Classics
For a long time the classics have been reserved for the elite and used as a method of social exclusion. The CFS Classics Department embodies optimum omnibus and strongly believes that every child should have the opportunity to study the classical world, regardless of background or ability.
Pupils are well equipped to progress linguistically throughout the key stages by gradually building their understanding of vocabulary, grammar, translation, comprehension and appreciation of literary style.
At CFS pupils gain the ability to think and write like a classicist. Not only do they gain the fundamental skills to read ancient languages, but they also gain the skills to analyse and critically question the (often problematic) nature of the ancient world and its legacy.
Key Stage 3 - Latin
At Key Stage 3 pupils follow the de Romains Latin course which they continue to use for GCSE.
Key Stage 4 - Latin
GCSE Latin
Syllabus: Eduqas
Section A:
-
A range of short comprehension questions testing understanding of the storyline (55% of the marks for this component).
-
Translation of a passage from Latin into English, with a gradation of difficulty (35% of the marks for this component).
Section B:
A choice of either:
-
translation from English into Latin
or
-
questions testing grammatical understanding (10% of the marks for this component).
Students will analyse and compare a set prescription of Latin literature, both prose and verse, from a range of Roman authors on a theme. Students are also set a selection of ancient source materials on the same theme.
This exam is open-book - students will be provided with a full vocabulary list during this exam.
Current theme: Magic & Superstition
Students will analyse a set prescription of Latin literature forming a narrative, accompanied by adjacent passage(s) in English.
This exam is open-book - students will be provided with a full vocabulary list during this exam.
Current Text: Tacitus' Boudicca
Key Stage 4, Classical Civilisation
GCSE Classical Civilisation
Syllabus - OCR
50% of GCSE, 1 hr 30 mins written paper 90 marks
A comparative study of ancient Greece and Rome combining literary and visual/material sources.
Topics studied:
-
Gods and Goddesses
-
The Universal Hero: Herakles/Hercules
-
Religion and the City: Temples
-
Myth and the City: Foundation Stories
-
Festivals
-
Myth and Symbols of Power
-
Death and Burial
-
Journeying to the Underworld
50% of GCSE, 1 hr 30 mins written paper 90 marks
An in-depth cultural study and one study of related literature.
Cultural study topics covered:
-
Sparta at War in the 5th century (Spartan society and the Battle of Thermopylae)
-
Athens at War in the 5th century (The Athenian military, impact on society and the Battle of Salamis)
-
The Roman Military in the Imperial Period
-
The Romans at War (Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Augustus, Cleopatra and the Battle of Actium as well as Trajan’s campaign against the Dacians)
Literature study texts include sections from:
-
Homer, Iliad
-
Tyrtaeus Fragment 10 The Fallen Warrior
-
Virgil, Aeneid
Horace Odes
Key Stage 4, Classical Greek
GCSE Classical Greek
Syllabus OCR
Learners study texts and stories in Classical Greek to build knowledge and understanding of Classical Greek vocabulary, accidence and syntax.
The Language component requires learners to translate a passage of Classical Greek, answer comprehension questions and either answer questions on syntax and accidence within the context of a narrative passage or translate short English sentences into Classical Greek.
Learners study Classical Greek set texts and answer questions in English on aspects of content and analyse, evaluate and respond to the ancient literature they have studied.
The Literature component will require the study of between 110 and 120 lines of material in Classical Greek. These set texts will change every two
years.
Current text: Prose A Herodotus' Ethiopians
Learners study two topics on Greek Civilisation and Culture using the sources in the Prescribed Sources Booklet and answer questions in English on aspects of content, culture, social practices and values.
Current topics: Athenian Society & the Olympics
