Latin

“Latin is studied by all pupils from Year 4 to Year 8. It is a popular and lively subject, with all pupils being encouraged to achieve at a level appropriate to their ability.”

Years 4 and 5 use Barbara Bell’s Primary Latin Course, Minimus: Starting out in Latin. This serves as a good introduction to the language and reinforces the use of nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs that the children are learning in English. Simple commands, prepositions and conjunctions are introduced, as is the concept of ‘subject’ and ‘object’. Each chapter includes a ‘Roman Report’, which focuses on an aspect of Roman culture, and a Classical ‘myth’.

Year 6 continues the work begun in Years 4 & 5 with Minimus Secundus: Moving on in Latin. Translation skills are further developed and neuter nouns and adjectives, infinitive and impersonal verbs, pronouns, the imperfect tense, participles and parts of the verb are introduced. Again, each chapter includes a ‘Roman Report’.

In Years 7 and 8, we begin to prepare for the Common Entrance examination, using M Seigel’s A Fresh Approach to Latin course.

All teaching is undertaken by well-qualified specialist staff and, as the boys move onto more traditional work at Year 7, they have a positive attitude towards their own ability and a good grounding on which to base their further studies. By the time they leave Willington they have the tools with which to carry on the subject to GCSE and A Level standard.