Why do we teach Latin?

We teach Latin for our language curriculum in Year 3/4 and are about to start teaching this to our Year 5/6 children. We have thought carefully about what language we will teach at Key Stage 2 and chose Latin for several reasons.

1.We do not know what language children will go on to learn. However, Latin is the base of all European languages. So, what every happens at Secondary School children will have a strong grounding. This would not be so if we focused on one specific modern foreign language such as Spanish or German.

2.Latin is a classical language. This means the focus is on reading Latin. This makes it more accessible for all. Other languages require reading, writing, speaking and listening.

3.Latin has a highly accessible letter sound link. Each letter spells one sound.

4.Latin is everywhere today. Exit is a Latin word. Much of the language we use is based on Latin. Pater is father, think paternity. Mater is mother, think maternity. Salve is hello (v is pronounced w) think salute. This is why we have these words today. Latin unlocks vocabulary we have everywhere.

5.Stories from Latin and still used today in cartoons, films, books, television shows.

Latin offers powerful knowledge that unlocks the world. Children will start to look at the world around them differently and spot links. This natural curiosity is highly motivating and incredibly engaging. 

Minimus

Minimus is a unique Latin course for Key Stage 2 children.

It is based on a real family who lived at Vindolanda in 100AD: Flavius, the fort commander, his wife Lepidina, their three children, assorted household slaves, their cat Vibrissa - and Minimus the mouse.

The children learn to read about the life of the family as they take part in everyday activities such as birthday parties.