The Grammar School for Girls Wilmington

The school achieves outstanding results in Mathematics and ICT. Our main thrust since becoming a Maths and Computing Specialist College has been to build on our proven strengths in these subjects and to provide an ICT rich learning environment for our students which maximises their achievement.

The use of ICT for effective learning is continuously developing. Our Year 7 and 8 students have e- portfolios of their work in ICT and the use of interactive whiteboards has transformed teaching and learning. We are working closely with the School of Computing and Mathematical Science at the University of Greenwich to develop an e-learning resource to enrich the learning of our students.

In partnership with other local schools we are taking part in a pilot project to develop a county-wide e-portal learning platform. This is an exciting opportunity for schools to work together and share resources and ideas.

All our students take their end of Key stage 3 Mathematics tests a year early and are entered for GCSE in Year 10. They then have opportunities to broaden their study of Mathematics through either GCSE Statistics or a Free Standing Mathematics Qualification (FSMQ). Both Mathematics and Further Mathematics are taken as A level courses.

Through challenges, quizzes, clubs, masterclasses and enrichment activities our students are given opportunities to enjoy Mathematics and to develop their skills in problem solving.

ICT curriculum provision and planned opportunities to use ICT for learning ensure that students achieve the highest levels in ICT and the capacity, interest and skills to continue to a range of courses suited to their needs post 16. As an Oracle Internet Academy, resulting from the sponsorship provided, Oracle courses have been introduced providing the opportunity for students to study Database Fundamentals and Java.

Our younger students have thoroughly enjoyed the many and varied opportunities to use ICT through cc4g (Computer club for Girls).

The Wilmington Learning Centre, provided by GlaxoSmithKline, provides a Maths teaching area with ICT capability adjacent to the existing Maths suite of rooms. In addition it houses an Open Learning area, with ICT facilities for use by school and the local community. The Learning Centre hosts regular meetings for Maths teachers from local Schools.

As part of our community links we have been working with groups of Year 6 pupils from our partner Primary Schools. They have thoroughly enjoyed the lessons they have had after school finding out about topology.

For members of the local community who would like to develop ICT skills our weekly evening classes have proved very successful indeed, covering a variety of topics from the basics of using a computer to using the internet to using a digital camera. If you would like to find out more about these courses please telephone the school or e-mail – newsletter@gsgw.org.uk