Study of Latin and Classical Greek opens an otherwise closed and dark treasure house, where we can make sense of our own literature and languages, criticise and enjoy the written word. Pupils of Classical Civilisation have a unique opportunity in the most comprehensive of all humanities, where they can investigate and criticise ancient Greek and Roman history, art, society, philosophy, architecture, literature and archaeology. The department organise trips to classical sites such as Hadrian’s Wall, Athens and Rome, allowing the curriculum to come to life for our pupils.

In January 2022, we held our first ever Classics Symposium, as part of Classics Week, which brought together more than 100 pupils studying Classical subjects from local schools where leading academics held discussions and debates. The Classics Symposium, and Classics Week, is now an annual event in the school calendar.

Teachers in the Classics Department are the most enthusiastic of subject specialists, with vast knowledge and appreciation to bring to lessons and the wider classical experience. All our teachers can teach Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation up to A Level and all have different interests in a range of Classical subjects including Greek philosophy, Latin Love Elegy, Roman comedy and staples of the subject including Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid. We run a weekly lunch-time Mythical Monsters club with activities aimed at girls in the Thirds (Year 7) and Lower Fourth (Year 8), including making their own Greek pots and putting on a Greek play.

For girls taking Classical subjects at A Level, all our teachers provide extension and enrichment opportunities on a diverse range of subjects to help students prepare for university applications. Every year, a number of students choose to continue their Classical studies at university, at a range of excellent destinations including Cambridge, Oxford, UCL and Manchester.