At the end of the day each group within the form had to deliver a presentation with their idea and how they could make it sustainable. The winner of each form now has to deliver their presentation to a panel from the Civic Society who will come into school. The winner of this then represents the school in the Birmingham Finals.
Yr. 8- Year 8 enjoyed a variety of House activities along with focusing upon key issues that were discussed throughout the day. The House activities were Basketball, Table Tennis, Handball and Debating. Every student in the Form was involved in these House activities. The issues discussed were our Legal Rights and the effects of Alcohol. 8 Galahad won the House Basketball and Handball. 8 William won the Table Tennis with Salmane Nasri Elmi 8 Alfred winning the individual House Competition. 8 Nelson won the Debating competition on the issue of Capital Punishment.
Yr. 9 – Year 9 had their Annual 5 aside Competition with all students participating. After four hours of play Alfred were the eventual winners beating Galahad by one point!
Yr. 10 – Year 10 had a Personal Health Day and had some outside presenters delivering sessions. The sessions were on Sexism/Stereotypes, Mental Health and Financial Management. There was some really useful information given and certainly the Mental Health presentation highlighted some key information that the students did not know. A young man by the name of Charlie Fogarty also came into school and told his story. This really engaged the students and they were impressed by his resilience having being hit by a car after stepping into the road and going through serious rehabilitation and his battle to overcome the disabilities that he has. It was an inspirational presentation showing that through any adversity you can come through it and have some goals to achieve that can make you have a sense of purpose.
Yr. 11- The Year 11 students were also involved in the presentations given to the Year 10 students as well as some students carrying out additional coursework to build upon the good work already undertaken.
A really busy day for all but a rewarding one with positive outcomes.
Mr Griffiths
