Parents who would like their Son’s results from the 11+ exams need to write to the Headteacher, Mr Shephard,

 Please ensure your Son’s name, date of birth and postal address are included in all letters and emails.

Replies to letters and emails will be sent by post as soon as possible.

 

 

On Thursday 27th January 2011 a group of ICT students in the lower and upper sixth visited Birmingham Science Park Aston. We met Mr. Hugo Russell, an IT entrepreneur, he guided us to a state of the art video conferencing suite, where we were shown Tandberg’s video conferencing system costing approximately £80,000.  It had a true-to-life picture interface and a clever moving HD camera connected to a very large TV which had call making capabilities. This effectively enables meetings to be conducted in several places around the world simultaneously on one large screen without the need for transport. A direct connection can be made between universities and schools from the suite to discuss research and product development, to create a greater depth of knowledge on one particular project by using more unique minds. We were also given an opportunity to interact with the system which was fun; this was supported by a technology seminar which lasted about 90 minutes.

Next we met the Managing Director of an upcoming, rapidly growing social networking games company called Soshi games who announced a top secret game project concerning music. The company initially started with three members of staff and now is expecting a turnover of £20million in the next 5 years with 20 staff. The company is shortly releasing a game called “Village raffles” on Facebook. We were given advice by Mr. Russell about the opportunities in new emerging technologies, where there is bound to be financial gain. Intel AppUp development, which is currently under exploited and overlooked due to Apple and Android applications development which is peaking at present, was felt to be an under developed opportunity. He felt that in the near future social networking games on platforms, such as Facebook, will eclipse the gaming console and most gaming will take place online with different users around the world, which is looking very likely. Hugo instructed anyone who is serious to set up a business and has a genuine business plan with a movement made already, should approach Aston Science Park who would be happy to accommodate the business free for 6 months subject to conditions.

The knowledge gained from this visit gave an invaluable insight into the convergence of Business and ICT and how things are marketed to us, for example 3G is put across to us as the consumer as an exciting new feature when a 4G wifi connection already exists at the Science Park. I also personally learnt that business powered by Information Communication Technology is an essential part of the world we live in today. We also learnt that to succeed in business you should not fear failure as it is a stepping stone to success. These concepts will support me in my Advanced Diploma Course where ideas and experience from the ICT Business world need to be applied to work, for example in database development and website development which I am currently studying.

This is an exciting time for ICT as it is being rapidly evolved to comfortably integrate and positively impact all aspects of our lives and make us all dependent upon it. The Visit was an over whelming success. Another educational visit which is currently being arranged is to Land Rover Solihull, which is a thrilling prospect as it will provide an opportunity to see the latest ICT and manufacturing technologies!

Raihan

The Learning Hub is now showcasing books from the Horrible Histories, Geography and Science collections. These humourous books are guaranteed to bring the subject to life and will amuse you along the way! To learn more (and to find out why the TV series recently won a National Comedy Award) please feel free to pop into the Hub or visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/horriblehistories/

 

Location: Pila, Aosta Valley, Italy

The last day of the Autumn Term was somewhat different for thirty-five students and 5 members of staff last year as it marked the start of the 2010 Ski Trip. We travelled to the Aosta Valley in Italy for a week’s skiing.

The coach journey to Italy was always going to be a long one and a ferry-miss added an extra few hours onto our drive; however this was no problem as everyone still managed to have enough sleep to witness and appreciate the spectacular views that our arrival in the Alps provided. We managed to arrive in the Valley by late afternoon and get through the ski-fit at the Interski offices. We turned up at the hotel ready for a meal and then had plenty of time to unpack and settle into our rooms.

The hotel was excellent; it was very clean and comfortable and the owners were very welcoming. Throughout the week the meals were to prove exquisite, with a range of pastas and meats available alongside vegetables. Towards the end of the week you could sense that everyone had lost interest in the pasta starters though, and so ate more of the second course instead. The meals suited all tastes.

The ski-ing itself proved hard work and required a good night’s sleep for us to have enough energy on the slopes. Our wake-up call was at 6.40am, and breakfast followed at 7.00am. We were all sure to be up though as the strugglers would be woken by Mr Young armed with his water bottle!

Throughout the week we enjoyed après ski activities; these included ice skating, a visit to a Nike Shop, tubing, a pizza night, a quiz night and, of course, endless snowball fights. We also enjoyed an evening in the town of Aosta, shopping for presents and gifts. On the day before our departure we had our Presentation Evening where we were all awarded with certificates and badges by our instructors.

All of the pupils bonded well and some extremely funny moments occurred both on and off-piste. Overall the trip was superb. All pupils from complete beginners to experienced skiers developed their skills on the slopes. The instructors at Pila were really helpful and we had a huge laugh with them; they helped to make the trip so enjoyable.

Thanks to Mr Bird for organising the trip and to Mr Jones, Mr Campbell, Mr Brough and Mr Young (whose language expertise proved very useful) for giving up their holiday to come away with the school. Your time was much appreciated.

Ryan

Ryan’s report needs to be supplemented to allow reference to the excellent attitude displayed by all of our students during the trip.  Learning to ski is a demanding physical challenge, albeit for some more than others, and the perseverance shown, including by some suffering from minor ailments, was very impressive indeed.  The staff received many compliments about our students’ manners and conduct throughout the trip, and about how well they supported each other and students from other schools too.  They were a credit to themselves and to Handsworth Grammar School.

Mr P Jones

PS: Planning for next year’s trip is already underway, scheduled for the same time of year i.e. the first week of the Christmas holiday.  Mr Bird will circulate information when available.