Supporters of classic studies have initiated a campaign for saving A-level Greek teaching in the Camden School for girls in north London, after governors announced that increased costs lead to abandoning the funding of the subject at its highest level.

According to the teachers of the classics department, it is thought to be the last non-selective state school in England to offer the subject in the sixth form. In the UK educational system, sixth form subjects are studied by pupils aged 16 to 19 aiming for advanced school leaving qualifications.

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) falls in this category, being an internationally recognised qualification in a specific subject for those pursuing further higher education.

Camden School for girls is the only comprehensive (non-selective) one in the country offering A Level Greek and the only local state school offering Greek at GCSE. Both programs appear to be in peril, after governors’ warning that financial difficulties of the institution require reduced funding.

In a statement to the Guardian, head Elizabeth Kitcatt and chair of governors Janet Pope said:

“We have not taken a final decision to reduce this breadth of provision but we are considering a range of difficult options as the school is facing financial pressure next year because of increased costs and reduced funding imposed by government.

“We are determined to do everything we can to keep this full range of subjects on offer if it is at all possible, and so we are exploring alternative ways forward to keep the rich breadth of curriculum we believe is so important.”

Senior staff of the classics department have launched an appeal on the school’s website.

Donations exceed £16,000 so far, yet an additional £21,000 is sought to ensure a three year pilot program that will secure their A level offering program and will also include an ancient Greek learning hub for local students.

Source: The Guardian