Shell Guide to the Curriculum 2026-2027

OPTIONAL SUBJECTS

OPTIONAL SUBJECTS

Art and Ceramics Art - In the first project, ‘Everyday Objects’ , Shells will be exploring fundamental skills of observational and imaginative drawing working from still-life structures. They will encounter the work of different artists who use similar processes, and will be able to visually analyse their works using art terminology. In the second project, ‘Patterns’ , pupils learn about patterns across time and cultures. This starting point develops their knowledge of society, culture and spiritual/moral links within art. Pupils will design patterns for poly block and lino prints, developing their ability to create symmetrical compositions whilst understanding the importance colour has when producing multiple block prints. In the final project ‘Architecture’, pupils will produce etchings in response to the work of John Piper. Using the School buildings as inspiration, pupils will learn the technical processes before developing their prints and being more experimental with their imagery, exploring various mixed media and resist techniques. Ceramics – During the first project, `Order & Chaos’, Shells use rules and chance to generate the silhouette for an angular slab built vase, before adding embossed pattern, coral-like slips, and pre-fired additions. Of course, they glaze these striking pieces themselves, learning another valuable set of skills. They learn to manage the material of

clay and become familiar with both the layout and presentation of contextual content in their sketchbooks. Project two sees the pupils design and build a ‘Component Vessel’ . Using terracotta clay, they bring together pinched, thrown, extruded, and slump moulded elements, and decorate with reference to English slipware. In the summer, the Shells produce a ‘Pop-Art Plate’ , focusing on surface decoration using a limited palette and slip stencilling. Pupils will learn about 1960s America and develop their own highly stylised designs. Each Shell will have the opportunity to throw on the potter’s wheel and will learn the basics of glazing. Regular class critiques in Art and Ceramics will encourage debate, peer support and collaboration, as well as enhancing analytical and verbal communication skills.

Ancient Greek

St Edward’s is one of relatively few schools where you can either continue or start to learn Classical Greek. This is an option you can choose and is in addition to studying another classical subject. You are encouraged to do this if your study of Latin or Modern Languages has been going well for you up to now and you enjoy word and mathematical puzzles. We run multiple sets for those with some or no experience, and you can move between sets according to your progress. We use a modern course which, while introducing all the linguistic forms, does so through mythological and historical contexts. It complements study in Latin and leads through to Greek GCSE as an option in the Fourth Form (Year 10).

Why Learn Ancient Greek today? It provides a gateway to understanding the foundations of our modern civilisation, permitting access to its richly varied literature, history, politics and philosophy, all of which merit our critical evaluation. It serves to bridge the gap between ancient and modern thought and serves to challenge our assumptions about our own times. The study of this language fosters critical thinking and linguistic precision, cultivating analytical skills applicable to various disciplines and remains impressive to universities and future employers.

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GUIDE TO THE SHELL CURRICULUM 2026–2027

GUIDE TO THE SHELL CURRICULUM 2026–2027