KS4 Specification - AQA
The History department at West Kirby Grammar School consists of five teachers, who are all subject specialists. The department has four classrooms, all with iTV technology. At Key Stage 3, students study History for two lessons a week covering everything from the Battle of Hastings to the Cold War. The idea is to give them a breadth of chronological understanding in the events that have shaped British History so that, even if they never study History again, they are left with a broad overview of the subject. Here they focus on developing their source evaluation skills and extended writing to meet the needs of the Key Stage 4 course. Trips at Key Stage 3 include Speke Hall and the International Slavery Museum.
We offer an interesting and engaging GCSE course covering topics including Democracy and Dictatorship in Germany 1890-1945, Conflict and Tension 1894-1918, Power and the People c1170 - the Present Day and Elizabethan England c1568-1603. Students are offered a range of opportunities to bring their learning to life including visiting the Battlefields of WW1 in France and Belgium, studying the history of protest at the Peoples' Museum in Manchester and exploring the development of a nation state in our popular Berlin residential.
Many students continue to study History at A-level where students study Tsarist and Communist Russia 1855-1964 and the Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007. They also complete coursework on Nationalism in Ireland 1789 - 1922, which includes a tour of Dublin and Belfast.
examination results
of GCSE students achieved grades 9-7
of GCSE students achieved grades 9-6
of GCSE students achieved grades 9-4
What we've been up to...
Author visit - Jacqueline Wilson
Absolutely incredible to have the brilliant Jacqueline Wilson with us on Friday night to talk about her new book “Think Again”. Thanks to West Kirby Bookshop for choosing to hold your event with us, and Bethany Rutter for hosting the evening - we loved it!
Year 10 Drama trip to London
A fantastic Drama trip down to the capital. Year 10 watched an immersive production of Guys & Dolls, then a revival of Complicite's Mnemonic. On day two they were treated to a backstage tour of the National Theatre, and then worked in a two-hour movement and text-based workshop before heading home. Students were both enthusiastic and showed incredible maturity for two jam-packed days. If they enjoyed this, wait until they see what's in store for New York!
WKGS Mini-Elections
With all the fuss about General Elections, our students decided to show how its done properly! Split into groups, students held mini-elections after an all day campaign (with staff voting too!). And the overall winner? Cura!
Our Year 8 Litter Pickers
Mr Houghton had a special message on behalf of our litter picking team for Activities Week: "WKGS Wombles litter picking at Red Rocks nature reserve and Ashton Park in West Kirby during Activities Week. Well done to Year 8 students for making a difference and taking a pride in their community. How many Mr Youngs by the way?!!"
Jessica Baker's Climbing Wall
Jessica Baker's climbing wall is starting to take shape. A timelapse video will be made public upon completion too!
Year 7 PGL
Year 7 arrived safely at PGL and are having a fantastic time! After a quick lunch they were straight into their activities and last night they spent their evening competing against the other groups in various challenges. This morning, they are up and ready to go, with the sun out for their next round of activities! So many photo's, here's a few!
UK Team Member - NASA Space Design Competition
We have amazing news to share as Molly (#WKGSY10) has been selected to represent Team UK at the international finals of the NASA Space Design Competition. Having been part of the winning team at the UK Space Design competition earlier this month, Molly now becomes one of only 12 students to represent the UK at the finals which take place at Kennedy Space Centre, Florida this summer. Molly was also the youngest member of the winning team from WKGS, making this an even more exceptional achievement. Well done Molly, good luck with the international final!
Sixth Form & Year 11 Careers Fair
We are pleased to announce the dates for our annual Careers Fair which will take place on Wednesday 24th April and Wednesday 1st May 2024. These proved very popular last year and have now been expanded to include Year 11 as well as Sixth Form students. We are looking for representatives from a range of career areas and higher/further education institutes who would be willing to speak to our students about their area of expertise. Any contributions would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to represent your company/organisation at the event, please contact Mrs Harris-Smith by email at sharris@wkgs.net
Congratulations to our Year 8 Netball team!
Congratulations to the Y8 Netball team who were winners of the Wirral Schools League. They beat Wirral in their semi-final and Birkenhead School in a brilliant final! Well done to everyone who has played this season.
UK Space Design Competition
A team of 11 students from West Kirby Grammar School were in the winning team at the National Final of the UK Space Design Competition which took place at Imperial College, London on the weekend of 2nd - 3rd March.
WKGS Music Department news
Students Han, Laoise, Esme, Phoebe and Imogen, all members of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, performed yesterday at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
Congratulations Year 7 2024-25
Congratulations Year 7 2024-25! We look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 students to our school.
Limited places available for Sixth Form
Limited places available for Sixth Form
Wirral Schools Netball League
Well done to the netballers from Y7, Y8 and Y9 who played in the Wirral Schools Netball League tonight. Two wins and a draw for our teams. Super proud of you all!
Year 4 & 5 Information Evening
We would like to invite prospective students along with their parents/carers to join us for our Year 4 & 5 Information Evening on Tuesday 23rd April. Book your place now by visiting the link : Year 4 & 5 Information Evening - Tuesday 23 April 2024