Curriculum

Classics

Our vibrant department makes Latin fun and accessible to all. Every Year 7 and 8 student takes the subject and we hope that they will acquire not only a mastery of the language, but also a love for learning, as well as numerous other transferable skills. High quality, creative and dynamic teaching from committed and imaginative subject experts encourages students to develop their confidence and their own sense of self-worth which will help them in all areas of their future lives. The academically rigorous nature of the discipline ensures that all students are sufficiently stretched and challenged.

There is a journey of excitement, discovery and connection for every Tiffin boy when he starts Latin in Year 7. As Latin is the root of English and many other languages, it provides a vital key to understanding and learning these; and its clear, systematic grammar is an enthralling intellectual challenge that sharpens the mind and provides a framework for understanding grammar generally.

The study of Classical subjects is by no means confined to the classroom or defined simply by the syllabus. Thanks to our dedicated staff, our  pupils have opportunities to visit ancient world sites of classical interest, such as Rome, Pompeii and Herculaneum, Greece, and Sicily. These trips usually take place on at least an annual basis and are open to students across the School. Additionally, there are opportunities to visit UK sites, such as Bath and Fishbourne Roman Palace, museums, theatre productions, and lecture days. The Department offers extensive assistance outside of lesson time for enrichment and development.

KS3

Students learn to think flexibly and develop problem-solving skills as they master a different grammar and vocabulary. The curriculum is heavily weighted towards language acquisition and is structured in a systematic way to ensure students are prepared for the rigours of GCSE language work by Year 10. We want students to develop technical dexterity with the mechanics of the language. However, the soul, interest and world behind the language are also of great importance to us. At Key Stage 3 language work is balanced with a wide ranging paralinguistic programme which introduces students to all aspects of life in antiquity.

KS4

At Key Stage 4, the courses extend to reading original literature which involves study of the wider social and historical contexts. Our students do not only have the opportunity to take Latin at GCSE and A level; we have a consistent number of students pursuing and excelling in Classical Greek, further developing their linguistic and literary skills. Between one quarter and a third of the year take Latin GCSE. There is always one group who take GCSE Greek from scratch. Numbers at A level are consistently strong and we have one of the best take-ups for Greek anywhere.

Extra-curricular

Our extra-curricular provision is very strong.  Our students across the Key stages enjoy residential trips to destinations such as Pompeii, Rome and Provence, as well as day trips to classical sites such as Bath and Hadrian’s Wall.  This is in addition to a regular programme of theatre trips, museum visits, lectures and conferences.