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

Geology

Welcome to the Geology Department Geology is a science, which shares many other values from other sciences in the school. Geology concerns the study of the Earth, this can include the Earth's origin, its recent and ancient past, its structure and its composition.

Geology also involves so many other geosciences, it would be hard to break them all up, but some of the most popular include; Geophysics, Geochemistry, Palaeontology, Vulcanology, Seismology, Environmental Geology, Economic Geology, Cartography.. the list could go on for much longer, yet all of the above geosciences and more are covered in the syllabus. The exam results for geology are excellent annually. Geology is taught at two levels (GCSE at KS4 and AS/A2 level at KS5). Geological issues are constantly in the public eye; the dwindling of fossil fuels, tragic natural disasters and new discoveries on the ocean floor, and many branches of Geology are now at the cutting edge of science and provide massive scope for employment.

KS4

The GCSE Geology course has several aims:
- To stimulate curiosity, interest and enjoyment
- To show how applications of Geology can be both beneficial and detrimental to the environment
- To develop abilities and skills that are useful and relevant in everyday life
- To recognise the usefulness of geological applications to industry and exploration

At the end of the GCSE course, exams are sat so that a grade can be awarded. The grade also takes into account fieldwork and laboratory assessment. There are 2 papers:

Paper 1: Structured Data Response Paper (50%)
Paper 2: Integrated Problem Solving (30%)

20% of the final mark comes from Internal Assessment.

During the 2-year course, there is also a minimum of 3 days fieldwork that must be undertaken, and this is seen as being as valuable as classroom teaching or laboratory work. Local and regional sites are visited, and this is the highlight of the GCSE course.

KS5

After GCSE Geology, students get the chance to carry on studying to AS/A2 level. In Geological terms the aims of the A level programmes are as follows:

- To foster an understanding of the nature and scope of Geology
- To encourage the appreciation of the relevance of geology to everyday life and Industry
- To develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment

The course is modular based with 3 modules covered at AS level and a further 3 at A2 level.

Fieldwork continues to play an important role, and in the AS/A2 course a minimum of one week of fieldwork is undertaken. In Lower sixth the fieldwork is done in Anglesey in various locations. The fieldwork is centred on tectonic activity in the Rhosneigr area, and the students study and examine fold structures in outcrops on the beach.

In the second year (A2), the fieldwork is done in Cornwall, investigating the stratigraphy of Britain and how it can be traced from the rocks in the local area.