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HGS receives Schools Guide 5 Star Award

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys has been awarded the top rating of 5 Stars in the Real Schools Guide 2018 published by the Birmingham Mail.

The guide is put together annually based on local government data and by using 50 different measures such as pupils’ attainment, average grades, the quality of teaching and school inspection information. HGS received the top overall rating of 5 Stars as well as the top rating of 5 Stars in the key groups of:

Attainment

Progress

Attendance

Outcomes.

This places HGS as a Top 10 Birmingham school as we are ranked 3rd out of all the schools in Birmingham.

This is a significant achievement and all staff and students are to be congratulated.

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Focus on Education

As public exams reach their conclusion for another year it is worth remembering that the practice of remembering in a test doesn’t just lead to an exam result but also improves future recall of information. In this TES article Daisy Christodoulou describes a study from 2010 where some students attempted to learn by studying more while another group revised by testing. They found that those who revised by testing had much higher levels of recall than those who simply studied the material, and that they also performed better when asked to apply this knowledge flexibly.

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Wyndcliffe Primary School Outreach

Following our Literacy transition project with Wyndcliffe Primary School, Dr Bird and Mr Dubay were invited to watch the school’s rendition of ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ on Wednesday 20th June. The lively performance was well received and accurately depicted the common themes and tropes found in this gothic mystery. It was inspiring to see students at Wyndcliffe engage with a difficult text and it has been an absolute joy to witness the students’ growing thirst for reading, engagement with texts and developing their knowledge of mental health and wellbeing issues through the Literacy transition project we jointly conduct with Wyndcliffe Primary School.

The English Department at Handsworth Grammar School is always looking to foster links with other schools. If your school is interested in developing links and sharing best practice, please contact Mr Dubay.

English Department

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St George’s Park

On 20TH June Mohit and I went to St George’s Park (England’s training ground). We had a training session with one of the best clubs in the world; Real Madrid. We did some drills, finishing, passing, movement and also played a little tournament at the end. It was a brilliant experience as this was my first time training with a coach from a different country and learning new skills. We also learnt new tactics that the coach showed us on his board. Thanks to Mr Campbell PE teacher for taking us.

Zakir Islam 8G

 

It was one of the best football experiences I’ve ever had. Training at St George’s Park and being coached by Real Madrid. I really enjoyed having a taste of Spanish football and being part of it. I learnt a few tips on possession and shooting which have helped my football ability. I will never forget that great day! Also thanks to Mr Campbell for taking me.

Mohit Naphray 8N

 

On 20th June 2018 we set off to St George’s Park the Headquarters of the England football teams and the FA Education programmes. Real Madrid and Inspire Sport had invited local children to free coaching sessions and discuss possible tours to Spain to see the Real Madrid Facilities. Two Year 8 pupils Zakir Islam and Mohit Naphray were the lucky pupils to be selected by Mr Griffiths.

The boys were exposed to various drills on finishing, movement, ball distribution and decision making all using the Real Madrid philosophy of constant use of ball skills.

The day concluded with a mini tournament and a presentation of certificates and badges to all participating schools. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the day and hopefully took away some new ideas.

Mr S Campbell

 

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Outreach: St Clare’s Catholic Primary School

On Wednesday 13th June 2018, fifteen pupils from St Clare’s Catholic Primary School attended KEVI HGS and participated in two interactive STEM workshops, both of which were designed to give them a flavour of what our students do at KS3 and beyond. During periods 1 and 2, they attended the Design & Technology workshop, during which they designed their own custom pen and pencil holder (to take home) at our brand new design studio, using 2D CAD (Computer Aided Design). The laser machine was then used to cut their acrylic designs. Finally, they used the Line bender machine to fold their acrylic design and attach it to a wooden base. The pupils also watched watch our cutting-edge 3D printer in action, making a frog for their teacher to take away; and enjoyed exploring the tools and toys previously printed.

Following a brief break at the canteen during, which they enjoyed drinks and biscuits, they went for a tour round the school and enjoyed seeing our students during break time, and were complimentary about their behaviour. The tour ended with the pupil in the Science labs, which hosted the Science workshop. During this workshop, the pupils took part in a variety of stimulating practical activities that included looking inside cells using powerful microscopes; using Bunsen burners to carryout flame tests of select Alkali and Alkali-Earth metals); burn magnesium (making sparklers); put their hands through the flame; and understand how fireworks. They also enthralled by the exploding hydrogen balloons; screaming jelly baby; whoosh bottle; and much more.

To finish off the day, the pupils were issued with yet more drinks and biscuits as well as flyers about the 11+ familiarisation programme and encouraged to sign up and complete the online training material in preparation for the 11+ in September. Both staff and pupils thoroughly enjoyed their HGS experience and we look forward to, once again, working with St Clare’s Catholic Primary School to enthuse more year 5 pupils, next year.

Mr F. Ahmed & Mr. D. Bansal

 

 

 

 

Please click here to view the gallery.

 

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WM County Track & Field Championships

On Saturday 9th June three pupils were selected to represent North Birmingham district at the West Midlands County Track and Field Championships held at the Alexander Stadium. They were selected due to gaining qualification spots at our earlier Camp Hill Athletics Meet. The standard of the competition at the meet was extremely high. That being said the boys’ overall put in some fantastic performances taking home two silver medals and one bronze.

 

Nigel Agboola (7H) – Silver – 200m (27.0s)

                                   – Silver – Discus (18.89m)

Divine Wodi (9A) – Bronze – Long Jump (5.28m)

Daniel Otalundun (9A) – 11th  – 100m (12.8s)

 

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Athletics Success for Jordan Ricketts

Jordan  ran a Personal Best in the Mason Trophy event on Saturday at the Alexandra Stadium and then he travelled to Bedford, where he won the silver medal in the U18 100m hurdles. 

He is now ranked No. 1 in GB for the U17 100m hurdles. He has a very good chance of being selected to run for Team GB in this year’s European Championships. We wish him the best of luck!

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Back to Winning Ways

The Year 7 Cricket Team proved that practice does equal success in their latest fixture against Broadway School. Having been narrowly defeated in their previous game, the Year 7 Cricket Squad have been religiously at training to work on their areas for improvements. Their training has paid off with a huge win again Broadway School by ten wickets! Broadway won the toss and elected to bat first. With some exceptional bowling from the team we managed to bowl Broadway out for just 26 runs, then surpassing their total in just four overs with no wickets falling! An excellent afternoon of cricket on show from the boys who were a delight in representing the school. The victory means that they go in to the Quarter Finals in the cup.

 

MOTM – Noah Mohmand (7A) – claiming 4 wickets.

 

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HGS Old Boy receives Knighthood

From Birmingham to Buckingham Palace

 

Ex HGS pupil Mark Rowley QPM was made a Knight in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List which was published at the weekend. Sir Mark was until very recently the Assistant Police Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and the Head of UK Counter-terrorism. This position made him the second most senior Police Officer in the UK. We send him our warmest congratulations on such an honour and achievement.

 

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Outreach: St Matthew’s C of E Primary School

On Tuesday 5th June 2018, ten pupils from St Matthew’s C of E Primary School attended KEVI HGS and participated in two interactive STEM workshops, both of which were designed to give them a flavour of what our students do at KS3 and beyond. During periods 1 and 2, they attended the Design & Technology workshop, during which they designed their own custom pen and pencil holder (to take home) at our brand new design studio, using 2D CAD (Computer Aided Design). The laser machine was then used to cut their acrylic designs. Finally, they used the Line bender machine to fold their acrylic design and attach it to a wooden base. The pupils also watched watch our cutting-edge 3D printer in action, making a frog for their teacher to take away; and enjoyed exploring the tools and toys previously printed.

Following a brief break at the canteen during, which they enjoyed drinks and biscuits, they went for a tour round the school and enjoyed seeing our students during break time, and were complimentary about their behaviour. The tour ended with the pupil in the Science labs, which hosted the Science workshop. During this workshop, the pupils took part in a variety of stimulating practical activities that included looking inside cells using powerful microscopes; using Bunsen burners to carryout flame tests of select Alkali and Alkali-Earth metals); burn magnesium (making sparklers); put their hands through the flame; and understand how fireworks. They also enthralled by the exploding hydrogen balloons; screaming jelly baby; whoosh bottle; and much more.

To finish off the day, the pupils were issued with yet more drinks and biscuits as well as flyers about the 11+ familiarisation programme and encouraged to sign up and complete the online training material in preparation for the 11+ in September. Both staff and pupils thoroughly enjoyed their HGS experience and we look forward to, once again, working with St Matthew’s C of E Primary School to enthuse more year 5 pupils, next year.

Mr F. Ahmed & Mr. D. Bansal

 

 

Click here for the photo gallery.