Classical Civilisation

Classical Civilisation offers students the opportunity to study elements of the literature in translation and visual/material culture of the Greek and Roman world, and acquire an understanding of their social, historical and cultural contexts.

We offer Classical Civilisation from Year 9, which is a perfect choice both for students who love the Classical World but do not enjoy the linguistic element, and those who want to learn about Ancient Greek and Roman society alongside their Latin studies.

Students will:

gain a broad knowledge and understanding of a range of literary and cultural materials from the classical world
use their knowledge, along with their analytical and evaluative skills, to gain insight into the classical world
develop an informed personal response to the material studied, selecting a range of appropriate evidence to support an argument
develop awareness of how classical sources reflect issues relevant to both the classical world and today, such as questions of gender, belief, sexuality and citizenship

Former Head of Department, Mrs Meredith, shares more information on studying Classics at King Edward VI School.

Year 9

In Year 9, students will study the following topics:

Term 1: The Minoans

Term 2: Roman Leisure & Entertainment

Term 3: Virgil’s Aeneid

Year 10

In Year 10, students will study Greek and Roman Myth & Religion.

Year 11

In Year 11, students will study the Homeric World and read part of the Odyssey in translation.

Enrichment Opportunities

Clubs and Societies

Classics Society is run by students for students of all year groups and ranges from talks and presentations to creative work, games and play reading
Greek club is aimed at Lower School pupils who wish to learn some Classical Greek
A weekly Classical Greek lesson is also run for those in the Upper School wishing to work towards the Intermediate Greek Certificate

Trips

Butser Ancient Farm: students learn about life in the Iron Age, the impact of the Roman invasion and engage in activities such as wattling and archaeology (Year 7).
Bath: a study of the Roman Baths (Year 9).
Ashmolean Museum: study of the Minoan, Greek and Roman artefacts and art (Upper School).
Winchester: a tour of the Latin inscriptions in the cathedral, visit to the Sparsholt villa finds in the museum and a hands-on Greek vases session in Winchester College’s treasury (Upper School).
British Museum: study of original material evidence for the Classical World, in particular relating to the GCSE and A Level specifications (Upper School and Sixth Form).
Biennial trips to Italy and Greece (all years)

Visiting Speakers

Recent visiting speakers include Ben Kane (Roman Soldier)

Other Opportunities

The Southampton Classics Society regularly hosts Classics events which parents and students are welcome to attend. There is a biennial Classics conference which brings together leading Classicists to lecture on topics connected to the specifications to which other local schools and colleges are invited.

Meet The Staff

If you have a specific enquiry for the Classics Department, email classics@kes.hants.sch.uk

Miss. I.M. Painter BA	Head of Classics, Cryptic Crossword Club, Trips and Classical Society
Mr. C.E. Giles BA	Classics, D of E, Byron Society, Cactus Club, Scamp Club
Mr. J.C. Halls MA	Classics, Greek club