Classics

The Classics Department teaches Latin and Classical Civilisation throughout the School.

Latin is compulsory for most boys in II and III Forms and then can be chosen for study in IV Form and at GCSE and A level. We use the Cambridge Latin Course in the lower years and then follow the OCR syllabuses.

Classical Civilisation is offered as an alternative to Latin in IV Form and then can be chosen for study at GCSE and A Level. In IV Form we follow our own course studying topics such as the Roman military and reading parts of Homer's Odyssey in translation. At GCSE we use the OCR syllabus and study the ‘Myth and Religion’ and ‘War and Warfare’ topics. The subject can be taken up at both GCSE and A Level with no prior knowledge. At A Level, we use the OCR syllabus, studying the units on the World of the Hero, Greek Theatre and Politics of the Late Republic.

Classical Civilisation A Level groups and other interested pupils are taken to see productions of Greek dramas in Edinburgh, London and other cities. Most years there are several opportunities, including the experience of seeing plays on the A Level syllabus performed live.

Classical Civilisation GCSE groups also visit the British Museum and Hadrian’s Wall, as relevant to their course. We are excited by the new emphasis on material culture in the reformed OCR specifications, which brings further opportunity for trips to support pupils’ learning.

In 2023, pupils studying Latin and Classical Civilisation at GCSE and A Level had the exciting opportunity to attend a trip to Rome in order to enhance their study of the subjects. It was a great success and another trip is already being planned for the next cohort of students.