KEY STAGE 3

Year 7 Classics

In the first half of the Autumn Term pupils study the Ancient Greeks. By looking at vase paintings they learn something about their Greek everyday life and Greek mythology. They look at the Greek alphabet and practise identifying Greek words which are used in English.

After half term the pupils begin their study of Latin using the Minimus course. Minimus provides a very good introduction to Latin. Pupils practise reading Latin aloud and translating simple Latin sentences; they enjoy completing the language worksheets.

The setting for the stories is Roman Britain; research for this topic, using the library and the internet, encourages independent learning. Pupils are keen to share their knowledge with the rest of the class in lessons while homework shows attention to detail and presentation.

Roman mythology also proves popular with the pupils. Stories are discussed and analysed (using Edward de Bono’s Six Hats Thinking); the high standard of the models, made at home, demonstrate their understanding and enjoyment of this aspect of the course.

Pupils continue their study of Latin in the Spring Term and for the first half of the Summer Term. The school examination in May tests the pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the Ancient Greeks and Romans, including questions on language, civilisation and mythology.

In the second half of the Summer Term the pupils explore the influence of Ancient Greek and Latin on the English language and the links between Classical and English words. Topics include language used in Mathematics and Astronomy, Latin phrases and Latin abbreviations.

Our Year 7 pupils enjoy investigating the achievements of the Classical world. They begin to appreciate the value, contribution and relevance to European culture today. We hope that this journey into the past helps to fire their imaginations and deepen their own experience of life.

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