A Word from the Staff

“Already our schools have noticed an improvement in grammar, communication and the confidence of the pupils involved…it is thrilling to see pupils engage with Classics – history, literature and language – and see it as meaningful, relevant, exciting and a real opportunity to take!” Peter Wright, classics teacher at Blackpool Sixth Form. (You can see a video of Peter talking of the benefits of introducing Classics below, video courtesy of Classics for All).

“The study of Classics provides students with a truly aspirational opportunity to learn a rare subject which allows them to understand a fascinating era of history, as well as gaining a developed understanding of culture and society. We are really excited to be one of the only schools in Leeds to offer Classics.” Mike Roper, Headteacher at Allerton Grange School, Leeds.

“I strongly believe that classical subjects should be accessible to students from all backgrounds and this was what led me to propose to our school leadership team that we introduce Classics at Allerton Grange School. I’m absolutely overjoyed that we will be able to offer students the opportunity to study Classics from September!” Gemma Williams, teacher at Allerton Grange School, Leeds.

“Latin is a wonderful experience for [our pupils] and it sits underneath a lot of other subjects such as science. It gives them the opportunity to explore where language comes from, to see patterns but also to see connections and that’s a higher level skill that’s so important for young people today in the kind of joined up learning we expect of them.” Dr Johan McKinnon, Academy Headteacher, Levenshulme High School, Manchester.

“The grant from Classics for All has enabled us to start a classics club in school … and the enthusiasm and interest shown by the students who have joined is very evident. The class is currently oversubscribed with a waiting list, demonstrating the interest and modern relevance it has for students at the school. The study of classics has previously been accessible only to the privileged few and the grant therefore has brought the joys of learning about the ancient world to a new, and very keen, young audience.” Deborah Hughes, Deputy Vice Principal at Greig City Academy, London.

And from the Pupils

“If I had to recommend Classics to a friend, I would tell them that Classics is not like any other language that you traditionally learn ... in Latin you actually read the literature, you go into the culture, you learn so many things and you see how it has influenced our society today. I think that’s what’s really important – how history has influenced us as people today.” Hita Patel, pupil at Sidney Stringer Academy, Coventry.

“Classics is an important aspect of my school life. It’s something I have always wanted to study but did not think I would have the chance. Since starting weekly sessions before school my interest in Classics has peaked. I am really glad that it has become available at school and I hope to further my education on Classics by studying it at A-level.” Ibrahim Islam, pupil at Allerton Grange School, Leeds.

Pupils from Sideney Stringer Academy in Coventry recently took part in an interview with the renowned Classicist Prof. Paul Cartledge and out very own Prof. Michael Scott on the benefits and joys of learning Classics, which can be viewed here.

“Classics is incredibly interesting: we learn about an entire era of culture and language that is bypassed in the modern day history curriculum. It enhances my knowledge and understanding of history and the modern world as much of our society draws parallels to the ancient world.” Lily Baxter, pupil at Allerton Grange School, Leeds.

“Understanding even the fundamentals of the subject will open doors to understanding more about culture, media, language, science and even modern history and attitudes in society. Offering it at Allerton Grange will not only spark interest in this rare subject but in addition make more genuinely knowledgeable students.” Arghya Chakrabarty, pupil at Allerton Grange School, Leeds.

Interested in learning more? We would love to get in touch, by email, telephone, or to come along for an informal chat to discuss what options are available to your school.