“Sir, why is Classics so important today?”
“Sir, why do we learn Latin? It’s a ‘dead’ language!”
These are questions I have faced many times over the past eight years as a Classics teacher. I’m Daniel Saunders, Head of Classics at Lockers Park.
I always respond by saying that without the study of Classics, we would not have the civilisation, community, and society that we know today. Classics overlaps with a vast range of key subjects taught in schools: for Mathematics there was Pythagoras; for Science, Archimedes; for the Humanities, Herodotus, Pliny, and Plato.
Ancient Greek and Latin form the backbone of many modern European languages and much of our literature. Without classical mythology, there would be far less imagination, storytelling, and creativity in our world.
Classics may be a rare subject, but it has proven to be a highly successful foundation for ambitious, career-driven individuals. It opens incredible opportunities in a variety of fields, including law, politics, and medicine. Many well-known figures studied Classics before going on to achieve great success, among them: J.K. Rowling, Tom Hiddleston, Boris Johnson, and Chris Martin of Coldplay.
Classics is history, and we should never forget our history. My role is to take this ancient subject and bring it to life in the 21st century.
Here are some important reasons why Classics remains an important subject.
1. Building Language Foundations
Latin underpins much of the English language- over 60% of English words have Latin roots. Learning Latin strengthens pupils’ vocabulary, spelling, and understanding of grammar. It also lays a superb foundation for learning modern languages such as French, Spanish, and Italian, which share the same linguistic ancestry.
2. Sharpening the Mind
Latin is a logical, highly structured language. Decoding its grammar develops precision, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail – the same intellectual skills that support success in mathematics, computing, and analytical thinking.
3. Deepening Cultural and Historical Understanding
Classics brings the ancient world to life. Through myths, literature, art, and history, pupils explore the origins of Western civilisation – from democracy and philosophy to architecture and storytelling. These studies help children understand where many modern ideas, words, and systems come from.
4. Encouraging Critical Thinking and Perspective
By examining the lives, politics, and values of ancient societies, pupils learn to think critically about today’s world. Discussions about leadership, ethics, empire, and citizenship in Ancient Greece and Rome often resonate with modern issues, helping young learners make meaningful connections.
5. Cultivating Curiosity and Wonder
Classics captivates pupils’ imaginations. The epic tales of gods and heroes, the ruins of Pompeii, and the legacies of Caesar and Cleopatra all ignite curiosity and creativity – qualities at the heart of an inspiring prep education.
6. Supporting Senior School Pathways
Latin and Classical Civilisation remain highly regarded subjects at senior schools. A grounding in Classics gives pupils a head start, offering both academic stretch and a mark of intellectual rigour.
7. Nurturing a Love of Learning for its Own Sake
Above all, Classics connects young people to the great chain of human thought and achievement. It reminds them that language, story, and culture are timeless, and that understanding the past enriches the way we live and learn today.
Join us at our Senior Schools Presentation Evening on 24 February or next Open Classroom Event on 7 March 2026
Contact admissions@lockerspark.co.uk for further enquiries.