Classics
The Classics Department offers all three of the Classical subjects - Greek, Latin and Classical Civilisation, from Year 7 through to Oxbridge entrance.
Why do we believe in teaching the languages, history and culture of the Greco-Roman world? How about Epic Poetry, Mythology, Democracy, Politics, Philosophy, Drama, History, Mathematics, Medicine…? Classics is foundational, a portal through which we come to understand ourselves as post-Enlightment Europeans. Whether you are a Year 7 pupil grappling with beginner’s Latin or a Sixth Former reading Plato in Greek, Classics is both interesting and fun.
Years 7-11
Greek pupils follow Taylor’s Course Book Greek to GCSE before studying set texts such as selections from Homer’s Odyssey and Herodotus Latin: all pupils study Latin in Year 7. Those who continue to GCSE are examined in translation, comprehension and, depending on aptitude, a harder translation or a Roman Life paper.
Classical Civilisation GCSE
This course consists of five topics examined by two papers, one in literature and one in civilisation. Pupils encounter the great works of classical literature in translation as well as studying topics such as Roman Sport and Leisure (including gladiators and chariot racing), Pompeii and Sparta.
Sixth Form
Greek and Latin. At AS level pupils sit three papers, being testing on language and set books (there is no element of translation from English into the classical languages). At A2 the emphasis shifts slightly from literature towards language work, but pupils still study a healthy amount of set texts.
Classical Civilisation. At AS level pupils sit three papers - Greek Art and Architecture, Homer and Greek Tragedy. At A2, pupils progress with similar topics, reading new texts and thus adding a synoptic element to their studies.
It is currently the policy of the Classics Department not to enter pupils for coursework in any examinations.
Staff
Mr Alex Welby BA Hons Oxon - Head of Department
Mrs Elaine Culshaw MA Cantab
Mrs Caroline Weidermann MA