Classics In Lower College
All pupils study a classical subject on entry into the third form and are divided into Latin and Classical Civilisation groups.
Latin: Third form
We use the Cambridge Latin Course. Depending upon the set each pupil is placed in, we start with either Book 1 or Book 2, although we ensure that all pupils reach the same point by Christmas. During the year pupils will also study Greek and gain a Level 1 qualification in this subject. This allows them to get a taste for the language and perhaps choose it as a GCSE option. We also cover some different elements of Classical Civilisation - again, as a taster for GCSE.
Latin: GCSE
The course is divided up into two disciplines, Language and Literature. Each element counts as 50% of the final mark. Language skills are assessed by translation and comprehension questions. Literature is divided up into prose and verse authors. The course is challenging and provides pupils with a real sense of purpose and progress as they begin to look at authors and language in more detail and with greater accuracy throughout the two years.
Latin: AS and A2
Again, we study both language and literature, with equal emphasis on each. The biggest development is that AS introduces the option of prose composition - pupils may choose to write five sentences in Latin. At A2, pupils learn to convert entire stories into their own Latin.
Classical Civilisation: third form
This year we have a new textbook and a new course to study. The new textbook covers lots of different aspects of the Classical World as well as giving a nod to the GCSE course whihc pupil can opt for at the end of the third form. We are very pleased to offer GCSE Classical Civilisation for the first time in College, and in fact this has attracted over 50 pupils.
We are studying the following topics:
- Greek gods and goddesses
- Greek Myths
- The Trojan War
- Greek and Roman life
Classical Civilisation: GCSE
We cover four topics over the two year course, one of which is Controlled Assessment in Year 11. The four topics are:
- City Life in Classical World
- Epic and Myth
- Community Life in the Classical World
- Culture and Society in the Ancient World
There is no requirement that Classical Civilisation is studied in the third form in order to take GCSE Classical Civilisation as a GCSE option.