Classical Civilisation

Course summary

Classical Civilisation teaching is shared with the Boys’ School; the co-educational learning experience fosters a diverse and varied range of opinions on topical issues when studying literary texts. Literature and ancient history are at the heart of the A-Level course. Students study epic poetry (Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid), philosophy and Greek art and architecture. Students will be expected to study, discuss, think about and form judgements on the works on the specification. An appetite for reading and for seminar-style exploration is welcome and we encourage lively debate. Students acquire important transferable skills such as analysing sources and developing independent, critical and evaluative approaches. There are also regular extramural activities including theatre trips, university lectures, competitions, museum trips and exposure to artefacts from the classical world.