The Curriculum

Latin is compulsory in Year 7, and for the majority of pupils it remains part of their core curriculum until GCSE. In Years 7 and 9 Latin is allocated 3 periods per week; in year 8 there are 2 periods per week. The popular Cambridge Latin Course is followed and supplemented with our in-house materials to enable pupils to translate intuitively but also to give them a firm grounding in grammar. Aside from developing linguistic skills, pupils gain an insight into the Roman world and explore aspects of Roman society and culture in Pompeii, Britain, Alexandria and Rome. In Years 7 and 8, pupils spend one lesson per week in the computer suites, utilising the e-learning resource, used in conjunction with the text book, as the vast array of animated video clips and interactive exercises help bring the subject to life. The resource also challenges boys to learn and think independently in a medium which appeals to them. Each year group studying Latin undertakes various research projects during the course of the year (Year 7 explore Pompeii, Year 8 Troy and Year 9 the Roman army). As well as developing linguistic awareness and increasing grammatical knowledge, boys expand their vocabulary base and learn about historical and cultural issues. The department also possesses a superb collection of DVDs, videos and photographs, which are used regularly. Boys may attend "Classics Clinic" during a weekday lunchtime if they require further help or support with any of the three classical subjects.

Following Year 8, boys may continue with Latin if they have enjoyed and done well in the subject; boys who enjoy the historical aspect of the subject but not necessarily the linguistic side may begin a course of Classical Civilisation. Classical Civilisation combines the study of ancient literature (in translation) and history. The study of popular mythological tales and pagan gods is also an integral part of the course. This preparatory course of Classical Civilisation is not a pre-requisite for taking a GCSE in the subject.

In Year 9 boys may also begin studying Classical Greek. They have 2 periods per week and the text book Athenaze is used, which is similar in principles to the Cambridge Latin Course. It is set in a village outside Athens and follows the life of a farmer called Dikaipolis before the outbreak of the Peloponnesian war. The mechanics of Greek work in a similar way to Latin, so similar skills are required to study it successfully and boys benefit from studying the two languages alongside each other. Students develop etymological skills and build a large vocabulary base. The course is traditional and involves unseen translation from, and comprehension of, Greek. At the end of Year 9 boys undertake research tasks in a topic of their choice, ranging from significant battles such as Thermopylae to Greek democracy and philosophy.

The Curriculum

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