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| A mosaic design using ceramic tiles - yr. 7 |
Classics plays an important role in the education of pupils at Winchester House and in their preparation for senior school and beyond. It provides so much more than a working knowledge of the languages of the Romans and the Greeks. It gives pupils an understanding of ancient civilisations and an insight into the influence those civilisations have brought to bear throughout the western world right up to the present day.
Classics promotes literacy, providing a sound basis for the understanding of syntax, and helping to reinforce the teaching of grammar in English as well as in other modern languages. In addition, it shares common ground with Humanities, providing the historical and geographical backdrop to those particular civilisations. Most importantly, though, it opens up a mysterious world of wonder and fantasy surrounding the exploits of the many heroes and heroines of the Greek myths.
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| The channels in the floor show the underfloor heating system at Chedworth Villa |
The Classics Department is committed to making the teaching of Latin and Greek accessible to pupils of differing abilities and is able to adapt its teaching style to suit a diverse range of pupils.
Pupils begin learning Latin in Year 5. From the outset they learn to analyse sentence structure, translating into and out of Latin. They are also introduced to the Greek myths and aspects of Roman Civilisation. Pupils are tested weekly and sit an examination at the end of the summer term. At the end of Year 8, the majority of pupils sit the Common Entrance examination at 13+, with some sitting Scholarship papers.
Greek is introduced in Year 7 with a view to pupils sitting a scholarship or equivalent paper at the end of Year 8.
ICT
The use of information technology in the teaching of Classics has been made possible by the availability of computers in the ICT suite, as well as 20 laptops which can be brought into the classroom and, most recently, by the installation of projectors and interactive whiteboards in two of the Classics classrooms. Pupils are able to use ICT in the classroom to research information relating to Greek and Roman civilization. They are also able to to access certain programmes which help to develop their understanding of grammar and provide a kinesthetic approach to learning.
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| The acrostic on display at Corinium Museum which bears a secret message, probably intended for early Christians. Photo taken by Simon Burns Yr.7 |
Visits
Pupils will have an opportunity to visit Roman sites. In year 6 we visit Chedworth Roman villa near Cirencester and in year 7 pupils spend a day at the Corinium Museum in Cirencester. These visits give our pupils a wonderful insight into what it was like to live in Roman Britain.
