Classics

The Past with a Future

At Central High the aim of the Classics Department is to educate our pupils for life and introduce them to a rich and diverse experience of classical antiquity.

Past

In European culture the influence of the Greeks and Romans is ubiquitous, helping to shape our lives in ways we often take for granted. Our language is rich in their vocabulary and our arts and science owe much to their lasting achievements.
Our approach to them is varied:

• pupils can studylanguages and culture in Latin and Greek,
  
•  pupils can study their culture, both visually and through their words in translation, in Classical Civilisation.

Onwards...the future

The study of Classics is highly valued both in educational and business circles.  Graduates who have a degree in Classics or Classical Studies go on to enjoy a wide range of careers. In a recent survey an employer in a bank summed up the general attitude, "Classics seems to train minds that can be used here." Our own former pupils have found employment in such careers as commerce, aviation, banking, law, teaching, museum work, nursing and accountancy.

Classical subjects studied at GCSE and A Level combine well with others: Modern Languages, English, History, Philosophy for example. Students with one or two Classical subjects at A Level have gained places to study: English, Sciences, Politics, Archaeology, Theology, Oriental Languages, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Psychology, Geography, History and Law.

Extra Curricular Activities

• Lectures and Sixth Form Conferences
• Visits to Greek Plays
• Trips abroad to Greece: A tour of the major sites in Greece is usually organised every second year. 
• Field Trips: We take Year 7 to Segedunum, Year 8 to the Great North Museum and Year 9 to Arbeia Roman fort.
• Classics Society: we have regular visiting speakers and a variety of other activities.
• Classical Association Reading competitions
• Italian club
• Modern Greek club
• ‘Classics Alive': a club for younger girls.