Latin and Classical Greek
GCSE
Pupils who began Latin in Years 7 and 8 may continue in Year 9, and new entrants may join the course if they can show that they will be able to cope with it. We hope that most who opt for Latin at this stage will expect to continue to GCSE in Year 11.
Temple pediment
We continue to follow the Cambridge Latin course. This was designed to bring a breath of fresh air into the subject by providing a broad insight into the life and society of Roman times. This influence is so fundamental to western civilisation - such as in language, law and our idea of society - that we often take it for granted, but the course material often surprises the pupils by dealing with human problems and political questions that they also meet in the life of today.
Hot spring
Our approach to language goes beyond the basic communication skills now seen as the main aim in other subjects. We study what the Romans themselves wrote to find out more about the languages work, and just how much they have influenced how we think, speak and behave today. The need for accurate understanding teaches a precision of thought and expression which students find of great value in many fields, from media and communications through to the law and even computer programming. Language is seen not just as a useful life skill, but as the means through which everything of intellectual and cultural value is discussed.
The Examination
GCSE candidates take four components; two examine set books in prose and verse previously studied, a third tests comprehension and translation of Latin passages set from within a carefully defined vocabulary, while a fourth component encourages candidates to study various Roman Life topics.
Course content typically includes passages on; town and country life; the loyalty of a Roman wife; well known episodes in history, such as the Romans’ encounter with the Druids and familiar stories of myth and legend as told by the Romans themselves.
Classical Greek
Classical Greek is taught in activities time to all levels of the school. We currently have candidates working towards GCSE Greek, and also A Level. Please ask the Head of Classics or the Director of Studies. This subject provides an extra challenge and enjoyment for the particularly able student.
| Teachers |
| Miss R. E. Symonds, MA, PGCE,
Cambridge (Head of Dept.) Mr J. Nelmes, BA, Oxford |