Classical subjects are concerned with the language, literature, history, philosophy and culture of the Graeco-Roman world. The societies of Greece and Rome were marked by outstanding achievements in areas such as architecture, law, poetry, drama, politics and science. Many of these achievements still have a strong influence on facets of our modern society. As members of an increasingly "European" culture, children should have some knowledge of the contributions made to their heritage by both Greeks and Romans, thereby increasing their understanding of the world in which they live.

In Y6 the boys learn about the Greek and Latin roots of English, and about how the Latin language is structured through the coursebook Minimus. They also study Roman Britain, and Greek myths including Jason and the Argonauts.

The Classics component of the Beacon Certificate of Achievement, studied in Y7 and Y8, is intended to introduce the boys to the Classical World through literature, archaeology and art, as well as to provide a good grounding in the Latin language.

In Y7 intensive work on Latin begins with the Cambridge Latin Course. Boys are taught in ability sets, and encouraged to work at a pace that is conducive not only to accumulating sound knowledge and understanding but also to achieving realistic targets. Civilisation topics in Y7 include the Trojan War, Livy's stories of early Rome, and the town of Pompeii.

In Y8 the boys continue with the Cambridge Latin Course, and this is supplemented with further language work as required by the boys' Senior School Exams. Civilisation study includes work on Homer's Odyssey and daily life in Rome. Tuition in Ancient Greek may be offered to suitable pupils.

Kaffy Rice-Oxley
Head of Classics