Recognition for teaching Classics at our schools

DEMAT

The Trust has been shortlisted for a Classics for All Teaching Award 2023 which are given to selected stand-out schools making an exceptional contribution to widening access to classics in state schools.

Tricia Moss, Curriculum Lead at DEMAT, said: “We’re delighted that the work of our academies that teach Latin is being recognised.”

“A big congratulations must go to our Language Leads and Latin teachers.

More than half of the Trust’s academies teach Latin as their foreign language option in Key Stage Two.

She added: “It works particularly well for academies with mixed year group classes because the combination of schemes used ensures that we can plan for progression while teaching both year groups at the same time.”

“The links to etymology (the history and origins of a word) and grammar support our approach to teaching spelling through syllabification and applying code knowledge as well as our approach to grammar teaching.”

Benefits of teaching Latin

• Helps develop vocabulary knowledge

• Supports understanding of grammar and syntax which are essential for proficient writing

• Builds a solid foundation for learning modern foreign languages – especially French, Spanish and Italian

• Knowledge of Latin builds cultural capital and complements our history curriculum

Primary Latin Conference – September 28

We are working with Classics for All to host the first Primary Latin Conference in this country. It will be held at the Faculty of Classics at Cambridge University. More details to follow, but please save the date.

• Latin can be taught instead of a MFL and by non-subject specialists

• Full training is provided by specialist teachers at Classics for All

• Resources are available to create a specified and carefully sequenced curriculum on a single or two-year cycle.