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Classics

Latin and Greek are the foundation of modern European languages and the cultures of classical Rome and Greece lie at the heart of the development of modern western culture through the Renaissance and Enlightenment. Classics is therefore a part of the S1 and S2 core curriculum, at Hutchesons' after which Latin and Greek become options for study in S3 and S4.  In S5 and S6 non-linguistic courses examining the history, politics, culture and society of Ancient Greece and Rome are offered in addition to courses in Latin and Greek, exploring both the ancient world and its impact and influence over the past three millennia.  

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The study of classical languages also greatly enhances and develops pupils' understanding of English and other modern European languages. Taking pupils' enthusiasm beyond the classroom, the Classics department runs trips to classical sites both in Britain and abroad, including most recently a trip to Rome and there are regular lunchtime talks on a range of topics connected to classics.

S1 and S2

Pupils study Latin for 1 1/2 hours per week in S1 and 1 hour per week in S2.

Latin and Greek are the foundations of modern European Languages and the department aims to foster a passion for their study and for the context out of which they arose. Pupils are given the appropriate tools to appreciate Latin as an inflected language and develop confidence in the use of cases and verbs, tenses and so on. Pupils become familiar with common Latin vocabulary and its derivatives in English and to a lesser extent other Modern European Languages. 

To set classical languages and culture in their proper context, the following topics are also addressed: Daily life in Pompeii; Roman Theatrical practices; Slavery; social structures; Roman beliefs about death and burial; Entertainment - Gladiators; dinner parties,   

As well as learning the analysis of language pupils are encouraged to understand the importance of comparative and empathetic responses to different cultures; appreciation of the application of different values in different cultures; appreciation of the influence over time of one culture on another. Study of classical languages at this stage encourages not only a rich cultural understanding, but also a high degree of literacy.