Latin
Latin is a subject which exposes students to a wide range of techniques with which they can study the ancient world.
It allows students to access mythology and history through the original language and gain a far deeper and more meaningful understanding of the stories that they may have already encountered.
Non scholae sed vitae discimus – We do not learn for school, but for life
Seneca
Latin does not shy away from difficult conversations around race and gender in the ancient world, and is an excellent springboard to being able to discuss big questions – a critical life skill. By studying original Latin, students are able to challenge themselves and develop skills of analysis and evaluation.
Latin is offered at St Bart’s as a ‘twilight subject’, both in Year 9 and as a GCSE in Years 10-11. This means students study outside of timetabled lessons, either during their lunchtime or after school.
Latin is available as a ‘twilight subject’ lesson for Year 9 students. Lessons take place once a week and last for one hour.
Teaching is based on the course book Suburani, a narrative-based book which follows a cast of Romans from a diverse range of backgrounds including both rich and poor, men and women, and people from Egypt, Asia, and Italy.
Students will learn a range of Latin vocabulary. Lessons often begin with vocabulary quizzes or with formal introduction of grammar. They will build the skills to enable them to translate stories describing the history, life and mythology of the ancient Romans.
