Classics
Aims and Philosophy
Classics is the study of the language, literature, history and
civilisation of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Over fifty
percent of English words come from Latin: through the study of
Latin and Greek, awareness of English and other modern languages is
greatly enhanced. At the same time one can gain an insight
into the ancient world and compare its remarkably advanced culture
with our own.
Course Content
All pupils have the opportunity to study Latin or Classical
Civilisation in Years 8 and 9. All teaching involves the
study of fascinating passages and stimulating visual imagery.
The emphasis is on the establishment of empathy towards those
living in the classical past. Latin, Classical Greek and
Classical Civilisation are all available as GCSE and A Level
options. We use the Cambridge Latin Course, which now has a fully
interactive version on-line, and takes us on the journey from the
destruction of Pompeii through subterfuge in Roman Britain to
imperial Rome.
Special Information
We encourage pupils to take a wider interest in their studies by
visits, drama and travel, with regular trips to Bath, for example,
and even to Greece and Italy. Last year, thirty pupils toured
Greece, experiencing Greek life ancient and modern, with plenty of
pillars and some Greek dancing. This Easter, we are organizing a
trip to Rome and the Bay of Naples to visit Pompeii and Mount
Vesuvius itself.