Classical Civilisation
Head of Department: Mr. S.J. Chambers
Classical Civilisation is only taught in the Sixth Form, where it is introduced as a new subject for AS and A2. The department has six classrooms in the Cloisters.
There are several ways in which Classical Civilisation features in the extra-curricular programme: there is an academic surgery at least twice each week; Oxbridge preparation classes for entry to read Classics, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History or Archaeology and Anthropology are held weekly from March to December; occasional visiting speakers come to Oundle whose talks are open not only to those who are studying Classical Civilisation at Oundle and neighbouring schools, but also anyone with an interest in the ancient world; there are visits to museums and productions of Classical drama. Recently the Classics department has jointly organised a study visit to Syria and Lebanon and further trips are planned to Egypt, Rome and Istanbul.
The school also has an outstanding collection of ancient Greek ceramics which are kept in display cases in the New Cripps Library. There are pots which represent different shapes and periods, and they offer an unparalleled opportunity to support the study of ancient art with a literal “hands-on” experience. Dr. Karim Arafat of King’s College, London University has recently completed an extensive catalogue of the collection for publication.
The department is staffed by:
Mr N.J. Aubury MA
Mr D.A. Burrow BA
Mr S.J. Chambers MA
Ms. Z.K. Fleming BA MA
Mr K.R. Hannis MA
Mrs M.P.R. James MA
Mr T.J. Morrison BA
Mrs D.L. Watt MA
Miss C.L. Westran BA
In addition the department regularly accepts a Trainee Teacher from the Faculty of Education at Cambridge University in the Easter and Trinity Quarters.
Course content
AS
We currently teach using the OCR syllabus in the Sixth Form. For further details of course content, and pattern of assessment, follow this link.
Three papers are taken at the end of the Lower Sixth: Greek Tragedy, Greek Epic and Greek Art. They include the study of three plays by Euripides, Homer’s Odyssey and Greek pots and temple architecture. This provides a contrasting balance between literature studied in English translation and aspects of ancient art. There are transfers of skills to work in English, History and Art. All three topics allow pupils to explore the historical and cultural contexts of the material.
A2
Synopticity directs two of the three elements of the course in the Upper
Sixth. The study of three plays by Aeschylus and Sophocles extends the work
on tragic drama started in the previous year; Virgil’s great Roman epic
The Aeneid develops themes and literary techniques from Homer. The examinations
require candidates to make significant links between the two years’
work. As a continuation of artistic studies the pupils survey the great works
of Greek sculpture from Cycladic gods to the Venus de Milo.