Ancient Languages – Latin
Aims
At Robert Blair, we have chosen to teach Latin because of the rich opportunities that come with learning this ancient language.
As well as being a fascinating language in its own right, knowledge of Latin helps to develop literacy skills. Through Latin, children develop their knowledge of spelling and vocabulary through learning Latin roots of English words and deepen their understanding of grammar. Alongside language learning, the study of Roman and Greek civilisations aids cultural literacy, encourages cultural insights and gives opportunities for wide-ranging thinking across many linked subjects (including history, philosophy, art, maths and science).
At Robert Blair, we deliver on the above aims through a Latin programme ‘Maximum Classics’. Children receive weekly Latin lessons that include both language learning and classics (study of Ancient Rome and Greece), enabling them to make substantial progress in the language. Lessons provide a balance of spoken and written language, enabling children to understand and communicate ideas, facts and feelings in speech and writing. The focus is to provide a foundation for reading comprehension and an appreciation of classical civilisation. Take a whole at our Maximum Classics Scheme of Work.
Impact
Our children when they leave us will:
- Be able to understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources.
- Be able to speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and asking questions, and continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation.
- Be able to write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures that they have learnt.
- Be able to discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied.
We believe that learning Latin provides more than just academic benefits—it instils confidence, nurtures curiosity, and opens doors to understanding the ancient world and its lasting impact on modern society. Through our Latin program, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge and skills that will serve them well throughout their educational journey.