Two classical languages are offered by the languages department at SBHS: Latin and Classical Greek.

Traditionally these languages have been at the core of academic curriculum since the school's inception. Latin and Classical Greek are acknowledged as presenting rigorous and demanding intellectual engagement with the emphasis on the pursuit of scholarship and academic excellence.

The principal thrust of each of the languages is on reading and translating text, initially simplified and basic. As students master the fundamentals of the language, they progress to reading original texts written (many for recitation) by great classical literary masters.

In the junior school students begin reading Latin from the very start using the Cambridge Latin course. The reading consists of stories associated with the reconstruction of life at Pompeii, the Italian city destroyed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD as recorded through the observations of a young Italian boy, Quintus. The stories are interesting and informative, not only teaching students the fundamentals of Latin but also introducing students to many, varied aspects of Roman culture and civilisation.

In years 8 to 10 students continue reading material at an even more challenging level. Accompanying the reading the students now become engaged in a more formal approach to understanding and development of linguistic skills by undertaking a course in Prose Composition, translating from English to Latin. This focuses attention on the constructs of English and assists in understanding and improving more fully their own English literacy as well as providing the facility for learning languages in later life, particularly the Romance languages, profoundly influenced by Latin. Students are also engaged in developing skills in translating passages of Latin not previously sighted which is generally known as unseen translation.

Classical Greek in the junior school partners Latin in that the two languages function as inflected languages where changes in the spelling of the word endings are major contributors in the communication of meaning. Greek is a subject making particularly rigorous and challenging demands on the intellectual capacities of young minds and teaches mental precision, logic and analytical skills. The approach is a more traditional and formal acquisition of knowledge and skills. Generally a study of Greek should be accompanied by the study of Latin as both languages reinforce each other.

In the senior years the emphasis is on reading a selection of original Latin and Greek authors for study at some depth. In year 11 students are exposed to a variety of ancient authors of prose and verse. Skills in Prose Composition and Unseen Translation are further advanced.

In year 12 prescribed authors, one prose and one verse are studied in depth in preparation for the higher school certificate. These texts involve ancient interests in history, philosophy and oratory in lyric, elegaic, satiric and epic themes.

Extension courses offer further expansion in exposure to Latin and Classical Greek authors. Prose composition and Unseen Translation are attempted at an advanced level.