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

ICT

Welcome to the ICT Department The overall aim of the ICT department is to encourage pupils to develop an understanding of the principles of problem solving using ICT, and of the range of applications of ICT and the effect of their use, and to apply this understanding when developing ICT solutions to problems.

In today's world, individuals will increasingly need technological and information literacy skills that include the ability to gather, process and manipulate data. These skills are now as essential as the traditional skills of numeracy and literacy. The impact of ICT on society is enormous, and as the percentage of business and households connected to communication networks such as the Internet grows, so does the need for individuals who can master and manipulate these technologies. The intention is therefore to provide the opportunity for each pupil to learn the analytical, interpersonal, and technical skills they require to be active participants in an exciting and dynamic world.

KS4

ICT (KS4): Examination Board ICAA in association with CCAE
The aims of the GCSE course are to develop in pupils an ability to solve problems through the use of ICT systems, and to develop a broad and balanced view of the range of applications which are in current use. The course requires pupils to develop the ability to use ICT to communicate and handle information in a variety of contexts, to analyse, design, implement, test and document systems for themselves and others, to reflect critically on the use of ICT in the wider world, and to consider some of the social, moral and legal issues associated with the use of ICT.

The course is highly practical to match the nature of the subject, and much of the teaching is carried out by the use of practical exercises and by requiring pupils to complete a series of small projects.

The coursework component comprises a portfolio of work that demonstrates the overall development of systems from the initial requirements analysis to the final working system. This comprises a series of projects set throughout the 2 years. The set task is a single activity which lasts approximately 5 hours over a two or three day period.

KS5

This A Level uses a task driven approach to solving problems using ICT. Student's will be expected to use the full facilities of various packages, and bring together their knowledge and skills to solve real and realistic problems.
Students must have a wide knowledge of various software packages prior to the course, and it is expected that they have obtained a high-grade result at GCSE ICT, or can demonstrate their ability within the subject.

AS ICT: - Unit 1: Information Systems & Communication
- Unit 2: Structured Practical ICT Tasks
- Unit 3: Practical Applications of ICT using Generic Application Software
- Units 1 & 3 are examined via a written paper of 1 hour 30 minutes duration.

A2 ICT: - Unit4: Communications Technology and its Application
- Unit 5: ICT Major Project
- Unit 6: Systems and systems Management
- Units 4 & 6 are examined via a written paper of 1 hour 30 minutes duration.
- Units 2 & 5 are assessed through coursework.

Computing

Computing at WGS (Boys)

Computing is an engineering discipline, and as a result, students who succeed in this subject must have a good Science and Maths background.

The A Level Computing course covers machine architecture and structure and role of the processor, as well as a wide range of programming languages from assembly language to high level languages such as object orientated programming using Pascal. It also covers data representation in binary, denary and hexadecimal.

The candidates will be required to have a wide-ranging understanding of computers and computer technology before starting the course. It will be expected that the students will read widely about the subject during the course, and keep up-to-date with changes within the subject and industrial developments.

Note: Many Universities, which offer computer science degrees, also require A Level Mathematics for entry to the course.

Computing KS5

Computing (KS5): AQA Specification AS 5511 A2 6511

This course is principally concerned with the use of technology to solve problems. The course provides a firm base for those students who wish to continue their studies in higher education in the computing field.

AS Computing: Module 1: (Computer Systems, Programming & Network Concepts, Information & Data Representation, Communication & Networking)
Module 2: (Principles of Hardware, Software & Application, Application & Effects, Files and Databases, Operating Systems, Hardware Devices)
Module 3: Practical System Development

A2 Computing:
Module 4: (Processing & Programming Techniques, Machine Structure, Programming Concepts, Machine Operation & Assembly Language, Data Representation in Computers, Operating Systems)
Module 5: (Advanced System Development, Application & Effects, Files & Databases, System Development, Hardware Devices, Networking)
Module 6: Practical Programming Project