Wirral Grammar School

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Cross Lane, Bebington,
Wirral. CH63 3AQ
Tel: 0151 6440908

Curriculum Areas

Our curriculum provides for our pupils in terms of both their abilities and interests. We do not leap onto "trends" in terms of subject choices, but provide a curriculum that evolves in line with experience and a sensitive knowledge of the needs of the pupils.

In years 7 to 9 the National Curriculum is followed. Our timetable currently comprises 50 lessons taught over a two week cycle (A & B). Each lesson is 60 minutes long.

In KS4 (years 10&11) boys are able to choose certain subjects, and are guided through the process in year 9 when parents are invited to attend an Options Information Evening.

Subjects

English

Welcome to the English Department The English Department is an active and vibrant department. All students study both Literature and Language at GCSE level, and we also offer Media Studies. At A level, students may choose to study either Literature or Language.

We are proud of our excellent academic record, but in English we aim for more than just excellent grades; we strive to encourage students to read widely and critically, and to write concisely and evocatively. We are just as active outside the classroom. Recently we have been to see 'A View from the Bridge' in London with Y11 students and to Wolverhampton to see 'Measure for Measure' with Y13 students. Year 7 students have enjoyed a writing workshop with the author Alan Gibbons. Students have also entered and won competitions and others have entered and lost... but ALL participated.

KS3

In year 7, the emphasis is on reinforcing and developing skills learnt at KS2. Directed group reading is an important aspect of this year. Units of work provide the students with the opportunity to develop their reading and writing skills. Discursive and imaginative writing is an essential part of these units of work, and students are taught to become more critical of their own writing. Drama activities take place, and one in five lessons is spent in the ICT suite.

The emphasis in year 8 is on Speaking and Listening. Increasing emphasis is placed on accurate writing and therefore word and sentence level work is extremely important.

Students continue to develop reading skills in year 9 through a study of more complex texts. They are made aware of the importance of careful research, planning and drafting. In preparation for the kS3 tests, they study a Shakespeare text in detail. The emphasis in this year is that the students read and write a wide range of different genres, both literary and non-literary. This is not only excellent preparation for their tests, but it is also very useful for their GCSE course.

KS4

Students begin a 2 year GCSE course in both English Language and English Literature. For English coursework, students must produce work in individual, paired and group situations. They produce 2 pieces of writing, one is a creative task and the other is an example of non-fiction writing. Other assignments are responses to a Shakespeare play, post-1900 poetry, pre-1900 poetry and pre-1900 prose. It is usual for most of the coursework to be completed by the end of year 10. In addition to coursework, reading and writing skills are practised throughout the year in preparation for examinations.

Year 11 is primarily devoted to the intensive study of a modern drama text and a modern prose text for the literature examination. Students will also be developing and practising their close reading skills and imaginative and factual writing skills in preparation for the English examination.

KS5

English (KS5):

English Language: During the 2 years, students learn to examine how we manipulate language and how language manipulates us. English Language encourages students to develop their interest in and enjoyment of English, through learning about its structure and its functions, its development and its variation. It also allows students to develop their ability to express themselves both in speech and writing with greater competence and sophistication; to encounter a varied range or reading and to develop their skills of critical and attentive listening. This course combines creativity and flair with analytical skills.

English Literature: English Literature encourages students to develop their interest in and enjoyment of literature through reading widely, critically and independently. Close study is made of a number of works from the genres of poetry, prose and drama, writen from 1300 to the present day.