Introduction

At Loretto we see the study of Latin and the Classics, not as an exclusive specialism for the very able, but as a vital part of children's understanding of the origins of our language and our culture. Western civilisation itself is founded on the Greek and Roman worlds of 2000 years ago. This subject strengthens awareness of the English language as well other European languages such as French, Spanish and Italian. By looking at historical events and the priorities of societies so long ago in the past we can help pupils to get today's fast-changing world more in proportion.

The bad old days of 'grammar-bashing' reluctant pupils are well past, and anyway there simply isn't time on today's crowded curriculum for the painstaking detail of the old Latin classes. While a disciplined environment and a constant eye on rigour are paramount, we also feel that self-motivation and genuine interest are the key to a successful course. Latin cannot be justified on utilitarian grounds, but it is surely an important branch of 'education' in its broadest sense and it has as much relevance for a scientist and mathematician as it does for a historian or English scholar.

The Course

Form 2

Latin is introduced to all pupils in the first year of Senior school (Form 2).

The aim of the first year is to present the Greek and Roman worlds to pupils, using the Latin language as an 'anchor'. A large proportion of the time is devoted to Greek and Roman history, culture, mythology and everyday life.

There are two periods per week. The course followed is the acclaimed Cambridge Latin course. In the second half of the year greater emphasis is placed on the language itself. This is to enable pupils to make an informed choice as to whether to continue the subject into Form 3.

Form 3

After the 'foundation' year, pupils who continue with Latin are now in a position to move more rapidly towards GCSE level. Pupils joining the school from prep schools which offered Latin will slot in happily at this point. By the end of the year, most of the basic grammar for GCSE will have been covered, a solid core of vocabulary will have been learnt and the essential skills of translation and comprehension thoroughly practised. The study of Roman culture and society continues to run alongside the language, and is seen as an important adjunct, as in Form 2.

Forms 4 and 5

Those with the ability and motivation will opt for GCSE at this point. These two years take them to the end of the Cambridge Latin Course (Books IV and V) and up to GCSE standard by the end of the autumn term in Form 5. The set texts are introduced in good time when linguistic skills are considered to be adequate for the task. There is also a source-based optional paper in Roman life for those who prefer to keep this element running.

Subject Teacher

Latin is taught solely by Mr John Child, who is in a part-time position.

He was educated at Marlborough College and Cambridge University where he obtained a degree in Classics. He has taught Latin and Classical Civilisation for many years in both state and private schools in both England and Scotland (his first post was in Edinburgh). Before coming to Loretto in 2008 he had just successfully completed 11 years as Head of Classics at a large selective grammar school in Lincolnshire.