Classical Civilisation & Latin

Classical Civilisation and Latin are taught as subjects within the Languages Faculty.

AIMS

The teaching of Classics will:

  • Introduce pupils to a selection of the major achievements of the Greeks and Romans in such fields as literature, art, architecture, science, medicine, technology, and law
  • Introduce pupils to significant aspects of the historical, political, and philosophical thought of the classical period
  • Kindle their imagination through contact with the classical world and stimulate a personal response
  • Develop an open and sympathetic attitude towards the past and the unfamiliar
  • Develop a critical and reflective understanding of the world in which they live
  • Develop a European awareness through an understanding of their cultural and linguistic heritage
  • Develop tolerant but not uncritical attitudes towards customs and practices unlike their own
  • Develop pupils’ powers of observation, abstraction, and analysis of information, judgement, and communication
  • Enhance their command of language by requiring them to pay close attention to the relationship between concepts and the words and structures used to express them
  • Explore other areas of the ancient world and expand their knowledge of societies and cultures

CURRICULUM

Key Stage 3

All pupils study Classics in Year 7. At the heart of the course is a study of classical mythology, including the Trojan War, which embraces many other areas of the curriculum including PSHE and language work (Latin). Pupils study the civilisations of the Greeks and Romans in greater depth, again supported by a variety of audio-visual material.

In Y8, all pupils will take Latin. In Latin, the Roman world is brought to life using the Cambridge Latin Course, which is highly popular among our pupils. Pupils will develop their understanding of Latin grammar and translation through various stories and explorations of key cultural topics such as gladiators, dinner parties, the eruption of Vesuvius. They will be able to recognise and translate different grammatical cases and tenses. In Year 8, pupils will be choosing their GCSE options where they can choose to take Latin, Classics, or both subjects.

Key Stage 4

In Year 9 Latin, we explore the wider ancient world such as Roman Britain, Boudicca, and ancient Alexandria in Egypt whilst using the Cambridge Latin Course to further the pupils’ understanding and translation of Latin texts. In Classics, pupils begin to explore myth and religion, the stories of Greek gods and goddesses as well as monsters and heroes. They will also begin to interpret and delve into Mycenaean archaeology.

In Year 10 and 11, pupils will continue their GCSEs in Latin and/or Classics. In Latin, pupils will continue to develop their language skills, while also analysing and exploring Latin literature. In Classics, pupils will explore a wide range of topics for both Myth and Religion and the Homeric World, including architecture, festivals, and reading the Odyssey to name but a few.

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES

The Classics suite is located in a prime position on the first floor of the Queen’s Wing. Our well-appointed rooms are equipped with data projectors to facilitate the delivery of our popular e-learning resources. In this area, there is also a very well stocked Classics bookstore and office. Examples of pupils’ work adorn the classrooms and adjacent corridors.

TRIPS AND VISITS

There are numerous sites both in the UK and abroad, which have been visited by our GCSE Latin and Classical Civilisation students to supplement and enrich their enjoyment and appreciation of the classical world. A variety of theatrical productions and study days are also organised by the department as appropriate. A recent trip saw the pupils visit Pompeii in Italy to explore the ancient remains of the city.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

We provide Classics Club for Y7-9 and subject support clinics for Y11 and Y13.

For more information please contact:

MISS EJ HALL

Subject Leader of Classics and Latin