Intent
At St Andrew the Apostle School we aim to create the very best classicists, teaching Classical Civilisation in Years 8-13 and (currently the De Romanis Latin Course in Year 7). We challenge to research thoroughly, to weigh-up evidence, to understand chronology, to evaluate interpretations and develop arguments with concise judgements. We do this by a consistent approach across the department ensuring all students develop the range of skills needed to become confident in their own opinions, make well supported judgements and expressing them articulately using keywords from topics and academic, classical vocabulary. Students of classical subjects engage directly with the major cultural achievements and events of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, which have had an enduring influence on the western world for two millennia. Introducing students to the mythology, historical events and personalities that have had such an impact on the world is one of the most valuable aspects of classical subjects. Classical mythology forms the bedrock of much modern art and literature, and is constantly reworked in theatre, in the visual arts, film and popular culture. By the end of KS3 we expect our students not only to be able to evaluate Classical sources, to understand the chronology of the Ancient World and to explain the most important events from the period, but also to understand the importance of the subject for the modern societies, and its impact on their culture. In Year 7 with have introduced the De Romanis Latin course that develops both Latin and Classical Civilisation concurrently. The De Romanis curriculum allows students to develop their understanding of the Latin language and the related ancient literature, religion, mythology, Roman values and society as a whole. Students will be able to look at Latin passages, analyse vocabulary and grammar, and make links to English and other modern foreign languages. We aim to foster a love of the ancient world, allowing the students to fully access the curriculum and encourage uptake for future uptake in KS4, KS5 and beyond.
Implementation
All students will be taught to:
- Second order concepts: change and continuity, significance, cause and consequence, historical evidence, similarity and differences.
- Key themes: democracy, propaganda, imperialism, pax (peace), society, economy, government, prejudice, warfare, dictatorship.
- Write at varying length for difference purpose and audiences, using the variety of Latin grammatical structure that they have learnt to discover and develop and appreciation of writing in the language studied. (Year 7 only).
- Understand Latin nouns, conjugate Latin verbs and grammar (Year 7 only).
- A range of ancient historical events and turning points.
- Development of the understanding of ancient Greek and Roman cultures.
Extra-Curricular Experience
- Trips to St Albans
Links to KS2
- Detecting bias.
- Understanding chronology.
- Greek and Roman history.
- Historical terminology.
- Modern languages with links to Latin (French / Spanish).
Relationship to the wider KS3 curriculum
- History: Concepts and themes.
- English: literacy and essay structure.
- MFL: language
- RP: ancient and modern religious connections.
- Music, Drama and art: understanding that different periods developed different styles and modes of expression.
Links to KS4
- Analysis of sources.
- Understanding of cause and consequence, change and continuity and similarity and differences.
- Core understanding of Latin grammar.
- Understanding chronology.