First & Second Year Latin
S1
The S1 Latin course provides pupils with an introduction to the Latin language and to Roman Civilisation.
The Oxford Latin Course forms the basis for teaching in S1 and S2, and is used in conjunction with booklets produced by the department which contain grammar rules, extension exercises and homework exercises.
Pupils are introduced to various forms of verbs (persons; infinitives; imperatives); nouns, prepositions and questions and are encouraged to transfer this knowledge to the translation of sentences and simple stories.
Alongside the language, pupils learn about Roman society (Education, Roman family life, the Underworld) and produce investigations, individually and in groups, on Slavery and on the Trojan War.
Homework consists of learning vocabulary and tables of grammar and translating sentences.
S2
The course for S2 pupils provides continuity and progression from the S1 experience. The material consolidates and develops pupils’ language skills and understanding of Roman civilisation.
In the language part of the course, pupils extend their knowledge of verbs (imperfect, perfect and pluperfect tenses) and nouns (all cases) and are required to further develop their translation skills through the reading of passages which contain more challenging structures and vocabulary.
In addition, pupils continue to build on their understanding of Roman society through learning about Dido and Aeneas, Hannibal and Roman gods. They also have another opportunity to produce investigations on the Roman Army and Chariot-racing, which requires them to draw on the skills of note-taking and organisation, which were introduced in S1.
The Oxford Latin Course continues to be used in S2, in conjunction with additional support, extension and practice material.
Homework tasks are similar to those in S1.