Classics is a popular and highly regarded subject at KES. Latin is offered at GCSE and AS/A2, Classical Civilisation at AS/A2 and Ancient Greek at GCSE.  The department aims to give students an appreciation of all aspects of the classical world, the dialogue that exists between modern literature and the writings of the classical period as well as providing an insight into the dependence of many institutions in modern western society on models from the ancient world.

Years 7, 8 & 9 

All students take Latin in the first two years, using the Cambridge Latin Course.  The course is designed to promote not only a sound linguistic grounding but also an introduction to the history and culture of the ancient world.  At the end of Year 8 pupils opt to continue and around half the year do so.   

Years 10 & 11

	Board	GCSE
Latin	OCR	1942

On average 15 – 20 students opt to continue with Latin.  The broad course not only continues to work on the pupils’ linguistic skills and appreciation of the culture but also introduces them to a range of literature through prose and poetry selections. The exam is divided into two sections: a linguistic section which tests the student’s ability to read Latin through a comprehension and unseen passages to be translated; the other part is literary and is based on the set texts which they have read over the course of the two years. Both elements of the course are challenging but students find them hugely rewarding and gain a particular feeling of satisfaction from reading the works as a Roman would have.

	Board	GCSE
Greek	OCR	1941

Pupils can also choose to start Greek in Year 10.  Groups tend to be small but committed and the course is taught in lunchtimes with the GCSE being taken at the end of the lower sixth.  The course provides a challenge relished by the most academic pupils in the school and aims to provide a sound linguistic foundation as well as an opportunity to read selections of the ancient literature in the original.

Year 12

	Board	AS	A2
Latin	OCR	3818	7818

Latin is a popular option for AS/A2 with set sizes of 6-8.  This stimulating course covers both language and literature.  Four set texts from the genres of epic, oratory, history and verse are studied in detail over the two years.

	Board	AS	A2
Classical Civilisation	OCR	3816	7816

Classical Civilisation can also be studied in the sixth form.  The subject is growing in popularity in both schools and universities.  The course involves the study of Greek and Roman culture and literature in translation; no prior knowledge of the subject or the ancient languages is required but you will need an interest in art and literature.

Enriched curriculum

To complement the courses, trips are run at all levels of the school.  There are trips for Years 7-9 to Chedworth, Caerleon and the Roman Baths.  Annually, there is a Middle School trip to Rome and the Bay of Naples and there are plans for a Sixth Form visit to other sites of classical interest such as Greece or Turkey. Pupils take part in national competitions.

Useful links for students

The Latin Library

The Cambridge Latin Course Online

The Classics Pages 

The OCR Homepage