Classics

Classics is the study of the Latin and/or Classical Greek languages, as well as the context, history and civilisations in which the languages developed.

The Christ’s Hospital Classics Department is made up of three subject specialists, who teach across all age groups. All students study Latin in Year 7 and Year 8, giving them a strong foundation for English and modern languages whilst building their understanding of one of the most important cultures in the development of western civilisation. Between 20 to 30 students go on to study Latin at GCSE and between 5 to 10 at A level. Greek GCSE sets average between 5 to 10 students, and A level sets usually contain 3.

Whilst some traditional techniques are employed in lessons, we make use of modern research and technology to bring language learning alive. Precision in grammar and syntax underpins success in classical languages, and we place strong emphasis on this in lessons.

Latin

In Year 7, we follow the De Romanis course which simultaneously builds grammatical knowledge and engages students in Roman mythology. In Year 8, students use Taylor’s Latin to GCSE 1, supplemented with our own in-house materials. This allows them to develop their linguistic skills further, whilst also learning about the Trojan War and the story of Dido and Aeneas in both Latin and English. Year 8 students also have taster sessions in Ancient Greek to enable them to decide on options for study in Year 9. Those who choose to study Latin or Gratin (Greek and Latin) will continue to follow Taylor’s Latin to GCSE course to build upon their understanding of the Latin language. Gratin students will begin to learn Ancient Greek using Taylor’s Greek to GCSE course (see below for more detail).

In Year 10 and 11, students who have chosen to study Latin for GCSE will follow the OCR course. They not only continue with their linguistic study, but also read verse and prose set texts by authors such as Virgil, Pliny and Aulus Gellius.

Latin is also offered at A level, again following the OCR course. Students build upon their understanding of GCSE grammar with emphasis put on independent learning. The A level course allows for a broader understanding of Latin and its context, and current prescribed set texts vary from Virgil’s Aeneid and Lucretius’ De Rerum Natura to Tacitus’ Annals and Cicero’s Pro Roscio.

Greek

Greek is introduced to students through taster sessions in Year 8, and they can opt to study Gratin (Greek and Latin) in Year 9. This involves studying Ancient Greek from scratch (using Taylor’s Greek to GCSE course) as well as continuing with Latin.

In Year 10, students can opt to study the OCR Classical Greek GCSE. Alongside their study of the language, they read Greek literature (recent prescribed set texts have included Homer’s Iliad and Herodotus’ Histories) and study aspects of Greek culture, such as the Olympic Games, Athenian democracy and the status of women.

Greek is also offered at A level. The OCR course builds on and extends students’ linguistic knowledge, whilst also introducing them to a wide range of literature written by authors ranging from Homer to Sophocles to Plutarch.

Classical Civilisation

Learning about Classical Civilisation provides important context for language learning and is naturally built into our Latin and Greek courses. However, we also offer Year 12 students the opportunity to study AS Classical Civilisation alongside their A Levels. Following the OCR syllabus, students study Homer’s Iliad alongside a module on Greek Theatre or Imperial Image.

Outside of the classroom

Classics at Christ’s Hospital holds a strong place in the co-curriculum. We run several school trips including a trip to the Bay of Naples for Years 9 and 10 and to Athens for Sixth Form students, as well as trips to see Classical plays and to visit Butser Ancient Farm, the British Museum and Sir John Soane’s Museum.

We also offer a variety of actives to enrich and develop students’ understanding of the ancient world, such as the Junior Mythology Active and the Senior Classics Society. Students studying Latin for GCSE and A level may also have the opportunity to teach Latin at a local primary school through the Community Action programme.

Each year, the Classics department welcomes visiting speakers who deliver talks on a wide range of topics. Recent highlights have included a talk for Year 7s by the children’s author Caroline Lawrence and a workshop on Xenophon led by a former CH student.

Future Prospects

Latin and Greek are highly regarded by universities and employers for the intellectual rigour and transferable skills they develop, including analytical thinking, critical evaluation, attention to detail and problem solving. Over the past six years, Christ’s Hospital students have progressed to study Classics at Oxford, Cambridge, and other leading universities.

A qualification in Classics opens doors to a wide range of careers. Beyond academia, our alumni have gone on to law, medicine, finance, technology, media, and cultural heritage. The ability to think critically, interpret complex material, and communicate with clarity makes Classicists stand out in any profession.