Classics

Studying Classics

The Classics Department teaches Latin and Classical Civilisation throughout the school. The school believes strongly in the value of Latin, not only as an intellectual exercise for the most able pupils, but also as a window into one of the most fascinating and influential ancient cultures. Classical Civilisation is very popular at GCSE and AS/A2 Level, where we have one of the highest entries in the country. Increasingly our pupils are opting to continue with the subject at University, either with or without Latin.

First Year – Classics

We examine the often shocking behaviour of the Greek Gods and the reasons why the Greeks should have worshipped such a rotten bunch! We also study some of the best Greek Myths and Legends – Perseus, Theseus and Heracles among others. Pupils then progress to the Trojan War where we consider why thousands of men fought and died over one woman until a Greek trick brought down the city of Troy. We follow the story through looking at heroes such as Achilles, Hector and Paris. Also relevant is the Greek society which produced these fascinating stories. We look at Greek athletics, art, religion, drama and the original Olympic Games. The information about and enthusiasm for the Classical World gained in the First Year can then be revisited further up the school by taking Classical Civilisation at GCSE and A Level.

Second Year – Latin

Pupils follow the Cambridge Latin Course which is set in Pompeii in the days before the eruption of Vesuvius. As we find out about the life of a Pompeian family, we learn how to translate the Latin language using a methodical and logical approach designed to build up the pupils’ appreciation of grammar (Latin and English). As Pompeii is such a fascinating site, we spend time discovering how the population lived, worked and, eventually, died.

Third Year – Latin

In the Third Year we seek to boost pupils’ knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, and thus to consolidate and expand their approach to translation. The Third Year gives the pupils a solid base from which to begin GCSE in the Fourth Year. We continue with a balanced curriculum which focuses both on the language and on the society which spoke and wrote that language. The pupils will pick up enough information over the course of this year so that they can make a choice on whether to take Latin, Classical Civilisation or both subjects at GCSE.

Trips, Clubs and Activities

The department has a high profile within the school, offering a number of domestic and foreign trips. In the past two years, the department has taken pupils to Greece, Italy, London, Hadrian’s Wall, Bath and Chatsworth House. Additionally, the annual Classics Play has a firm slot in the school calendar. Each year we put on a production of a Greek tragedy and over the last five years we have put on Medea, Agamemnon, Oedipus, Hippolytus and this year Antigone.

First Years are given the opportunity to join Classics Club which gives pupils an opportunity to explore the ancient world through a variety of craft and otherwise educational projects. Suitable pupils in the Third Year are offered the chance to take Ancient Greek GCSE in the Fourth Year, after a course of extra-curricular lessons.