Classical Civilisation

Few of us leave primary school without marvelling at the exploits of Jason and his Argonauts or cringing as the Cyclops’ eye is stabbed by Odysseus’ red-hot stake. Classical Civilsation is the ever-popular study of these heroes and of the society which created and venerated them. That it is an era of timeless interest is constantly reinforced by the TV broadcast hours devoted to it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We begin our voyage in Year 6, using Odysseus’ journey home as the backbone. After a taste of Latin, non-linguists pick up the story again in Year 9 with the foundation of Rome and a romp through some of its more notorious characters, pausing to empathise with Hannibal’s chilly elephants and the army’s sweaty legionaries. By Year 10, the addicts are on the GCSE course with Spartans, comedians, drunken gods and talking rivers. Coursework is often completed on the Classics trip to Greece or Italy, getting 20% of the marks while on holiday. A level is always popular, as it combines history, literature, sociology and archaeology; an excellent preparation for a wide range of university courses.