Handsworth Grammar School

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Handsworth Grammar School
Motto 'Haec olim meminisse iuvabit'
Established 1862
Type Grammar school voluntary aided school
Religion None
Headteacher Mr R J Shephard
Founder Rev. James Merrick Guest M.A.
Specialism Maths & Computing
Location Grove Lane
Handsworth
Birmingham
West Midlands
B21 9ET
England
Local authority Birmingham
DfE number 330/5402
DfE URN 103549
Ofsted Reports
Students 936
Gender Boys (and Girls in sixth form)
Ages 11–18
Website Handsworth Grammar School

Coordinates: 52°30′17″N 1°56′00″W / 52.5046°N 1.9334°W / 52.5046; -1.9334

Handsworth Grammar School is voluntary aided grammar school that admits boys from the age of eleven and boys (as well as girls in the sixth form, since September 1997). The school was founded in 1862 and is located in Handsworth, Birmingham, England. it is situated just off the A41, near the junction with the A4040. Handsworth Grammar School is sometimes abbreviated as HGS.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Bridge trust

In the sixteenth century in Handsworth there were eight bridges crossing the River Tame. Three were wooden footbridges and five were wooden carriage bridges. These bridges were Church Bridge, Grove Lane Footbridge, Oscott Bridge, Paper Mill Footbridge, Rector’s Meadow Bridge, Barr Brook Bridge, Perry Barr and Hamstead Hill Bridge. John Hogetts, who owned “The Grove” in Grove Lane, decided that income from 50 acres of land he owned should be used to maintain and repair the bridges in the parish. Any excess money was to be used for charitable purposes within the parish of Handsworth. Thus the Bridge Trust was set up in 1612.

[edit] School badge

The school's badge features a representation of the Zig Zag bridge of 1711, which spans the River Tame at nearby Perry Barr. The badge also includes a depiction of the Staffordshire knot, reflecting the fact that Handsworth was in Staffordshire until 1911. The badge comprises a black background with the illustrations in yellow, however sixth formers can attain 'full colours' through various wonderful achievements. 4589

[edit] Motto

Jorim Maynard, this is Latin, meaning roughly these "things will one day be pleasing to remember". This is reflecting on the fact that later on in life, trials and tribulations will be looked upon as valuable turning points.

[edit] Curriculum

Key Stage 3 - Years 7 to 9 Students enter the School at eleven years of age and are placed in one of five parallel ability forms according to information from their primary school and their performance in the eleven plus test. In Years 7 to 9 all students follow a common Curriculum based on the following subjects: Art; English; French; Geography; History; Information and Communication Technology (ICT); Mathematics; Music; Physical Education (PE); Religious Education (RE); Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics); Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) and Technology. Drama is studied in Years 7 and 8 and German is added in Year 8 being continued into Year 9.

During Year 9, students are asked for the choice of subjects they would like to study up to GCSE level. Careers advice is provided in PSHCE lessons and the courses are described in an Options booklet. Staff give information and advice to students to enable them to make informed decisions.


Key Stage 4 - Years 10 and 11


In Years 10 and 11 all students study a core of subjects made up of English (leading to GCSE English and GCSE English Literature), Mathematics, Science (three GCSEs in the separate Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics or a BTEC double award), plus option subjects chosen from Art, Business Studies, Design and Technology (Electronics, Graphics or Resistant Materials), BTEC Engineering, a modern foreign language (French or German), Geography, History, Music, RE and PE. This gives a maximum of ten full GCSEs. While every effort is made to enable students to take the subjects of their choice, this is not always possible if the course is oversubscribed or indeed under-subscribed. In addition students continue to study PSHCE (incorporating Careers guidance) and Games.

During Year 11, students attend an information evening with their parents in order that advice can be given regarding Post 16 opportunities. Students are asked for the choice of subjects they would like to study for A level. Extensive support is given to ensure that choices are made which are realistic and appropriate for likely career pathways.


Key Stage 5 - Years 12 and 13


The School has a successful and expanding Sixth Form offering excellent academic opportunities. The vast majority of our students choose to stay at HGS for their AS and A2 examinations before going on to Higher Education. Young women are able to join our Sixth Form and they bring a new dimension to School life.

The vast majority of students are expected to study four AS subjects in the Lower Sixth and at least three A2 subjects in the Upper Sixth, chosen from a range of over twenty possible subjects. In addition, some students take a course of study leading to General Studies A level. General Studies falls under the banner of Broader Studies where students can take options such as YASS (Open University courses) and Accountancy. Every effort is made to enable the preferred choice of course requested by students to be timetabled but where an option is not viable in terms of numbers and/or staffing, the Governors reserve the right to withdraw the subject option offer.

Students are supported through tutorial advice, directed private study, access to our library and extensive ICT facilities, a General Studies programme that incorporates RE and Careers guidance, a variety of study trips and visits, high quality help with Higher Education applications, work experience and the opportunity to continue with or experience new sport and leisure activities. An active School Council representing students' views is well run by members of the Sixth Form. There are also many opportunities for extracurricular activities and taking on roles of responsibility within the School. Throughout the School career of our students, we recognise our responsibility to ensure that they are adequately prepared for adult life and regard the work of the School as complementary to and supportive of the role of the parents.

Latin was removed from the curriculum in 2003, as well as Drama in 2005. Also, in the early 21st century the house system was removed and replaced by inter-form competitions, these comprise of various sports including Football,Table Tennis,Rugby,Hockey and Rowing(indoor)

The school woks with the local community, through various local events such as classroom in the park, and with local primary schools. It is also maintains strong links with other local schools through the well established Handsworth Association of Schools Cluster.

[edit] Sport

The HGSOB water polo club (Handsworth Grammar School Old Boys) is a water polo team taking part in Midland championships. They have Under 16, Under 18, B and A teams. Unusually the club has little to do with the school, except for its name, and the school's headmaster being president. It was founded in 1919.

[edit] Notable alumni

The school has an active Old Boy's society that has football, cricket and water polo teams. Old boys are known as Old Handsworthians.

Notable alumni include:

[edit] External links

Secondary Schools in Birmingham
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