Latin
The pupils begin their Latin in year 5 with three lessons a week in a
top stream and two mixed ability classes. They learn the basics of the language
using our own Beginners’ Booklet and also study the Roman
Empire, how the Romans lived and Roman myths. In the Summer term
the children have a chance to dress like Romans, eat like Romans, make Roman
mosaics and learn more as they take part in ‘Roman Day’ at school. In years 6, 7 and 8 the children also have three lessons a week and are
taught in humanities streams. They continue to acquire language skills and
vocabulary and begin to move at different paces according to their abilities. They
move on from the Beginners’ Booklet when they are ready and continue onto the Galore Park
‘Latin Prep’ books which are written using the ISEB Common Entrance and Common
Academic Scholarship syllabuses. Most children sit Latin for Common Entrance at
the end of year 8 and many opt to sit scholarship papers to their next schools
if appropriate. In year 6 they learn the fantastic stories of Homer and use a variety of
ways to explore them including role play, audio tapes, DVD clips and computers.
A visit from a local theatre company introduces them to Greek culture as a
background to their study of The Iliad. They embark on a cross curricular
project with the ICT and Art departments in the summer term to create their own
animated films of the Odyssey. In year 7 the pupils learn about the Roman Army
(perhaps even making their own replica weapons) and the expansion of the Roman Empire, including the Romanisation of Britain. This
culminates in a trip to Fishbourne Roman villa in the summer term to see the effect
the Romans had locally. The children learn about mosaics as extension work in
their Art lessons upon our return. In year 8 the children enjoy exploring Greek
myths (Jason and the Argonauts, Hercules, Theseus and Perseus) as well as how
the Ancient Greeks lived and the legacy of their culture. Some year 8 pupils
visit our pre-prep department and present the story of Perseus and Medusa to
the year 1 pupils who are preparing for a visit to Southampton Art
Gallery. Year 8 also make
their own trip to the Gallery to further explore the representation of Ancient
Myths in art in the Spring Term. The teaching of Latin is vibrant and exciting, taught by two language
specialists who aim to make the lessons fast moving and fun at all times. Games
are used in many lessons to help acquire patterns and vocab and teachers
understand the benefits of active learning. The staff use interactive
whiteboards to great effect, allowing the children to learn kinaesthetically as
well as visually. We hope to send children on from West Hill with a sound basis
of Latin and a thirst to learn more in their next schools.