Lower School (Shells)

The specific aims of the Shell curriculum are to give pupils an academic introduction to a large number of subjects, together with their associate skills, and to help them acquire the personal proficiency needed for a successful career at the King’s School and beyond. 

This is, therefore, a preparatory year prior to the public examination years in which pupils begin to find their own levels of achievement at a higher level than hitherto reached. They also begin to discern their academic preferences and towards the end of the year, they are asked to make choices for GCSE.

Shell pupils take a large number of individual subjects. However, we are keen to help them to understand that these subjects do not exist in isolation. Thus, the Shells will be introduced to some cross-curricular themes. There will be days or longer periods when the majority of the subjects (both curricular and co-curricular) will be working towards a common goal on a common theme. For example, in the Autumn term, all Shells will travel to Ypres, with introductory and follow-up activities across the curriculum. The post-examination period in the Summer term also provides opportunities for cross-curricular work and here we aim specifically to tie it in with the co-curricular as well. Expeditions and days out are arranged to develop particular themes across more than one subject area.

The Shell Guide and Handbook provides full details of the subjects studied within the timetable, but it is important to point out that we regard the co-curricular as an integral and essential part of our educational provision.  

Head of Lower School: Adam Stennett: asds@kings-school.co.uk