Classics

Vision

The overarching intent of the Classics curriculum is to provide pupils with the knowledge and skills to become enthusiastic and competent Classicists, as applying their knowledge to the modern world around them.

 The choice of content to be taught is based on the four key concepts within Classics: Latin, Philosophy, Literature and History. This is designed for them to be able to see the impact that the Ancient World has had upon the modern world in terms of current society and how Western Civilisation was created. Students will also consider what it means to be an Ancient Greek or Roman by looking at their influence over Northern Africa during the Classical period. Furthermore, topics in Year 7 & 8 such as Mythology and Roman Life in Pompeii provide the fundamental knowledge and understanding to support their GCSE units. In addition to this, in Y8 the students read both The Iliad and The Odyssey, to form a basis of the western ideas of storytelling and the influence that they have had on modern day books, TV & film. Across KS3 the students are taught the basics of Latin grammar through the Cambridge Latin Coursebook I as well as English derivatives and their Latin origins. Students are offered the chance to then undertake a Level 1 certificate in Y10 to consolidate this learning. The content is not taught in isolation but supported with procedural knowledge, some of which is similar to their history skills and therefore creates cross curricular links both through skills and knowledge. The four aspects allow students to practise and discover their strengths. Not simply their ability to write extended pieces of writing but question human nature through philosophy, explore their language flair through Latin as well as improving their reading skills through both Metamorphosis in Year 7, The Iliad and The Odyssey in Year 8 and extracts of the Aeneid in Year 9.