Shell Guide to the Curriculum 2026-2027

CORE SUBJECTS

CORE SUBJECTS

Chemistry Chemistry uses scientific models to describe the behaviour of matter and its interaction with energy, and thus furthers our understanding of the world around us. The Shell Chemistry course builds upon the particle model of matter, which is the foundation of Chemistry. We put this model to the test through experiments that yield qualitative and quantitative data, which you will learn to analyse and evaluate. We encounter refinements of the model, necessary to describe more sophisticated chemical

Biology Covid-19 brought Biology to the very forefront of media headlines in the last few years and never before has there been the relevance, the interest and the extent of career opportunities in the field. Science All Shell pupils will set out on the Triple Award Science syllabus, which leads to an IGCSE in each of the three Sciences - Biology, Chemistry and Physics - each examined separately. Based on each individual pupil’s progress and internal assessment results, the Heads of Sciences will recommend which pupils proceed to complete Triple Award Science, and which undertake Double Award Science. The latter course includes content from each of the three

phenomena, including the formation of compounds from elements, patterns of chemical behaviour and rates of chemical reactions. You will find out how to represent these phenomena precisely and accurately using scientific vocabulary and chemical symbolism.

Sciences, with separate examinations in each, but with less syllabus content than the Triple route, and with a final award of two IGCSE grades representing an average across the three Sciences.

In the Shell year, you will begin by building on your knowledge and understanding of fundamental topics including molecules and cells. We place a lot of emphasis on the development of key practical and investigative skills, as well as data presentation and maths skills to allow you to interpret your findings. We then explore the movement of substances in both living and non-living systems. These topics cover essential concepts which will be further built upon in the Fourth and Fifth Forms. In the Summer Term, there is a focus on Ecology, with opportunities to learn outside the classroom.

how to create experiments which will test your theories and give you usable data. You will learn how to scan through information and identify trends and patterns which may exist there. Your ability to use logic will be tested through challenging preps, which may have both a mathematical and written focus. You will assess risk and participate in experiments which require careful thinking about safety. By the end of your Shell year you will have learned the basic decision-making tools which will enable you to tackle the GCSE content in the Fourth and Fifth Forms.

Physics Great physicists are able to make decisions, using logic to guide them. Our Shell curriculum is written so that you will be using equipment during almost every lesson, thinking about

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GUIDE TO THE SHELL CURRICULUM 2026–2027

GUIDE TO THE SHELL CURRICULUM 2026–2027