Latin and Classical Studies
In continuing to offer further breadth to our children as they progress through the school, our Year 5 and 6 curriculum is enhanced by the introduction of Latin and Classical Studies. At the end of Year 4, children are invited to choose one of these subjects for study during their final two years at Chandlings.
Latin is of great benefit to literacy, and it is an advantage for those children who will be required to sit Common Entrance at 13. There are two lessons and one homework each week and the programme of work leads up to Common Entrance, which also serves as a basis for study in senior schools where the target is GCSE. We teach Latin along traditional lines and the purpose is to build up linguistic knowledge step by step. This involves a good deal of learning by heart which is also excellent for building up memory skills. Grammar covered over the two years includes three declensions of nouns, all active conjugations of verbs in six tenses, prepositions, adjectives as well as Roman numerals, cardinals and ordinals.
During Classical Studies lessons, children will study Ancient Roman History and civilization as well as Greek myths and legends. Classical Studies is timetabled as a weekly 40 minute lesson and no additional homework will be set.
Children opting to take Classical Studies will also be timetabled for a 40 minute independent study session where they will hone study and research skills and produce several ‘self-led’ projects.
