Classics is...
Exploring the past with curiosity.
Enjoying reading fascinating facts, stories, and myths.
Developing emotional intelligence and a moral compass.
Reading ancient voices and appreciating a range of values and perspectives.
Expanding your horizons and building a broad knowledge.
Our Results
Over the past 5 years, 96% of pupils have achieved Grade A in National 5 Latin.
Our class average for the National 5 Latin exam 2025 was 88%, with 30% of our pupils achieving 95% or higher.
97% of pupils have achieved Grade A in Higher Latin over the last 5 years.
In 2025, two thirds of our Advanced Higher candidates achieved an outstanding 97% in the translation paper.
In National 5 Classical Studies, 87% of our pupils have achieved Grade A since 2020.
74% was the average score our pupils achieved in the 2025 Higher Classical Studies exam.
67% of our candidates have achieved Grade A in Higher Classical Studies since 2020.
Over the past 5 years, 100% of pupils sitting AH Classical Studies have attained Grades A-C, with 60% achieving an A.
Which subjects and levels do we offer?
National 5
Latin
Pupils will develop their understanding of Latin grammar and vocabulary as they translate stories about life across the Roman Empire. Through the study of Latin literature, such as the poetry of Catullus and writings of Pliny, pupils will identify and appreciate literary techniques and build their awareness of Roman civilisation.
Classical Studies
This course provides pupils with a fascinating insight into a wide range of aspects of life in the ancient world. From the creation of Athenian democracy to entertainment in the Roman world, pupils will develop an understanding of the continued relevance of the Ancient World. They will also encounter classical literature, analysing the key themes and comparing these to modern ideologies.
Higher Latin
Higher Latin is an academic course that develops pupils’ translation skills and their ability to understand, analyse, and evaluate Latin language and literature. By studying the legal writings of Cicero and Virgil’s epic poetry, pupils will further build their knowledge of literary techniques and gain a further insight into Roman culture. We place a focus on developing language proficiency and literary appreciation, preparing students for further studies in Latin or related fields.
In Higher Classical Studies, pupils explore Power and Freedom in the Athens; examining political structures, empire, gender and slavery. On the Roman side, they investigate the practices of Roman religion and philosophy. Pupils develop their critical thinking skills, ability to analyse complex ideas, draw comparisons to the modern world, and synthesize their ideas into cohesive arguments
Advanced Higher Classical Studies
Latin
The Advanced Higher Latin course encourages pupils to use their excellent grasp of the language to tackle unseen translations of passages from a range of Roman authors. For literary appreciation, pupils will study the genre of elegy, reading love poetry from authors such as Ovid, Propertius and Catullus. They will develop a keen eye for identifying literary devices as they examine how these authors use the language to cleverly express a wide range of themes and emotions. Pupils will also undertake an independent research project where they will explore their chosen topic in depth, supported by evidence from Latin texts.
Classical Studies
In Advanced Higher Classical Studies, pupils have the opportunity to explore the world of heroes through texts such as the Iliad, Odyssey and Aeneid. They will examine the political, moral, religious and cultural values of Greek and Roman society. They will evaluate the lasting impact of these values on society. Pupils will also carry out an independent research project on a chosen aspect of the ancient world, drawing together their information and evaluation into wellstructured arguments.
Where are they now...
Pupils
who have taken Advanced Higher Latin or Classical Studies in recent years are now studying a wide variety of courses at top universities. They have shared how their studies of Latin and the Ancient World have benefitted them.
Konstantin University of Mannheim Law and Economics
Throughout my time in Dollar I got asked plenty of times: “why do you learn Latin – no one speaks it anymore”. And although they aren’t wrong, this idea falls short of the reasons we should study Latin. Many of us never use any algebra after they have left school, but no one doubts the existence of mathematics as a subject –because of the skills it teaches us. In a similar way, Latin has taught me skills that remain indispensable to my current studies. Understanding the details of a language stands as the quintessence of legal work. To look beyond what is right in front of you, to develop methods, to read patterns – these are the lifelong skills, which I have learned through my studies of Latin and working with the amazing teachers of the Classics Department.
Rosie University of St Andrews English and Business Management
Through the study of Classical society and literature I gained skills which are now essential for my university studies; such as essay-writing technique and understanding how to conduct research. I developed my analytical skills and learned to interpret texts quickly, which has been important for keeping up with the pace of the university workload. Furthermore, my familiarity with Classical texts and themes has increased my familiarity with much of the literature that we focus on at University, as there are so many links between these and modern works. Whilst improving my key skills such as writing, structure and analysis; Classics was genuinely a fascinating subject, and I found myself retaining the information naturally because it was enjoyable. I'd recommend studying Classics if you’d like to improve your critical thinking whilst also learning intriguing content.
Inaya
University of St Andrews
International Relations and English
Getting to study Latin at Higher and AH brought me a host of experiences unlike any others I had at school. Even despite "crashing" the subject in Form V, I never once felt out of my depth; there is indeed something to be beheld in just how close-knit and intensely supportive the department is. A class of 4 at AH, Latin, to us, was always just as entertaining as it was academic. Now, in my current studies at university, I find myself growing more and more aware and appreciative of just how acutely and widely studying Latin has honed my academic skills. Translation, in its almost mathematical nature, has sharpened my critical reading and analytical skills, as well as helping me infinitely with the exacting nature of modern languages at university. The literary appreciation portion, too, has afforded me a greater understanding of the influence of historical contexts upon literature. On the whole, Latin has armed me not only with a deep appreciation for the subject itself, but with a lasting set of academic tools and a confidence in my abilities that I feel very lucky to carry with me into every area of my studies.
Fraya
University of Edinburgh
Archaeology
I really enjoyed studying Classical Studies and Latin at Dollar and took both subjects to Advanced Higher Level. This has prepared me well for university by providing me with knowledge and skills which I have found to be fundamental. The usefulness of these subjects is clear to me. Plus, the classes were always interesting and fun, and the smaller size made it easier to interact with our teachers. There was a sense of community and I made lots of fond memories.
Can I crash Higher or Advanced Higher Classical
Studies?
Yes - at Higher and Advanced Higher level, although the courses build upon pupils’ existing skills, the content introduced is new to all pupils. This means that we have had pupils successfully take these as a crash subject each year. We would recommend these subjects to pupils who have taken other social sciences or English as there is an overlap in question styles and skills.
Can
I crash Higher
Latin?
As Latin is a language, pupils carry forward their grammar and translation skills each year. This makes Latin difficult to crash as pupils have to catch up on the language covered at National 5 level. However, pupils who speak Italian have had success in crashing this subject as it the construction of the language is very similar.
Do I have to take both subjects?
No - Latin and Classical Studies have many links and pupils with a keen interest in the ancient world may choose to study both. However, the content of these subjects is completely separate and so pupils will not disadvantaged by only studying one of these subjects.
What is the impact of smaller class sizes in these subjects?
Pupils in the Classics Department often benefit from our smaller cohorts. In teaching these smaller classes we get to know our pupils very well. This allows us to identify their strengths and areas for development and means that we can dedicate more time to supporting each of our pupils.
