Classics
Why study Classics in the 21st century?
Classics provides a solid foundation for all other academic subjects offered at Solihull School, as it trains you in logical thinking, develops your analytical skills, and teaches you about the origins of history, geography, languages, drama, engineering, politics, law, philosophy and economics! All that in one subject!
The department is run by Miss J Guy, who is ably assisted by Mr P Tandler. Latin is taught throughout the school, and is compulsory in Year 7, becoming an option subject in Year 8 through to A Level. Classical Civilisation is also offered at A Level in the Sixth Form and at GCSE in the Middle School, as an extra-curricular class Ancient Greek is also offered, again , as an extra-curricular class, open to those students who relish a challenge!
Latin is taught using the Cambridge Latin Course. There is no longer just a textbook, but also an interactive website and DVD! These resources are used regularly throughout years 7, 8 and 9. Those studying Latin are also introduced to a real live Gladiator in year 7; taken on a tour around Chester by a centurion and explore the Roman Baths in Bath. At GCSE the work is divided into three elements: Language (Translation and Comprehension), Verse Literature and Prose Literature.. At A Level, these four elements continue, but pupils are able to explore texts in much greater depth and to develop their literary criticism skills. A variety of different genres is studied, through translation, discussion and essay writing. Ancient texts are brought to life and universal themes, such as love, loss, death and heroism, are explored.
A Level Classical Civilisation does not require any prior knowledge, so pupils do not need to have a GCSE in either Latin or Classical Civilisation. The course is made up of four modules, with two forming the AS level. The modules studied include Archaeology: Mycenae and the Classical World, Greek Tragedy in its context, Art and Architecture in the Greek World, and Virgil and the world of the hero.
It isn’t all academic work in the Classics Department though! There is also the popular Classics Society – one of the busiest Societies in the school, with a regular programme of trips and socials. The Society runs several day trips throughout the year, to special exhibitions at The British Museum, to the legionary fortress town of Chester, and to the luxury of Roman Bath, amongst many other places!
There are regular residential trips to places such as Hadrian’s Wall. On these trips, the creation and function of Roman sites is analysed and archaeological surveying skills are developed.
But we don’t just explore Britain! Recently, we have ventured into Greece and Tunisia, and there are tours of Rome, Pompeii and Herculaneum planned.
Classics at Solihull School is a vibrant and exciting subject, which offers an incredible range of opportunities to those pupils interested in not only the Ancient World, but also the world around them today!