On Thursday 10^th November we were able to virtually attend a Computer Science webinar, which was being hosted in London.

The first presentation was about the interactions between drivers and pedestrians, and how to mirror this over to driverless cars. We learned about the Bimodal Crossing Pattern; when crossing before a car, people will either cross whilst the car is very far away or when it has stopped, with very little in between. The presenter mentioned methods that driverless cars could use to signal to the pedestrian it is safe to cross. It was interesting to hear about the several trials that had been carried out, using virtual reality to mimic the scenario of crossing the road between two cars, as well as the presenter’s plans for future trials.

The next presentation made a very bold statement; Computer Science is the basis of Mathematics. The presenter, who had completed his A-Levels at 14, explained that through functional programming, we can prove mathematical theorems, strengthening the wall of academia on which new mathematical findings rely on. If any one of those were proved wrong, then the mathematics that followed would also be false. The presenter had proved the formula for the area of the circle through two months of coding with three other professors.

Did you know that in London, you cannot walk more than nine steps without being caught on camera? The presentation that told us this fact also explained that with just latitude, longitude, and time, we can work out a person’s favourite place to visit, where they live, and much more. So, the number of information companies and the government can deduce with all of the information a phone can provide is too much to comprehend.  Overall, it was an amazing experience to see what we learn in the classroom applied to the real world, which in turn gave us a deeper understanding of what we learn in our subject.

Raahil Junaid 13GDH

In preparation for our trip to the Italian Alps next term, two dozen intrepid skiers recently ventured to the ski slopes of Small Heath to learn the basics, or have a refresher. The beginners made great progress and a good time was had by all. Let it snow (in Italy anyway!)

Mr Jones

Exam season is upon us, although whether it will be a winter of discontent or an eternal summer of a grateful heart is yet to be known. One thing’s for sure, it envelops us all, with mums, dads and teachers feeling like they are the ones sitting the papers. As the African proverb goes: “Rain does not fall on one roof alone.”

Seasons are an apt metaphor for School life. HGS is an elemental place; its weather leaving no uncertainty as to where we stand in the calendar. Summer gives us a hug and waves goodbye at the start of the academic year. Hands over to autumn, whose gravity settles a studious tone about the grounds. We hunker down in winter, yet thrall as snow settles silent on our ancient School, reminding us of our heritage. Then spring blossoms once more, bringing birds, bees and adolescent hormones back onto the campus.

As we adapt our lives to suit the season, so too do our lives have their own seasons. Each is simultaneously a destination and a journey to another place. We long for summer to arrive, though it is but a prelude to autumn. So too with our school days. Transitional, no doubt. But also a legitimate season in their own right. To rush through them, impatient for ‘real’ life to begin is to ignore the fact that without the passage of one, the other cannot follow. Just as we recall the summer sun in the depths of winter, so too will nostalgia demand that we look back to our years at School with yearning. Ironically, it is often not children but parents who are guilty of rushing them through childhood.

School is a season to be enjoyed, not endured. Likewise, examinations are part of a cycle that will repeat throughout life. Learn, apply, reflect. Repeat. Examinations are just a prelude to the feedback that all work entails. They may be April showers, but they bring May flowers. Or August results to be more literal.

Let’s teach our children to embrace the moment, not wish it away. As the philosopher George Santayana said: “To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.”

Stay well and safe.

Be kind to yourself and others.

Best wishes,

Dr Bird

The Sixth Form Football Team secured a 2-0 victory over local rivals King Edward VI Aston last night. It was a hard fought, good spirited match.

The Year 9 and Year 10 Basketball Team won their match 42-17 against local rivals in the league.

The Year 7 & 8 Indoor Cricket Team secured a solid victory against Broadway School last night.

The Year 7 Football Team won the Aston Schools Cup 5-a-side Tournament. A last piece of silverware for Mr Gallagher before he leaves HGS.

Congratulations to all our teams and coaches.