Sixth Form Entry Booklet

21 This is a course for any student, whatever his other subjects, although it might be of special interest to those who have enjoyed the Roman Life aspect of the Cambridge Latin Course or Classical Civilisation at GCSE. Emphasis is laid on examining evidence and discussing its credibility as well as on learning the facts. Essays are regarded as a vital element in research and discussion. It should be a training of practical use to any would- be Historian or Lawyer or indeed anyone wishing to perfect their skills of expression and analysis. It also offers opportunities to demonstrate the key skills of ICT, problem solving, communication and working with others. UNIVERSITY Classical subjects can be studied at many universities, either on their own or in combination with a wide variety of other subjects (e.g. Archaeology, Anthropology, Medieval/Modern History, English, Linguistics, Modern Languages and Philosophy). For a traditional full Classics degree, an A Level in Latin is clearly an advantage, but all universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, are now happy to teach either language from “scratch”. In recent years, for exampl e, some of those who have taken only Ancient History at A Level have gone on to study full Classics at university. CAREERS The perennial question is: “What does the study of Classics qualify you for?” An illuminating list of the careers of Oxford Classics graduates, mentioned at a talk given at this School and a survey of past pupils, lists advanced scholarship, law, business, teaching, Civil Service, wine trade, art gallery and library work, the stage, advertising, film-making, publishing, medicine, journalism and computer programming among others. We regularly ask about the situation and the answer is always the same – that there are plenty of openings for good Classicists. Very few degree courses qualify a person directly for a career, and a period of additional vocational training is almost always required. The Secretary of the Oxford University Appointments Board has made it plain that Classicists are, in a sense, at an advantage because they are often more aware of this than others. He has said too, in a letter to us, “We also have many employers who actually prefer Classics graduates for the width and rigour of their degree subject.” Mrs D Dicks