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Classics

Year 9 (Block 3)

Latin

The aim is to consolidate the work students have done at their previous schools and further develop their understanding of Latin so that they are well placed to continue it to GCSE if they choose to do so. Formal training in grammar and exercises to develop fluency in reading Latin are supplemented by the use of audio-visual and ICT resources. Latin's influence on English and other European languages is stressed throughout the course. As well as the Latin language the course explores many aspects of Roman and Greek civilisation, including mythology, entertainment, art and history.

'Gratin'

Latin with Classical Greek, aka Gratin, is offered to the brightest Block 3 Latinists and provides students with an opportunity to learn Classical Greek in parallel with their study of Latin.  Students will cover exactly the same course as Block 3 Latin as well as beginning to learn about the language and culture of Classical Greece.

The study of Gratin assumes no prior knowledge of Greek and all students are taught the same course, irrespective of their experience.

Classical Greek

Classical Greek is available outside the timetable either purely for fun or to lead to public examinations, and a small number of students in recent years has taken GCSE, AS and A2 levels with great success.

Classical Civilisation

Classical Civilisation is part of a carousel with PRE and Drama. Many students have previous knowledge of Greek mythology, and the course builds on this through the study of the poems of Homer. Historical figures such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, and topics such as Roman Britain and Athenian democracy, are studied to demonstrate how Greek and Roman culture still exercise a powerful influence through language, politics, philosophy, architecture and the visual arts.

Years 10 & 11 (Blocks 4 & 5)

Ancient Civilisations

Ancient civilisations are the foundation of modern ones, and their relevance can be found everywhere. This Bedales Assessed Course introduces students to the history, literature, art and societies of several of the ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean. Their interactions with each other, and their legacy to us, are studied through topics such as the invention of history as Greeks confronted a rival civilisation in the Persian Wars, the development of architecture from Stone Age Britain through Egypt to Greece, and the dawn of drama in the fifth century BC.

There is ample opportunity for students to explore topics through independent learning and practical activities. Assessment includes traditional testing, project work, and presentations to an audience.

Classical Greek

This is an exciting opportunity for all students, as it offers those who have already had some success in Latin to broaden their knowledge and understanding of Classical languages, while providing a first chance to study a Classical language to those students who did not come to Bedales with Latin. 

The OCR GCSE specification allows candidates the opportunity to study elements of the language, literature and culture of the classical Greek world.  It assesses candidates’ linguistic knowledge, their understanding and appreciation of literature in the original language, and their analysis, evaluation and response to evidence of Greek civilisation.

Examining Board: OCR

Latin GCSE

The aim of the optional Latin GCSE course is to give students an understanding of the civilisation, literature and language which have profoundly influenced many modern societies. Students will become competent in the Latin language and read a selection of original prose and verse literature in Latin.

Examining Board: Latin OCR 1942

Sixth Form

For both AS and A2, one literary and one historical/ archaeological module will be studied, chosen to provide an equal balance between text-based and more artefact-based studies. In 2010-2011 these will be Archaeology: Mycenae and the Classical World and Greek Tragedy in its Context.

A Level Classics offers a good foundation for Classical Studies and Ancient History at university. Students will ideally have attained at least B in GCSE (or equivalent) English Literature, History or Classical Civilisation.

In common with other A Levels classical subjects will comprise two modules at AS and two at A2. All modules will be assessed by examination: there is no assessed coursework.

The department organises a Junior and Senior Classics trip on a rolling two year cycle, as well as other ad hoc visits to Rome during long weekends; we also make trips to play performances, lectures, exhibitions and museums with all Sixth Form Classicists during the course of the year.

Latin

The A Level course is based on the study of Roman authors in the original Latin. In the second year of the course, students read a more general selection of Latin literature to consolidate grammar, broaden vocabulary and prepare for the unseen translation and comprehension papers.

Examining Board: OCR

Classical Greek

Ancient Greek is a sophisticated, expressive and beautiful language. It is not a timetabled subject but the Department is highly flexible and makes arrangements to meet the requirements of individuals: recent sixth form students have taken GCSE, AS and A2 after two or three years’ study with excellent results. This option has been pursued with great success by students of Latin who have gone on to read Classics at university. The AS and A2 syllabuses are identical to Latin in structure. Enthusiastic linguists are welcome to take up Greek in the sixth form for fun as an activity, and to pursue it to whatever level they wish.

Examining Board: OCR

Classical Civilisation

Classical Civilisation allows students to experience the legacy of Greece and Rome without the need to learn Latin and Greek. It can be studied on its own but it complements other subjects involving the study of literature, history and art.

Examining Board: OCR

Head of Department: Mike Lambert

Download a guide to the Sixth Form Curriculum

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