Classics

The Classics Department at Wycombe Abbey is very strong and currently consists of five full-time teachers. It is fully committed to bringing Classics to life through inspirational lessons as well as a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

We aim to encourage in all girls an awareness of the influence of classical languages and literature on our own civilisation, an understanding of the customs and historical significance of Greek and Roman civilisations and a sensitive and analytical approach to language generally. We particularly emphasise the connections between the classical languages and the Romance languages descended from them. We believe that Classical antiquity as a whole continues to provide a valuable framework of reference and is an important European dimension to studies in an English school.

In Year 7 (UIII), pupils are taught in mixed ability forms and are introduced to the Latin language and Roman civilization topics through Book 1 of the Cambridge Latin Course. From Year 8 (LIV) onwards, the girls continue their Latin studies in sets according ability using So you really want to learn Latin, and learn Greek through John Taylor's course Greek to GCSE. At A-Level, Latin and Greek follow the OCR specifications, while Classical Civilisation follows the AQA specification.

The Classics Department is well resourced: all classrooms are equipped with digital projectors, computers, videos, DVD players, and in most cases electronic whiteboards.

The Classics Department offers pupils the chance to develop their enthusiasm and broaden their understanding of the Classical World through a number of extra-curricular activities. Visits to Classical sites abroad are organised every two years, and there are regular theatre trips to watch Classical plays in London and Oxford. The School also has an active Classical Society which puts on a series of lectures, activities, film nights and dinners. This year's speakers have included Professor Tim Cornell (University of Manchester), speaking on Roman republican propaganda, Professor Matthew Leigh (St. Anne's College, Oxford), speaking on Ovid' Metamorphoses VIII and Dr. Emily Pillinger (University of Bristol) speaking on Catullus' poetry.