At Eltham College, we aim to provide all students with a basic education in Latin and Classics, whether they choose to continue with the subject to GCSE and beyond or not. By studying Latin, students learn about how languages develop, exploring relationships between this ancient language and many modern languages. We also study the history of the Classical world through ancient literature, art and archaeology
Latin
GCSE
Students who choose to student Latin for GCSE will be following the Eduqas board through Years 10 and 11. The syllabus aims to consolidate and build upon the vocabulary and grammar studied in Years 7-9, as well as introducing new grammatical constructions and syntax.
In Year 10 the focus will be not only on language but also on Latin literature within its historical context. In Y11 students also study a Roman Civilisation topic. The course follows the de Romanis Book 2 which students will be familiar with from Year 9. The book introduces new constructions and vocabulary at a gentle pace, along with relevant cultural aspects and historical detail.
This lays the foundation for the literature texts and the Roman Civilisation paper which form a significant part of the GCSE. Students will study a combination of verse and prose authors, exploring short stories in the original. Popular authors include Virgil, Ovid, Martial and Cicero. We will read these texts together, exploring the historical and cultural background of the authors, and discussing key literary styles and rhetorical techniques.
Students will then learn to develop their own personal responses to these ancient works. Students will also study an aspect of the Roman Civilisation like Roman family life or The city of Rome which further strengthens their knowledge of the ancient world of Rome. The Latin GCSE offers a broad and exciting exploration into the history, culture and literature of Ancient Rome.
Reading poetry written over 2,000 years ago and learning about the lives of these great ancient authors allows students to understand the importance of language and literature in a historical context and to observe the development of literary styles and genres over time. Beyond the course, there will also be educational trips to local museums and exhibitions, as well as a residential trip to Italy or Greece.
Overview
Curriculum
All students start Latin as a compulsory subject with the option to continue at the end of Years 7, 9 and 11. Lessons are varied; from basic grammar and vocabulary, to discussions about Vesuvius, Roman Britain and The Trojan War.
Year 7
Students are introduced to Latin sentence structure and basic grammar. The stories are set in Pompeii before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD.
Year 8
Students continue with Latin grammar and vocabulary, alongside developing an understanding of Roman Britain and Celtic religion.
Year 9
Students who opt to continue with Latin develop their grammar and vocabulary with more complex translations and comprehensions. We also begin to discuss The Trojan War and classical mythology.
GCSE
At GCSE, we follow the OCR curriculum alongside John Taylor’s new ‘Latin to GCSE’ course. Students are examined on language (translation and comprehension) and literature (a variety of prose and verse authors).
Trips, Activities and Clubs
The Classics Department recognises the importance of seeing Classics ‘in action’, whether that be by visiting museums and galleries to discuss and handle ancient artefacts or taking trips to ancient sites such as Bath, Hadrian’s Wall, Rome and Pompeii.
Recent and future trips include:
- The National Gallery and Museum of London with Year 7
- The Roman Galleries at the British Museum with Year 8
- Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda with Year 8
- Cambridge Greek Play with Years 11 and 12
- Rome and Pompeii with Years 10 and 11
- The Cambridge Classics Faculty with Years 10, 11 and 12
We also offer Ancient Greek for Beginners as an optional club.
Staff
- Dr E Michalopoulou BA, MA, PhD (Head of Classics)
- Mr J Barnes MA
- Ms M Cogni
