Course Length: Full academic year (30 weeks)
This Year's Schedule: Click here to view
Aims of the Course
This course is designed by our tutor Alison Samuels, a Classics specialist and former lecturer at the Open University.
There are so many good reasons to be enthusiastic about Latin as part of a liberal arts education. But it can be hard to access elementary Latin tuition. The aim of this course is to introduce young students to the Latin language and Roman culture using an accessible and well-tested text-book designed by teachers, and all the resources of Dreaming Spires.
Linguistic Scope
There will be opportunities to discuss, research and to marvel, but the main focus will be on developing the linguistic skills needed to read simple Latin texts. The main constructions covered will be the five declensions of nouns, adjectives of the first and second declension, and indicative active verbs in the present, future, imperfect, perfect and pluperfect tenses. For easy reference, students who complete the course will cover the requirements for UK Common Entrance Level 2.
This course is suitable for children as young as eleven, who have strong linguistic skills. Students beginning the course should have a good working knowledge of basic English grammar, and grammatical terms such as noun, verb etc.
Add-On Option
The Add-On extension will give students an opportunity to encounter a wider variety of texts, consolidate their learning and practice skills and techniques which they may meet if they continue with Latin to examination. This option will add 2 hours a week to the required home preparation.
How It Supports Your Child's Education
This course is primarily intended to give students a genuine experience of studying Latin. This will help them with all linguistic studies. Students may decide to go on with Latin, to develop their interest in Classical culture, or just enjoy an enriching experience.
For UK students, this course could form the basis for examination entry for Common Entrance Level 2 Latin. This outcome would only be available to the most committed students taking both main
course and add-on who do considerable preparation at home (5 hours a week) and complete all submissions to a high standard.
Set Texts
Ecce Romani Books 1 and 2 (2nd edition 1982) must be owned.
Who Teaches Latin One?
Alison Samuels is a former home-educating mum and a graduate of St John's College, Cambridge. She was one of the first women admitted to her alma mater, when it stopped being for men only. Her long teaching experience includes more than 20 years as a Classics lecturer with the Open University.See all courses taught by Alison