Play Video NowClassics
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.