Classics
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
Aristotle
Our vision is to provide a curriculum that is both inclusive and challenging. We aim to be innovative and effective in our teaching, through lessons that are engaging and creative. We strive to maintain the high profile of Classical subjects within the school and to make an impact on the wider community.
Extracurricular
We have a Junior Classics Society (run by Sixth Formers and teachers) for students in Years 7 and 8. The emphasis is on hands-on fun!
After school, Classical Greek is available from Year 7 onwards. Greek Club is an opportunity for students to become a 'Friend of the Frog' by reading, acting and drawing with the textbook 'Basil Batrakhos'. There is an opportunity to gain accredited qualifications in Classical Greek.
From Year 10 onwards, students are invited to visit both Italy and Greece. We explore all the key sites and experience the local culture and cuisine.
Every year, the Senior Classics Society directs an ancient play. The Sixth Form presents exciting opportunities for all students to get involved with acting, backstage and front of house.
Key Stage 3 Ancient Civilisation
The aims and rationale of the curriculum in Years 7- 9 in Ancient Civilisation are:
- To introduce students to the daily life and belief systems of a range of ancient cultures, whilst instilling a sense of self-knowledge through an ongoing comparison of ancient and modern societal practices and attitudes.
Ancient Civilisation and Latin are both offered throughout Key Stage 3.
Year 7 Ancient Civilisation:
We introduce students to ancient Greece and the world of the hero via a taster course, which lasts just over half a term (approximately 12 lessons). We study the War with Troy (Homer’s Iliad) via story-telling and a variety of activities. If students choose to continue with Ancient Civilisation as one of their two Year 8 Options, they will also study a number of other ancient cultures.
Year 8 Ancient Civilisation:
We study four ancient cultures over the year: the Persians, Egyptians, Minoans and Greeks. We look at the development of early civilisation and the conflict between the Greeks and the Persians; the daily life and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians; and the art, architecture and mythology of ancient Crete. We revisit the world of the Greek hero with the story of the Return from Troy (Homer’s Odyssey).
Year 9 Ancient Civilisation:
We focus on ancient Rome, beginning with its mythical origins and the establishment of the seven kings. We explore key elements and personalities of Republican Rome and move on to the Roman Empire, focusing on important emperors and conquests, including the province of Britannia. Finally, we cover the reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire.
Key Stage 3 Latin
The aims and rationale of the curriculum in Years 7- 9 in Latin are:
- To introduce students to the language and life of the ancient Romans, whilst instilling a sense of self-knowledge through an ongoing comparison of ancient and modern societal practices and attitudes.
Year 7 Latin:
We introduce students to the Cambridge Latin Course via a taster course which lasts approximately 12 lessons. We meet Caecilius and his family, and learn about daily life in the town of Pompeii. Students also learn about the links between Latin and English and other modern languages.
Year 8 Latin:
Students continue to follow the Cambridge Latin Course and complete Book 1 in Year 8. We study the basics of the Latin language through stories set in Pompeii. We also learn about life in the town and the eruption that preserved it.
Year 9 Latin:
We continue to use the Cambridge Latin Course, moving on to Book 2 and more advanced language skills. We study Roman Britain, the Celts and Roman Egypt as part of this course.
Key Stage 4 Ancient History
The aims and rationale of the curriculum in Years 10-11 in Ancient History are:
- To help learners develop their understanding of the ancient world and the legacy of the ancient world in today’s society.
- To engage learners, develop a desire to continue learning about Ancient History and foster a lifelong enthusiasm for the ancient world.
Students can choose to take a GCSE in Ancient History where we cover Greek, Roman and Persian history. (click here for the OCR Specification)
The modules we are currently teaching are ‘The Persian Empire, 559–465 BC’, ‘Alexander the Great, 356–323 BC’, ‘Cleopatra: Rome and Egypt, 69–30 BC’, and ‘The Foundations of Rome: from Kingship to Republic, 753–440 BC’.
Students can take GCSE Ancient History without having studied it at KS3.
Key Stage 4 Latin
Students can also choose a GCSE in Latin, which combines language, background work and studies in original Latin literature.
The modules we are currently teaching are ‘Latin Language’, ‘Latin Literature and Sources (Themes)' and ‘Latin Literature (Narratives)’ or ‘Roman Civilisation’.
Key Stage 5 Classical Civilisation
We currently offer A Level Classical Civilisation, which comprises ‘The World of the Hero’, ‘Culture and the Arts’ and ‘Beliefs and Ideas’. Classes are taught within the department, with each teacher focusing on their areas of expertise. A high proportion of our students go on to read Classics at university.
Key Stage 5 Latin
We offer A Level Latin, covering advanced language skills and translation along with studies in a wide range of literature, including Virgil's Aeneid, Horace’s Satires, and Apuleius’s The Golden Ass.
Teaching staff
Mrs Katharine Rowe (Head of Department)
Mrs Rebecca Coe
Miss Emily Romain