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Pompeii
Pompeii

Classics Department

What is Classics?

‘Classics’ is the collective name for a range of related disciplines dealing with the languages, literature, history and culture of the Ancient World - Egypt, Greece and Rome. Latin, Greek, Ancient History, Classical Civilisation, Archaeology, Numismatics, Papyrology and a host of other specialisms fall under the Classics umbrella.

As well as being an appealing and valuable study in itself, and of great help in the development of pupils’ linguistic skills, the differences between the ancient and the modern worlds force us to look from a different perspective at ideas which we take for granted. It includes nothing less than the whole foundations of modern European culture. Our politics, our laws, art, drama and much more, all spring from the classical world.

Classics courses currently available at RGS Worcester & The Alice Ottley School:

Year Eight : introductory Classics course, taught to all pupils

Years Nine to Eleven: Latin (optional) to GCSE

Sixth Form: Latin and Ancient History, available as separate subjects to A level

A particular feature of the work of the department is the range of outside trips that are organised as a routine part of our programme. In this country these include Bath, Chester, Caerleon, the British Museum in London, Hadrian’s Wall, and various lectures, exhibitions, and performances of classical plays. In recent years there have also been a number of expeditions to Greece and to Southern Italy.