Shell Guide to the Curriculum 2026-2027

CORE SUBJECTS

CORE SUBJECTS

Maths

English English at St Edward’s combines the study of the freshest, contemporary literature and classic writers of the past. In the Autumn Term we focus on classic short stories and A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Along the way you will look at poems new and old, dealing with the themes connected with these core texts. Later in the year you will study a Shakespeare play and look at speeches from great orators of modern times.

Algebra is the language of mathematics. It helps unlock the nuances of high level problem solving and is something that you use in everyday life. From visits to the shops, weighing luggage at the airport or deciding how much food to put on the plate, your ability to deal with something ‘unknown’ is crucial. As soon as you arrive at St Edward’s you will start working on the IGCSE Mathematics syllabus. During the first half of the Autumn Term, we will work to solidify the basics and ensure that misconceptions are discussed and minimised. You will probably have studied lots of the

fundamentals at your previous school and we will both consolidate and extend your knowledge of things like expanding brackets, collecting terms, factorising and solving linear equations. These areas are essential to your success not just in the algebraic topics (which account for 50% of the marks in the exams) but across all facets of the Mathematics syllabus. Extension materials are used throughout the course, with UKMT and nRich providing excellent sources of challenging problems to test and strengthen your mathematical reasoning.

Our underlying priority is teaching the skills needed to make a success of studying English for IGCSE, IB and A level – since the majority of our pupils choose to study English with us until the end of the Upper Sixth. We will teach you to produce clear and accurate writing, and to develop analytical reading skills and oracy. A CHRISTMAS CAROL

A CHRISTMAS

CAROL

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GUIDE TO THE SHELL CURRICULUM 2026–2027

GUIDE TO THE SHELL CURRICULUM 2026–2027