Classics
Introduction
The Classics Department's aim is to open up the classical world to curious young people. It achieves this by introducing a range of new and interesting ideas and concepts, including the Classical languages, culture, mythology, and philosophy to enable pupils to have direct access to literature and other aspects of the ancient world. Through this, pupils gain a stronger appreciation of the roots of European languages and culture and are better placed to view current issues with a greater depth of understanding.
Lower School - Key Stage 3:
- Classics is taught to all students in First and Second Years. This is an introduction to the Mythology, History, Philosophy and languages (Latin and Greek) of the ancient world.
Middle School - Key Stage 4:
GCSE Latin
Board: OCR
In the Fourth Year, pupils acquire competent language skills using Latin to GCSE by John Taylor.
In the Fifth Year, pupils continue to develop the skills learned previously and, in addition, study some extracts from Latin Literature. Writers such as Virgil, Horace, Ovid, Catullus, Pliny and Seneca are regularly included in the selections offered by the OCR specification.
Senior School – Key Stage 5
Sixth Form
Latin is well-established on the Sixth Form curriculum at Kirkham Grammar School. A Level Latin pupils go on to courses such as Classics, English, Law, Mathematics, Medicine, Modern Languages and PPE at leading universities, including Oxford.
A knowledge of Latin will help pupils to understand the grammar, vocabulary and linguistic structures which underpin much of English and many other European languages. It will also open up the whole world of classical literature and civilisation, fire imagination and deepen experience by considering a wide range of issues, such as aesthetic, ethical, linguistic, political, religious and social questions.
Latin is highly regarded by university admissions tutors; those with a qualification in Latin are known to be able to solve problems, think precisely and communicate clearly.
Classical Civilisation was introduced to the curriculum in 2023 and aims to cover a number of aspects of the ancient world, all in translation. This includes literature, theatre, art, mythology, politics, archaeology, history, and philosophy of the ancient world.
A Level Latin
Board: OCR
Pupils continue to develop the skills learned at GCSE. More emphasis is placed on the reading and analysing of literary texts at A Level, translation of both prose and verse is undertaken and there is the option to develop the skill of translation into Latin.
Pupils must have taken GCSE Latin, and it is recommended that potential candidates have achieved a grade 7 or above at GCSE.
Careers
Latin is widely recognised as a subject which offers excellent intellectual training, and those with a qualification in Latin are sought after by university admissions tutors and employers.
Latin can be combined with other languages, modern and ancient, English and non-linguistic subjects at university.
Those with qualifications in Latin can usually expect to be heading for a wide range of careers and professions such as Law, Medicine, Journalism, Teaching, Civil and Diplomatic Services, and Careers involving Modern Languages.
A Level Classical Civilisation
Board: OCR
Pupils study the great epics of Virgil and Homer, along with aspects of Culture, the Arts, Beliefs, and Ideas of ancient Greece and Rome.
There are no entry requirements for this course, but a good grade in GCSE History, RPE, English Literature or other essay-based subjects is advisable as the subject uses similar skills.
Classical Civilisation combines well with History and Politics and other arts and cultural subjects.
Pupils of Classical Civilisation finish the A level with a good appreciation for culture and the arts, as well as an ability to engage in academic debate. They are therefore well positioned to pursue university studies in Law, Philosophy, English, Politics, and a range of other Liberal Arts degrees. Beyond that, pupils will be able to apply the skills acquired from Classical Civilisation to a career in journalism, research, law, teaching, and much more. This is a well-regarded and well-rounded A level.
GCSE Classical Greek
There is a co-curricular Classical Greek Club to enable pupils to gain a wider experience of Classics. This takes place outside of the normal school timetable, and allows pupils to further hone their linguistic skills by learning a language with a non-Roman script. Pupils can prepare for the OCR GCSE in Classical Greek.