Choose Latin or Classical Greek in the Sixth Form and you will be studying a top tier academic subject held in high esteem by universities and employers for the exceptional skills they teach in analysis, logic, precision and clarity of expression.
You will already understand the appeal of studying the classical world from your studies at GCSE level; at A level or IB you will interact with the Roman and Greek world in a way you didn’t before. Through reading Latin or Greek texts, you will build up a much more independent range of ideas about what your set authors thought, said and revealed about the world around them. You will learn to see their world, through their eyes. Study of literature leads to discussion, debate and the opportunity to develop your own ideas; language work requires you to be precise and accurate, to analyse and interpret.
These skills are obviously very important for students wanting to study Classics at university, but they are just as useful for students looking to follow other fields such as English, Maths or Science. Recent students have gone on to study Classics, English, Maths, Law, History and Veterinary Sciences and Medicine at university; postgraduate career paths include Law, the Civil Service, Finance and Journalism.
We do all kinds of activities in lessons: detailed, technical language work, brain-stretching translations, open discussions, research, drama and literature... Outside lessons we are active, too, and provide our students with a sociable as well as an intellectually enriching experience.
Students who are interested in the Classical world but do not wish to study Classical languages should read the Classical Civilisation page.
A cohort of Classicists trooped off to London Bridge on 10 February for KCL’s annual Greek play – this year, Euripides’ Hecuba. Seeing a play performed entirely in Greek on the wintry last day of a half term is an activity that appeals to a select few – or, in this case, a hardy band of eleven Fifth and Sixth Formers. Most notably, Kira, Zoe and Annie displayed extraordinary fortitude in taking on a play performed entirely in a language they didn’t know.
The play itself fits the 'bloodshed tears and wailing' formula for Greek tragedy: after the end of the Trojan War, Hecuba, the captive and now-widowed Queen of Troy bids farewell to her daughter, taken off for sacrifice, before taking retribution on a traitorous friend and his family for the murder of her son. The production didn’t let us down: to the accompaniment of a continuous icy draught, Hecuba wailed inconsolably, Cassandra stoically faced her death and Polymestor dripped blood from his newly-blinded eyes. The end of the play came remarkably soon, so the group headed back to snowy Essex, discussing the finer points of metre, mood and metaphor as they went. And chomping on Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
“We feel that our son has developed the confidence to mix with adults and his contemporaries. It’s given him an enquiring mind and the wide range of facilities have given him a broad experience.”
Parent
Curriculum
To view the Latin or Greek curriculum please click here.
Department Staff
Miss Kathryn Bryce
Head of Classics
Using Pericles as her role-model, Miss Bryce leads her department and teaches her classes with a steady authority. She is inspired by the Classical arts and literature and seeks to inspire a love for these subjects in others.
Mrs Louise Acton
Like Octavia the Younger, Mrs Acton shows loyalty and humanity in her dealings with pupils and staff. Unlike Octavia, Mrs Acton uses initiative to create dynamic lessons that engage pupils positively with their studies.
Mrs Dilprit Anand
Mrs Anand’s approach is firm, calm and ordered. Her carefully-planned lessons inspire confidence in her pupils; her inspiration is Numa the Lawgiver, who understood the importance of good order and quiet virtue in the success of Rome.
Mrs Katie Beston
Alcibiades showed brilliance as a politician, advisor and general – he was quite extraordinary in his vision. Mrs Beston, too, has a dynamism and energy about her that is exceptional, and she brings this to bear in both her classrooms and as Head of Sixth Form.
Miss Karen Crane
Miss Crane conveys knowledge and insight to the Classical World to all her pupils. Like Aspasia’s house in Athens, her classroom is a centre for thought, wisdom and learning. Unlike Aspasia, Miss Crane also runs the RAF section at the school and has directed many musicals.
Dr Geoff Fisher
Dr Fisher is an extraordinarily knowledgeable teacher. He embodies the four chief virtues (according to Marcus Aurelius) – wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance – employing these both in his teaching and in his leadership of West House.
Miss Zeta Fleming
Plato’s writings form the foundation stones of Western thought. Miss Fleming’s thoughtful and considered approach to her teaching enables her pupils to develop real understanding and confident knowledge of their subject.
Mrs Jo Gray
Like Augustus, first Roman emperor, Mrs Gray employs strategic action and meticulous planning to ensure that her legions of classes and bronze D-of-Eers are on track for success.
Mr Dominic Hodgkinson
Hannibal was perhaps the greatest military tactician of European history. As a teacher, Mr Hodgkinson displays similar vision and carefully-planned tactics to help his pupils to achieve glory in the classroom.
Miss Hollie Summerfield
Miss Summerfield inspires respect from her classes, who trust in her leadership. As such, she is like Germanicus, a popular and successful general and consul of the early Roman Empire.