Academic | Classics

Latin

Latin is introduced in the second year to the nine-year-olds, who have a one hour lesson each week. From the third year upwards the boys receive two and a half hours of Latin per week.

During their lessons they are taught in a traditional way and learn about the structure of the language, beginning with the elementary grammar and vocabulary, and working up through the syllabus to Common Entrance and Public School scholarship levels. Most senior schools do not insist on Latin at Common Entrance, but regard it as a useful, although non-qualifying subject; a good grade is always helpful as a useful measure of a boy’s intelligence.

Along the way, the boys pick up the meaning and use of the elementary grammatical terms and constructions which are so important in language learning at a later stage.

In their background reading they learn about the life and civilisation of the early Romans, a remarkable people who handed down great traditions and gave birth to a strong cultural continuity between classical times and modern Europe. We can see their influence at many points in our lives - in language, literature, legal systems, art, architecture and the Church – and in Roman Britain too. Even a basic knowledge of Latin can:

  • A) Make it easier to learn foreign languages such as Italian, French, Spanish and Portugese.
  • B) Increase word power in English through a widened range of vocabulary and a better understanding of the derivation and meaning of words.
  • C) Develop skills of analysis and precision in thought and translation.
  • D) Improve a pupil’s ability to write clearly and effectively.
  • E) Help to improve computer skills by being an inflected language.

The work involves much detailed learning, which is a virtue in itself, and although pupils may not appreciate it at a young age, it is often said how much some knowledge of the subject is valued in later life.

Greek

Greek for beginners is taught on a voluntary basis outside the formal timetable and when time can be found. There is no requirement to reach the Common Entrance level.

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