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

Geography

Welcome to the Geography Department Students embark upon their study of Geography in year 7, following a series of skills-based and place-specific case studies. Throughout Key Stage 3 opportunities to experience the diverse nature of the discipline are available.

The majority of students remain with the department at Key Stage 4, when the physical and human course is introduced by first-hand fieldwork investigations. Skills acquired here are enhanced on two additional field excursions, which form the basis for one assessed project. Teaching at A level permits in-depth, specialist work, reviewing key themes in physical, human and integrated Geography. Fieldwork remains integral to the course, and it forms one of the six assessed units.

KS3

At KS3, students follow a three-year course, which emphasises the local area and the links it has to the wider world. Year 7 pupils develop their map skills whilst studying the form and function of their home region. In year 8 these skills are utilised to examine the Geography of our European neighbours. The focus for year 9 is the physical environment and its landforms, which are modified by human activities.

KS4

Throughout KS4, the pupils acquire a body of knowledge and develop a level of understanding appropriate to a contemporary geographer. As the course progresses through a series of regional studies within the UK, EU and selected areas of the wider world, the pupils attain an appreciation of the environment. The course follows a number of themes, which include population and settlement, agriculture, energy and natural resources, industry, tourism, transport and trade.

Geographers have a major role to play in society today, as is illustrated by the many environmental issues constantly being debated within the world.

KS5

The AS and A2 level Geography course emphasises the study of Geographical change. The specification builds on and develops from the National Curriculum in terms of its themes and skills. The Geography content is studied through 3 main areas; Physical, Environmental and Human. These core elements are covered in the modules 'Dynamics of Change' and 'Global Change'.

In the Lower sixth candidates will take AS level geography and in the upper sixth they will progress to A2. At A2 level there is a strong fieldwork element, which will lead to a practical paper in the examinations.

There are 3 modules within the AS programme:
Module 1: Dynamics of Change
Module 2: Physical Option: Coastal Environments
Module 3: Human Option: Urban Change in the UK and wider world during the last 30 years.

The A2 programme is examined in a further 3 modules:
Module 4: Global Change
Module 5: Synoptic Module-A Decision making exercise
Module 6: The Practical paper
Both AS & A2 levels constitute 50% of the total marks.