Classics
“For the mind does not require filling like a bottle, but rather, like wood, it only requires kindling to create in it an impulse to think independently and an ardent desire for the truth.” Plutarch, On Listening to Lectures
Students at Kendrick are offered the unique and invaluable opportunity to study Latin alongside other Modern Foreign Languages. Latin is taught at all Key Stages. It is compulsory in Years 8 and 9, after which it is an option at Key Stages 4 and 5. In addition to Latin, Classical Civilisation is studied at A Level.
At Kendrick, Latin is taught using a reading approach, using the Cambridge Latin Course books. Students encounter vocabulary and grammar in context and approach Latin learning through engaging stories following Caecilius and his family in Pompeii before journeying through Roman Britain and Egypt. We aim to provide students with an engaging curriculum that not only teaches the Latin language but also the vital social, cultural and historical context which was so influential on modern British society.
Latin assists in logical and critical thinking, complementing the other languages studied at Kendrick. It adds depth to students’ knowledge of English, the way that language is used in general, and the ways in which ideas may be communicated effectively. The Classics curriculum seeks to make connections for students across the whole curriculum and enables students to have a deeper understanding across their whole curriculum, including Science, Mathematics, History and Religious Studies.
What is studied at KS3?
In Years 8 and 9, students use the Cambridge Latin Course (Books 1 and 2). These books introduce key grammar concepts alongside a wealth of historical background, giving students a taste not only of the Latin language, but Ancient Roman history and culture. In addition to acquiring a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary, students are able to learn about and research topics such as Roman theatre, gladiators, Roman Britain and Roman Egypt, and ancient Greek and Roman mythology. Students will acquire grammar and vocabulary knowledge through reading and comprehension of Latin stories in the iconic Cambridge Latin Course books.
What is studied at KS4?
Students build on their Latin learning from KS3 by developing their depth of understanding of Latin grammar and syntax in Year 10. Students continue their study of the Cambridge Latin Course with books 3 and 4 in Year 10, promoting grammar and vocabulary acquisition through reading and comprehension of Latin stories. In Year 11, students transition to Essential GCSE Latin to further cement grammar knowledge and to develop translation skills in line with the GCSE exams. For their GCSE examinations, students will study one verse set text which provides a great opportunity to develop analytical skills alongside subjects such as English Literature. In addition, students will complete a module on Literature and Culture in the Roman world as we aim to give pupils a holistic education about the Roman world. In the past, topics have included: Roman Britain, Leisure and Entertainment and Myth and Belief.
What is studied at KS5?
A Level Latin looks to build on the solid foundations of GCSE to develop a student’s ability to translate and interpret real Latin texts. The detailed specification allows students to discover the complexities of Latin texts and develop skills of logical and deductive thought in their translations. At A-Level, students will study a wide range of set texts; two verses and two pieces of prose. Students analyse these set texts extensively for content, style, and meaning, taking into account their literary and historical background, and using skills that are also applicable to English Literature. These skills honed in A Level Latin will arm students abundantly for university and the working world, developing pupils into independent and analytical thinkers.
A Level Classical Civilisation
This course is multidisciplinary and provides students with a good range of skills required for university study. Students will study a mix of Greek and Roman texts and encounter aspects Graeco-Roman history and culture which have played such a foundational role in many modern societies. The course is studied and assessed entirely in English, so students do not require a knowledge of Ancient Languages such as Latin or Ancient Greek. For the A Level: We will study both Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid, two of the foundational works of Western literature. We will read these together and examine prevalent themes, points of interest and points of comparison between the two texts. In addition to this, we will study the Greek theatre module, where we will be analysing the role of Greek theatre in Athenian society and study three of the most famous Greek plays: Oedipus Rex, the Bacchae and the Frogs. Our final module will be on the Politics of the Late Roman Republic. We will study a lot of the characters that played a major role in this period and assess their impact on the eventual collapse of the Republic, where our study ends.
Staff
Mr J Duncan - Subject Leader