St Mary's School Calne

Classics

The Classics department is flourishing at St Mary’s and is highly valued.  All girls study Latin at KS3 and they may opt for Greek in Year 9.  A significantly large number follow them through to GCSE and A Level.  Work is supported by trips to Rome, the Bay of Naples and Greece and a trip to Sicily is envisaged in the near future.  Closer to home we encourage visits to museums, Classical sites such as The Roman Baths, Chedworth and Caerleon, and to the theatre to see performances in English and the original Greek. Recently we saw Aeneid the Musical at Wadham College, Oxford which was a resounding success. There are opportunities to take part in reading competitions, inter-school drama competitions and classical quizzes and to attend summer schools in both Latin and Greek. While studying, all girls have access to impressive library facilities and ICT provision and they are constantly encouraged by experienced staff.  For Latin we use the Cambridge Latin Course which emphasises the content of the Roman World as well as the language and for Greek we use John Taylor’s book  "Greek to GCSE". All girls are encouraged to enjoy the study of the Classical World and to achieve their full potential.

GCSE LATIN AND GREEK

We the OCR specification which includes elements of Language, Literature and Civilisation Work.  A very high standard is achieved year on year in both Latin and Greek. 

A LEVEL LATIN, GREEK AND CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

We follow the OCR specifications in Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation.  The uptake in all these subjects is very good and the girls achieve excellent results.
In recent years we have had girls who have come in the top 5 in the country in both Latin and Greek.

OXBRIDGE

We regularly have students who win places to Study Classics at Oxbridge and this year is no exception with 3 girls securing places to read Classics at Oxford University.

Mrs Elizabeth Rothwell (Head of Department)