Latin Curriculum

Latin weaves into the curriculum through English, French, Science and Computing.

The study of Latin gives pupils a greater understanding of correct grammatical usage in English and significantly aids their spelling. While focusing on Latin derivations, they become intrigued by the roots of their own language: they find themselves drawn to the various meanings of words in English and even parallels in French vocabulary.

Pupils have even used the regularity and formulaic nature of what they have learned to write code in their Computing classes to translate sentences from Latin.

Senior Department Curriculum

Pupils begin their journey into the Classical World at the end of Year 5 when they are introduced to Latin and the breadth of the Roman Empire, as well as its numerous legacies.

From Year 6 they have two hours of Latin a week, where they learn Latin grammar, the formation of basic sentences and begin to build a vocabulary.

“Who Said Latin’s Dead” specially written for Common Entrance, offers a workbook-centred scheme of work in which we follow the exploits of two 21st century students of Latin who are transported back to the Colosseum in Rome at the time of Emperor Hadrian. Using the narrative of the story, our heroes, Guy and Olivia, learn about life (and death) in Rome and try to find their way back to 21st Century England. On this journey, the pupils learn all the grammar and vocabulary necessary to be proficient at Common Entrance level and beyond.

From Year 7, pupils are streamed into three sets in Latin and in Year 8, those who are being prepared for Scholarship exams are given extra tuition, which will bring them close to GCSE level.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Technology enhances the teaching of Latin, such as through the use of Chromebooks in lessons. Beyond the classroom, Latin has a prominent place at King’s House with termly Latin speaking competitions, a whole school vocab competition and a team represents the school in the Victor Verborum contest at Hampton School each year. There is also a bi-annual trip to Italy to visit Vesuvius, Pompeii and Rome.