Big Six

Big Six is the name given to Wolverhampton Grammar School’s novel Year 6 (age 10+) entry.  Around 40 boys and girls join each year to follow a very different curriculum for 12 months so that instead of preparing for government exams (SATs) or for entrance exams to secondary schools, Big Sixers spend the year 'learning to learn'.

During the year, boys and girls learn a great deal about themselves, about how they learn and about their preferred learning styles.  Taught by specialist secondary subject teachers, the opportunities students have in sport, drama and music are far beyond those that would normally be available to them in a junior school.  Perhaps the most important things students learn are the values, challenges and skills of teamwork and as a preparation for secondary education Big Six is unparalleled; it is also exciting and hugely enjoyable.

What is Big Six ?
The philosophy of Big Six is built around the principles of Skills, Personality, Intelligence, Reflection, Interest, Tenacity = SPIRIT Big Six

Will my child do SATs?
Big Six students will not sit Key Stage 2 tests (unless parents specifically request that their child should do so). Instead we rely on our own assessment schemes, reporting regularly to parents both formally and informally about their children’s individual progress.

Curriculum
Classroom based activities include creative approaches to core English,  mathematics and science (including the active learning of tables), science in labs and beyond, quiet reading, Italian, the humanities, the arts and much more. The curriculum is skills-based and designed to be cross curricular and is taught by a relatively small number of teachers from a range of disciplines. Every day we also encourage a range of activities such as drama, music, ball skills, swimming, dance and team games

A Typical Day
Students in Big Six  learn by ‘doing’; with guidance from specialist teachers, they carry out research, get involved in project work and undertake visits to places such as the theatre and local museums where they are able to investigate particular areas in greater detail and adopt a ‘hands on’ approach  to learning.
Big Six students go to lunch early to eat with staff. Following mealtimes, they are able to participate in a varied programme of lunchtime activities such as sport, craft and music.

Homework is gradually phased in during the Big Six year as primary school aged children become more used to the longer, more challenging secondary school day. But they shouldn’t worry unduly, homework is more likely to involve extended reading and research around a topic covered in class, rather than hour upon hour of extra sums!


Selection
Assessment days for September entry will take place in February. During the day, your child will spend time on both group and individual activities and undertake tests in English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning. The day itself will be enjoyable and rewarding and is designed to allow us to make a rounded judgement of your child’s potential. For further details on how to apply please go to our application procedure


For the latest news on what Big Six has been doing, see the latest newsletter: Big Six Newsletters