Classics
Department

The Aims of Latin Teaching

Mérida

We aim to increase linguistic awareness and ability by studying a language which is very different from modern ones, yet not totally alien for most pupils, to foster consciousness of cultural variety and development by study of an ancient culture over a relatively short timespan, to promote knowledge of a world which is a source of many and varied elements of the contemporary world, particularly in Europe and Spain, to develop a critical approach to learning about the past, understanding the importance of evidence and its evaluation. Each level of the course should provide a satisfying experience in itself and also a sound basis for further study.

The general purposes of Latin:

To improve pupils' understanding and use of their own language(s), both the grammar and the vocabulary;
To train pupils' minds to be precise both in analysis of language and in application;
To help them learn other languages, both related to and not related to Latin;
To understand and question critically their cultural environment;
To have a fuller and richer knowledge of the history and culture of a major European civilisation;
To be familiar with and to appreciate surviving features of that civilisation - physical remains, works of art and literature;
To encourage pupils to appreciate non-vocational studies.

Subject special skills

To understand a wide range of familiar and unfamiliar grammatical concepts; to learn accidence; to learn vocabulary;
To use written language carefully;
To understand and appreciate the way people lived in the past;
To make comparisons with the pupils' own experience;
To develop an understanding of sources of knowledge;
To appreciate their limitations.
To be able to read, understand and interpret some ancient literature in the original language.

Programmes of Study

Key Stage 3 Programme of Study
GCSE Programme of Study
A Level Programme of Study

Activities

The Year 7 Mérida Trip.