In Languages we aim to inspire students to engage with the world, different societies and cultures, so that they can broaden their tolerance, adaptability, knowledge and thinking skills.
| Teacher in charge of Latin | Ms C Barnett |
In Year 7, all students have the opportunity to experience each of the four languages on offer at Bishop Luffa (French, German, Spanish and Latin) within a carousel over three terms. Students have 5 periods per fortnight. Before the end of Year 7, students will be asked (in consultation with parents/guardians) to decide on one language to study for Year 8 and 9. From Year 8, where possible, classes are grouped in order to support student ability.
In Years 8 and 9, students study their chosen language for 5 periods per fortnight. In Year 9, students start the GCSE course. There is an expectation that students continue their chosen language through to GCSE in Year 11. We offer students the opportunity to study A'Level French, German, Spanish and Latin in Years 12 and 13. Further details about the A'Level courses are available on the Sixth Form website.
Vision
Students will develop their linguistic confidence in a safe and supportive environment in which they are encouraged to take risks. The lessons foster cooperation, collaboration and teamwork. Students will develop their linguistic skills through the use of authentic materials (songs, articles, stories) in a positive atmosphere. Their teachers are experts in building positive relationships and they will have high expectations of students to engage and adapt to the pace of their lessons. Students will find teachers draw on their own experiences, which helps to take the subject outside of the classroom. They will be challenged to question where they have seen language used in the wider world, out of school. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a residential visit abroad.
Latin Learning Journey
This is a visual representation of how students' knowledge and skills develop through the Latin curriculum.
(click on the image below to view a larger version)
Why Study Latin at GCSE?
The culture of the Roman and Greek world is everywhere in our world. Our greatest writers, living and deceased, draw on our shared understanding of the world the Romans and Greeks lived in; from J K Rowling and Carol Ann Duffy to Shakespeare. Its echoes can be felt through film, art, architecture, design, advertising and nearly every aspect of the society we live in. The Latin language itself is found in the expressions we use, the language we employ and the names we give things. Studying Latin helps you see those connections and can enrich your enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of literature, history and our society today.
In English, you will find that you can decode obscure and technical language faster and your vocabulary will increase. Studying Latin helps you think analytically and systematically. This helps develop your logical and systematic thinking skills. This is helpful for everything from maths to computer programming to philosophy. At this level we study the structure of the language in a way that means you will begin to examine and even challenge how you use your own language and others.
The subject aligns with other areas, allowing new insight into other languages, such as English Literature, History and Religious Studies.
Latin GCSE allows you to read about the hopes, thoughts and dreams of people who died over two thousand years ago, in their original words.
Latin is a challenging subject that leads to a highly respected GCSE. People who study Classics go on to a broad range of careers including computer programming, law, accountancy, banking, politics, science and the arts. Famous Classicists include Baroness Susan Greenfield (who studied Classics before becoming a neurosurgeon), J K Rowling (who studied French and Classics), Chris Martin (lead singer of Coldplay), Anthony James Leggett (Nobel Prize winner for Physics) and Tom Hiddleston (actor).
Outline of syllabus content - we study for the following papers:
- Latin Language (translation)
- Literature (original Latin based on a set of themes)
- Literature (original Latin based on a narrative)
GCSE Assessment
The GCSE is assessed by three exams at the end of the course. This gives adequate time to allow you to become confident and perfect your exam technique and understanding of the set texts.