Classics

The study of Classics at Dulwich College aims to develop a thorough understanding of the Latin and Greek languages, with an emphasis on reading and interpreting original texts. From the outset, students are introduced to the rich world of Roman and Greek civilisations, exploring not only the languages themselves but also the cultural, historical, and philosophical foundations of these ancient worlds. The course approaches language as a key to accessing literature and the broader cultural legacy of antiquity, rather than simply a means of intellectual training or academic routine.

What we teach

Latin is compulsory in Year 7 and optional thereafter. We use the Suburani course, which charts the life of a young girl from the Subura district of Rome. Over the course of the two books, the students learn about life in Rome, Britain, Gaul, and beyond, and discover some of the most dramatic events of the 1st Century AD, including the Great Fire of Rome, Boudicca’s rebellion, and the overthrow of the Emperor Nero. Students can opt to continue their study of Latin throughout both Years 8 and 9.

Students studying Latin in Year 9 are treated to a short taster session of Classical Greek. They are then free to opt to continue the subject at GCSE. Students who continue to GCSE, for both Latin and Greek, follow the OCR specification. As part of this course, students continue their language study and begin their first experience of real Roman or Greek Literature, studying one prose set text, and one verse.

At A level, students can continue with their study of Latin or Greek, developing the skills they have learned at GCSE. In addition, the department offers Classical Civilisation. This course, studying the world of the Greeks and Romans in English, encompasses the literature, history, philosophy, and culture of the ancient world and is regularly the students’ favourite A level.

Enrichment

The department offers a rich assortment of activities beyond the classroom, all designed to further the students’ understanding and enjoyment of the ancient world:

• A range of societies - both Lower and Middle/Upper School Classics Societies
• Trips – the department runs a biennial Lower School trip to Rome and Naples, visiting the amazing classical sites in the area, alternating with a biennial trip for the Middle and Upper Schools to other sites of classical interest around Europe, including Sicily and Greece.
• Visiting speakers – a range of speakers are invited to the College to address the students, including a Roman and Greek military expert, complete with an assortment of Greek and Roman weapons and armour for the students to try.
• Lecture days – Upper School students have the opportunity to attend lectures days and hear talks given by leading experts from Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.
• Museum visits and theatre trips – with London on our doorstep, there are plentiful opportunities to visit the array of amazing classical exhibitions and sites the capital has to offer, including the British Museum, the Mithraeum, and the Museum of London. There are additionally plenty of amazing productions of Greek tragedies and comedies.

Destinations

The study of Classics caters for such a broad spectrum of academic study and provides the students with a great range of transferable skills. As a result, Classics students go on from the College to a variety of degree courses and further destinations. Many pursue further study of Classics, while others continue with languages or humanities, or indeed even Science or Maths degrees. The analytical, communication, and research skills developed in the study of Classics are highly valued by employers across various industries, including academia, cultural organisations, finance, law, media and publishing, and public sector work.