West Kirby Grammar School, West Kirby, Vereinigtes Königreich
Visit to Finland - November 2012
Recently a group of nine of us were given the amazing opportunity to go to Finland for 5 days. When we first arrived at the high school and the English, German and Finnish students had all prepared a presentation about what their school was like and what normally happened on a typical school day. Groups discussed were equality in schools, ICT, creativity and movement in lessons. It was really interesting learning about how students from other countries behaved in their school and what it was like.
Finland is so different from England, for example the junior school and the high school in Finland were so small compared to schools on the Wirral and the food is so healthy. The family who I was staying with made their own milk and used their own animals for meat and eggs etc. As well, almost everyone in Finland has a sauna and usually they go in the sauna then go outside and roll in the snow. I thought they were joking when they told me this, but they weren't. It was such a good experience. I'm so glad I went and, along with the rest of the group, would absolutely go again if we had the chance.
Chloe Barker-L62
Welcome!
Most pupils live nearby, but some come from Chester and also North Wales. The school has a long tradition and celebrates its centenary in 2013. The school has over 1200 pupils including 400 in the Sixth form (the final two years). Boys are also admitted to the Sixth form.
The curriculum offers an academic choice of subjects. Most students go on to university to continue their education. The school places much value on its work with schools in other countries. Our work with foreign schools has been recognised and we have been awarded the International School award twice by the British Council. We have several partner schools and each year a small group takes part in a European conference. This year we are developing a partnership with a school in India and also work with a school in China which we support by fund-raising.
