Latin

The academy is proud to be one of a select number of schools offering Latin, a multi-disciplinary subject in which students study the Latin language and literature as well as Ancient Roman history. Students choosing to study Latin will have the chance, therefore, to develop and utilise their skills in both languages and humanities subjects.

Students learn Latin against the backdrop of the fascinating culture of the Roman civilisation. They cover everything from what the Romans used to eat to their beliefs in ghosts and the supernatural. They will start their journey in Pompeii and learn all about the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, before studying Roman Britain and finally arriving back at the heart of the Empire, Rome itself, where they study the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the largest city in antiquity and the Roman emperors.

The benefits of studying Latin are wide and well-documented. It helps learners to develop their understanding of language in general and gain an insight into how Latin has influenced our modern languages – from French and Spanish to the spells in Harry Potter!

In addition, learning Latin often improves students’ English because they understand how languages work, and studying Roman History and Culture also develops students’ analytical and essay-writing skills. Additionally, Latin has a lot of prestige and is valued highly by universities; students hoping to pursue careers in law or medicine will find Latin particularly useful as both these professions use many Latin words and phrases.