Classics Department Home Page

The Classics Department teaches

·         Latin from Years 7 to Upper Sixth Form

·         Classical Civilisation in the Sixth Form

Students also have the opportunity to learn Ancient Greek.

Lower School Latin

Pupils study the popular Cambridge Latin Course during Years 7, 8 and 9. This series of books adopts a more modern approach to grammatical training than traditional approaches and also incorporates a study of Roman Civilisation. The department complements this course with exercises of its own.

GCSE Latin

The GCSE course builds upon the skills learned in the Lower School. Students follow the OCR specification, preparing to be examined in Prose Literature, Verse Literature, Roman Civilisation and the Translation and Comprehension of a previously unseen piece of Latin. Results are regularly excellent.

AS/A Level Latin

The advanced study of Latin tests even the most intellectual of students and is rightly still recognised as one of the more demanding subjects on the academic curriculum. Students follow the OCR specification, working towards two literature papers and one language paper in their Lower Sixth Year and two language papers and one literature paper in their Upper Sixth year. The department is justifiably proud of its record in this public examination.

AS/A Level Classical Civilisation

Classical Civilisation offers students the opportunity to study the literature, history, philosophy, art and architecture of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Students follow the AQA specification. In the Lower Sixth, students take one option on History, one option on Literature and prepare a coursework assignment of 2,000 words. In the Upper Sixth, students take one option on the Greeks, one option on the Romans and prepare a coursework assignment of 3,000 words. Coursework assignments are decided after consultation with tutors and other members of the group. This course is a very popular and exciting opportunity, requiring no prior experience of the subject. Results are pleasingly good.

 There are two specialist members of staff in the department and two part-time members of staff from the Modern Languages department. Discuss any problems you may have with your teacher or you can email the Head of Department at: