Pupils can choose to study both Latin and classical civilisation at A Level.
A Level Latin
The Latin language is tested through translation and comprehension, and an in-depth reading of complex Latin, based on a specific author, such as Livy or Ovid. Other possible texts include Cicero’s Pro Milone, Tacitus’ Annals, Virgil’s Aeneid or Ovid’s Amores. Texts in English are also studied.
Exam board: OCR
Course name: Latin
A Level classical civilisation
The specification covers the world of the hero (Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid), culture and the arts (Greek Theatre), and belief and ideas (the Roman Republic). All are studied through written literary and historical sources which are complemented by visual and material sources.
Exam board: OCR
Course name: Classical Civilisation
Beyond the curriculum
The classics society is open to all year groups. They debate a variety of topics from ‘What makes a monster?’ to ‘Can Greek philosophy make you happy?’. The department also invites guest speakers such as author Ben Kane, for example, who gave an illuminating talk on the Roman army. The department visits the theatre whenever possible. Visits to Medea, The Odyssey and Antigone in recent years have been a huge success. Teaming up with the geography department, the department takes groups to the Bay of Naples (Pompeii and Herculaneum) and Sicily. Trips to Rome and Athens are also organised, alternating the destination biennially.
