Why Classics?
There are many excellent reasons for studying the Classics. The best reason is for the sheer pleasure they can give, together with direct access to some of the greatest and most important literature ever written.
Mental training
The Latin and Greek languages also offer an invaluable mental training, whose skills are easily applied in other areas, together with an enhanced understanding of how languages work, and a comprehensive database for the study of European languages in particular - our own being no exception.
The modern world rests on classical foundations
The study of Classical civilisation provides a radical perspective on all aspects of western culture. The Classics have been at the heart of The Edinburgh Academy's curriculum since its foundation.
Relevance?
Interest in the Classics is rising as our mature society eschews once more the dubious cult of "relevancy" and comes to appreciate the true value of these demanding but highly rewarding subjects. Classics continues to be a highly regarded subject in the academic, professional and business worlds.
University entrance
Universities know that Classics qualifications imply intelligent and multi-faceted students. Former Academy classicists can be found working in the law, banking, industry, the civil service, computing and teaching.
About the Classics Curriculum
Today all pupils study Latin in the Geits (first year of the upper school), and a good many continue it into the second and third years. The GCSE syllabus for the fourth and fifth years includes unseen translation and comprehension, and work in Roman poetry and prose. Higher in the sixth includes a more detailed study of Roman authors as set texts, and further work in unseen translation. Most Higher candidates continue with the "A" Level course, which continues to expand skill and knowledge in these areas, while providing the opportunity to learn prose composition. This encourages analytical thinking and verbal precision.
Some members of the junior classes can opt to study Classical Civilisation instead of Latin. This is a broad course which emphasises the variety and relevance of the classical cultures. 
The opportunity to study Greek is an outstanding and unusual feature of the Academy. This language complements the study of Latin, whilst revealing one of the most profound and influential cultures. Currently, Greek is taught in the sixth and seventh years as an optional activity, with a chance of GCSE at the end of it, to anyone who is interested, including some parents. .jpg)
Trips to Greece, Italy and Hadrian's wall take place from time to time, and use is made of the proximity of universities for conferences and Classics Days for older pupils. The department also organised a highly successful Greek Drama Festival. This page is: Edinburgh Academy / curriculum / classics / index.htm
