Latin in primary schools? Really?
From 2014, the National Curriculum requires all Key Stage 2 children to learn a language at school – and two of the options are Latin and Ancient Greek. The Department for Education reasons that classical languages provide the foundation for learning modern foreign languages and for reading comprehension: a theory that the Iris Project, an initiative promoting classics in state schools, strongly supports.
‘Learning classics is a brilliant way to support children’s literacy,’ says Dr Lorna Robinson, founder of the Iris Project. ‘It helps children make connections between Latin and English grammar and vocabulary, and gives them the key to unlock English. It also gives them a deeper cultural knowledge, helping them understand common concepts and phrases like “et cetera” and “Achilles’ heel.”’
Classics can also boost children’s learning across the curriculum. ‘It extends English vocabulary, prepares children to learn modern foreign languages, and has enormous cross-curricular potential, drawing in literacy, history, geography, art, drama and philosophy, as well as helping children with maths and science vocabulary,’ says Jane Maguire, Primary Latin Project committee member and regional advisor for Classics for All.
Will your child get the chance to tackle classics?
Latest figures show that only four per cent of state primary schools offer Latin lessons, compared to 40 per cent of independent schools. As Latin and Ancient Greek are two of only seven approved language options set out by the new curriculum, it’s likely that the numbers of schools teaching classics will increase, although it’s expected that most schools will choose a modern foreign language.
The likelihood of classics being offered may also depend on where you live. The Iris Project’s Literacy through Latin initiative currently provides year-long teaching programmes in selected schools (typically in less affluent areas) in London, Oxford, Manchester, Reading, Swansea, Fife and Glasgow, while the London Mayor’s Love Latin scheme sends volunteers into schools across the capital.
Is it just for high achievers?
Children of all abilities can benefit from learning classics, but it’s a great way to extend gifted and talented children. ‘It can provide a particularly appropriate challenge to these children, who enjoy the challenge of something different and intellectually demanding,’ says Jane. ‘They love making links between Latin and other languages, and having something unusual on their CV could be useful long-term, especially if they want to study languages, science, medicine or law.’
What do teachers and parents think?
‘Sometimes teachers and parents have reservations about classics, because they don’t immediately see the relevance,’ says Lorna. ‘But they’re usually converted really quickly, once they see the benefits and enjoyment their children get from it.’ According to Francis Murphy, deputy head of Pegasus Primary School, Oxford, Latin lessons have had far-reaching benefits. ‘With the new focus on spelling, punctuation and grammar, Latin complements the English curriculum,’ she says. ‘The children are really excited about it; there are brilliant stories in the classics which really engage them, and underlying that is the teaching of grammar.’
Teachers at a Norfolk primary school agree, saying, ‘It’s really useful for literacy, extending vocabulary and grammar and the derivation of words; Latin has contributed significantly to enriching our curriculum.’ And parents are impressed too: comments include, ‘A really great experience; the children are loving it’, and, ‘A very big thank you for the wonderful Latin lessons… My son’s passion for the subject will long continue.’
Learn Latin at home
If you fancy giving classics a go at home, there are lots of great resources that you can use with your child.
- The Iris Project has a wide range of online courses, worksheets, games and activities, including ‘choose your own adventure’ stories and Roman bingo.
- Minimus is a Latin course for younger children, with games, craft projects, comic strips, animations and a DVD featuring Minimus the mouse.
Latin language and literature books for children
- Telling Tales in Latin by Dr Lorna Robinson (£10, Souvenir Press) is a book that combines mythical storytelling with an introduction to Latin, building grammar and vocabulary.
- Latin for Beginners (£6.99, Usborne) explains rules of grammar and vocabulary with punctuation tips, puzzles and links to websites with interactive lessons. Reinforce the learning with First thousand words in Latin (£6.99, Usborne) and Latin words sticker book (£6.99, Usborne).