GCSE

Candidates sit three papers: Language, Prose Literature and Verse Literature.

Latin GCSE offers a number of attractions. Pupils are able to study major authors of Latin literature such as Tacitus, Virgil and Pliny in their original language. The set texts are carefully prepared before the examination. As for the study of the language, it is undoubtedly demanding but also interesting and fun, requiring pupils to be rigorous and methodical in their approach. A prescribed vocabulary list eases the burden of revision for the Language paper. The study of Latin provides an invaluable grounding in appreciating the structures of language. It is therefore an invaluable support to the study of English and other modern languages. Those who might later specialise in STEM subjects also benefit from the studying linguistic patterns and formulae, the breadth of learning and culture which Latin GCSE offers.

A Level

Pupils take four papers at A Level. The skills tested are exactly the same as at GCSE but pupils extend the depth and range of their knowledge. The papers are: Unseen Translation, Comprehension or Composition, Prose Literature and Verse Literature.

A Level Latinists develop their linguistic and analytical skills by studying literature in the original language and practising their translation skills with the works of Livy and Ovid. The variety of authors set for study means there is something for everyone to enjoy, from the cheeky love poems of Ovid and the drama of Virgil’s Aeneid to Cicero’s scathing prosecutions and lively defence speeches delivered from the heart of the Roman forum. Latin is profitably studied alongside the full range of other subjects and is an advantage to many degree courses pupils might pursue, not only Classics and the humanities, but also Medicine and Maths.

GCSE Ancient History

This subject makes the classical world accessible to all, since no knowledge of the Greek or Latin languages is required. Drawing on wide-ranging source material, famous figures from the ancient world and a geographically diverse backdrop, the GCSE is interdisciplinary, challenging candidates to understand Ancient History through a variety of different lenses. Pupils take two papers at the end of Year 11, one covering broadly Greek history and the other broadly Roman.

Our pupils currently study the Persian Empire, Pericles and the Age of Athens, the Early Kings of Rome and Cleopatra. The qualification rewards pupils who go beyond factual knowledge and form their own personal responses and evaluations of the events they are studying, often leading to interesting and surprising comparisons and contrasts with the modern world.

A Level Ancient History

Pupils have the chance to delve more deeply into the social, political, religious and economic history of the ancient world through two longer period studies and two shorter depth studies, focused on the relations between Greek states and non-Greek states and Rome under the emperors. All texts and sources are in English translations from the classical languages, making Ancient History an excellent way to deepen an interest in the classical world formed both through studying any classical subject at GCSE and for those looking for something new for their Sixth Form studies.

At A Level, pupils prepare for two examinations; one focused on Greek history and the other on Roman. Within the Greece topic there is a compulsory period study on the Greco-Persian and Peloponnesian Wars and a depth study on the society and history of ancient Sparta. The Rome topic comprises a period study on the first five Julio-Claudian emperors from Augustus to Nero and a depth study on the three Flavian emperors following directly on from the end of the period study. Pupils are encouraged to engage critically with ancient sources both literary and archaeological as well as with modern historians’ commentary on events of the historical periods they are studying to help them formulate their own informed critical perspective. Thus, Ancient History makes a strong complement to other source-based subjects such as English, History, Geography, Divinity or Economics but also works well for those pursuing STEM subjects to maintain and enhance their highly transferable ‘soft’ written and oral communication skills.

GCSE

Candidates sit three papers: Language, Prose Literature and Verse Literature.

Greek GCSE, as with Latin, offers pupils the chance to study foundational works of European literature such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey and Herodotus’ Histories in the original Greek. Classical Greek is intellectually satisfying and stretches pupils in a way that few, if any, other subjects do and gives our pupils the opportunity to study an ancient language which very few other schools are able to offer. As Latin and Greek have such a similar grammatical structure, those pupils who enjoy languages, puzzles, patterns and methodical working will find Greek both stimulating and rewarding.

A Level

Pupils take four papers at A Level. The skills tested are exactly the same as at GCSE but pupils extend the depth and range of their knowledge. The papers are: Unseen Translation, Comprehension, Prose Literature and Verse Literature.

As at GCSE, Greek is a demanding subject and therefore highly respected by top universities. Studying Greek at A Level allows pupils to deepen their appreciation of the sort of authors and cultural ideas and embed the vocabulary and grammar they have learned previously, while learning how to write critical commentary and formulate strong arguments. The variety of subject matter is also a draw, ranging from Plato’s philosophical ideas or Thucydides’ accounts of the Peloponnesian Wars, to Greek tragedy and Homer’s epics. Greek provides an excellent companion for the full range of other subjects and is an advantage to many degree courses pupils might pursue, not only Classics and the humanities, but also Medicine and Maths.

• Mrs Charlotte Drinkwater (Head of Classics)
• Ms Clare Mahon
• Mr James Redpath
• Mr Alex Welby