Wirral Grammar School for Boys

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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

-  Art & Design
-  Biology
-  Business Studies
-  Chemistry
-  Design & Technology
-  Economics
-  Electronics
-  English
-  Geography

-  Geology
-  General Studies
-  History
-  ICT
-  Law
-  Mathematics
-  Media Studies
-  Modern Foreign Languages

-  Music
-  Physical Education
-  Physics
-  Politics
-  PSHE
-  Psychology
-  Religious Studies
-  Sociology

Modern Foreign Languages

Welcome to the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Department

Languages are a lifelong learning skill, to be used in business and for pleasure, to open up avenues of communication and exploration, and to promote, encourage and provide a broader cultural understanding.

Our MFL team here at WGS, firmly believe that young people need to receive high quality, relevant and diverse language learning throughout their schooling with us. We understand that to be successful, we need to create opportunities to study languages in non-academic contexts as well as for traditional examinations, and we acknowledge that, as 21st century teachers, we must harness the power of ICT to develop the ability of our pupils.

We are also aware that too few employees have the necessary language skills to be able to fully engage in International Business, and too few employers support their employees in gaining additional language skills as part of their job. As a Business & Enterprise School, we are looking to equip our language students with the necessary language skills to improve employability and economic competitiveness, enabling them to prosper in todays global economy.

International School Award

On 8th October 2008, Wirral Grammar School for Boys received the prestigious International School Award at a high-profile ceremony in London, presented by broadcaster and journalist George Alagiah (see picture below).

Mr James Hughes (MFL) receives the award from George Alagiah

This celebration of the best in international activity was attended by representatives from schools across the UK. Wirral Grammar School has received this award for its outstanding work in bringing the wider world into the classroom through its range of international projects, including:

- Work with partner schools in Paris and Marseille
- Collaboration with partner primary schools
- International activities including a visit to Russia, the International Eisteddfod, a day devoted to African Awareness, a Business & Languages activity day, a visit to France and a European Enterprise Competition.

On receiving the award, Headteacher, Mr David Hazeldine said;

"We are delighted to have received this recognition for our international links, it is a reflection of the commitment of the staff of the school and the engagement of the pupils."

The International School Award (www.globalgateway.org) was started in 1999 to recognise the schools leading the way in installing a global dimension into the learning experience of all children and young people. It is funded by the DCSF and managed by the British Council. The scheme is highlighted in the DCSF international strategy as a "major prize for excellence in this field" and is open to all schools in the UK.

Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of the British Council said;

"We congratulate and thank all the schools for their commitment to the International School Award. We believe that international links bring a vitally important dimension to the education of our young people ensuring that they build the skills and understanding to become global citizens ready and able to take their place in the world. I am delighted that so many schools, local authorities and individual teachers agree with us."

A record 585 schools, a rise of a third from the previous year, were accredited in 2008, and the Award is also operating in India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus and Pakistan. Around 1200 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.

Jim Knight, Minister of State (schools and Learners) said;

"Our schools play a vital role in helping our children to appreciate their role in our world society and to prepare them for work in a global economy. Global understanding also leads to a better appreciation of their own culture and community locally. All of the winners today have been exemplary in this field and have truly earned an International School Award."

The ISA encourages and supports schools to develop the following:

- An international ethos embedded throughout the school.
- A majority of pupils within the school impacted by and involved in international work.
- Collaborative curriculum-based work with a number of partner schools.
- Curriculum-based work across a range of subjects.
- Year round international activity.
- Involvement of the wider community.
- Providing ideas for developing collaborative curriculum-based international work with partner schools.