Classical Civilisation

Abeunt Studia in Mores                                  From study, character grows

Latin and the Classics thrive at Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School.

The study of Latin and the ancient world is of great benefit in enabling pupils to gain a deep understanding of the Roman and Greek civilisations and, consequently, of their own. It provides an opportunity to appreciate a culture remote in time and space, contributing to the school’s aim to create intellectually curious and creative citizens. More than this, Latin also helps pupils to improve literacy by enabling them to increase English vocabulary and to understand the roots of English and modern European languages.

In Years 7-9, all pupils have the opportunity to study Latin. In Year 7 they are introduced to the concept of inflected language and to aspects of life in the Ancient World through the course book Suburani; Years 8 & 9 develop this firm base to explore a variety of tenses and cases and more complex syntax so that students are fully prepared for the GCSE course. As Latin is not part of the National Curriculum in KS3 the department follows its own assessment framework which aims to cover the rich and multi-faceted nature of the discipline – so that students will see Latin not just as a language, but also as a means to fully understand themselves and their society’s place in the nexus of western civilisation. At the end of Year 9, students have the option to choose to carry on reading Latin as their GCSE Language.

In Years 10-11, the GCSE culminates in reading original prose and verse from various Roman authors. Assessment takes the form of Language, Literature and Civilisation papers. Students will respond critically to literature, consider their value as sources for the past, and make comparisons with the modern world, as well as being able to translate and comprehend passages of extended confected Latin. They also explore a cultural topic in preparation for a paper on Roman Life. For GCSE, we use the Eduqas/WJEC exam board. Students take 3 papers: 50%: Language; 30%: Literature; 20%: Civilisation.

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

In KS4, students are also able to opt to read Classical Civilisation for GCSE. This subject offers students to opportunity to study the ancient literature, history and culture of Greece and Rome in translation. Current topics include Myth & Religion and War & Warfare. Students are able to opt to carry on reading both Latin and Classical Civilisation at A-Level.

Key Stage 5

A-Level Classical Civilisation studies the roots of Western society in Greek and Roman culture and literature (in translation). Emphasis is placed on the value of the primary evidence as a means of exploring the ancient world. Students currently study the units: The World of the Hero, Greek Theatre and Love & Relationships through the OCR exam board.

Classical Civilisation acts as a perfect springboard for university study of either Classics itself or of similar degrees, such as History or Law, or for anyone interested in exploring the roots of western civilisation and culture.

Extra-curricular opportunities enable students to begin Ancient Greek, as well as to explore the ancient world outside the constraints of the curriculum through the KS3 Classics Club and Classics Society for the upper school. We run Classics trips to the Rome, Sicily, Greece and within Britain as established aspects of the department’s co-curricular activities.

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

Key Stage 5