Latin
Students are invited to learn Latin based on their end of year 6 national test results, specifically the English results.
In Latin lessons most of the time is devoted to studying the Latin language, but we also consider the different aspects of the Roman world as well. Lessons take place peripatetically, so students will miss part of a timetabled lesson in order to take part in the Latin course.
The intent of the Latin Curriculum
The Latin curriculum has a primary aim of being able to read, understand and translate Latin; the curriculum has a secondary aim of understanding the Romans and other civilisations. The two aims go hand in hand. The resources of the department allow culture to be understood through the Latin texts and stories that are read. Students will understand Roman language and culture, as well as those of modern Europe, better with each Latin lesson.
How is the Latin Curriculum implemented?
Our teaching is based on the Cambridge Latin Course (CLC), which is divided into stages.
The course is designed so that new language features will be practised alongside features that students have learnt; often a language feature will be introduced that requires sound knowledge of earlier features, such as the introduction of a new tense or personal ending. For the cultural element, as more topics of a theme are introduced, students can begin to compare and evaluate different aspects of a theme, for example: what form of entertainment would be most appropriate for the modern day?
Aside from classroom learning, students will have the opportunity to visit Colchester Castle (year 8) and the University of Cambridge (year 9), to broaden their understanding of the Romans and the Roman influence on Britain.
The impact of the Latin Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 3
As set out in the section above with the title “intent”, the course aims to enrich students’ ability to understand and appreciate language and thought – ancient and modern. The actual impact on each student will be assessed as detailed in the section below.
How is it assessed?
Students are assessed formally on their ability to translate and/or understand a Latin text once every term. The level of the language assessed is matched with how much Latin grammar they have learnt. There will also be tasks to assess the student’s knowledge, understanding and ability to form opinions concerning the ancient world.
Students may be entered into the Level 1 exam (roughly half as challenging as a GCSE) at the end of year 9.
How can I help my child
Encourage them to use the Cambridge Latin Course website (https://www.clc.cambridgescp.com/online-activities) or Memrise (https://www.memrise.com/course/1714323/leman-latin-level-1-vocabulary-by-stage/) to help them improve their grammar and vocabulary. You can also test them on their Latin vocabulary!
