The Classics department aims to enable pupils to develop an enthusiasm and understanding of the Classical World, to extract and analyse information, to develop their knowledge and application of the language and to give personal responses about the literature and culture.
“Latin is the bridge subject for all languages. Once you know it, any language is possible.”
A level
At A level, girls study famous authors such as Ovid, Cicero, Tacitus and Virgil in the original language and learn to develop skills of literary criticism. As girls have completed almost all of the A level grammar and vocabulary by the end of Year 11, they can hone their knowledge and understanding of Latin by practising both prose and verse unseen translations.
The study of this precise and elegant language helps girls to express themselves in their own language with greater clarity and precision, and to use logic and reason to problem solve. Latin is a highly regarded A level and links well to many subjects (such as History, English and Drama) but also works well as an extra with Maths and Sciences. Candidates study a range of Latin writers such as Catullus, Virgil, Tacitus and Cicero. Catullus is considered one of the greatest love poets of all time and his turbulent love life has been captured dramatically in his work, while Tacitus explored the history of the early Roman emperors, albeit through distinctly disapproving eyes. Virgil wrote an epic masterpiece about the foundation myth of Rome by Aeneas, which has been one of the most important works to be studied by Classicists. Cicero was a famous and gifted lawyer in his day whose acerbic wit was second to none, allowing him to successfully prosecute notorious criminals and corrupt politicians. We will study one of his law court speeches analysing the content and the style which Cicero uses to present his arguments.
Co-Curricular
Every week, Classics Society is run by members of the Sixth Form where they present interesting stories about ancient myths and history to pupils from year 7 upwards at lunchtime. Latin Clinic also runs twice a week at lunchtimes where Sixth Form students and teachers help pupils with difficult topics and to catch up with work which they might have missed from their lessons.
Residential trips are also run every year or every other year to places such as Rome, the Bay of Naples and Athens, as well as day trips to relevant theatrical productions and exhibitions.