In studying the Ancient World pupils gain a greater understanding of the modern world and the influences that have passed through the generations. We seek to enthuse pupils with both the study of language and history.

Latin is taught to all pupils in the first year at King Edward's and most continue into the second, although a small class of Classicists study the life of the Egyptians and Ancient Greeks. In the Third Year Latin pupils move on to the topic of Aquae Sulis and the Roman Army in Britain, whilst the Classics class complete their study of the Ancient Greeks and begin the study of Roman life and Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' in translation.

GCSE Latin pupils continue to study grammar, preparing for two language papers based on the theme of Mythology, Verse Literature including Ovid, Horace, Catullus and Virgil's 'Aeneid' II as well as a Roman Source Paper studying written and physical evidence from the Roman world. Classics pupils complete four modules on Roman Life, Pompeii and Homer's 'Odyssey' as well as a controlled assessment on either Roman Britain or The Greek Olympics.

IB students study the Latin Language through the translation of Ovid's Metamorphoses as well as Prose and Verse literature. Students are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the literary merit of the classical texts and an awareness of issues raised in them. Students also complete a research dossier, which is an annotated collection of source materials relating to a topic in classical history, literature, language, religion, mythology, art, archeology or some aspect of classical influence.

The Lower School, Third Form and first year GCSE enjoy a variety of trips including Fishbourne Roman Palace, The British Museum and the Baths at Aquae Sulis. We have also been fortunate to see 'Oedipus' at the National Theatre and 'Hippolytus' at Greenwich Theatre for the Sixth Form as well as a variety of university lectures and speakers on relevant subjects. In 2011 we are visiting Rome and the Bay of Naples.

As part of the Outreach programme, the department has a small cohort of pupils who visit a local junior school to deliver the 'Minimus' course to Year Six gifted and talented pupils.