Classics thrive in the Preparatory School. We believe passionately in their relevance. Pupils in the top three academic sets begin Latin in Year 7, using the much-acclaimed ‘Cambridge Latin Course’.  This is an imaginatively conceived vehicle for the study of Latin, beginning with Pompeii the city and its people side by side with the gradual introduction of language skills involving the carefully planned acquisition of vocabulary and grammar.  This culminates at the end of the year with pupils reliving the build up and the aftermath of Vesuvius’ eruption.

In Year 8 Book II reveals Roman Britain as the focus of study, pupils being introduced to a new set of characters and an increasing emphasis on grammar, comprising noun declensions I – III and the conjugation of the four main verb types.

This two year course prepares a significant number of pupils to opt for Latin in the Lower Fourth in the Senior School and to proceed in many cases to G.C.S.E.  As an alternative to Latin in the Lower Fourth Classical Civilisation is offered, focusing on the culture and history of Greece and Rome.

In 2005 Classical Greek was introduced as an after school activity for Years 7 and 8 with a view to both Latin and Greek being ultimately available throughout the school.