Classics

The Dragon has a flourishing department (of nine classicists) with an excellent scholarship and Common Entrance record in both Latin and Greek. This is the largest department of its kind amongst prep schools and is thus able to attract specialist Classicists.

The department works hard to keep Classics at the forefront of the curriculum within the school and this involves not only providing a rigorous approach to teaching the subject, but also maintaining a realistic, innovative and up to date awareness of how to enthuse modern children of all abilities.

The children start to learn Latin in D Block (Year 5) where they are taught in their form groups and follow our own Beginners' Booklet which has been refined through many years of introducing Dragons to Latin.

From C Block (Year 6) upwards Latin is setted in accordance with the child's performance over their first year, and in subsequent progress tests and exams. This means that progress can specifically be made at a pace that suits the individual child. During these years children use the Galore Park Latin Prep series in preparation for CE and Scholarship. This is supplemented by many more of our own home grown resources.

There is much experience in the department to help prepare for the children's final exams and we ensure that they can aim for a high grade. Of course, as well as preparing them for their exams, we aim to foster the children's enthusiasm and expertise. It is encouraging that so many pursue the subject to GCSE, A Level, and beyond.

Special Events

Valuable time is also spent exploring the Classical Civilisation areas of the syllabus. The D Block (Year 5) look at aspects of life at Rome and are able to enjoy a 'Roman Day' at school and a visit to Verulamium in the summer.

C Block (Year 6) study Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey" and perform Greek plays of these stories. The B Block (Year 7) look at the Roman army and Roman Britain. They enjoy a visit by the Ermine Street Guard, and then have a trip to Bath in the summer. The A Block (Year 8) cover Greek mythology. Special events in this final year include a story-telling workshop, and an introduction to Greek after finishing their summer exams.

Greek

Greek can be taken up as a timetabled subject in the A and B Blocks. It is offered to those in the top two language sets (with Spanish or German offered as alternatives). These children move very quickly through the basics and then will sit scholarship or CE papers at the end of their two years. For these 50 or so children, there are two trips a year to suitable Greek plays.

For further information contact:
Mark Edwards
Head of Classics