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Inspection report 2010
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Classics
The world of Greece and Rome has been an inspiration and often a model of civilisation in the centuries since its decline. In a society that is increasingly global, the study of the classical world can help us engage with many of the themes we see replicated today. If the Romans were the imperialists of Europe, they would have been remarkably unfazed by the concept of a European Union today. The philosophers of Greece would perhaps be amused to find we still debate the ‘bigger picture’ in the manner they once did.
The Perse has a strong tradition of classical scholarship and the department today looks to inspire interest in the classical world just as Dr. W.H.D. Rouse did through his innovative approach to teaching Classics a century ago. Pupils study Latin in Years 7 and 8, engaging with the language, culture and context of Roman society. For many this spurs a deeper interest and one that we aim to further through the Middle School options.
Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation are all offered as courses of study from Year 9 to A level and a healthy cohort have opted to further their interest by moving on to study classical subjects at university in recent years. The department will always be on hand to ensure pupils are offered the best possible preparation for these courses. Sixth Form extension activities and Oxbridge seminars are offered to assist with this.
There is also an active Classical Society within the school, organising theatre trips and other visits to places of Classical interest, as well as hosting visiting speakers, particularly from the Faculty of Classics at Cambridge University. An Ancient History club is now running in Year 10, allowing pupils to further their interest in the civilisations they are studying.
Each year the department runs an overseas trip, travelling in alternate years to Greece and Italy, with Greece the destination at Easter 2012, then Italy in 2013. These visits offer pupils the chance to visit the sites they have studied and gain first-hand experience of the Mediterranean culture that originated from Classical roots.
In our approach to teaching the classical subjects, The Perse takes an active role in fresh innovative methods and we work closely with the Faculty of Education at Cambridge University, welcoming PGCE trainees annually. Our involvement in the training of new teachers allows us to work with enthusiastic individuals who offer fresh insight and provides ample opportunity to share best practice in the teaching of Classics.
Further information about each of the classical subjects can be found on the separate subject pages.
