Primary Languages - Latin 

Our Vision and Why Primary Languages are Important - Our Curriculum Intent

A significant proportion of the English language is Latin derived. In fact, English is a hybrid language, a marriage of two languages – Latin and English. Over 60% of English words have either Greek or Latin roots and in the vocabulary of the sciences and technology, that figure rises to over 90%. Research has shown that learning Latin requires children to apply verbal, analytical and problem-solving skills and as a result boosts academic progress in other areas of the curriculum.

At Paddocks, through our teaching of Latin, we aim to ignite curiosity and lay the foundations for learning new languages. The core themes integral to learning new languages are speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar and these are addressed in each lesson taught throughout Key Stage 2. By choosing Latin as our primary language, we aim to make solid links with the English curriculum and provide children with the opportunity to embed their knowledge of English grammar and etymology. Above all, our aim is to provide fun, active and engaging lessons where all pupils make excellent progress and feel successful and enthusiastic about their learning.

What do Primary Languages look like at Paddocks? - Our Curriculum Implementation

Throughout Key Stage 2 children use the Minimus course to learn Latin with one discrete lesson per week. The course aims to give pupils a taste of the Latin language and above all is fun and engaging. Through the various sections of the course pupils’ English vocabulary is built upon with a focus on Latin root words and derivatives. Children and teachers read aloud in Latin and focus on new vocabulary in each section. Each new chapter includes picture stories which introduce the subject matter and language, word lists for new vocabulary, sections which teach relevant grammatical concepts, an introduction to the relevant English derivatives from Latin words and a summary of the grammar and vocabulary learnt. Also included in each section are points for discussion about Roman life and a myth or story told in English. Lessons are active and involve pupil participation throughout. Explicit links are made in each lesson to help children understand and make connections with their learning of English grammar and to extend their English vocabulary as well as links to their learning in history and the wider curriculum.  

What do our pupils think? - Our Curriculum Impact

“I really like the stories and the characters in the book.”

“It’s really good fun, I like making the comic strips and the little story activities.”

“I like being able to talk to my partner in Latin and have a conversation.”

“Minimus the mouse is really cute!”

“Sometimes the new words are hard to read but I like that lots of it is close to the English words.”