JACT DURHAM GREEK & LATIN SUMMER SCHOOL
History
The Durham Summer School was initially a partnership between the Joint Association of Classical Teachers (JACT) and the Centre for Lifelong Learning in Newcastle University. When Lifelong Learning departments closed, we joined JACT Summer Schools Trust (JSST). We still have a wide range of ages (16-80+), which, along with university accommodation, gives this summer school its distinctive character. Our Higher level courses offer preparation for A Levels whilst also giving students a taste of university life.
JSST
JSST runs Summer Schools each year, as follows:
The JACT Greek Summer School, held at Bryanston School, Dorset: www.greeksummerschool.org
The JACT Latin Summer School, held in Harrogate, North Yorkshire: http://www.latincamp.co.uk
The JACT Classical Civilisation and Ancient History Summer School, held at Repton School, Derbyshire:
http://ccsummerschool.weebly.com
The JACT Greek and Latin Summer School, held at St John’s College, Durham: www.durhamlgss.org
Timetable
Our 2024 timetable will be posted here in due course.
In the meantime, please click here if you would like to view last year's timetable.
Another great week at the JACT Summer School in Durham. The Higher Greek group included students of every age and our sessions were a good mixture of translation of two original texts, plus grammar exercises which concentrated on areas necessary to improve the accuracy of our work. The tutor was rigorous in ensuring we understood every element of the Greek original but encouraged discussion regarding the works themselves and our translations. I always enjoy the evening lectures as a rare opportunity to hear about specialist Classical research areas from an expert, and of course all this is in the company of friends old and new"
“I just wanted to express my appreciation for the Summer School and your efforts to ensure that everyone had the best experience there, I certainly had a wonderful time. It was the first time I’d plunged myself back into Latin in over 40 years and I had such a great time that I’m kicking myself that I left it this long!”
“The Summer School offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-timer, or one of the many returners, you’ll find yourself among fellow Classics enthusiasts, making new friends, or catching up with existing ones. All-in-all, a welcoming atmosphere in the lovely surroundings of St. John’s College. Your tutors guide you through your studies, be your group Beginners, where you’ll take your first steps, or Advanced where you’ll be digging deep into the original texts of the greats of Greek and Roman literature. In your down time you can visit the lovely city of Durham itself, stroll through the cloisters of the cathedral, or take a trip to Hadrian’s Wall, at the “Edge of Empire”. Don’t miss it. See you in 2024.”
“The Durham Summer School is probably unique in the number of adult students it has (alongside the
many school-age students). There’s always a big sociable mix, with everyone from Classics students,
teachers brushing up on their topic, retirees, and working-age people like me who do this as a hobby.
People come from all over the globe. The many regular attendees are welcoming to new faces, and it
being a residential course, there’s lots of time to meet and chat over meals, coffees, and at the bar in
the evening. I’m just sorry I didn’t learn about this years ago!”
“I found out about the course from social media. It had never crossed my mind to do a residential Greek course (having just taken up the language as a hobby earlier in the year) but I am delighted I took the week off work and came. Very significant care is taken to ensure that students are working at
a level that is suitable for their abilities. Our tutor demonstrated an extraordinary passion for not just the language but the culture and the literature: it really was a wonderful way to spend a week away from the usual stresses of working life.”
"I can’t thank the staff at the Durham Greek Latin Summer School enough. From the in-house catering staff and the amazing tutors delivering the classes. The university is a truly magnificent place, and the surroundings are beautiful, a place that I will definitely return to next summer. The Latin class has definitely helped me to understand this unique ancient language and increase my
knowledge of the Roman world. I’m continuing my studies on a daily basis, and this is all thanks to the Durham Greek Latin Summer School. I’ve made new friends for life. I can highly recommend the Summer School to anyone who is interested in the Ancient Greek or Roman world".
JACT Summer Schools Trust
Registered charity number 1137562. Company, number 07331184
A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales
Registered office: 10, Market Walk, Saffron Walden, CB10 1JZ