Classics

The foundations of modern-day Western society lie in the Ancient World, and all pupils at Bryanston School are given the opportunity to access these, whether that be via reading seminal works of literature such as the Iliad or the Odyssey, studying the languages, history and culture of the societies that engendered our own, or responding to timeless works of art and sculpture.

Ancient thought in a modern world

We are committed to providing two pathways via which this treasure trove of cultural heritage can be accessed. Rigorous training in the languages of Latin and Ancient Greek is available at all levels of the school, but in the firm belief that linguistic ability should not preclude access to the literature, culture and art of the Ancient World, we also offer Classical Civilisation throughout.

Whilst the societies studied in Classics might seem to be from a dim and distant past, there is much to be garnered from studying them that is relevant to the modern-day world, and we actively encourage consideration of topical issues in the classroom. This might take the form of discussion of the place of LGBTQ+ in Ancient Greece, issues of slavery and imperialism, or even ancient awareness of environmental issues.

Creating space for Classics

Classical tradition permeates Bryanston. Lulworth, our stunning Classical library in the heart of the school, provides pupils with a dedicated learning space, in which they are able both to access a wealth of resources relevant to their studies, and seek expert advice from our academic staff via Correction Periods.

We are also lucky to have our Greek Theatre, a pioneering project of the School in the 1950s, which plays host to a wealth of events over the course of the year, including Classical storytelling and productions.

Extramural learning

To gain a full appreciation of the Ancient World, one has to get out of the classroom. Therefore, we offer two international educational visits to all Classicists during their time at Bryanston: to Naples at GCSE-level, and to Greece in the Sixth Form. To explore the backstreets of Pompeii, or walk the ‘Sacred Way’ up Mount Parnassus to the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, truly brings one’s studies to life.

Our curriculum is enriched further by domestic trips to destinations such as the British Museum and Fishbourne Roman Palace, and our active role within the Salisbury Classical Association. Via the latter, pupils are treated to talks from an array of leading experts in various Classical fields, and have access to a prestigious Classical reading competition – at which we have had much recent success.

Beyond Bryanston

Recent leavers have gone on to study Classics at some of the top universities in the world, including Oxbridge and those of the Russell Group.

The analytical skills and cultural awareness provided by a Classical education equip pupils for a wide array of career paths, including business, banking, accounting, civil service, law, journalism, teaching and academia.

Our Classics curriculum

GCSE

Regardless of whether they have studied it before, all pupils are given the opportunity to try Latin in Year 9. If they enjoy the subject, they are able to take it and its counterpart – Classical Greek – at GCSE.

If they are more interested in the culture and history of the Ancient World than the languages, they are able very quickly to move in the direction of Classical Civilisation, and opt to study this at GCSE.

During GCSE Latin and Classical Greek, the focus is on building linguistic fluency, to the extent that, with guidance in class, pupils are able to translate and analyse excerpts from original Latin and Greek texts, both in prose and verse.

GCSE Classical Civilisation exposes its pupils to a broad overview of the Ancient World. Our current options – ‘Myth and Religion’ and ‘Roman City Life’ – allow pupils to access a wide array of literary and artistic sources.

All pupils studying Classical subjects at GCSE are invited to partake in our Naples Trip, and have access to a plethora of additional opportunities for academic enrichment.
Sixth Form

Our twin-pathway approach continues into Sixth Form. Pupils of Latin or Classical Greek A-level are given the opportunity to build on the linguistic skills that they have acquired at GCSE, to the extent that, by the end of their courses, they are able to translate with fluency works from a wide array of Classical authors.

In addition, our sixth-form Classical linguists develop their literary analytical skills to the extent that they are able to write commentaries and evaluative essays on their set texts.

In the Sixth Form, pupils of Classical Civilisation receive expert training in an array of modules that provides them with real understanding of the Ancient World. Over the course of the two years, they read in full – and in great detail – two seminal works of ancient epic poetry, namely Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid.

In addition to this, currently we offer modules in Greek Theatre – a comprehensive study of ancient tragedy and comedy in context – and Greek Religion, the sources for which are viewed by our sixth-formers ‘in the flesh’ during our biennial trip to Greece. In addition to that trip, sixth-form Classicists are presented with an impressive array of opportunities for academic enrichment, including talks from experts in various Classical fields, organised via the Salisbury Classical Association.

Meet our staff

Academic Subjects