Shell Guide to the Curriculum 2023

GUIDE TO THE SHELL CURRICULUM 2023–2024

Contents

12 Classics 13 Design 14 Drama 15 Art

3 Welcome to Teddies! 4 Maths 5 English 6 French 7 Spanish 8 German 9 History 10 Geography 11 Theology, Philosophy and Ethics

16 Science 17 Biology 18 Chemistry 19 Physics 20 Computer Science

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Welcome to Teddies!

For the last sixth months, the teachers here at Teddies have been anticipating your arrival – we’ve thought really carefully about what you will be taught, about the devices you’ll use in lessons and in prep and, most importantly, what we want you to be able to do by the end of your first year here. Following the success of an innovation brought in last year, we are continuing to provide an element of optionality to the Shell curriculum. Rather than short amounts of time doing lots of subjects, we have slightly reduced the number you can pick but ensured that you get quality time in every subject.

Our School is one that celebrates success in all of its various forms. Academically, we are not just interested in those to whom top grades come easily; rather, we demand that everyone does their best and so, if you do your best, you’ll find that the whole community is right behind you. In the end, success is almost always preceded by effort and the most rewarding celebrations are those in which your hard graft has paid off. Of course, there are times when all of us find academic work difficult or when we find it tough to give enough time to our studies. When those times arrive, put your hand up, speak to your Tutor, your teachers or your HM, or have a quiet word with a pupil peer listener in your House. You will never face a problem that we haven’t navigated before.

The next five years will be a real adventure and I can’t wait to see how you all get on.

Good luck!

David Flower Sub-Warden Academic

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Maths 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 but across all facets of the Mathematics syllabus. Since the recent specification change, more than 50% of the marks in the Mathematics papers are directly linked to algebraic fluency so it is imperative that you get off on the front foot.

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English

English at St Edward’s combines the study of the freshest, contemporary literature and classic writers of the past. In the Autumn Term our main texts are The Crossing , a verse novel about two teenagers caught up in the refugee crisis on the English Channel; 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. Our underlying priority is teaching the skills needed to make a success of studying English for IGCSE, IB and A level—since at St Edward’s, nine out of ten pupils choose to stay 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.

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French With more than 301 million French speakers across more than 30 countries spread all over the world, French remains a very useful language to learn. It is spoken on five continents and is still the second most widely-learnt foreign language in the world after English, and the fifth most widely spoken. Here are three top reasons why learning French could be useful for you in both the immediate future and beyond: • The world of work – the ability to speak French and English is an advantage on the international job market, as France is still one of the leading destinations for foreign investments. It is also, along with English, the language of international relations (one of the official languages of the UN, the European Union, UNESCO and NATO for example) • Travelling – not everyone speaks English. With French being one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world, speaking French could come in handy. • Learning other languages – as it is part of the romance languages family (along with Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian), French is a good base for learning other languages later in life (Sixth Form or university for example). It could help with English too, as many words in the English language are derived from French. The French Shell curriculum aims to help reinforce, consolidate, build on and

extend your previously acquired linguistic skills in this language. It also aims to foster your curiosity for the language and francophone culture. Topics covered are varied and range from home life to fashion. There is an emphasis on grammar skills too. The course lays down solid foundations for the GCSE examinations that you will take at the end of the Fifth Form.

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Spanish Spanish has grown to be one of the most popular languages to study in the UK and is tipped to overtake French as the most studied language in schools. It is the second most-spoken language in the world, with over 559 million speakers globally, and is the official language of 21 different countries. Studying the language gives you the opportunity to discover the different cultures and customs of the Spanish-speaking world. In the Fifth Form pupils from St Edward’s are offered the chance to stay with host families in Malaga and in the Sixth Form a wide range of guest speakers come to talk to the Hispanic Society. The Spanish curriculum for Shells is designed to allow you to consolidate and build on your learning if you have already studied Spanish at your previous school, while also being accessible to beginners who have no previous experience. Regardless of your level, all lessons are differentiated, giving all pupils the opportunity not only to further develop their skills but also to have the opportunity to study Spanish to IGCSE level and beyond. In the Shell year you will learn to talk about yourself, your family and friends, what you do in your free time, your school and subjects that you study, and what you do on your holidays.

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German Over 100 million people in Europe speak German as their mother tongue. This makes it the most widely spoken language on the continent. German is the official language in Germany and Austria and is also spoken widely in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Belgium; it is learned and spoken by a great many people around the world, too. Looking ahead to your life beyond school and university, German is the number one most sought-after foreign language by British employers. In the Shell year you’ll learn to talk all about yourself, your home, your friends, family, school, hobbies, food and holidays. You’ll quickly become familiar with a wide range of vocabulary and phrases, and you’ll master a good amount of the basic grammar. You’ll be expected to keep on top of your weekly assignments and to consolidate your knowledge between lessons. The German Society runs regular cultural and social activities which all pupils learning German in the School are encouraged to attend.

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History The Shell History curriculum has been devised around three key principles: to give pupils a rich sense of belonging by developing a deep knowledge of the history of Oxford, to prepare them for the study of History at IGCSE and beyond, and to engage pupils in understanding matters from the past that enable them to participate in important conversations today. In the Autumn Term you will study the history of Oxford. The topic lets you explore a wide range of issues such as the establishment of Norman rule in the 11th century, the impact of the First and Second World Wars on the city and the surrounding area, and the role of women at the University of Oxford. In the Spring Term the focus is on the study of the Russian Revolution and the emergence of communism in Russia at the turn of the 20th century. This topic provides an excellent preparation for IGCSE work on the Soviet Union from 1924 and will help you develop important analytic skills. Finally, in the Summer Term you will complete a study of the British Empire and the slave trade from the 17th to 19th centuries. Following recent movements, such as the Black Lives Matter campaign, we have deliberately taken the opportunity to get pupils thinking carefully about the historical contexts behind the issues that affect society today. We take seriously the responsibility of using the History curriculum to educate pupils about fascinating events from the past, but also to equip them with the knowledge that will make them tolerant and inclusive citizens in today’s world.

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Geography Geography is the study of the world around us, and the ways in which people interact with it. This means that you can’t go anywhere or do anything without experiencing geography, whether it be scrolling on the internet, travelling on holiday, or even playing sport. Our mission as a Department is to equip you with the skills to understand your daily experiences of geography and to inspire you to study it further. Over the Shell year you will study several topics that will be divided up into termly or half-termly units. You will explore the mixing of cultures and identities in the world today, investigating issues including diversity, privilege, politics and economics. Starting by looking at Britain, an island shaped by migration, from the days of the Celts and the Normans, through to more recent migration since WW2, we will move on to look at international issues including the displacement of people and stateless nations. 55% (and growing!) of the world’s population live in cities, which can promote unsustainable living, drawing in resources from surrounding areas, using them and then sending them away as waste. We will look at the people producing solutions to urban problems, and you will have the chance to design your own sustainable city. The world is rapidly changing and we are constantly faced with new geopolitical, economic and environmental risks, brought about through conflict, cybercrime, new technologies or increasing natural disasters. You will get to investigate some of these risks posed to our society today and to evaluate the solutions. Oceans cover 73% of the surface of our planet. We still know more about the surface of Venus than we do about the floor of the ocean. Increasingly, we are appreciating the importance of the oceans to us, economically, politically and

environmentally. As part of one unit you will have the chance to complete your own research project on an issue of your choosing relating to the ocean.

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Theology, Philosophy and Ethics

How much can animals think? Can artificial intelligence feel? Are war and torture ever morally justified? What is the relationship between religion and science? These are just some of the questions that you will explore whilst studying Theology, Philosophy and Ethics in the Shell year. You will be able to stand on the shoulders of giants, such as Descartes, Kant, Aristotle and Aquinas, to make informed judgements and to feed your curiosity. In the Autumn Term, the sentience and sapience

unit will help you to consider what it means to be human and how similar or different we are to animals and machines. The ethics and war unit will give you an understanding of the debate surrounding the morality of war and will let you consider how it is waged with modern technology such as drones. Finally, in a unit on religion and science, you will be able to think about whether these worldviews are in competition or harmony.

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Classics

The study of Classics has always been strong at St Edward’s. Today, it still plays a key and integral part of our cutting-edge curriculum. In the Shell, all pupils study Classics through wide-ranging courses that embrace varying degrees of language and cultural work. You will initially be put in a set according to your previous experience and skills so that you can develop your knowledge

and understanding from your particular starting point to best advantage. It is the School’s expectation that everyone who has some experience of Latin will continue during their first year. Those without previous experience are encouraged to gain some, and often go on to great success in the linguistic side of the subject. In addition, we offer Classical Greek as a standalone option, as it has all the intellectual strengths of learning Latin but even more so! All the sets, irrespective of the degree to which an ancient language is the focus, also study key aspects of Graeco-Roman culture, societies, history, ideas and ideals, often debating their concepts, many of which demand to be called out also in our contemporary world: slavery, sexism (in the very birthplace of democracy), invention of the ‘barbarian’, cultural appropriation, and genocide as a product of imperialism. A key part of the Classical Studies

element is to encourage pupils to engage critically with primary sources as evidence for what we do and don’t know, whether literary, epigraphic, numismatic or other material culture, supported by modern, secondary scholarship. Your learning will be assessed at multiple points in the year, both formally and informally through quick factual tests, timed essays, stimulus response questions, assessed debates, source presentations and, more traditionally, end-of-course written exams.

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Design

Design fuses creative confidence and technical skill; at Teddies we look to develop your ability both creatively and technically, through project-based learning. All pupils will start the foundation course in Graphical Communication, the fundamental skill that designers employ to discuss ideas. In this course you will learn formal drawing techniques, collaboration techniques and how designers aim to produce creative solutions to problems. On completion of the foundation course, you will start your own journey of discovery based on your particular interests in Design. You will challenge yourself to develop an aptitude for the subject through a programme of self directed learning in the fields of Jewellery, Product Design, Graphical Illustration, Computer-Aided Design, Woodworking or Engineering. The projects will become increasingly challenging as you progress through your chosen field, preparing you for entrepreneurial courses in the Fourth Form.

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Drama Drama is a subject which allows pupils’ creativity to flourish, igniting their imaginations. Our Drama Curriculum offers more than just theatrical education - it provides a platform for students to express, develop and share ideas in a collaborative space. This space serves as a breeding ground for the superb productions and performances that Teddies is renowned for. Our first year pupils are exposed to a wide range of theatre-making contexts. The first term focuses on introducing students to collaborative ways of creating theatre. They work together to explore themes, topics, and the world around them. Students also work alongside the school’s theatre production team, gaining hands-on experience in direction, design, and production. They have sessions in The North Wall, the on-site theatre, devising and exploring scripts and characters to develop a play. In the second term we explore a professional play text and devise work for the stage from exciting, relatable stimuli. In the third term, we consolidate this by exploring exciting elements of theatre history. As Shells progress through the Drama Curriculum, they will develop confidence and communication skills through teamwork and fun improvisation games and performances before moving on to script work. Our Drama programme is designed to inspire, challenge and develop pupils’ creativity, and to foster a lifelong love of theatre. The skills and knowledge gained from the Drama programme will enable students to become well-rounded and empathetic individuals, equipping them with the tools needed to thrive both academically and professionally.

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Art In the first project, ‘Everyday Objects’, Shells will be exploring fundamental skills of observational and imaginative drawing from exciting still-life structures in the studio. You will encounter the work of different artists ( Jim Dine, Rembrandt, Dawn Clements etc) who explore similar processes, and you will be able to visually analyse their works using art terminology and practical responses. Moving into etching will give you the opportunity to

refine your linework, mark making and expressive use of tonal variation. Printing plates in experimental processes will enhance your understanding of techniques, materials and technology in the studio. Regular class critiques will encourage debate, peer support and collaboration, as well as enhancing your analytical and verbal communication skills. In your second project, ‘ Patterns’, you will learn about, and be able to utilise your knowledge of, different visual languages and patterns across time and cultures. These include Celtic/Maori/Japanese and more. This starting point aims to develop your knowledge of society, culture and spiritual/moral links within art. Discussion and presentation of ideas and inspirations will develop your communication skills and confidence in how to discuss artworks. Designing patterns for poly block and lino will develop your ability to create symmetrical compositions, economic linework and refined shapes/forms. Creating linocuts increases coordination and motor skills, and printing develops understanding of processes, colour and precision. In the last project of the year you will discover the use of colour in 2D and 3D work, by creating individual, collaborative and group responses using colour swatches. You will acquire knowledge of colour mixing, colour theory and sculptural processes. Working with others will enhance your listening, evaluating and communication skills. Artists as diverse as Paul Klee, Louise Nevelson and Rachel Whiteread, among others, will be explored in class and in prep. A final evaluation of work will give you the chance to reflect on your progress and enhance your ability to see areas of success, and creative potential.

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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 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.

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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. 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 first three topics cover essential concepts which will be further built upon in the Fourth and Fifth Form. In the Summer Term there is a focus on Ecology, with opportunities to learn outside the classroom.

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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 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.

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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 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 we believe you will have learned the basic decision-making tools which will enable you to tackle the GCSE content in the Fourth and Fifth Forms.

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Computer Science We are excited to be teaching Computer Science in the Shell year for the first time. We have new, purpose-built facilities in the Christie Centre and have planned an exciting array of projects. The focus of the course will be on coding and programming to solve real world problems in the School and the community. Pupils will tackle these practical tasks individually and in small groups. Building adaptive greenhouses that can detect temperature and climactic conditions is just one example of the sort of project on which you will work. The aim of these projects is to give Shells an excellent grounding in coding and informatics, leaving them ready to embark on the GCSE course or to apply their skills outside of the classroom.

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