In the Sixth Form, we offer Latin and Classical Civilisation at A-level, with a number of students going on to study these subjects at University.
Latin A-level gives students the chance to build on what they have learned at GCSE, developing their understanding and appreciation of original authors, in both verse and prose literature. They will be able to translate with increasing confidence, to appreciate literary technique and to develop their own skills of literary criticism through close reading and discussion of prose and verse texts. Students will also learn to collect relevant evidence and to present an argument based on that evidence.
Classical Civilisation is offered in addition to the language-based courses, giving students the opportunity to study a variety of topics from the Ancient Greek and Roman world. The material is all in English, meaning that students will be able to explore the topics in depth and relate various works of literature to their social and cultural contexts. The course also involves the appreciation of social values and an understanding of both the historical and archaeological background, as well as covering the aesthetic appreciation of works of art.
The Classics Department works in partnership with the University of Exeter and encourages A-level pupils to take Ancient Greek at beginner’s level in online evening classes. The school also hosts lectures from academics, organises Classical book launches, runs trips abroad to sites of Classical interest and encourages A-level pupils to attend summer schools.
