Latin

Non scholae sed vitae discimus … we do not learn for school but for life

Anon

Why Latin Matters at St. Michael’s

Why study Latin—a so-called ‘dead’ language—when modern, spoken languages like Spanish seem far more practical? The answer lies in what Latin unlocks: deeper understanding, stronger vocabulary, and a sharper grasp of the language we use every day.

At St. Michael’s, we are committed to nurturing curiosity, fostering a love of language, and building the foundations for lifelong learning. Latin fits naturally into this vision, offering powerful opportunities for pupils to connect vocabulary, concepts, and ideas across the curriculum. Words like democracy or monarchy don’t exist in isolation—they have roots, stories, and cultural significance. Latin helps our pupils make these connections and store them in long-term memory as ‘sticky knowledge’ that supports learning in subjects like English, history, and science.

More than 60% of English words originate from Latin. In essence, when pupils explore Latin, they are unlocking a deeper layer of the English language—one often overlooked in early learning. While phonics helps children access English’s Anglo-Saxon roots, Latin reveals the more abstract, multisyllabic, and conceptual words they encounter from Key Stage 2 onward. Understanding these roots builds confidence in decoding new words and strengthens overall literacy.

And there’s a wider lens to consider. Historically, Latin has been reserved for pupils in independent schools. In fact, around 60% of private schools offer Latin, compared to just 16% of state schools. We believe that all children, regardless of background, deserve access to this rich linguistic and cultural heritage—not just to level the playing field, but to raise the ceiling of aspiration. Latin is the key to higher-level vocabulary, critical thinking, and the kind of academic capital that prepares pupils for future success, including university study.

Our Intent
Our Latin curriculum is ambitious, engaging and carefully structured. We aim to:

  • Deepen pupils’ vocabulary, grammar and linguistic understanding
  • Strengthen connections between English and other languages
  • Investigate the roots and evolution of words across disciplines
  • Inspire curiosity through classical myths, historical stories and ancient cultures

By the time pupils leave Key Stage 2, they will not only have the tools to understand Latin—but the confidence to use that knowledge across the wider curriculum.

Implementation
Latin is taught weekly through 60-minute lessons in Key Stage 2, guided by custom-designed workbooks aligned with the Maximum Classics scheme. Each lesson builds on prior learning and connects with topics in English, grammar, and history.

Key teaching strategies include:

  • Spaced retrieval practice, which supports long-term retention
  • Weekly reviews to activate prior knowledge and reinforce learning
  • Clear progression across Years 3–6 to ensure a coherent learning journey

Curriculum Structure

  • Year 3–4: Three termly units per year
  • Year 5: Six half-termly units, building toward complex sentence construction and story reading in Latin

Lessons progress from understanding word origins to constructing Latin phrases with increasing independence.

What We Teach
Grammar and Spelling Focus:

  • Verb and noun endings
  • Subject/object structure
  • Singular/plural forms
  • Verb types and phrases
  • Adjectives, prepositions, and possession
  • Etymology across languages

Classical Studies Integration:

  • Geography of the Classical World
  • Myths of Ancient Greece and Rome
  • Roman Gods and Goddesses
  • Ancient Greek alphabet and numbers
  • Pottery, games, warfare, medicine, and philosophy
  • Famous thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Pythagoras
  • The influence of Latin in modern science and classification
  • Astronomy, Roman numerals, Homer’s Iliad, and more

Impact
What pupils will show:

  • A robust understanding of Latin grammar, vocabulary and phonics
  • Confidence in speaking, reading and writing in Latin
  • Ability to discuss language structures and identify patterns
  • Broader vocabulary knowledge that enhances comprehension and literacy across subjects

In school:

  • Displays and pupil books show clear progression, engagement, and creativity
  • Evidence of word-play, structured writing, and connections to other areas of the curriculum

Leadership and Monitoring:

  • Subject leaders gather evidence to ensure pupils are making sustained progress
  • Standards are reviewed regularly to ensure the curriculum remains challenging and inclusive
  • Staff receive ongoing CPD to keep delivery sharp, relevant and inspiring

By opening the doorway to Latin, we are not just teaching a language—we’re empowering pupils with the knowledge, confidence, and cultural capital they need to thrive. Latin isn’t a relic of the past. At St. Michael’s, it’s a bridge to the future.