The Classics Department is responsible for the teaching of Latin (Form 1 upwards), Greek (Form 2 upwards) and Classical Civilisation (Form 4 upwards). Through the study of Greek and Latin, pupils are taught language, translation, comprehension and learning skills in the Junior School.

An emphasis is placed on a thorough knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, and pupils are given an opportunity to learn about the influence of Greek and Roman cultures. Selected Greek and Roman prose and poetry writers are introduced for study in the original languages at GCSE and A Level, and an appreciation of literature is encouraged.

	A mosaic (8ft. x 4 ft.) inspired by a trip to Pompeii and jointly produced with the Art Department

In Classical Civilisation, pupils study literature from various genres in translation and different aspects of the society and history of the Greeks and Romans. Source-based and analytical essay writing skills are fostered and pupils are made aware of the differences and similarities between the ancient civilisations and our own.

STAFF

• Dr W A R Dempsie Head of Department
• Miss H O Crookes     
• Mrs J McGowan
• Miss J G Williamson                       
• Mr L A J Crowe                   

 

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES

A range of audiovisual materials and subject-specific ICT packages is used at all levels. Grammar and vocabulary drills are available on the College’s computer network, PowerPoint presentations are regularly given by pupils, and the internet is used to access background information. Notes for pupils are placed on the Learning Resources area of the College’s computer network.

Resources range from CDs created by members of staff (e.g. slideshows and picture CDs of trips to Italy) to commercially produced DVDs containing reconstructions of the ancient world (e.g. Journey to Pompeii andOn the Acropolis –When Democracy Was Born), documentaries (e.g. Lost Treasures of the Ancient World –Pompeii and The Spartans) and Hollywood blockbusters (e.g. Ben-Hur and Gladiator) and interactive CD-Roms (e.g. The Horace Trail and Rome the Eternal City).

CURRICULUM

The main textbooks used for Greek and Latin are Greek to GCSE and The Oxford Latin Course.

EDUCATIONAL TRIPS AND EXCHANGES

Hadrian’s Wall

A trip is organised each year for Form 1 pupils to visit the area around Hadrian’s Wall in June. The trip lasts for four days and allows pupils the opportunity to see some evidence of the time spent in Britain by the Romans and to find out more about Roman buildings and culture. Over eighty pupils usually participate.

Vindolanda	Arbeia Fort

Rome and the Bay of Naples

Form 4 pupils studying Classical Civilisation, Greek or Latin have the opportunity to visit Italy in order to find out more about the topics which they are studying and the Romans in general. The party spends four days based in Sorrento and two in Rome. Amongst others, visits are made to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Puteoli, Mount Vesuvius, the Colosseum, the Forum, the Circus Maximus and the Pantheon. Over thirty pupils usually participate.
 

The Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum	Vesuvius

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

The Classics Department runs two clubs which meet on a monthly basis to allow those studying Classical Civilisation, Greek or Latin to widen their knowledge of the worlds of the Greeks and Romans and to pursue particular areas of interest. The Junior Classics Club is open to pupils in Form 1 to Form 3 and the Senior Classics Society to those in Form 4 to Upper Sixth. Activities have included holding quizzes and debates, watching videos or computer packages, playing Greek and Roman games, making togas and having Roman or Greek parties.