Our Senior Curriculum
We aim to inspire intellectual curiosity through a liberal curriculum which incorporates a range of disciplines and life skills that equip our students to play active parts in society.
This is an approach valued by universities and employers alike. The range of academic subjects we offer for GCSE is broad, and teaching staff are experts in their specialist disciplines. The academic curriculum is supplemented by lessons in Physical Education, Games and a comprehensive course in Wellbeing. We strongly encourage students to involve themselves with our extensive extra-curricular programme, as participation lends both breadth and depth to the student experience and is of vital importance in developing wider personal skills and attributes.
Students are asked to choose a pathway of either eight, nine or ten GCSE options. The majority of students will select ten subjects, but some might be better suited to choosing slightly fewer subjects in order to achieve higher grades across all of them; this will enhance their chances of success at subsequent stages of their education. We help and guide students about their choices in the Spring term of Year 9 through an assembly, parents’ evening and virtual options evening.
Art & Design
Students will study in the fantastic Art Studios located in the Hutton building. We buy in our own canvases and make them to order so you can produce some life-size pieces! At GCSE you will explore photography alongside Fine Art media and your work will be exhibited in our Viner Art Gallery.
Biology
Taught by expert staff in purpose-bulit Biology laboratories with a dedicated prep room providing access to a real sized human body model, model organs, microscopes, preserved specimens and much more. You will also be introduced to our much-loved animals including Monty the Royal Python and Louis the Leopard gecko!
Business Studies
Business at WGS is taught by 3 highly experienced and inspirational teachers, including 2 who have run their own business and have Directorship experienced. Mrs Keys and Mrs Smith are both published Economists who teach Economics at A Level. Students are inspired to be entrepreneurial and several students have even started their own business whilst at school.
Chemistry
A Level Chemistry is a popular choice at Wolverhampton Grammar School. It suits students who are logical, methodical and who like patterns. Equally it suits students who like practical work, who like proving ideas and theories through real experience and empirical research.
Computer Science
Students are taught by teachers with industry experience in Web Design and IT Consulting. We have three dedicated computer suites and creative resources for electronic engineering and programming. Outside of lessons there are extra-curricular clubs to further your love of Computer Science. Students will explore many aspects of computing from game design, graphic design and programming, all highly relevant to today’s technological world.
Design & Technology
Our Design Studio, CAD/CAM Modelling Suite and Workshop are all housed within a purpose-built block. Students can access the latest technology to explore their design ideas to the full and benefit from the School’s links with local manufacturers and industry.
Drama
Students are lucky enough to have an industry-standard theatre at their fingertips. This really does make for an exciting back drop for exploring theatre and performance. Students are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular drama productions and to use the wider opportunities such as LAMDA acting classes to enhance their drama experience.
English
Students study English Language and English Literature as two separate GCSE subjects which can be continued to A Level.
French
Our 2 French teachers have a combined experience of 44 years of secondary teaching and have studied in Paris and Bordeaux. Our native-speaking Language Assistant works with small groups to improve fluency which is further strengthened by school trips to France. Learning a language fosters transferable skills such as communication and presentation skills, problem-solving, memory, logic and creativity.
Geography
Students studying Geography are inspired with a lifelong love of the subject. The exciting course content provides a dynamic, contemporary way to engage with the world. Fieldwork trips further deepen knowledge and provide firsthand experience of issues affecting the UK and the wider world.
German
Students are taught by 3 highly experienced linguists with several years in secondary teaching. These include Mr Mason who is also an experienced professional translator. A native-speaking Language Assistant works with small groups to develop communication skills further and students have the opportunity to participate in school trips abroad.
History
Our History teachers are passionate about their subject because it provides the opportunity to reflect and inform and the topics studied at GCSE will give you an in depth overview of the tumultuous events of the last century. You’ll enjoy challenging debate on this thought-provoking course. Not only has WGS got a well-resourced library of historical texts, the department utilises technology to bring the subject to life.
Maths
The Maths Department has experienced staff who are all Maths graduates and inspire a love of their subject. Results are consistently high and in 2022, 71% of students achieved grades 9-7 (A*- A equivalent). Further Maths is offered to the most able students to develop their skills and prepare them for further study. Both Maths and Further Maths are offered at A Level.
Music
Students have their own recital room, practice room and music technology suite in which to foster their musical creativity. Students can learn an instrument or take singing lessons in School and are encouraged to take an active part in our wide variety of musical groups, choirs and ensembles.
Physics
Students will enjoy a high level of practical study within our purpose-built laboratories, whilst developing their curiosity and understanding of the physical world.
Sports
Sport forms part of our broad curriculum and all students will take part in weekly Games (Football, Cricket, Netball, Rounders, Softball and Hockey) as well as PE lessons. You will have the opportunity to represent the School in fixtures against other schools. Many of our extra-curricular clubs are sports based including Gym, Tennis, Badminton, Climbing, Dance, Basketball, Fives and Table Tennis. Although we do not offer Sport GCSE, you can study the Cambridge Technical Diploma in Sport and PE in our Sixth Form.
Wellbeign
Wellbeing is now a subject embedded within the WGS curriculum, that incorporates Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE), and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). It is taught by a specialist group of teachers in the Wellbeing Department. Wellbeing lessons cover topics such as forming positive friendships, diversity, online and real-world safety, mental and physical health, first aid, personal finance and much more. These lessons are enhanced by visiting guest speakers.