Classics

Pupils begin Latin in year five with an introductory Language Awareness course.  Through word puzzles and derivation exercises they begin to appreciate the importance of Latin as a foundation of English and other modern languages and to understand how it can help them with spelling, grammar and vocabulary.

Translation work forms a challenging element of language study from year 6 and pupils develop grammatical and analytical skills which may lead them ultimately to sit Common Entrance or Scholarship examinations to senior schools.

Classical Civilisation forms an important part of the curriculum from year 5 onwards.  Pupils follow a Roman soldier’s drill, enjoy a Roman feast and try their hand at quill writing.  In the senior school they study the Trojan War, the Odyssey, Ancient Greece and life in Rome and Roman Britain.