Classics
About the Department
Latin is taught from Second Form up to GCSE. Small classes guarantee individual attention: in the last few years nearly all of our GCSE candidates have passed with high grades.
Teaching and Learning
We study Latin, using a variety of books and approaches. We use the Cambridge Latin Course, now in its Fourth Edition, with the more Junior Forms. This course follows the story of a young Roman from Pompeii, who escapes at the time of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and travels to Alexandria and Britain before returning to Rome. Language work is introduced through the medium of the stories, which also include authentic background information about the Roman world - slavery, gladiatorial shows, gang-warfare, baths, dinner parties, court intrigues, hunting, the great architecture of the City of Rome, the conquest of Britain…..and much more. The books are full of up-to-date colour illustrations which help to bring the Ancient World to life.
However, we also use ‘So You Really Want to Learn Latin’ with those further on in the subject. This is a book with a more formal approach to Latin grammar, but also a lot of other stories based on Roman history. For those of an older generation reading this it will bring memories of all those agonising lessons with Latin masters shouting ‘What case?!’ It does, however, stiffen the pleasure of Latin with a little discipline and logic, reminding us all that ‘without pain, there is no gain!’
Both approaches are extremely valuable to the learning of Latin. The Cambridge Course is brilliant at introducing quite a lot of Latin in an unintimidating sort of way as well as giving much food for thought by comparing the Roman and the modern way of life. The other book helps consolidate knowledge of grammar and syntax and enables pupils to feel more confident about tackling more complex passages.
A great deal of emphasis is put on developing skills from this subject, such as word derivation and developing English vocabulary as well as getting pupils to think about and analyse Roman values. Latin at GCSE still involves reading Latin literature in the original language, the only language taken at GCSE which does so now apart from Ancient Greek. Indeed, few GCSEs involve quite such a range of material for study and what better subject could there be to appreciate Loretto’s unique motto, ‘SPARTAM NACTVS EST, HANC EXORNA’, translating roughly as ‘You’ve ended up with Sparta, this is what you’ve got to improve.’ or as a modern American writer translated it, ‘Yer’ve got to dance with the girl what brung yer.’
What Pupils Say
"Latin raises your cultural awareness."
"When do we get to find out what happens to Salvius?"
"I never realised Latin poetry could sound so beautiful."
David Allot: Head of Department
He has long experience of teaching Latin. He studied Latin, Russian and Modern History at Durham and Russian Language and Literature at London. He has worked in a number of schools, including one or two in the state sector. He also teaches some lessons in History.