Latin
All pupils study Latin in the Junior department and in Years 7 and 8 of the Upper School. They then may choose to study it in Year 9 or they can opt to study Classical Civilisation. Latin can also be studied at GCSE, AS & A2. We follow the Cambridge Latin Course which provides a stimulating variety of linguistic, historical and cultural material. It also allows for discussion of a wide range of human issues which form a key part of the lessons. Dramatic interpretation of the reading passages lends itself to class plays which pupils enjoy performing. Their excellent Classically inspired art work is on display in classrooms and corridors.
Our pupils have participated in the Reading Latin Competition which is based in Bristol and has the support of several schools. We also organise regular lectures at Clifton High School which are attended by our own pupils and those at other schools in Bristol.
Trips to Italy are organised (Rome and the Bay of Naples) every few years and we take every year group out for a trip, venues including Caerleon, Cirencester, Chedworth Roman Villa, Fishbourne and Bath.
Mrs Barbara Bell, MBE, author of the highly acclaimed course Minimus, is a member of our Classics department. Her passion for the subject is passed on to all the pupils!
Classical Greek
Currently, pupils can choose Classical Greek in Year 10 to study as a combined GCSE with Latin. Teaching is based on Athenaze as it provides a stimulating variety of linguistic, historical and cultural material. It also provides the basis of discussion of a wide range of human issues. Classical Greek can be continued to AS and A2 level.
We organise trips to Greece (Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Mycenae, Corinth, Epidaurus, Aegina) every other year and we take every year group out to Greek plays performed in Oxford, Cambridge, Bradfield, London and local schools.
We run A2 and GCSE Classics conferences every year and many local schools participate. We attend Classics Conferences at other schools and we have participated in the Reading Greek Competitions in Bristol with excellent results.
Classical Civilisation
Classical Civilisation is an optional subject in Year 9 and it is again offered in AS and A2. Following the OCR examination board, the pupils usually study four different modules, for example Homer's The Odyssey and Society, Greek Tragedy, Virgil's Aeneid and the World of the Heroes and Greek Art and Architecture.
Trips continue to form an important part of the curriculum. Students can participate in the trips to either Greece or Italy which take place every other year, as well as more local theatrical trips. For those who choose the Art & Architecture module, a visit is arranged to the British Museum.