The Romans and their language have had a profound influence upon the modern world. In this subject students are introduced to the basic grammatical rules of Latin and taught to read texts that explore what life was like in the Roman Empire in the first century AD.
In Year 9 students are taught to understand the Latin language for the purpose of reading simple Latin texts, and begin to develop an understanding of Roman civilisation. Students learn to identify the basic linguistic elements of both English and Latin sentences, and to understand how these elements are put together to create meaning. Students are also trained to pronounce Latin according to accepted classical conventions.
Year 9 students complete parts 1 and 2 of the renowned Cambridge Latin Course.
Part 1 focuses on the daily life of a family living close to the centre of the Roman world, in the ancient Italian town of Pompeii. Students learn to recognise the fundamental forms of the most common Latin nouns and verbs, how these combine to form simple sentences, and a core set of Latin vocabulary.
Part 2 explores life in the provinces of the Roman Empire, first in Roman Britain and then in Egypt. Students become familiar with Latin adjectives and pronouns, and learn the grammatical rules that govern them. More advanced forms of Latin verbs and nouns are introduced, and core vocabulary is expanded.
The following areas of study are assessed throughout the year:
vocabulary
grammar
translation
comprehension
Additionally, there are Semester 1 and 2 examinations.
Please see the booklist.