Transition Year Classical Studies

Mr McCarthy is transported on his time travel machine and writes:

During the course of this academic year our group have studied Greek Drama, reading the two great tragedies of Sophocles, Oedipus Rex  and Antigone. The struggles of human beings against their destiny and against their own instincts and beliefs are clearly and dramatically illustrated in these great works of the theatre.

Our pupils are now also well versed in everyday Latin usage, recognising their alma mater, rising ante meridiem each day, acknowledging their teacher in loco parentis and thinking caveat emptor before spending their money in shops. Most importantly of all they understand magister dixit. All thanks to our Latin for Today module.

Our study of the position of women in the ancient world outlined the huge changes that have taken place over the centuries in terms of the rights of women and it is encouraging to see that all agreed that this was a progressive development. We also looked at some of the major female characters from Greek legend - the ever-loyal Penelope, the child-killer Medea and the husband-killer Clytaemnestra.

Penelope rebuffs her suitors

Marcus Aurelius

Contemplation of the thoughts of the philosopher emperor Marcus Aurelius provided time for reflection and I was very impressed by the manner in which pupils interpreted these each week.

Marcus advises teachers: Teach them better if you can. If not, remember patience was meant for times like these. A very wise man indeed...

Performers in a Roman comedy

Our final module this term is a performance of a play in Roman comic style. Plausibilia is currently being rehearsed and will hopefully be performed for a Form IV audience before the end of term.