SHELL CURRICULUM 2018-2019 - Harrow School
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SHELL CURRICULUM
2018-2019
HARROW SCHOOL SHELL CURRICULUM 2018-2019
ART
INTRODUCTION Think Oscar-winning film directors, internationally
acclaimed and successful fashion designers,
T he Shell year provides the foundation for a
Harrow education, introducing boys to a broad
range of disciplines. In some compulsory subjects,
process permits. The MidYIS test set by the
University of Durham is a national benchmark
for examinations such as GCSE and A level. We
award-winning architects and some of the best
creative minds on the planet; all of these movers
and shakers began their trajectory through
such as Mathematics and the sciences, your son use this test to measure the value added during regular art lessons at school. This is why we want
will begin his (I)GCSE courses on his first day a boy’s time at Harrow. We will also assess every Shell Art at Harrow to be a dynamic, imaginative
of lessons. In others, he will follow introductory boy to identify any special educational needs and thorough course in which boys work in a
courses, after which he can opt to continue to and, if there is a concern about your son, we will range of media including painting, drawing,
(I)GCSE in the Remove and Fifth Form. The contact you to discuss it and perhaps also to printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography and
subjects studied in the Shell year are: Art, Biology, suggest that he has an opportunity for further digital media. Boys are given a solid grounding
Chemistry, Physics, Computing, Design and assessment and help from our Learning Skills in observational drawing, which provides the
Technology, English, History, Geography, Latin department. Any boy who does not have English academic scaffold for everything they experience
with elements of Ancient History, Mathematics, as his first language will be given a test of his in the subject. We aim to foster a lifelong love
Music, and Philosophy and Applied Ethics, competence in English. Harrow is able to provide of art through animated discussion, debate,
together with two languages chosen from specialist EAL tuition if we think that a boy will experimentation and exploration. All Art beaks
Classical Greek, French, German, Italian, Japanese, benefit from it. realise it is important that boys create their own
Mandarin, Russian and Spanish. narrative in the subject through the excitement of
Your son will be asked to make his (I)GCSE
discovery, underpinned by an excellent grounding
The boys in the Shell year are divided into two choices in March, towards the end of his second
in the history of art. Boys are encouraged to make
parallel streams, within which they are placed in term at Harrow. His curriculum from the Remove
thoughtful, lateral and intelligent connections
forms according to their marks in the Common year will focus on ten subjects. Before these
between Art and other subjects and come to
Entrance or Scholarship examination. Your choices are made, you and your son will receive a
understand how creativity plays a huge role at the
son will be in this teaching group for English, curriculum brochure shortly before the February
centre of our cognition. There is a strong emphasis
History, Geography, and Philosophy and Applied half term, which will provide a summary of every
on foundation skills such as understanding formal
Ethics. These forms will also provide the basis course offered at Harrow. You will also be able
elements of colour, form, texture, composition, line CHINESE (MANDARIN)
for divisions in Art, Design and Technology, to meet your son’s division Masters at the Shell
and tone. There is an annual Shell trip to a London
Computing and Music. Mathematics and languages parents’ meeting on Friday 8 March 2019.
gallery or museum, as well as a Shell exhibition The Shell Chinese course starts with character
are, however, taught in divisions arranged by
Your son is about to join one of the world’s great every year that includes at least one piece of work learning from day one. Learning Chinese is a different
ability in each subject. Mathematics divisions in
schools. He will come into contact with over 100 from every boy. experience from the familiar French, Spanish or
turn form the basis for setting in the sciences.
academic staff, 35 music teachers and about other European languages to which boys may have
In addition to their weekly periods in Music, Art, 300 other adults who help in the running of the been exposed at their previous schools. It is a tonal
Design and Technology and Computing, boys will School. To make the transition as easy as possible, BIOLOGY language, one communicated in writing strictly in
rotate through a carousel in those four subjects we organise induction courses for every aspect Chinese characters, with much easier grammatical
and in Drama. Boys will therefore not only steadily of life at Harrow. If you have any concerns about Boys start the IGCSE course at the beginning of concepts than its European counterparts. The course
acquire knowledge and skills over the course of your son’s wellbeing or his academic work, during the Shell year. They cover a range of subjects that is taught mainly through oral, in-class activities
the year in those subject areas but also have a his first year or later in his career, you should not provide ample scope for discussion and debate. (eighty percent of the first year is taught in the target
chance for immersion in them over several weeks, hesitate to contact his House Master in the first Boys develop their communication skills through language) with character writing reinforced as prep.
during which they will be able to develop some of instance. If you have any broader concerns about IT projects, essays and individual presentations. We also touch on the basics of Chinese culture,
their own ideas and creative enthusiasms. These his placing in the Shell forms or divisions, or any Every opportunity is taken to carry out practical history, literature, the arts and politics. There are trips
timetabled periods in Drama will continue for all aspect of the Harrow curriculum in the Shell year work that gives the boys a solid grounding in into London to see various shows and exhibitions
boys through the Remove and the Fifth Form, not and beyond, please do not hesitate to contact me the principles of scientific investigation and of interest, usually followed by a meal in Chinatown.
only to give them a better understanding of the at ac@harrowschool.org.uk. equips them with a range of practical skills Every other year, there is a trip to China, often
theatre but also to develop their awareness of including microscopy and dissection. There is arranged with our sister school in Beijing.
Thank you for your confidence in the School in
themselves, their skills in collaboration and their great emphasis on cultivating boys’ interests in
entrusting your son’s education to us. I hope that Mandarin Chinese is one of the language options
confidence in presentation. Boys in the Shell will the subject outside lessons: they are invited to
your son will greatly enjoy and benefit from his available to Shell boys, both on and off the
also have fortnightly lessons in study skills, so attend talks from outside speakers on medical and
time at Harrow. timetable. Why study it?
that they can formally gain an understanding of biological issues, and to sign up for trips to places
different approaches to learning, in addition to the of interest in London and beyond. More than one billion people speak Mandarin Chinese
guidance offered within the teaching departments. in China and elsewhere. As China’s influence in the
Alastair Chirnside
Director of Studies world expands, many more will want to learn Chinese.
During the first term at Harrow, every boy will
March 2018 It is a language that gives access to an enormous
take a series of tests to assess his ability and his
learning needs more accurately than the admission
CHEMISTRY market and a fascinating country. Learning the
Chinese language and understanding Chinese culture
will place learners in a strong position to face the
Boys will spend as much time as possible in the
challenges and growing competition of employment.
laboratory developing a range of techniques
through experimentation and investigation. As the Chinese is not as difficult as it is reputed to be. It
first year of the IGCSE course, this is an important has no tenses, cases or gender, and very few plural
*An IGCSE is an International version of the GCSE. The two thorough syllabus. The result is that boys have a better year for establishing core principles and notation forms. More challenging, but also very interesting,
are very similar and often offered by the same examination education in the subject and are also better prepared for through a broad range of key areas including are Chinese characters, which have over 4,000 years
board. The main reason we offer IGCSEs in many subjects the Sixth Form. There are other advantages, such as less natural resources, atomic structure and bonding, of history, with origins as pictographs engraved on
(including English, Mathematics and the sciences) is that coursework and the absence of controlled assessment. states of matter, rates of reaction, acids and bases, oracle bones. Once you know the first 100 characters,
these courses are slightly more rigorous and offer a more and metal reactivity. there is a logical process for learning the rest.
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HARROW SCHOOL SHELL CURRICULUM 2018-2019
CLASSICAL GREEK COMPUTING FRENCH making it truly global. Its influence on English over
the years has been great; studying French involves
many words that learners already recognise but it
Boys who have a keen interest in the ancient world All boys follow a course of study that introduces Boys come to us from a wide range of schools,
also enriches their knowledge of English grammar
will derive great enjoyment and benefit from the them to computing systems at Harrow. Essential having approached Common Entrance in a variety of
and vocabulary. Whether learners choose to study
opportunity to study Classical Greek. This is a cybersafety and digital hygiene considerations are ways. The aim of the first year in French is to
French for cultural reasons (France has the world’s
fascinating though demanding subject, whose covered before moving on to develop boys’ skills consolidate grammar and vocabulary, covering
largest number of Nobel Prize winners for literature),
rewards are immense. An understanding of with manipulating spreadsheets and analysing data, material in greater depth and introducing topics and
for travel (more tourists visit France than any other
Classical Greek opens the doors onto a civilisation opening their minds to the world of programming linguistic features that boys may not have previously
country in the world and French is a melodious and
whose origins lie at the heart of much of the in SmallBasic and Python, and producing their covered. This is done through lively and carefully
attractive language) or for a future career (French is
literature, art and science that define Western own programs, graphical applications and even structured lessons in which all pupils aim to reach a
the official language of the United Nations and the
games. The course focuses on fundamental similar level and become accustomed to the most
culture. After just a single year of study, boys will International Red Cross, and is widely used in the
programming concepts as well as the syntax of effective styles of teaching and learning. The next
have enhanced and enriched their vocabulary and, diplomatic world), the wealth of opportunities on
two terms are spent gradually introducing new
in particular, they will have gained familiarity with specific languages. Boys will also work on their offer is virtually unrivalled. The French economy is
grammatical material and vocabulary so that boys are
sophisticated and technical words, an touch-typing skills, and develop their productivity one of the strongest in the world and France is
thoroughly prepared to tackle the GCSE course,
understanding of which can be valuable to students using their Surface computers and the many on- increasingly a leader in technological innovation.
which runs throughout the Remove and Fifth Form,
of both the humanities and the sciences. The line platforms available through them.
and includes topic-based examination preparation
flexible structure of the course allows us to cater and practice in each of the four skill areas (speaking,
for beginners as well as for scholars who have listening, reading and writing) that are examined GEOGRAPHY
studied Classical Greek before. Those with aptitude at GCSE.
and more experienced linguists move fairly quickly DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
The French department organises regular study trips Boys begin their studies by immersing themselves
onto more advanced aspects of the language. The
for Harrovians to increase their linguistic confidence in the local area, developing a strong sense of place
course also includes study of the Persian Wars, The course is tailored to encourage boys’ flair and
and general enthusiasm for the subject. These trips within the Borough of Harrow. We investigate its
Alexander the Great and an introduction to the creativity while they gain core practical skills through
involve staying with French families, attending level of social and economic development through
Western philosophical tradition via Plato’s Apology. working with a variety of materials in the workshop.
lessons at a language academy and participating in a primary research, and compare it to other boroughs
Boys undertake several projects throughout the year within Greater London and the United Kingdom.
Classical Greek is one of the language options wide variety of cultural and leisure activities. This
that prepare them for IGCSE topics such as product invaluable learning opportunity enables boys to Boys then progress to the study of natural hazards
available to Shell boys. Why study it?
design, mechanisms, electronics and structures. Shell practise their comprehension and speaking skills, and the impact that they can have on both physical
An understanding of Greek can open doors into boys all gain experience with computer-aided design which inevitably helps to improve exam and human environments. More specifically, the
many different worlds. Boys not only learn a and manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing performance. boys study an array of tectonic, weather and
language, but they will learn something of the and laser cutting. We develop their graphical skills
French is one of the language options available to climatic hazards, applying their understanding to a
cultural richness of Ancient Greece – its art, history, through a variety of media and explore relevant topics
Shell boys, both on and off the timetable. Why variety of relevant and contemporary case studies
mythology and philosophy. Boys who study such as robotics and programming within their
study it? in order to exemplify the core concepts and themes.
Classical Greek read Greek myths, stories about projects. We aim to nurture boys’ understanding of Throughout the course, boys acquire and develop a
Alexander the Great, and the beginnings of the good design and engineering while encouraging them With approximately 100 million native speakers and wide range of skills, including those of selecting and
Western philosophical tradition with Socrates and to think empathically about the products and systems 300 million secondary speakers, the significance of
extracting data from different sources; interpreting
Plato. they produce. French as a world language is considerable. French
maps, photographs, satellite images and graphs;
is spoken in 55 countries and is the only language
The study of Classical Greek will appeal to boys and the use of ICT.
other than English to be spoken on five continents,
with analytical minds as well as those who enjoy
literature and art, which abounds in allusions to the ENGLISH
world of Classical Greece. Many of our ideas in the
realms of politics and statecraft, ethics and The aim of the first year in English is to consolidate
aesthetics come from Greece, and when boys and extend boys’ knowledge about language,
study Greek, they gain another set of eyes — that to develop and refine their literacy skills and to
is, they develop a different way of seeing the world, introduce them to a variety of literary texts. They
with different categories of thought that run develop accuracy in spelling, punctuation and
deeper than mere changes in vocabulary. grammar through frequent spelling and vocabulary
Most boys who opt for Greek continue to GCSE tests, as well as formal grammar exercises. They
and have the opportunity to read Homer’s Iliad as practise speaking and listening skills in a variety of
well as one other author in the original language. ways, such as debating, small group discussions
There is nothing that can compare with reading and drama activities in lessons. Reading involves
words first spoken over 2,700 years ago that have the study of texts by the division as a whole –
retained their hold on the modern mind, not only plays, poems, novels and short stories – as well as
because they tell powerful and moving stories, but through boys’ individual choices. All boys study a
because of their exquisite beauty and Shakespeare play and will have opportunities to see
sophistication. it in performance.
Boys are encouraged to write creatively and to
Numbers studying Greek at Harrow have tended to
widen their vocabulary. There are a number of
be small and boys receive close individual attention.
creative-writing competitions, in which Shell boys
There are many opportunities to develop an
are able to take part. They are taught how to write in
interest in the ancient world by going on trips
a range of styles and for a variety of purposes, from
abroad, attending lectures and taking part in the
persuasive to analytical writing. By the end of the
annual Oxenham Reading Competition. Most years,
year, each Shell boy will complete an independent
some boys go on to study Classics at Oxford or
project in an area of his choice (this may be creative
Cambridge and Greek is a decided advantage when
writing, research on a particular writer or an
applying for any degree course.
extended essay on a novel, poem or play).
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HARROW SCHOOL SHELL CURRICULUM 2018-2019
GERMAN German culture is at the heart of Europe and 18 HISTORY JAPANESE
percent of the world’s books are published in
German. It is the language of Goethe, Nietzsche,
The main aim of this course is to provide boys The point of studying History in the Shell year is Japanese teaching at Harrow focuses on all four
Kafka, Schiller, Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Freud
with an enjoyable introduction to the German and Einstein. Knowledge of German and its primarily to experience the excitement that comes language skills and encourages boys to use the
language – the most important foreign language culture will greatly enhance one’s understanding from exploring the past. Boys also learn about who language from the very beginning. Boys begin by
for business within Europe. It is a course for and appreciation of music, history and literature. we are and where we come from, and they acquire learning the 46 characters of Hiragana, the
beginners or those with a very limited knowledge Moreover, learners of German will have a and practise the essential historical skills that will be phonetic native script, in the Autumn term. In the
of the language. By the end of the year, boys will precious skill in a global economy that many needed to negotiate the IGCSE History course in Spring term, we introduce the 46 characters of
have a sound basis in the four skills of reading, other competitors do not have. After medicine, the Remove and Fifth Form. The Shell syllabus Katakana (for borrowed foreign words). By the
writing, listening and speaking and will be well the employment prospects for graduates with covers a range of topics in British history from the Summer term, we begin to introduce Kanji and
prepared to continue their studies to GCSE German are higher than for any other subject. 18th to the 20th centuries, with special boys will be communicating in written form, purely
and beyond. Beginners will see that they can Relatively few German graduates go into the concentration on the British Empire in the first two in Japanese script. Ninety percent of the course is
progress with relative ease in a language that has traditional linguists’ careers of interpreting, terms and the First World War in the Summer term. taught in the target language to encourage oral
many similarities with English. We stress both translating or teaching. Employers look for This serves as good background for the IGCSE fluency. The Shell course focuses mainly on
communication skills and accuracy, so that boys engineers, bankers, accountants, lawyers and History course, which begins in the Removes with a language skills but there is brief coverage of the
are made to feel confident in their use of the managers with a knowledge of German; many study of International Relations 1919-c.2000. To basics of Japanese culture such as history, the arts,
language. City banks advertise entry-level positions in which complement their studies, boys are encouraged to literature, martial arts, music, politics and religion.
The German department also provides a knowledge of German is deemed ‘a significant join the School trip to the First World War There are also trips to London to see Japanese
opportunities for boys to experience the language advantage’. battlefields of the Somme and/or Ypres, which exhibitions and shows that bring the boys’
outside the classroom. In recent years, boys happens in Expeditions Week in the Summer term. language-learning experience to life. Every other
have participated in a cultural trips to Munich year, there is a trip scheduled to Japan, which
and Berlin, as well as a reciprocal visit to the HEALTH EDUCATION includes a stay with a Japanese family and visits to
German school in Richmond. There have also famous cultural sites such as Kyoto, Tokyo and
been excursions to exhibitions by German artists Shell boys attend a Health Education conference
ITALIAN Nara.
in London as well as a visit to a German play (in at the beginning and the end of the school year. Japanese is one of the language options available
German with surtitles) at King’s College London. In addition, a trained professional from outside The first year of this three-year course to GCSE
to Shell boys, both on and off the timetable. Why
Boys have also competed in the Radley German the School will see the Shell boys in your son’s assumes no knowledge of this increasingly
study it?
Business Challenge. Proposed events for the House, as a group, for a number of evenings popular language and covers all basic
coming academic year include a joint trip to each term. This Health Education Tutor will grammatical structures, together with the Japan is the world’s third largest economy and the
Berlin and eastern Germany with the History teach our Health Education course, which is fundamental GCSE vocabulary. We also stress world’s biggest lender. It has the most diverse
department, and a language course and skiing delivered with a pastoral emphasis and provides speaking, listening and accuracy, so that boys economy in Asia and is a leader in the field of
trip to Austria. an informal opportunity to discuss a wide range gain confidence in their use and application of business, manufacturing, research, economics and
German is one of the language options available of issues that are important to teenagers. Your the Italian language. There is also emphasis on politics. It is said that one is never more than ten
to Shell boys, both on and off the timetable. son’s Health Education Tutor also acts as a pronunciation and developing the ability to metres from a Japanese-manufactured item, be it
Why study it? ‘listening ear’ for the boys in the House. You speak the language with native intonation. a product from Sony, Toshiba, Sanyo, Casio,
will be given the contact details of the Health Additionally, we cover cultural aspects of Italy, Canon, Minolta, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan
German is the most commonly spoken language
Education Tutor but please be aware that they looking at different cities and regions, Italian or Subaru. Japanese speakers are the third largest
in the EU (100 million people). It is an official
are not resident in School. music and food. language community on the internet, with
language in Germany, Austria, Switzerland,
Italian is one of the language options available 88 million users. Their culture is rich and infectious,
Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and even Namibia.
to Shell boys, both on and off the timetable. with many recognisable words such as sushi,
German also plays an important role as a foreign
Why study it? karaoke, manga, sudoku, origami, anime, bonsai
language in many countries, particularly in Central
and tamagochi. Japan has a rich history and the
and Eastern Europe, and is the second most Italian is one of the major languages of Europe
Japanese a unique temperament; patience and
commonly used scientific language. and is spoken as a first language by around 60
selflessness are still the ultimate virtues. Japanese
However, the main criterion of the usefulness of million people across the world. Italy is and will
is the principal second language for many Pacific
any language is not the total number of speakers forever remain one of the most popular holiday
Rim countries including Australia, but it is not a
but the economic significance of the countries in destinations for lovers of art, history, delicious
commonly taught language at secondary level in
which it is spoken relative to our own. Germany food and sunshine, but it also has the ninth
the UK. Learners destined for a career in research,
has the strongest economy in Europe and the largest economy in the world, making Italian an
business, manufacturing, economics, finance,
fourth largest economy in the world. It is also important language of business as well as
politics or linguistics will find Japanese is a
the world’s second largest exporter and the UK’s pleasure. Many learners are keen to access Italy’s
useful tool.
biggest trading partner. rich cultural heritage in a more direct way: the
Nonetheless, there are fewer and fewer pupils country was the birthplace of many of the Japanese is not as difficult as is commonly
leaving British schools with the ability to speak greatest names in music, painting, sculpture, perceived. Grammatically, it is a much easier
German. Fewer than 4,000 candidates took the architecture, fashion, literature, theatre and film. language than many of its western counterparts.
A level examination in 2015. Around 600 students Italian is a romance language derived from Latin, There are very few verbal forms, no multiple
are likely to have started German degree courses making it easily accessible to those with any conjugations dependent on singular/plural, gender
this year, compared with over 2,000 a decade experience of French, Spanish or Portuguese. or nominative case. There is no future tense and
ago. The declining popularity of the language Italian is also offered as a Sixth Form option at very little change to form the past tense. In writing,
makes it a relatively easy route into the country’s Harrow and it can often be combined with other many students find the characters similar to
best universities. Over the past four years, over subjects such as English, History, Classics, pictures and find them therapeutic to practise and
40% of applicants who applied to read German at Philosophy and Economics, as part of a joint learn. Japanese is strongly recommended for boys
Oxford University have been successful in gaining honours course at degree level. coming from the Pacific Rim area who have no
a place. background in another European language.
6 7
HARROW SCHOOL SHELL CURRICULUM 2018-2019
LATIN MUSIC RUSSIAN the world by total number of speakers. It is also
the most widespread language of Eurasia and
the most widely spoken of the Slavic languages.
Latin is the cornerstone of many European modern This is a foundation course in Music that allows boys of This Russian course is intended for complete Russian is one of the six official languages of the
languages. In this course, boys will develop their all levels to be engaged and challenged by the creative beginners or boys with very limited knowledge of United Nations and the working language of the
understanding of the Latin language and broaden process of musical composition. The course is focused the language (more advanced learners can sign Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and
their understanding and appreciation of our Classical on the use of music software (Garageband and Sibelius), up to study Russian off the timetable). In their the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
heritage. The course is designed to improve literacy running on a suite of 24 iMacs with music keyboards. first year, boys will master the printed and hand-
With enormous natural resources, Russia is
and develop key linguistic skills that boys have Garageband is highly accessible but sophisticated software written Cyrillic alphabet, learn key vocabulary from
currently rated by the International Monetary
started to acquire at their previous schools. Boys that does not require knowledge of music notation, while several different topic areas and gain a sound
Fund as the tenth largest economy in the world by
learn the rigours of Latin expression and sentence Sibelius introduces pupils to music notation, or deepens understanding of basic Russian grammar. This will
nominal GDP, and the sixth largest by purchasing
structure, and through its study acquire a better their understanding of it. It is intended that all boys should be achieved through a range of listening, speaking,
power parity (2015). Russia has produced many
grasp of the grammar of English. Those with no have experience of musical composition and, through it, reading and writing tasks in the form room as well
world-famous scientists and inventors, and over
previous experience of Latin are offered a beginners’ some knowledge of a variety of musical styles including as a broad range of extracurricular activities such
a quarter of the world’s scientific literature is
course that focuses on developing the fundamentals western classical music, popular music and music for as Russian cultural evenings, theatre and restaurant
published in Russian. Knowledge of the Russian
of an inflected language, while those boys who have film. The course also allows boys to engage with ICT in a trips, lectures and a biennial cultural trip to Moscow
language and culture brings learners closer
studied Latin for some time and have shown good creative way and to develop transferrable skills in using and St Petersburg.
to the works of some of the world’s greatest
aptitude for the language are also exposed to some technology. Sibelius is used by pupils studying GCSE and Russian is one of the language options available writers, including Pushkin, Lermontov, Tolstoy,
Classical Greek in our advanced Classical Languages A level Music, while skills learned through Garageband are to Shell boys, both on and off the timetable. Why Dostoyevsky, Gogol, Chekhov, Nabokov and
divisions. In addition to the language element, boys directly transferrable to Logic Pro X, one of the software study it? Solzhenitsyn, as well as some of the world’s best-
also encounter aspects of Classical Civilisation and platforms used for Music Technology A level.
As well as being a truly beautiful language to the known musicians such as Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky,
Ancient History, which aim to deepen their
ear, Russian is also a very useful one in today’s Rachmaninoff, Rimsky-Korsakov and Shostakovich.
understanding of the richness of Classical art, history,
global economy as Russia is by far the largest The ability to speak Russian can significantly help
and philosophy. All boys in the Shell year have the PHYSICS country in the world, spanning 11 time zones. those who have mastered it to gain entry to the
opportunity to complete an individual project essay
As can be seen from our boys’ excellent exam best UK universities and will undoubtedly be a
of about 1,500 words, which introduces them to the
Physics is the study of the physical universe and the results, mastering the Cyrillic alphabet and Russian great asset in an increasingly competitive job
fundamentals of scholarly research and allows them
processes that shape it. We will aim to convey to boys a grammar and pronunciation is not as hard as market, with more and more European businesses
to look in greater depth at an area of the Classical
vivid sense of the enormous scale and complexity of the often thought. Russian is used by approximately expanding their operations eastwards. At degree
world that interests them. About forty percent of
subject, thus enabling them to appreciate just how amazing 260 million people. It is the eighth most spoken level, Russian can be combined with subjects such
each year group continues with Latin to GCSE. For
and fascinating Physics can be. We will spend a great deal language in the world by number of native as History, Politics, Business or another modern or
boys who enjoy the study of the Greek and Roman
of time carrying out experiments during this first year and speakers and the fifth most spoken language in ancient language.
world in translation, there is the popular option of
will use these both to instil the basics of good laboratory
Ancient History at GCSE, which follows on naturally
practice and to enhance understanding of the underlying
from the Shell Latin course.
laws and principles. In working through such hands-on
topics as electricity and electronics, optics, waves and
nuclear physics, there will be plenty of diverse and
MATHEMATICS stimulating material with which to get to grips. While much
cutting-edge physics such as the latest work in cosmology
Mathematics in the Shell year starts with an and particle physics is often neglected at this age as it is felt
extensive algebra course and subsequent test, to be too difficult, we appreciate that this is the very
which informs the initial setting arrangements. material that can be most stimulating to bright and
The Shell syllabus is split into three strands: inquisitive young minds. Boys will take courses in these and
number and algebra; shape, space and measures; other equally challenging topics that will, we hope, both
and handling data. We take a selection of topics stretch and excite them.
from each strand throughout the year. It includes
solving equations and inequalities; percentage
and ratio; Pythagoras’ theorem; analysing data;
indices and standard form; sequences;
transformations; area; and volume. Regular
testing and revision of the setting arrangements
occur throughout the year.
We will be remaining with IGCSE Mathematics,
which is switching to the 9-1 grading system. We
provide the top divisions with many enrichment
challenges in the hope that, by the end of the
Fifth Form, many will be in a position to opt for
Further Mathematics A level. These boys are
encouraged to take part in mathematical
competitions, particularly the Intermediate UK
Challenge. Due to the difficulties in setting boys
from a variety of different backgrounds and
abilities, there is significant movement between
divisions throughout the Shell year, with many
opportunities for boys to move to the division
that is best suited to their ability.
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HARROW SCHOOL SHELL CURRICULUM 2018-2019
SPANISH SPORT
The first year of this three-year Spanish course The variety and number of sports available to
to GCSE assumes no prior knowledge of the Harrovians is remarkable. The main team games are
language. All basic grammatical structures rugby, soccer and cricket. Other major School sports
(including present, future and past tenses) are hockey, Harrow football, swimming, athletics,
together with the fundamental vocabulary required cross-country running, tennis, squash, rackets, fives
for the main GCSE topics are covered. The Shells and golf. New boys can learn many other sports
focus on Castilian Spanish, spoken on the Iberian such as archery, badminton, basketball, climbing,
Peninsula, but much emphasis is put on the fencing, hockey, judo, karate, polo, water polo and
richness and importance of this global language. Olympic weightlifting. Opportunities exist for boys
We cover the cultural aspects of other Hispanic to participate in both recreational and competitive
countries, whether in the Americas, Africa or the environments on an individual and team basis, and
Far East, as part of this foundation year. at inter-House and inter-school levels. Everyone
is encouraged to find their niche and expected to
Every year, the Spanish department organises
participate throughout the year. In their first term,
a homestay study tour to the university city of
many Shell boys play rugby on Saturdays and during
Salamanca. These trips incorporate a diverse range
the week, as well as House soccer on Sundays when
of cultural excursions and activities as well as
many parents come to visit. Boys in the School rugby
lessons to prepare for the oral component of the
teams can also play one or more of the other sports
GCSE examination.
available at non-rugby times. This model is replicated
Spanish is one of the language options available across the other two terms of the year to allow for a
to Shell boys, both on and off the timetable. Why breadth of sporting experience. This is supported by
study it? our outstanding coaching provision. Every Harrovian
has equal opportunity to access facilities and gain
Firstly, the relative simplicity of the language. Its
exposure to top-level coaching expertise, which
pronunciation and spelling are straightforward
allows boys continuously to develop their tactical,
and can be mastered after one lesson, as Spanish
technical, mental and physical skills. Indeed, every
is totally phonetic. Many scientific studies have
boy at Harrow can enjoy the pursuit of fitness and
proved that dyslexic learners in particular have
wellbeing through their use of our gyms, where boys
most success mastering this language. Spanish
are monitored at all times by our Wellness System
grammar is also relatively straightforward as it is,
and fully qualified fitness instructors, following
after all, an extremely simplified form of Latin with
appropriate athlete development programmes.
only two genders and no declensions for nouns.
Secondly, its invaluable use in our modern world.
There are over 450 million Spanish speakers,
THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY
making Spanish the second most important
international language, and it is the official
language of 21 countries. Latin American markets During the three terms of the Shell year, boys
have opened up considerably in the last 20 years. study a foundation course in Christianity
As a means of communication in the 21st century, with a focus on the development of Christian
therefore, Spanish is clearly of importance, whether belief and practice. In addition, with a view
for business or pleasure. to introducing the OCR GCSE Philosophy
and Applied Ethics course, the focus is on
A boy’s interest in learning Spanish, however, an exploration of philosophical problems
should not be governed only by the language’s concerning knowledge, reality and the existence
relative simplicity or its practical use in helping him of God. Boys will also study a foundation course
enjoy a holiday or find employment after university. in Islam, with a focus on the development of
The most exciting reason for learning Spanish is Muslim belief and practice as a preparation
the cultural and geographical diversity of Spanish for the GCSE course. Reading might include
speakers in Spain, the Americas, Equatorial Guinea Theology: The Basics (A E McGrath), Sophie’s
(Africa), in the Philippines (a Spanish colony until World (Jostein Gaarder), The Screwtape Letters
1898), and among Sephardic Jews now living (C S Lewis), The Case for Religion (Keith Ward),
mainly in Israel. Ethics Matters (Peter and Charlotte Vardy) and
Hispanic cultural heritage, therefore, is outstanding, The Puzzle of God (Peter Vardy). Suggested
whether one’s interests lie in architecture (Gaudi visits range from the mosque in Regent’s Park
and the Aztec and Inca empires), painting to a synagogue or a cathedral such as St Paul’s
(Velázquez, Dalí, Picasso and Goya), or literature Cathedral, Westminster Cathedral or the Greek
(Cervantes, Lorca and Gabriel García Márquez). and Russian Orthodox cathedrals.
10
HARROW SCHOOL
5 High Street
Harrow on the Hill
Middlesex
HA1 3HP
+44 (0)20 8872 8000
harrow@harrowschool.org.uk
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