As we approach the end of the first term, we’re thrilled to celebrate the forms with the best attendance across Years 7 -13. Your commitment to being in school every day truly makes a difference, because every missed day means missed learning.

This term, the top-attending forms in each year group have earned a well-deserved treat: breaktime hot chocolate! Congratulations to:

• Year 7: 7William
• Year 8: 8William
• Year 9: 9Nelson
• Year 10: 10Galahad
• Year 11: 11Galahad
• Year 12: 12AAH
• Year 13: 13ASO

A special well done to Year 8, who have achieved the highest attendance of any year group overall—an incredible effort that sets the standard for everyone.

Thank you to all students who continue to show up, stay engaged, and make the most of every learning opportunity. Let’s keep this momentum going into the new term!

Over the past four weeks, excitement has been building in our KS3 Beyblade Tournament, which saw 32 enthusiastic participants battling it out in a series of high-energy matches. The competition was fierce, with pupils showcasing strategy, precision, and plenty of spinning action!

After several knockout rounds, the tournament culminated in a thrilling grand final between Ahmed Qureshi (7W) and Muhammad Yusuf Khan (7N). Both competitors demonstrated incredible skill, but in the end, Muhammad Yusuf Khan emerged victorious with an impressive 5:1 win.

Yusuf’s outstanding performance earned him the champion’s title and a £20 Amazon voucher as his prize. Well done to Yusuf and all the participants for making this event such a success!

Check out the highlight video attached to relive the best moments of the final!

Please click here to view the Spotlight on Safeguarding Newsletter for December 2025.

🎄 Bring it on Brum! – Christmas Holidays

Eligible families will have received an email from school with details on booking procedures for the Christmas holiday programme. Please check your inbox and follow the instructions provided.

If you believe you are eligible but haven’t received an email, contact Miss Conway enquiry@handsworth.bham.sch.uk

On Wednesday 19 November, Mr King represented the school at the House of Commons as a commentator at the AI and Democracy Forum, an event organised by the Hellenic Tech Network and chaired by Sir Roger Gale MP.

The forum brought together contributors from education, technology and public service to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping everyday life. In his contribution, Mr King drew on themes that regularly arise in his work with students, families and the school community, particularly how young people encounter and understand AI at home, in school and online.

Reflecting on the discussion, he said:

“People are not afraid of technology; they are afraid of not understanding the systems that shape their lives. Our role in schools is to make that understanding accessible to every learner.”

His comments highlighted the kinds of questions and perspectives that teachers often hear across the school community, helping ensure that the discussion recognised the everyday experiences of learners as well as national experts.

The themes explored at the forum connect closely to work already happening at HGS through the Computing curriculum and our CyberFirst Silver Award, both of which help students develop the digital knowledge, confidence and critical thinking needed for further study, future careers and informed participation in an AI-driven digital world.