Classics

We are proud to be one of the few state schools in the country to offer Classics - Latin, Classical Civilisation and Ancient Greek. Classics is part of the ethos of our school and an important element of the curriculum. We do not consider Classics to be an elitist subject and we give all pupils the opportunity to study some aspect of the subject.

In Year 7, for two terms, all pupils learn Latin (using the Minimus course).  The Year 7 Classics course also includes civilisation (Ancient Greeks and Romans), mythology (Greek and Roman) and language (the influence of Classical languages on the English language).

Pupils in Years 8 and 9 have the option of studying Latin.  The Cambridge Latin Course is used - text books and e-learning resources.  Pupils take the Unit Tests (written tests and reading tests); most pupils are successful in the three tests and receive certificates to reward their effort and achievement.
 
For GCSE we offer two Classical subjects (OCR):

• Latin - language and literature 
• Classical Civilisation - civilisation and literature topics

We also offer these two Classical subjects at Advanced Level (OCR):

• For Latin we join with Watford Grammar School for Boys.  In the next academic year (2008-2009) Year 12 Latin (language and literature) will be taught at WGGS and Year 13 Latin at WBGS.
• From September 2008 Classical Civilisation will comprise four literature topics (two at AS and two at A2).  These topics also focus on society and values and to a lesser extent on history, politics, religion, philosophy and archaeology.

Ancient Greek - pupils from Years 10-13 have the opportunity to begin learning Ancient Greek in the lunch break (Beginners' Ancient Greek).  A few pupils choose to study Ancient Greek to GCSE level.