Why do we teach Latin and Greek at St Hugh’s?
- To equip our pupils with a sound knowledge of either one or both Classical languages.
- To help pupils understand a variety of grammatical concepts which they can apply to the learning of other languages.
- To enable pupils to explore a culture other than their own.
How is Classics teaching organised at St Hugh’s?
Latin
In the 3rd Year, pupils learn Latin in two mixed ability forms.
In the Spring Term of the 4th Year, pupils are set into two groups for Latin.
In the 5th Year, pupils are set into three groups for Latin: 5S (accelerated towards possible scholarships in the 6th Year), Set 1 & Set 2. Provision is also made for pupils joining the school in the 5th Year to begin Latin if appropriate.
In the 6th Year, pupils in Sigma prepare for scholarship Latin and two further sets work towards Common Entrance at one of three levels.
Greek
Greek is taught to pupils in 5S and Sigma.
What is the Classics curriculum?
After a wide-ranging introduction to the Romans and their language for the younger pupils, the Latin curriculum is tailored towards, but not entirely prescribed by, the requirements of the Common Entrance syllabus. Pupils in Sigma follow a more advanced and open-ended syllabus to prepare for scholarship Latin. In Greek, pupils follow the syllabus for Common Entrance with supplementary material appropriate to the scholarship for which each pupil is being entered.
Detailed breakdowns of the Latin and Greek curricula are available in the curriculum notes.
Which course books are used?
- Minimus and Minimus Secundus, The Primary Latin Course, by Barbara Bell
- Latin Prep Books 1 – 3 by Theo Zinn
- Greek – A New Guide for Beginners by Kristian Waite
- Greek for Beginners by L P Wilding
- Supplementary materials prepared by St Hugh’s Classics Department
What techniques are used in class?
Teaching styles are adapted to suit the individual needs of the pupils in each class. All the following techniques are employed:
- whole class teaching
- group work
- individual work
- class discussion
- written exercises
- oral work
- comprehension and translation practice
- vocabulary work
- memorising of vocabulary and grammar
- research using dictionaries and other reference materials
- audio-visual material
- computer programs
- games, puzzles and quizzes
- imaginative writing and creative work in other media
- participation in activities with other schools such as Language Days
- visits to museums, archaeological sites and the theatre
Beyond the Classroom
- Weekly Minimus Club for 3rd and 4th Years - Activities include mosaic-making, collage, making and painting Greek vases, Roman feasts, Latin board games and drama.
- Greek Drama - Visits to the theatre: in 2006 we went to Bradfield College to see their production of Medea in the original Greek.
- Visits and lectures - In recent years we have organised trips to the Ashmolean Museum, the British Museum, the Roman Baths at Bath and to hear speakers at nearby Senior Schools.
- To mark St Hugh’s Centenary, the 4th Years buried a time capsule of objects from 2006 in the school grounds.
- Three winners of the first National Minimus Mythology Competition (2006) came from St Hugh’s.
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