Latin and Classical Greek

Why study Latin and Classical Greek at Haileybury?

Latin forms the basis of Western culture and thousands of films, stories, pictures, games, poems and songs are better understood with a knowledge of the Classical tradition. Latin and Greek help with English and the Romance languages, with history, and with literature. Classical subjects also provide the rigour and intellectual flexibility that universities and employers are looking for in this increasingly fast-paced and unpredictable world.

At Haileybury, we believe studying Latin and Greek is also about more than just the above. We believe that Classical subjects are interesting and make you interesting. They are the study of people both similar and strangely different from you. Anything you find interesting can be found in the Classical World, from sports to stories, and from myth to magic. The great strength of Latin and Greek is that they train you for nothing, but prepare you for anything you could possibly want to do with your life: it is not a ‘subject’ but a world waiting to be discovered.

Academic pathways

Latin and Classical Greek is offered as GCSE, A level and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.

Beyond the curriculum

Studying Latin and Greek opens up a range of enriching experiences beyond the classroom.

Each year pupils who study any of the classical subjects will get an opportunity to visit either Florence and Rome, or Greece, visiting Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, and Tiryns and Epidaurus. In addition to these international trips, pupils will also attend Greek theatrical performances in the UK, as well as visits to the British Museum.

Haileybury also offers Sixth Form Classics Society, a pupil-led group offering talks on different aspects of the ancient world.