Some of you will start a month of fasting for Ramadan on 1 March 2025 (subject to the sighting of the new moon).  This is, no doubt, a special time for you and your families.  It is great that you are showing such dedication to your faith and keeping hold of a traditional practice that many other faiths also recognise.  Part of the purpose of the month is to bring people and communities together, and we hope that the month brings you much happiness, benefit and increase.  Please do remember, however, that your commitment to school and your education also needs to continue.  To help you with this, a few practical tips/reminders follow:

• The day fasts will require you to go without food and drink for many hours. You must be best prepared for this by making sure you take something of good nutritional value in the pre-dawn meal before you close and make the intention to fast.  Cereals, yogurt, dates, wholemeal bread, vegetables, fresh fruit are amongst some of the healthy/slow release carbohydrate foods that will keep you satisfied for longer.
• Following on from this during the school day avoid running or standing around in the sun. Try to find some shade and occupy yourself in low energy activities.
• It is very important that you continue to come to school prepared to learn. Lessons will happen as normal.  Your teachers may make slight adjustments in some of the practical subjects for you but you should come fully prepared to take part with the correct equipment/kit.
• In the same way you must also wear the correct school uniform. Obviously if it is very hot, you may be allowed to take your blazers off, your form tutors will advise you about that.  However, some students during Ramadan feel that they need to wear mosque caps/hats.  We understand that this may be recommended at certain times/places but it is not a religious requirement for you to wear these in and around school.
• The real significance of this month is about self-discipline and working on improving your character. It is not just a case of going without food for long hours.  Working on honesty, truthfulness, charity, forgiveness, respect, community and service etc… are some of the positive character traits that become the focus of this month.  This is something that the school whole heartedly supports in its care values, and we hope that in some way we can all benefit from this.
• With the upcoming fasting days and late-night prayers many of you will get less sleep than usual but you will still be expected to attend school punctually as normal. Therefore, some readjustment to your routine might be needed to help with this.  Like in some traditional cultures you should try to catch up on some sleep after school in order to re-energise for the rest of the day/fast.  It might take a few days for this to settle but it is a sensible way forward.
• It is also the case that many of you will be taking important internal exams/studies during Ramadan. While we wholeheartedly support your commitment to fasting, we also ask you to uphold the duty of taking your studies seriously – educational success is also something important to the religion of Islam.  During your school days, it is crucial that you develop a positive routine around fasting, prayers, revision and study.  Remember also if you are not feeling well then there is the chance of making up the fasts at a later date.  If you become unwell whilst you are fasting then you should end the fast by taking some water.
• In the event of warmer weather, it is obviously important that you remain hydrated but without food or drink. This is a challenge which most of you will have experienced having fasted in previous years.  Small things like washing your hands with cold water, wiping over the face/head with cold water will help keep you cool.  This should be done at break and lunchtimes.
• If you are unwell and unable to attend school then you should follow the normal absence procedures. Ask your parents to phone the front office and inform them on the day about your circumstances preferably before 8:40am.
• Remember also that one of the strengths of HGS is the broad cultures and faith groups represented in both our student and staff populations. This is something quite special for the School.  So, while those of you who fast will need time/space to practice your faith please do remember that the Dining Hall will remain open and most people will continue to eat and drink throughout the day and they too will need time/space to do so!

We wish you a happy and prosperous Ramadan.  Do take some moments to reflect on the importance of peace and reconciliation for the globe especially in the current hostilities that we are seeing.  The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “Shall I inform you of something that holds more weight than fasting, praying and giving charity? Making peace between people, for sowing dissension is calamitous.”

If you do have any further questions or comments then you are welcome to speak to Mr Mohammed (room 10).

Here at HGS our first ever culture week finished with a spectacular flourish in a non-uniform day when our students were tasked to come in their cultural dress.

Don’t they look amazing? Thank you to everyone who planned and participated in culture week. Here’s to a safe and happy half term break.

On Monday 10^th February, Mr Harvey and I accompanied our Year 12 European Youth Parliament (EYP) debate team to the University of Birmingham to debate socio-political issues with local schools. After weeks of intensive research and debate practice, the team engaged in lively debates ranging from gender equality to the economy and how they would improve these problems. The students had a great day as they got to meet students from other schools who were just as passionate as they were whilst competing to get their committee passed by the jury. Despite not passing through to the national competition, our team have learned valuable skills such as researching and public speaking, both of which will benefit them for years to come.

Our students had a great time there and found it really enriching:

Daniyal Mehmood – ‘The European Youth Parliament was an amazing opportunity to collaborate with other members from different schools to share our views on topics that effect the world and our generation. I’m glad I went and hope to be involved more!’

Malaika Shain – ‘I truly enjoyed and valued my time at European youth parliament, it was very informative, making me see different viewpoints of certain topics and helping to further my understanding of them. Overall it was a great experience.’

Princess Okereke – ‘I am truly grateful that i got the opportunity to take part in EYP, i am so intrigued by politics and the intricacies of certain motions that were mentioned. The whole experience really taught me a lot. I am so glad I went!’

Sahra Mahamed – ‘I actually really enjoyed the European Youth Parliament, it was way more engaging than I expected. it really pushed me to think critically and debate ideas on the spot, which was challenging but fun. hearing different perspectives made it a great experience, and I’d definitely love to do more of these.’

Harveer Athwal – ‘It was an extremely informative experience that allowed me to partake in mock debates that would similarly occur in European Politics.’

Chetan Dhami – ‘It was an enriching and enjoyable experience that allowed me to improve my knowledge of European politics while aiding my public speaking abilities.’

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Intermediate Maths Challenge! It’s fantastic to see such a large number of students from Years 10 and 11 engaging with the challenge.

A special well done to the 22 students who have qualified for the next round. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to their hard work and dedication to mathematics.

And of course, a huge congratulations to Rajan Nagra for being the Best in Year 10 and to Puranjay Kumar for being the Best in Year 11 and qualifying for the prestigious Cayley Olympiad. This is an extraordinary accomplishment!

Keep up the excellent work, everyone!

On Wednesday 29^th January, Ms Hurley and I accompanied our top 60 year 12 and year 13 students on our termly rewards trip to Teamworks Karting in Digbeth. The students had a great time competing for the fastest lap on the karting track, and after lunch, they enjoyed fiercely contested laser tag matches. Everyone in attendance had a great time!

Mrs Yates