Third Form Curriculum 2023-2024

Classical Languages
Latin
The Origin Latin course for Third Form pupils
endeavours to embrace the most engaging aspects
of the Roman world; the language, the literature,
and the lives of people and their day-to-day
experiences in ancient Rome, Pompeii and Britain.
The over-riding focus throughout is connecting the
past (linguistic, cultural, philosophical, practical)
with the present; the joining of the ancient world
as it was, and as it is seen today, with its origins
in the Roman Republic and Empire. Through the
background and cultural studies element of the
course, pupils will learn how Rome has shaped
the 21st Century, with a focus on the elements
that can be seen in modern Britain, including
Shropshire. Pupils will also have the chance to
study in detail the relationship between Latin and
its modern linguistic descendant, Italian, in the
‘Latin Legacy’ module.
Pupils will be taught a mixture of cultural
heritage and Latin language. The content will
be differentiated depending on experience,
with beginners being gently introduced to
Latin language. The course aims to provide
an educational experience that is stimulating,
thought-provoking and enjoyable.
Classical Greek
2,500 years on from their conception, the study
of the ancient works of Greek authors, statesmen,
philosophers and conquering generals gives us a
unique lens through which Shrewsbury pupils
are reminded of the themes, theories, concepts
and values which still resonate with us today. A
significant proportion of our English vocabulary
has its roots in Classical Greek and Shrewsbury
has a long and proud tradition in the study of the
language; a former Head, Benjamin Hall Kennedy
(Headmaster 1836-1865) is famous among
classicists and pupils still have the opportunity to
study Classical Greek ab initio in the Third Form,
as they did in the 19th Century.
In deciding whether to choose Classical Greek, it is
worth bearing in mind that the pupils who make
a success of it will have already made a successful
start with their Latin and enjoy the challenge
of studying an ancient language. Indeed, some
pupils will have already begun to study Greek at
Prep School, but most have not, and beginners are
warmly encouraged to choose Classical Greek.
Mathematics
Mathematics is a very popular subject at Shrewsbury, and the
Faculty is the largest in the School for a single subject. All pupils
study towards GCSE Mathematics and, in addition, the most able
pupils take the Free-Standing Maths Qualification in Additional
Mathematics in the Fifth Form.
The Origin course in Mathematics focuses on the mastery of techniques studied in earlier years, while beginning
to unveil the mystery of additional areas of the subject. In the Michaelmas Term we focus entirely on noncalculator
work, with an emphasis on formalising the methods required for core topics in number, algebra
and geometry. In the Lent Term we introduce pupils to the use of calculators in the context of producing
rigorous and systematic written solutions, and they can then apply these skills to areas such as percentages and
trigonometry.
There will be many opportunities to develop problem-solving skills - an essential part of the GCSE course - with
the top two sets being invited to enter national competitions such as the Intermediate Mathematics Challenge in
February each year. Internal competitions offered by the Faculty include the opportunity for pupils to research
an area of mathematics of their choosing and present their findings, while another competition comprises a
weekly series of progressively more demanding and unusual puzzles.
Pupils are continually assessed throughout the year in Mathematics, with resetting opportunities during the
Michaelmas Term, and again later in the academic year, to ensure they are being taught at the appropriate pace
for them, and at the necessary depth in all topics.
In keeping with the Shrewsbury School spirit, we like to provide pupils with a rich and diverse experience.
Guest speakers are invited to present fascinating talks, and trips to university lectures have also proven very
popular. The Faculty’s Twitter page is regularly updated with news, events and webinars for members of the
Shrewsbury School community who would like to broaden their mathematical knowledge beyond the classroom.
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