Latin

Latin Curriculum Team



Latin


Learning another language widens both the children’s language skills but also exposes them to another culture. This in turn fosters their curiosity and deepens their understanding of the world. 


Our Latin curriculum is taught at Key Stage Two with children learning to read, write and speak in Latin. This is first introduced in conjunction with the study of Roman Britain. This study of Latin alongside its history and influence helps children to more fully understand and appreciate the Roman Empire, which has had profound and continuing effects on Western civilization.


Through the study of Latin children not only develop their knowledge of the language but also are aided in mastering English. Since 50 percent of all English words are derived from Latin (along with 80–90 percent of all academic words)  children greatly expand their vocabulary. The regular grammar of Latin also facilitates the learning of English grammar.  In addition, the increased vocabulary and understanding of grammar gained by studying Latin enables students to write and read with greater ease and clarity. This deeper understanding of the etymology and vocabulary of academic English can then apply across all areas of the curriculum. 


As Latin forms the basis of the Romantic Languages (French, Spanish, Italian), learning Latin at Key Stage Two also provides the foundation for further study of modern foreign languages beyond primary school.