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

History

Welcome to the History Department "The Person who does not understand history, remains always a child" Marcus Tullius Cicero-Roman Senator & Philosopher Without an understanding of the past, it is impossible to fully understand the present. The study of History at WGS introduces pupils to the most important political, cultural and technological developments of the last 2000 years.

As well as providing a solid grounding of narrative, the department encourages pupils to take an analytical and evaluative approach to issues of causation, change and the reliability of evidence. Boys are given plenty of opportunity to develop their skills in ICT, especially through the project work, which is an integral part of the curriculum. The study of History is designed to develop three things. Knowledge and understanding of the past, understanding of historical interpretation and the ability to handle source material. The study of History will also contribute to the delivery of education in Citizenship.

KS3

Year 7 Course Content:
- Evidence (Primary, Secondary, Bias)
- Romans (Empire, Army, Roman Life, Religion, Trade, Fall of Rome, Legacy)
- Medieval (1066, Feudal System, Towns & Villages, Monks, Black Death, Peasants' Revolt, Wales, Scotland, Castles)
- Projects (Roman Chester, Renaissance)

Year 8 Course Content:
- Tudors (Reformation, Social Structure, Paupers)
- Political Change (Civil War, Restoration, Glorious Revolution, Walpole, Jacobites)
- Industrial Revolution (Agriculture, Population, Power, Transport)
- Peoples of the Americas Project

Year 9 Course Content:
- Social & Political Reform (Growth of Democracy, Votes for Women)
- The British Empire (Development, Benefits and Cost)
- The Twentieth Century (World Wars, Revolutions, Social Change)
- World War Two Project

KS4

The GCSE course is designed to achieve a two-fold purpose: to promote an understanding of the problems which face our world in their historical context, and to develop an analytical approach to the comprehension of cause and consequence, continuity and change and bias and objectivity.
To this end the course covers the following themes:
Paper 1:
Conflict in the Modern World-International and British History
a) The Treaty of Versailles to the Cuban Missile Crisis
b) Britain in the Second World War

Paper 2:
Governments in Action in the first half of the Twentieth Century
A comparative study of democracy in Britain 1905-1951, and Dictatorship in Germany 1918-1939

Paper 3:
The changing role and status of women in Britain since 1900 and Vietnam since 1939
Or Coursework Options.
It is departmental policy to make the delivery of the subject as interesting as possible, in order to promote an interest in, and a thoughtful approach to our common heritage.

KS5

A Level History is designed to build upon and develop further an interest in the subject and, in doing so, increase understanding of human development and social behaviour. The department offers 2 courses (numbers permitting) and they are:
- Modern History (AS) & Modern History (A2)
- Early Modern History (AS) & Early Modern History (A2)

AS Modules 1 & 2 will be examined by written papers of 1.5 hrs at the end of the lower sixth year. Module 3 is examined by 2 externally set course essays of 1000 words each. A2 modules 4 & 5 are examined by written papers of 1.5 hrs at the end of the upper sixth. Module 6, the Personal Study, is internally assessed and moderated externally.

For each course, European and British History are given 4 periods per week, with use of lecture techniques, discussions, taped materials, video/DVD, documentary evidence and an increasing use of extensive resources available via Information Communication Technology.