Classics

Despite the strange circumstances, the Classics Department enjoyed a busy year both in and out of the classroom.

GCSE & A Level Bay of Naples Trip The Classics Department were very lucky in many ways to enjoy the beautiful sites of the Bay of Naples during October half term. The itinerary was full of wonderful sites: the vast amphitheatre in Pozzuoli, the magnificently preserved Greek temples at Paestum and, of course, a visit to Caecilius’ house in Pompeii! We also managed an afternoon on a beautiful beach near Paestum and consumed a fair quantity of ice-cream and pizza between us all! Second Year Trip to Butser Ancient Farm and Fishbourne Roman Palace Once again, the Classics Department prophetically managed to squeeze in our local visit for the Second Years before lockdown. The whole year

“we managed to consume a fair quantity of ice-cream and pizza between us all!”

group were able to experience life in both a Celtic roundhouse and a Roman villa. On their return, they debated the merits of both lifestyles, with most choosing the relative luxuries of Roman living! Third Year Classics Challenge: Experimental archaeology in lockdown! The Department took the opportunity of home learning to challenge the Third Year Classicists to recreate various Roman and Greek artefacts or to write a new version of a Greek myth. By far the most popular was the Pompeian bread-making task, to recreate the loaf found in the bakeries of Pompeii! The pupils were extremely resourceful and talented bakers, everyone rising to the challenge! There were some impressive Minoan jewellery designs and Mycenaen weapons, too.

Mr J Hegan