CLASSICAL STUDIES

At this time of year, AGSB would normally be basking in the success of another epic Classics Trip to Greece or Italy, along with the many trips and exchanges run by Languages, but not so with foreign travel suspended. Instead, these quieter times make us reflect on what the privilege of teaching Year 7 Classical Studies really means.

The time ran away with us, and it was soon time to go, so we got onto our coach and set off; Deep down not wanting to leave! An enjoyable day was had by all.

H Fisher

Classical Studies lays a foundation for learning about the Romans and their language, Latin, in Year 8. So, one aim is to give boys a visual impression of what a city of Greek-style temples and statues would look like, or be like to live in. But it also tries to explain why the Renaissance thinkers, and then the Victorians, were so enamoured of the Greeks and Romans, and ultimately why Manchester and London look the way they do.

Therefore, it is so special to learn about the Battle of Marathon, which successfully defended the first democracy against a backlash from a monarchical superstate, while the Trump vs Biden election played out on the news. Or to learn about the Olympics, in the same weeks as our PE Department begins to carefully tutor Year 7 in how to throw a discus or a spear.

In a more practical sense, highly technical subjects at A Level and University, such as Medicine and Engineering, will demand the memorisation of vast lists of highly technical vocabulary and terminology; much of this is constructed from relatively simple Latin building-blocks.

We offer a choice of languages, seriously academic and intellectual eye-candy for the University admissions tutors; the kind of stuff you cannot do in most schools, and part of why we deserve to be called a Grammar School. The choice of a personalised path, with Latin perhaps the most individually motivated choice of all, might be just what sets our students apart from the intense competition for places at university.

P Ellis