Dr Generalis an Astrophysicist and Mathematician from Aston University thrilled Sixth Form students with his presentation on the use and application of mathematics in space travel.

Dr Generalis told the students the story of the famous Apollo Space mission in 1970, when only a knowledge of mathematics, particularly vectors and tangents, allowed the commander of the module to guide the ill fated capsule back safely to earth. The dramatic journey was made into an Oscar nominated film, starring Tom Hanks as Commander Jim Lovell.

Dr Generalis visited HGS as part of the “Speakers for Schools” programme, and he revealed that his own son had been a pupil at HGS some years ago. His enthusiasm and witty delivery both educated and entertained the year 12 and 13 students, many of whom waited to speak to Dr Generalis after the presentation.

The RS department would like to thank Singer’s Hill Synagogue for a fabulous visit on Monday 21st January 2014. 7 Nelson and 7 Henry thoroughly enjoyed their tour. They were given the opportunity to see Jewish artefacts and ask a lot of interesting questions. We look forward to taking the other year 7 forms and those boys who will be studying Judaism as part of their GCSE, over the next few days. A full report will feature in the next newsletter.

Mrs Donoghue

On Saturday 18th January 2014, a group of pupils went to Manchester Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) for a Science trip, which had a bit of history thrown in. We arrived at school at 9am and waited for Mr Keane.  When he arrived, we set off on the hour and a half long journey.  On the way we picked up Mr Jones at a bus stop.  The journey was quite fun as we kept each other entertained (and pinched Danyal’s snacks). The journey did not feel too long as the time flew by.  When we arrived at the museum we had a briefing from Mr Keane and then went by ourselves looking around the various different exhibitions.

The first thing we visited was the Pictures section where we took pictures of ourselves which were then displayed on the many screens hanging from the ceiling.  We then went to the train engine exhibition where we saw many old trains including one of the first ever trains and its carriages.  In the Science section we measured our reaction time and our body temperature.  There was also an area where you could make huge bubbles and mix lights together to make different colours.

At around midday we had lunch at the cafe.  We then went on to see the Technology section where there were telephones, televisions and computers from many years ago including the first home desktop computer.  Afterwards we went to the Transport exhibition which had WW1, WW2 and the first ever planes, and also old and famous cars. Even the first motorbikes and milk floats were on show. I was more interested in the cars but was amazed how big the planes and helicopters were.

At 2:00pm we gathered together at the museum entrance and left; we broke the journey back at a service station.

The trip was awesome and I would definitely go again as there are many things to learn and a lot of exciting and interesting things to see. I would definitely recommend MOSI to anyone.  You will see things you have not seen before and I am certain that the others would agree with me.

I would like to thank Mr Jones and Mr Keane for taking time out to organise this amazing trip.

Reedwan Ali

Our warm congratulations go to Gulfraz Ahmed who has been offered a place at Churchill College, Cambridge University to read for an undergraduate degree in Mathematics, commencing in October 2014. Well done – this is a great achievement.

The Staff and Student Librarians have produced a display based on the theme Celebration. Information was collated on different cultures and religions identifying the different ways festivals are celebrated according to their religious calendar and what it involves.

Many similarities were found, such as family gathering, exchanging presents, food, charity and last but not least, remembering god.