Education as individual as your child
WOLVERHAMPTON GRAMMAR JUNIOR SCHOOL Ages 7–11 years WOLVERHAMPTON GRAMMAR SENIOR SCHOOL Ages 11–16 years WOLVERHAMPTON GRAMMAR SIXTH FORM Ages 16–18 years
A warm welcome to Wolverhampton Grammar School
Contents 1
Our history and values
2
The parent’s perspective
4
Junior School
6
Senior School
10
Sixth Form
14
Maximising academic potential
18
Supported learning
20
Life outside the classroom
24
Our global alumni community
28
Come and visit
30
How to apply
32
Our mission is to help your child fulfil their potential by providing an education that is as individual as they are.
We deliver that promise by looking at education in the round. No child’s education should just be about academic attainment – sport, culture, creativity and social skills all play their part too. Our personalised curriculum provides an education and learning experience that’s truly transformational, but we also provide much more. Our 23 acre site blends stunning original architecture with creative, innovative learning spaces. Walk through the school and you will see how our Senior and Sixth Form buildings wrap around our Junior School, how our superb grounds and pavilion provide the perfect showcase for sport and how our use of green
Wo l v e r h a m p t o n G r a m m a r S c h o o l P r o s p e c t u s
Education as individual as your child
and open spaces offer the ideal setting for the development of creative and critical thinkers alike. Whenever you join us at Wolverhampton Grammar School, you have the reassurance that every child is nurtured as an individual within a community that’s like no other.
This is just the beginning of your experience with a school that will build friendships and connections that last a lifetime. KATHY CREWE-READ, HEAD
A warm welcome
A warm welcome
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At Wolverhampton Grammar School we believe that education is about transforming lives as well as minds. From day one, your child will be welcomed into a school community that will nurture and develop their academic and personal potential equally. We are a unique school to Wolverhampton. We provide this experience for students from Year 3 through to Year 13 – and every one of our students has the opportunity to access the experience that makes us so special. We were founded in 1512 to provide a “good, moral education”. That same impulse motivates us now: our belief is that a challenging education requires a blend of knowledge and skills, and a mind-set that embraces
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diversity. Our students know that their lives are worthwhile and that they can make a difference in today’s world. Our students are equipped to embrace opportunities and become lifelong learners. We partner with a range of local, national and international organisations thus providing a rigorous approach to learning and encouraging a sense of social responsibility that’s truly unique to our school.
JACK HARRIS, STUDENT
We are the independent school of choice for parents who want approachability and a human dimension to teaching. Large enough to be able to offer an experience like no other, and yet personal enough to adapt our approach to suit the ambitions and interests of your child. Every child is treated as an individual.
A School with over 500 years of experience ensures your child is in safe hands.
Wo l v e r h a m p t o n G r a m m a r S c h o o l P r o s p e c t u s
Education as individual as your child
Our history and values
“I find the sense of community special. Older students look after younger ones and that’s something really unique.”
Our history and values
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The parent’s perspective
We understand the emotional and financial commitment made by parents who choose independent education. There are many reasons why parents choose Wolverhampton Grammar School. You have the assurance that every one of our students is nurtured: they flourish as individuals, caring, confident, poised and articulate. Our extensive campus provides the perfect home for our community of learners, who go on to achieve great things in a wide range of professions and countries.
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We appreciate choosing a good school can be a daunting process for any parent. An independent education brings with it unique rewards and opportunities.
Wolverhampton Grammar School is the independent school of choice for our parents. Pa g e 4
MARTIN GREEN, PARENT
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Education as individual as your child
The parent’s perspective
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Seeing my son complete the Coast to Coast challenge made me realise just how determined and committed he had become.
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The right learning environment
The Junior School years mark a crucial period in a child’s development. During this time a child establishes the foundations for future learning; they begin to form firm friendships and become more independent and curious about the world around them. These are also years of fun and enjoyment as a child develops strengths and new interests. Wolverhampton Grammar Junior School provides wrap around care for your child. Our Junior School is sited at the heart of Wolverhampton Grammar School, providing safe, unique access to facilities, sport opportunities and teaching expertise.
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All our children are able to participate in activities including residential camps, music, the sciences and art. Sport also plays an important part in life at the Junior School with every year group participating in fixtures against other schools. Expert coaches nurture skills in rugby, football, cricket, hockey, netball and rounders and all children have access to an extensive range of after school sporting clubs. The Junior School also provides specialist learning assistance for those children who may require an individual programme of support.
The key focus on developing the whole child enables us to prepare them for their transition to Senior School. Most of all, our Junior School is a happy place, full of fun and designed to bring out the best in your child.
“What makes a great junior school? The skill of an excellent team to encourage every child to develop talents and discover skills that they didn’t know they had.” ANDREW HYMER, HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Wo l v e r h a m p t o n G r a m m a r S c h o o l P r o s p e c t u s
Education as individual as your child
Junior School
Junior School
Ages 7-11 years
Light, bright classrooms, small class sizes and expert teachers provide your child with access to a range of academic subjects and extra-curricular opportunities that other junior schools cannot match. Debating clubs and team building work alongside our usual curriculum which also includes the opportunity to study French, German and Italian.
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Young children thrive when they feel valued and secure in their surroundings. That’s why we ensure our Year 3 and 4 students are taught the majority of lessons by their class teacher. As children progress into Years 5 and 6, confidence is nurtured further by enabling our pupils to explore the wider school campus, enjoying some lessons with subject specialists from our Senior School. Our Year 6 students (known as Big 6) are offered direct entry into the Senior School. Free from the pressures of exam preparation, their curriculum offers both creativity and academic challenge; a perfect introduction to the next stage of their education.
Wolverhampton Grammar School provides children with the foundation for a lifetime love of learning.
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Wo l v e r h a m p t o n G r a m m a r S c h o o l P r o s p e c t u s
Education as individual as your child
Ages 7-11 years
KATE BAKER, TEACHER
Year by year progression
Junior School
“Recognising that children coming towards the end of their junior education often feel like they are facing a daunting journey ahead is one of the reasons our junior school is so special. The Big 6 year provides the perfect preparation to ensure all our children are ready and excited about their move into the Senior School.”
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Ages 11-16 years
School has a fantastic atmosphere. Everyone is friendly, welcoming with a great rapport between teachers and the students. ROBERT PYE, STUDENT
Right from the start your child will develop a feeling of school pride. Their sense of confidence and wider responsibility will grow throughout their Senior School years with us.
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You have the reassurance that our timetable is designed to stretch academic potential – within a nurturing environment that recognises the value that extra-curricular activities bring. From building a working trebuchet at school,
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Our teaching staff know every student as an individual. Experts in their academic disciplines, they will work with you and your child to ensure potential is unlocked and confidence grows. Visit us during term time and you’ll see how they bring the love of their subject to life.
undertaking biodiversity field trips in Mexico, or supporting the development of our partner school in Uganda – our curriculum is anything but classroom based. All this alongside exceptional GCSE and A level results.
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Education as individual as your child
Senior School
Senior School
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Our strong sense of community fosters an environment where achievement is encouraged and celebrated. Those achievements cover the full range of academic disciplines delivered through a broad-based curriculum and representing a range of subjects from art to psychology.
STEVE JACKSON-TURNBALL, TEACHER OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Senior School
As students progress through the school there are increased opportunities for them to follow their own academic interests too. Sciences are taught separately and the curriculum is further enhanced with subjects including PE, Latin and classical civilisation. That nurtured confidence empowers our students to excel in public examinations.
Perhaps more importantly though they learn the ability to celebrate reaching personal goals and successes too.
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Ages 11-16 years
“I came to Wolverhampton Grammar School because the school believes in the individual, whether that be parent, staff or student. Teaching the students here is wonderful.�
A community spirit where confidence grows and individuality thrives
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Education as individual as your child
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Our dedicated Sixth Form Centre provides a unique space and facility for our students. Expert teachers coach and mentor pupils from day one, to be independent and self-motivated learners. This not only provides the best foundation for their academic experience with us, but also provides the best start to helping them secure their next opportunity. Young people need rounded skills to enable them to prosper and our Sixth Formers are actively encouraged to develop and express their own ideas and opinions. Alongside curriculum based subjects we also offer the Extended Project Qualification, Institute of
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Financial Services Certificate and Community Volunteering Qualifications. With so many opportunities, our students enjoy their studies whilst equipping themselves to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Outdoor education, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, tailored leadership skills and global expeditions together with a range of school clubs and societies come together to fully enrich Sixth Form life.
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TOBY HUGHES, HEAD OF SIXTH FORM
Education as individual as your child
Ages 16-18 years
Sixth Form
Sixth Form
“With increased competition for the very best university places, we’re proud of how the skills and qualities gained at Wolverhampton Grammar School ensure our students stand out as independent, life-long learners with a balance of social responsibility and leadership qualities.”
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“The people make this school so special. It’s a real community, a family of like minded people who want the best for our futures.”
We work hard to ensure every one of our students has the opportunity to stand out, and they go on to study at a wide range of universities.
EMILY BIRCH, FORMER STUDENT
“Wolverhampton Grammar School helped me to realise that I have the confidence to embrace the moment. It’s that encouragement to explore the world and self-discovery that’s helped me choose to study to become a Vet at an overseas university.”
Sixth Form
We aim to ignite intellectual curiosity with a holistic approach to education – a style of education that is valued by universities, employers and wider society alike.
HANNAH YORK, FORMER STUDENT
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Wo l v e r h a m p t o n G r a m m a r S c h o o l P r o s p e c t u s
Ages 16-18 years
Wolverhampton Grammar School constantly reviews its curriculum ensuring subjects meet the needs of students and the requirements of the best universities. Students can choose to study a diverse array of courses including traditional A Level subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, history and psychology to more specialised subjects like government and politics, economics, theatre studies and classical civilisation.
Education as individual as your child
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Maximising academic potential
You would expect nothing less than access to inspirational teaching from the top independent school in Wolverhampton. The academic achievements of our students speak for themselves; but our teachers are trained to deliver much more than that. Pa g e 1 8
Learning here at Wolverhampton Grammar School is personal, it’s a conversation and a journey – not simply a lesson.
All of our teachers are experts in their own academic disciplines, trained and experienced professionals who love their subjects as much as they enjoy teaching our students. The lessons are lively and challenging, and knowledge here is treasured opening up minds to a love of learning. We believe it is our role to equip young people with the knowledge and skills that enable them to make reasoned and informed judgements and to be able to engage fruitfully in debate about contemporary issues, as well as life’s big philosophical questions. Smaller class sizes and space for individual tuition enables our teachers to get to know your child. We adapt the curriculum to suit every individual’s needs and both boys and girls excel at GCSE and A level.
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Education as individual as your child
“A love of reading changes lives. It can start with a book but the role of a good school library is to open the door to infinite possibilities” ZOE ROWLEY, LIBRARIAN
Maximising academic potential
You have the reassurance that our students gain qualifications that pave their way to higher education across Russell Group Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College and the London School of Economics. Our students also have the confidence to apply for international universities. They go on to have meaningful, often international careers, confident in their ability to play an active part in society.
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Supported learning and excellence for all
Studying at Wolverhampton Grammar School will be different to anything your child has experienced before. All students have access to an outstanding educational experience which we can tailor to ensure every child is able to flourish. Pa g e 2 0
Pastoral Care is a priority for Wolverhampton Grammar School. We are a busy, happy and successful community with young people - their learning, development and welfare at the heart of everything we do. All of our teachers get to know the students as individuals and we have a dedicated team of specially trained staff and advisors to support any student or parent who needs extra guidance or advice.
IAN TYLER, DIRECTOR OF OpAL Opportunities through Assisted Learning (OpAL) offers specialist, dedicated support for children with dyslexia who need a little extra help. Through OpAL, students access a more flexible, tailored curriculum. Their confidence grows as they work alongside our experienced and qualified staff.
Wo l v e r h a m p t o n G r a m m a r S c h o o l P r o s p e c t u s
Education as individual as your child
Supported learning
“We give our OpAL students the space and time to come to grips with the subjects that they find challenging. Our students leave the centre happy, confident and not afraid to face their fears.�
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Our students are also there for each other. The Head Boy and Girl lead a team of Prefects who ensure all students are supported and encouraged to get the most out of school life. A Student Parliament also enables the views of all students to be represented, listened to and most importantly taken forward.
“OpAL really helped me become the student I am today.”
Wolverhampton Grammar School has long been famous for approachability and the human dimension that it brings to its teaching. All student’s opinions are valued. This is because we know that our school thrives on the relationships between students and their teachers.
Supported learning
ELIZABETH MAHON, STUDENT
“My son has grown up celebrating and fully accepting his dyslexia. This perhaps, is his and OpAL’s greatest achievement.” PARENT
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Wo l v e r h a m p t o n G r a m m a r S c h o o l P r o s p e c t u s
Education as individual as your child
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Life outside the classroom
ELLIOTT MCDOWELL, STUDENT
At Wolverhampton Grammar School we place a love of learning at the heart of everything we do.
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We are able to offer the largest range of extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, trips, international expeditions and sport tours of any independent school in the area. We equip all our students with the knowledge that they can make a difference. Opportunities to explore art, drama, music and sport are woven throughout the school and with over fifty clubs and societies, there is something for everyone.
Sport has a long tradition here and our students compete at city, regional and national level. Our vast site includes rugby, cricket, hockey and football pitches, netball courts, an all-weather astro turf and athletics track as well as a fully equipped sports centre with multigym and indoor courts for badminton, squash and nets.
Wo l v e r h a m p t o n G r a m m a r S c h o o l P r o s p e c t u s
Education as individual as your child
Life outside the classroom
“I am constantly impressed by the fantastic opportunities available here ranging from Acapella Choir and LAMDA to Political Forums, Photography clubs and everything in between.�
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The School gave me once in a lifetime opportunities to go to places like Morocco and Uganda. Those experiences will stay with me forever.
This choice of extra-curricular experiences ensures all our students learn the key skills of determination, team building and self belief.
GUY JACK, STUDENT
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Wo l v e r h a m p t o n G r a m m a r S c h o o l P r o s p e c t u s
Education as individual as your child
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Purpose built facilities for art, music and drama provide the best venues possible for exhibitions and school productions. The location of our music department in the heart of the school means our community hears singing, ensemble and band music as they move around the campus.
Life outside the classroom
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The school boasts Fives Courts (Fives is a traditional independent school sport) as well as a purpose built climbing wall and sports pavilion, offering panoramic views of our large outdoor sports fields.
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The experiences you have at school, and the friendships you make will last a lifetime. Being a member of our alumni community ensures the benefits of studying at a top independent school extend way beyond your time with us. Over 80% of our students go on to study at their first choice of university graduating with degrees as diverse as English, Economics, Pharmacy, Medicine, History, Politics, Law, Music, Geophysics, Philosophy, Dentistry, Teaching, Chemical Engineering and Optometry.
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Our students go on to achieve great things and we have a growing worldwide alumni community; currently in over 30 countries. The strong sense of community fostered at Wolverhampton Grammar School means our alumni choose to give something back by providing practical support and advice to current students.
The Old Wulfrunians Association provides opportunities to share memories of Wolverhampton Grammar School. Old Wulfrunian events are enjoyable as well as offering another valuable networking opportunity.
Wo l v e r h a m p t o n G r a m m a r S c h o o l P r o s p e c t u s
DR NIK ZEPS (FORMER STUDENT, 1981 - 1988)
Education as individual as your child
Global alumni community
Access to a global alumni community
“Wolverhampton Grammar School gave me choices. I went on to study Medicine at King’s College, London and now have a career as Director of Research at a large hospital in Australia. I have a PhD and get to travel the world doing a job I love.”
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“I attended the Open Day and realised it was a community that could be found nowhere else.”
Come and visit
The best way to really appreciate what Wolverhampton Grammar School has to offer is to come and see us for yourself. Pa g e 3 0
We accept applications throughout the year and you are welcome to come and visit us unannounced at any time and experience school life as it happens. Open Days Open Days are an ideal way to get a feel for our school and campus. We hold several tailored open days and evenings for Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form as
an opportunity for prospective parents and children to meet each other and tour the school with our students. Visit the website www.wgs.org.uk for details. Personal Tours We appreciate how busy life can be for you and your child. Personalised tours, to fit in with your family schedule are also available.
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Taster and Discovery Days Taster and Discovery Days provide a great opportunity to experience the bustle of school life. They can be personalised to suit your child’s interests and all children are accompanied throughout the day.
Ways to stay in touch This is just the beginning of your relationship with our school. There are lots of ways to keep in touch and find out more about us, including:
Facebook “f ” Logo
Education as individual as your child
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Twitter: @WGS1512 Facebook: Wolverhampton Grammar School Official Facebook “f ” Logo
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To arrange a visit simply contact: Jane Morris, Admissions Registrar T: 01902 422939 E: jam@wgs-sch.net Visit our website: www.wgs.org.uk
Come and visit
LEWIS BARTHO, STUDENT
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How to apply
We accept applications to the Junior, Senior School and Sixth Form throughout the year.
To ensure our school is the right fit for your child we ask all applicants to our Junior and Senior School to sit an entrance test relevant to their year of entry. Applicants for Sixth Form places are also invited to meet with the Head of Sixth Form. We appreciate that the prospect of an entrance test can be daunting for your child. You can be assured that they, and you, are supported and encouraged throughout this process. We can also arrange for your child to spend some time in lessons with our students before, or after the
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test so that they get a feel for the school. Our admissions process ensures that new students arrive at Wolverhampton Grammar School confident in the knowledge that this is the right environment for them. Our personal, individual approach to education starts from the very beginning. To learn more about our admissions process simply contact: Jane Morris, Admissions Registrar T: 01902 422939 E: jam@wgs-sch.net
Wo l v e r h a m p t o n G r a m m a r S c h o o l P r o s p e c t u s
Wolverhampton Grammar School Compton Road Wolverhampton WV3 9RB Tel: 01902 421326
Wolverhampton Grammar Junior School Compton Road Wolverhampton WV3 9RB Tel: 01902 392960
www.wgs.org.uk