English & Classics

In Blocks 4 and 5 (Years 10 and 11), students can opt to take the Bedales Assessed Course (BAC) in Ancient Civilisations. As well as work done in lessons, there are visiting speakers to Bedales to enrich our appreciation of the ancient world, involvement in competitions and trips to classical sites.

Students who take the BAC can further their study in Sixth Form with the Classical Civilisation A Level, which is also open to students who have not previously studied classics but are interested in studying a new subject.

BAC 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 ancient civilisations in the Mediterranean area and beyond. Their interactions with each other, and their legacy to us, are studied through topics such as Greek Tragedy, Roman Britain, the invention of history as the Greeks confronted a rival civilisation in the Persian Wars, the development of architecture from Stone Age Britain through Egypt to Greece, the achievement of Alexander the Great, and the roles and status of women across Celtic, Egyptian, Greek and Roman societies. There is ample opportunity for students to explore topics through independent learning and practical activities. Assessment includes traditional testing, project work, and controlled assessment tasks.

Mary-Liz Houghton
Head of Department

Faculty Leads
Head of Faculty

David Anson

Heads of Department

David Anson, Head of English
Mary-Liz Houghton, Head of Classics

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