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Geography Fieldtrip

On 12th March 2018 a group of year 12 and 13 geography students visited the Lake District, Cumbria to conduct our investigative fieldwork. The trip was a 3 night stay in which the group explored different aspects of geography; both physical and human.

Fieldwork is a fundamental element in the tradition of Geographical research and teaching. The fieldtrip to the Lake District aimed to provide us with skills of data collection, using appropriate techniques, in a safe manner, while thinking about the sensitivity to the impact of their investigations on the environment and stakeholders.

On the 12th of March we set out for the county of Lancashire, with the Lake District insight. We left at approximately 8am and endured a 5 hour journey at the expense of Mr Bird’s musical taste! Upon our arrival we were shown around the accommodation and were then quickly on our way to the coastal area of Morecombe to carry out a preliminary investigation about how an area changes over time due to several geographical concepts.

On the 13th of March we were given the opportunity to trek up the Coniston Hills, famous for its copper mines. While up there we studied the previously glaciated landscape, whereby we were able to depict the course of the glacier 18,000 years ago. After a tiresome but enjoyable walk, our eyes were gifted with a beautifully sculpted corrie lake. This was where we were able to relax and have lunch for half an hour, whilst taking advantage of the clean fresh air and scenery.

On the 14th of March we were split into groups whereby we chose to either conduct our field study based on the Human Geography or Physical Geography. Students like Kyron and myself chose to visit the coastal, seaside town of Morecombe, in which we studied the area using different index models to draw conclusions about the levels of decline in the area. On the other hand the physical group took a trip back up to Coniston Hill to conduct fieldwork to help show the course and direction of the former glaciated area.

Overall, I can easily say that the trip was highly enjoyable as well as informative. We gained an insight into the rural lifestyle in which Miss Wharton has sadly left us for!  It was quite refreshing and inspiring landscape for us too!  The centre which hosted us demonstrated great hospitality skills, which we were very thankful of. Surprisingly the food was quite nice and made the overall experience better. Our highlight of the trip was thrashing another school 4-1 in a game of football, (they had 3 Manchester city youth academy players) this was a great achievement for us. As a whole this trip has brought the class closer together.  Our thanks go to Ms Wharton and Mr Bird for organising the trip.

Justin Fletcher & Kyron Chander

 

 

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Dropping off and Picking up on Dawson Road

Please do not park illegally or obstruct the back gate, Dawson Road or Woodstock Road when dropping off or collecting your child. We are extremely concerned about your child’s safety at the start and end of the day as it is such a busy area. Please encourage your child to cross Dawson Road only on the Pelican crossing and not to walk between the traffic. We again ask for your support with this matter. We know that the Police will issue fixed penalty tickets to those in breach of the law. Please support and help us to keep your child safe on their way in and out of school.

Thank you.

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Cricket Success

The Year 7 Cricket Team got off to a great start to the season with a win against Nishkam High by a staggering 43 runs. For many, this was the first time the boys represented the school, in which they were fantastic ambassadors.  Player of the match goes to Ismaeel Khan (7G). We hope their success continues in their remaining league games and their conquest to win some trophies.

 

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Y11 Fieldwork at Handsworth Park

Between 1st – 11th May, 2018 all Y11 students completed their required biology field work at Handsworth Park. Students set out to investigate the effect of light on the distribution of grass. They considered the trees in the vicinity and their impact on grass. Working in groups, they used quadrats and belt transects to measure the percentage cover at each quadrat, every five metres (at regular intervals) for 30 metres. Their results were then plotted onto a graph and analysed for correlation. Discussions ensued on the effect of various biotic and abiotic factors on the distribution of grass. Factors considered include blocking of sunlight by trees, rainfall patterns/seasons, use of footpath, deflected succession (cutting grass), artificial park layout, including monuments and planted trees. This exercise took the learning experience beyond the classroom to the real-world, allowing students to apply their knowledge to an unfamiliar context. The practical skills gained will hopefully pay dividends at their upcoming exams.

Mr. F. Ahmed

  

 

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Year 13 Thinktank Visit

During our visit to Thinktank, Millennium Point on Thursday 26th April 2018, we carried out the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis, which are topics from the last chapter in A-level Biology. The aim of the CSI investigation was to examine various DNA fragments and identify the ‘criminal’ from a number of suspects. However, only a small amount of DNA was left at the crime scene, which isn’t as useful in its minute quantity. Consequently, we carried out PCR to amplify the DNA thus producing an ample amount. For PCR to be successful, the DNA fragment, taq polymerase, primers and DNA nucleotides were all used. They were placed into the thermocycler, which sequentially varied its temperature in accordance with specific protocols to achieve amplification. Next, we carried out gel electrophoresis to match the various types of DNA with the one that was present at the ‘crime scene’. DNA was placed into wells in the gel and voltage applied to it which allowed the DNA fragments to separate according to their mass and charge. Using this process, we were able to correlate positions of DNA bands on the gel with the one from the crime scene. Taking part in this experiment was very useful as we gained a detailed insight into the practical aspects of chapter 21 using high quality equipment.

Maryam Shafiq 13AHA

 

Click here to view the photo gallery.

 

 

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Year 12 Parents’ Evening

The Year 12 Parents’ Evening will be held on Thursday 24th May 2018 between 4:30 and 6:30pm.

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Charity Donations

Recently we have sent off cheques for some £3,000 to Sport Relief and the QE Hospital Heart in a Box Campaign. Well done all!

 

 

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Open Evening 21/6/18

We will be holding our next Open Evening on Thursday 21st June 2018 between 5 and 8 pm. All Welcome!

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Music Update

Music For Youth Festival – Regional Festival Series 2018

The school’s Woodwind and World Music Ensemble joined forces to perform in the Music for Youth Festival Series 2018.  Taking place between January and April every year, the Music for Youth Regional Festival series is the first stop on our annual season, and welcomes 40,000 young musicians to take part in the world’s largest youth music festival in 50 locations nationwide. Our students performed three items; Great Escape, Lincolnshire Poacher and a fusion piece which combined clarinet, recorded and tabla.

The adjudicators wrote the following about the performances : ‘Some stylish solos from clarinet, recorded, table, and all contributing to a very convincing performance. Good intonation in the unison clarinet moments, and a strong ending, bravo. … You are very accomplished as a world music ensemble – build on these strengths …’

Jazz Saxophone Success

Congratulations to Camara Talburt who passed, with distinction, grade 8 Jazz Saxophone. Congratulations!

 

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The month of Ramadan 2018

Fasting in Ramadan

Some of you will start a month of fasting for Ramadan in the middle of May once the date has been confirmed.  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.  In this way we hope that the month brings you much happiness and benefit but please do remember that your commitment to school and your education needs also to continue.  To help you with this, a few practical tips/reminders follow:

  • The summer fasts and long days will require you to go without food and drink for a long time. 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 when 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 etc… are some of the positive character traits that become the focus of this month.  This is something that the school whole heartedly supports and we hope that in some way we can all benefit from this.
  • With the shorter nights, long days and late night prayers many of you will only get about 5 hours of sleep every night but you will still be expected to attend school punctually as normal. Therefore some readjustment to your routine will 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 exams during Ramadan. While we wholeheartedly support your commitment to fasting, we also ask you to uphold the duty of taking these exams seriously, sensibly and with the best of effort – educational success is also something important to the religion of Islam.  During the exam period, it is crucial that you develop a positive routine around fasting, prayers, revision and the taking of exams.  Remember also if you are not feeling well then there is the chance of making up the fasts at a later date.  Islam does not require one to place hardship, unrealistic aims or one’s future in jeopardy.  Similarly, if you become unwell whilst you are fasting then you should end the fast by taking some water.  In such situations Islamic rulings allow the breaking of a fast, this can also be made up at a later date.  There is also the prospect of offering the late nightly prayers at home rather than the mosque before an exam day, allowing you to get more sleep to feel fresher for the examination.  It will be a good idea to have a very intense revision period before Ramadan begins, this will ease some of the pressure and perhaps allow for a more strategic schedule during the month itself.
  • When it is very hot 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/lunchtimes.  We don’t want students constantly out of lessons unless it is absolutely necessary.
  • 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 ask students to do their prayers when they get home after school. There will not be enough time during KS3 or KS4 lunch to do prayers in school.  You will have plenty of time to complete the afternoon prayer when you get home.

We wish you a happy and prosperous Ramadan.  If you do have any further questions or comments then you are welcome to speak to Mr Mohammed (room 10).