All girls entering the Senior School begin their study of Latin in Upper Three. Along with their work in English and French this provides a sound structural foundation for any language they study in the future. The girls learn the basic structure of Latin, its grammar and vocabulary and much emphasis is placed on the connections and links between our own language and its Latin roots. Parallels between ancient and modern civilisations are drawn and the girls are encouraged to look for vocabulary links between Latin and English. As the course progresses, the grammar is studied in greater depth and the girls continue Latin until the end of Lower Four, when they can decide whether to continue with the study of Latin.
Lively and engaging teaching in new, purpose built classrooms makes this a popular subject. Studying Latin is fun – for example, we re-enact a Roman wedding and Chariot Race, complete with togas - although not the horses and chariots themselves - in the Rose Garden.
GCSE
For GCSE the girls study Roman Language and Literature, for example the poet Virgil and his great work 'The Aeneid'. This course provides a sound base for Advanced Level study. The girls enjoy the challenge of Latin and the study of Roman civilisation within the course and their impressive results are a credit to their commitment and enthusiasm. Additionally girls have the option to study Greek.
Small group sizes and experienced, expert teachers give all the girls the very best opportunity to succeed and plenty of one to one help when needed.