The study of Classics remains an integral part of education at King Edward's. All boys study Latin in the first two years and it is taught through to GCSE and A Level. Greek is available as a language option in the third year and is also taught to GCSE and A Level. We believe that the two languages have great value, providing a different kind of linguistic challenge, opening up an understanding of our own language, leading to the study of great literature and an understanding of two civilisations which have had a massive influence on our own.

At GCSE and A Level the courses involve linguistic ability in translation but also literary and cultural awareness in the study of set texts which include, in Latin, Vergil, Ovid, Tacitus and Pliny and, in Greek, Homer, Sophocles and Herodotus.

In addition to Latin and Greek, the department teaches Classical Civilisation at A Level which allows boys who have become interested in the history, literature, art and culture of the ancient world to pursue that interest without continuing to study the languages.

The department has a number of activities to support its teaching, in this country to the Lunt Fort and overseas especially the biennial trip to the Bay of Naples. There is also a Classical Society which meets regularly, and the Anagnostics Society meets to read Classical tragedy and comedy.