Classics
The classical societies of Greece and Rome are inherently fascinating and appeal readily to the imagination. The opportunity to study whole societies together with their languages is offered by few other subjects. They present a potent mix of interdisciplinary mental exertion that lends itself enviably to the cultivation of transferable skills in both logic and an appreciation of humanity. This is as important as ever in an uncertain world of readily available information and rapidly changing employability requirements, where how you can manipulate information to reach answers or solve newly acknowledged problems is key. Study of Classics makes its students chameleonic in the best sense; socially accepting and more academically flexible. At the same time, it also cultivates the ability to see to the heart of what is important and what can be ignored. Classical Civilisation, Classical Greek and Latin thus lend themselves naturally to playing a central part in every LGS pupil’s education, whether or not they choose to pursue the subjects to A-Level and beyond.
Staff
- Mr Philip Pratt, M.A. (Harvard) Head of Classics
- Mr Rahul Bagchi, M.A. (Birmingham)
- Mr George Johnson, PGDipEd (Birmingham)
- Dr Anastasia Vassilliou, B.A. (Athens), M.Phil, PhD (Birmingham)
Year 6
All pupils in Year 6 have two periods of Classical Studies per week. We follow our own course booklet, which mainly covers topics forming part of the KS2 History ‘Ancient Greece’ Study Unit. During the summer term, Latin may be introduced to pupils by beginning the ‘Minimus’ course. As well as helping with their linguistic development through Latin, pupils in Year 6 also get a taste of studying Classical Greek by using the Department’s own blog:
Year 7
All pupils have four periods of Latin per week. We follow ‘Cambridge Latin Course’, Book 1, which is also available online. This course presents language-learning in the context of finding out about Roman families, beginning in Pompeii. After the summer examination we introduce Roman Britain and Book 2, as well as consolidating grammar.
Year 8
All pupils have three periods of Latin per week. We follow ‘Cambridge Latin Course’, Book 2 (see above) which is set in Roman Britain and Roman Egypt. A short introduction to Greek language and culture is offered in February to inform pupils before they make their choice of third language. After the summer examination we introduce Roman Bath.
Year 9
Latin and Classical Civilisation
Pupils have four periods per week, during which they spend up to three periods on Latin and at least one period studying the department’s own “Core Classical Civilisation” course. The exact balance of the two subjects varies between the sets, to which pupils are allocated at the discretion of the School. Some pupils study a course of ‘Higher Latin’, which covers the language in sufficient detail to allow the pursuit of the subject at GCSE. Other pupils follow a course of ‘Foundation Latin’, which allows for a steadier approach and a greater focus on what can be learnt about English through Latin. Pupils of all sets can opt to study Classical Civilisation at GCSE.
Classical Greek
Greek is an optional subject in Year 9, with four periods per week. We follow a traditional course in order to develop linguistic competence quickly but also take the time to discuss and debate relevant aspects of Greek culture to complement linguistic work.
GCSE
CLASSICAL CIVILISATION (OCR J199)
Pupils choosing to study Classical Civilisation will take two modules. The first is a thematic study of either Myth and Religion or Women in the Ancient World. The second is a literary module focusing on The Homeric World, Roman City Life or War and Warfare.
Since 2008, over 75% of our pupils have achieved at least B or 5 at GCSE.
GREEK (OCR J292)
Pupils starting Greek in Year 10 will take three papers, one extended language paper and two which involve study of Greek prose and verse literature (for example works by Herodotus, Plato, Homer or Euripides).
Since 2008, over 80% of our pupils have achieved at least A or 7 at GCSE.
LATIN (OCR J282)
Pupils starting Latin in Year 10 will take three papers, one extended language paper and two which involve study of Latin prose and verse literature (for example works by Tacitus, Cicero, Ovid or Catullus).
Since 2008, over 80% of our pupils have achieved at least A or 7 at GCSE.
A Level
CLASSICAL CIVILISATION (OCR H408)
The aim of this course is to develop enthusiastic interest in the classical world by studying texts in translation and a range of other sources. The course also develops awareness of classical influences, and of similarities and differences between different cultures. Popular topics include The World of the Hero, Greek Theatre and Greek Religion.
Since 2008, almost 90% of our pupils have achieved A*/A/B at A Level.
GREEK (OCR H444)
Along with enthusiastic interest in the classical world, this course develops advanced competence in Greek and a sensitive and analytical approach to language. Pupils starting Year 12 will study for the duration of Sixth Form towards taking four papers; one unseen translation paper, one paper covering comprehension or composition, and two set text literature papers (covering, for example, extracts from Homer’s ‘Iliad’, works by tragedians such as Sophocles or Euripides, the comic dramatist Aristophanes, philosophers such as Plato, and Herodotus, “the father of history”.)
Since 2008, 80% of our pupils have achieved A*/A at A level.
LATIN (OCR H443)
Along with enthusiastic interest in the classical world, this course develops advanced competence in Latin and a sensitive and analytical approach to language. Pupils starting Year 12 will study for the duration of Sixth Form towards taking four papers; one unseen translation paper, one paper covering comprehension or composition, and two set text literature papers (covering, for example, extracts from Ovid’s erotic love poetry, Cicero’s political speeches and forensic oratory from the law court, Virgil’s epic mythological poem, ‘The Aeneid’, and Tacitus’ accounts of the lives of the emperors.)
Since 2008, over 90% of our pupils have achieved A*/A/B at A level.
Co-Curricular
- Classics Lectures delivered by visiting speakers are held each term
- The Linguistics Olympiad
Trips
- Year 8 are taken on an annual two-night residential trip to Hadrian's Wall
- GCSE/AS/A2 sets are taken to sites/lectures/performances as appropriate
- Residential trips to classical sites in Greece and Italy are run once every two years