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Classics
The Classics department comprise three full-time members of staff, as well as teachers outside the department who share their skills and expertise in various modules.
Miss Sheena Patel- HoD Mr Phil Lally |
The majority of 6th form teaching takes place in the Milton House.
Aims and philosophy
The Classics department at Merchant Taylor's has a history of excellence and we are proud of the fact that we are one of the few schools in Merseyside still offering the full range of Classical subjects: Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation. We believe in the fundamental importance of providing pupils with a traditional Classical education and we feel that it provides a solid foundation for further studies, whatever they may be. It enriches their education and enhances their study in many other academic disciplines, whether they be arts or sciences. We hope to instil in our pupils curiosity about the world we live in and encourage them to make connections with the past, as well as developing sophisticated linguistic and communication skills. The unchanging structure of a classical language assists students in studying and comparing modern languages, and a knowledge of Latin is an excellent basis upon which to learn other languages. Latin is a very exact and methodical language and its study allows students to hone transferable analytical and problem-solving skills.
George and Sean reading Latin at Queen
We try to keep teaching styles varied to appeal to different learning styles; methods are generally innovative and forward-thinking, although there is still much emphasis on the importance of learning essential grammar rigorously. The department is keen to encourage pupils to see the importance of the study of the past as a means for understanding the present, and to this end we run regular Classics trips abroad and across the country.
Click the further links from the menu to the right for more information about the various aspects of the department's work.
The Curriculum
Classics in the Sixth Form
Classics at GCSE
Extra-Curricular Classics
Examination Results