Classics

What is Classics?

Classics is the study of the language, culture and history of the Greek and Roman civilisations. At Bolton, all pupils study Latin in Years 7 and 8, and either Latin or Classical Civilisation in Year 9. All three Classical Subjects are options at GCSE and A level.

Results

Standards are high, with students routinely achieving full marks in public examination modules; in 2005, one A Level candidate was congratulated by the examination board for achieving one of the top five results in the country in both Latin and Greek. Many of our pupils continue to Oxford, Cambridge and other prestigious universities to read classical subjects.

Classics outside the classroom

Lower School pupils can enjoy finding out more about the ancient world in the Joint Classics Club, run in tandem with the Girls' Division, while members of the Upper School attend talks on classical subjects given by their peers. There is a regular programme of trips and visits to classical sites and plays, the highlight of which is the biennial trip to Pompeii and the Bay of Naples. Bolton School Classicists compete in local and national competitions, including the Jowett-Sendlar essay competition and the regional CA reading competition; the boys have enjoyed remarkable successes in both these competitions in recent years.  Click here to read about their most recent exertions.

Head of Department:
J E Reeson, BA, MSt, PhD

Members of the Department:
A E Jackson, BA
E D Watts, BA
K S Wrathmell, BA, MA

The first Classics Club of the year is a lively affair full of fun and games to assist the learning

The first Classics Club of the year is a lively affair full of fun and games to assist the learning

Boys enjoying themselves at the Classics Club

Boys enjoying themselves at the Classics Club

Boys Division Classics student