Putney High School
Classics
ipsa scientia potestas est." Knowledge itself is power. Bacon
Classics lies at the heart of Western European civilisation: politics, philosophy, drama, art, architecture, law, science and mathematics all have their origins in the society of Greece and Rome, and we believe that understanding our past is key to interpreting the present. Learning Latin, moreover, develops linguistic skills and clarity of thought in a way that no other language can, besides opening up a world of wonderful literature.
All girls study Greek Mythology in Year 7 as an introduction to the Classical world. They begin CLC Latin in Year 8, a reading course that quickly initiates them into the basic language skills while providing background material based on life in Pompeii just before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. This course continues in Year 9, with an introduction to life in Roman Britain and in Alexandria.
GCSE
GCSE courses in both Latin and Classical Civilisation are offered, and approximately half the year group take one or the other. Examination results in both are excellent.
OCR Website - GCSE Classical Civilisation
A Level
Small groups of intrepid students continue Latin to A level, wherein detailed study of the poetry of Vergil forms an essential part of the syllabus. A level Classical Civilisation is a popular option, offering Greek tragedy and epic in translation, and the study of Greek art and architecture.
OCR Website - GCE Classical CivilisationOCR Website - GCE Latin
Trips
Trips to Fishbourne, Bath and the British Museum feature at various points in the courses offered and theatre trips to Greek plays when available. We regularly send committed students to the Summer Course in Ancient Greek at Bryanston School, often assisted by grants from the G.D.S.T Pearson Silver Bequest Fund. Such students generally go on to study Classics at Oxford or Cambridge.
