Education On The Move Conference

LATIN & CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

STUDENT VOICES

The Classics Department has started two new clubs: Latin and Ancient Greek for years 8 up. Here’s what students love about the subject: “Classical Civilisation gives me the opportunity to explore my interest in mythology. I also do Ancient Greek club and, although it involves learning a whole new alphabet, I find enjoyment discovering meanings behind familiar words and symbols. Did you know the fish symbol used in early Christianity comes from the Greek word for fish, ‘ἸΧΘΥΣ’, which early Christians saw as an acronym for Ἰησοῦς Χρῑστός Θεοῦ Yἱός Σωτήρ - ‘Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour’?”

Rosalind Y10

Omnibus by Lauren, Y10

Greek derivation image

BOUDICCA: FREEDOM FIGHTER OR TERRORIST?

In October Raffi joined Classics For All - a charity supporting the teaching of classical subjects in state schools and in areas of socio-economic disadvantage – for a ‘moot trial’ of Boudicca on charges of terrorism at the Supreme Court. The Department welcomed new Deputy Head Al McConville::

“Teaching my lovely little Latin and Classical Civilisation classes is without doubt the highlight of my week! I love the fact that Classics can find a happy place in a progressive and forward-looking school.”

“I played Boudicca for the barristers to talk to and gesture at during to add drama!”

The verdict? Acquittal!

Raffi as Boudicca

“I came to KAS because it offers Latin A level and I plan to study Classics at university. It’s a multi-disciplinary subject - language, ancient history, art, literature, philosophy…. Through it we learn about how past societies, systems, ideologies, and cultures were built. It’s just like history but with more sex and violence!”

Raffi Y12

“I especially love the etymological side of it (the study of the origin of words). For example, the Latin word ‘omnibus’ means ‘for everyone’ - just like a bus is for everyone. I find the club enlightening and I can’t wait to learn more!”

Alex Y9

SOCIOLOGY

Looking at society and the structures which shape our world has been an eye-opener for these Sixth Formers

This is the first year Sociology has been on the curriculum at KAS and its first cohort of students have been engaging in a variety of stimulating learning experiences, such as, debating whether private schools should be abolished, using the movie ‘Mean Girls’ to understand pupil subcultures in schools and stepping up to positions of (hypothetical) political power to form effective educational policies. Students have been captivated by the subject so far and will delve deeper into ‘Crime and Deviance’ and ‘Beliefs in Society’ next year.

Nabiha teaching Sociology

Sociology Whole Class Photo 2022

STUDENT VIEW:

As part of our first unit we’ve covered loads of interesting topics to do with education. Issues like racism in schools and inequality of opportunity has given us the chance to form a bigger picture on these real-world issues. Sociology pushes me to work collaboratively, putting things into context. It’s a great balance of debating as a class and listening to opinions on some controversial issues, as well as taking time individually to form my own judgments and better my understanding of how society changes and the impacts on different groups within a society Mia Y12

I’ve found this year both intriguing and eye opening to learn about how our social class, gender and ethnicity affect our academic success. This made me reflect on my own educational experiences too. I have also enjoyed researching the impact different governments have had on the education system, especially in terms of making schools like businesses! Sociology pushes me to achieve my best and gives me an insight into contemporary society and my role within it.” Kiki Y12

Mia Levy - Excerpt from her Marxist Analysis of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Essay