Classics at Eltham College

Overview

Year 7

All pupils commence Latin in Year 7, following the popular Cambridge Latin Course which provides an excellent insight into the classical world.  A modern approach to teaching Latin is used, involving an extended use of ICT.    The focus of the course is Roman life in Pompeii before the eruption of Vesuvius.

Year 8

In Year 8 pupils opting to continue the course focus on Roman Britain and Alexandria.  As part of the study of life in Roman Egypt pupils visit the British Museum and take part in an Ancient Egyptian Treasure Hunt.  Here are some photos of the 2010 trip.

Year 9

In Year 9 as part of the study of Roman Britain pupils visit Aquae Sulis (Bath) and spend a study day at the Roman Baths and town. Here are some photos of the 2010 trip.

Years 10 and 11

Final choices for GCSE are made for Year 10 and a significant number of pupils follow the course through to Year 11, where the majority achieve A* and A grades.  The WJEC  syllabus is followed and there is no coursework.

WJECSyllabus
Vocab list and tester
Set Texts 1
Set Texts 2
Roman Civilisation: Resources
Roman Civilisation: Further Reading  

A level

At Latin AS and A level students follow the OCR syllabus, in which the majority of our pupils achieve A or B grades.  There is a strong tradition of pupils reading Classics at Oxbridge and other universities.  Pupils intending to read Classics at university have the opportunity to begin Greek and attend a residential Greek course in the summer.

AS & A Level Syllabus (large file)
AS Vocab List

Latin extra-curricular activities

Beyond examinations, the Department arranges visits for pupils to sites of classical interest (e.g. Bath and the British Museum) as well as to classical conferences, courses and plays.

There is also a Junior Classics Club, which meets to engage in activities such as sampling Roman food, learning ancient Greek and playing computer role-play games.