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Classics

Latin and Classical Civilisation are diverse and fascinating subjects which give students the opportunity both to discover the riches of the world of the Greeks and Romans and to understand the influence and reception of our classical heritage. This access to the Ancient World gives our girls a challenging and intellectual experience which develops a variety of valued skills and disciplines.

LATIN

In Years 7 & 8, all pupils study Latin and develop their knowledge of the language through the Cambridge Latin Course providing them with an insight into the structure of an inflected language and encouraging them to make instructive comparisons with other languages. In Year 9, our pupils progress to Taylor’s ‘Latin to GCSE’ course giving them an excellent foundation on which to build at GCSE, should they choose to continue. Alongside their language learning, pupils also engage with the rich mythology, history and culture of the Romans giving them an appreciation of this fascinating and alluring civilisation. 

At GCSE, we follow the OCR syllabus, and we continue to develop translation, comprehension and prose composition skills. Students also explore real Roman literature from a range of authors, and develop an understanding of its historical and cultural context.

At A Level, students continue to improve their understanding of Latin grammar and syntax and build up to translating unadapted prose and verse passages confidently. A greater emphasis is also put on prose composition. There is the opportunity to study in depth a wide range of Latin literature, including a variety of texts such as the exciting and deeply poignant epic of Virgil and the scurrilous history of Tacitus. 

Planting the belief that taking a risk is good and to stand firm with your ideas while respecting thoughts of others has been evident in her development.

— Current Parent

CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

Classical Civilisation is offered as a new subject at GCSE, following the OCR syllabus. We study a wide variety of Greek and Roman topics relating to Myth and Religion. These include literature and visual courses relating to Gods, Heracles/Hercules, Temples, Beliefs in the Afterlife and many more. In addition, we explore Homer’s Odyssey, one of the most famous and influential works of literature in history. Our students develop observation and analytical skills from reading and engaging with a wide range of ancient sources and they gain an awareness of what life was like in a different time and culture.

At A Level, Classical Civilisation is again open to all students. They gain an appreciation for how the classical world has shaped our own society and cultivate knowledge of their spiritual, cultural and moral values. The course consists of further exploration into the literature of Homer and also delves into Rome’s greatest epic, Virgil’s Aeneid. In the Greek Theatre module appreciation for ancient drama is developed by reading two tragedies (Sophocles’ Oedipus and Euripides’ Bacchae) and a comedy (Aristophanes’ Frogs). Students then expand our understanding of ancient thought and ideas through the ‘Greek Religion’ module.

  • We regularly offer abroad residential trips to classical sites around Europe.  In recent years we have alternated trips abroad to Italy and Greece. Our trip to Italy included Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, the Bay of Naples, as well as a few days in Rome itself. Our very own Greek Odyssey included visits to Olympia, Delphi, Mycenae, Tiryns and a weekend in the capital of Athens, soaking in all the wonders of the classical world.

    Regular day trips to enrich and extend beyond the syllabus are organised throughout the year, including visits to the British Museum, National Gallery, Verulamium, Museum of London and various Lecture Days in the Sixth Form.

    We currently offer twilight Greek for beginners who are working towards their Intermediate Certificate in Classical Greek.

  • The study of Latin and Classical Civilisation provides a solid intellectual foundation, independent of financial or political changes. Latin scholars develop exceptional linguistic awareness: they master new languages with speed and confidence, and, with their ability to manipulate Greco-Latin roots, are prepared to excel in careers like Medicine, Dentistry or Law. 

    These subjects, which are at the core of Western Civilisation, provide a key to understanding the modern world, from literature and history to politics and economics.

    For all these reasons, Classical subjects are highly regarded by both universities and employers and lead to a variety of high-profile careers.

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