Academic Departments

Classics

Department

  • Mr S Pitt (Head of Classics)
  • Mrs A Dordevic
  • Mrs J C Ebbrell
  • Mrs C Lygoe
  • Dr C Wilkinson
  • Mr C C Wright

"At school you are engaged not so much in acquiring knowledge as in making mental efforts under criticism. A certain amount of knowledge you can indeed with average faculties acquire so as to retain; nor need you regret the hours you spent on much that is forgotten, for the shadow of lost knowledge at least protects you from many illusions. But you go to a great school not so much for knowledge as for arts and habits; for the habit of attention, for the art of expression, for the art of assuming at a moment’s notice a new intellectual position, for the art of entering quickly into another person’s thoughts, for the habit of submitting to censure and refutation, for the art of indicating assent or dissent in graduated terms, for the habit of regarding minute points of accuracy, for the art of working out what is possible in a given time, for taste, for discrimination, for mental courage, and for mental soberness. Above all, you go to a great school for self-knowledge." William Johnson Cory, a 19th century master in Classics at Eton

Through the study of Classics pupils are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the classical influences upon the western world. They develop aesthetic appreciation through the study of the literature and art of Greece and Rome and an understanding and respect for cultures other than their own through the study of Greek and Roman societies.

All pupils, whether through Latin, Greek or Classical Civilisation, are encouraged to develop particular skills which lead to an ability to read and discuss with an open and critical mind, to analyse and interpret material (both written texts, in translation and in the original, and other types of source material) and, above all, to write critically. Those who take Latin and/or Greek develop logical and abstract thinking through the study of these highly inflected languages and their complex syntax. The study of grammar and syntax enables them to communicate more effectively in English and provides a strong foundation for the learning of other languages, especially Romance languages.

LC Programme

All girls in LC1 and LC2 take Latin. In LC3 Greek and/or Classical Civilisation may be taken up.

UC Programme

The OCR GCSE specification is followed for Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation.

SFC Programme

Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation are taught as part of the OCR A Level. Latin and Greek are also offered as IB subjects at Standard and Higher Levels.

The department offers extracurricular activities so that girls may pursue their interests in Classics beyond the classroom.

Click here for a detailed description of the syllabus