RATIONALE

The contribution of Latin to the curriculum

Latin makes a valuable contribution to the curriculum of S1 and S2 pupils because it provides a broad-based learning experience. The study of Latin at this level includes two inter-linking elements, linguistic and cultural, which reinforce each other. These contribute to pupils' social and intellectual growth by helping them to acquire knowledge and understanding and a wide range of skills.

A positive attitude to language learning in general is an important aspect of any Latin course, and has a much wider significance for the world of work. The single European market has heightened the need for the acquisition of foreign languages by our young people. Latin, being the direct root of French, Italian and Spanish and a main contributor to the vocabulary of other European languages, is thus an aid to learning any of these languages. In addition, pupils who have mastered the basics of Latin will have greater confidence in their study of other languages, besides European.

However, since schools are unlikely to be able to offer a wide range of languages, it will be helpful if pupils acquire the linguistic framework which will act as a springboard in later years for the learning of whichever language they may then require. It is important to distinguish between language learning in the case of a modern foreign language like French and that of a classical language like Latin. Latin is studied to enable the pupil to develop more complex reading and linguistic skills, rather than to become an effective communicator in the foreign tongue: pupils who combine Latin with a modern European language will find that the emphasis on structure in the one complements the emphasis on communication in the other.

A positive attitude to other cultures is encouraged as pupils gain a deeper insight into the multicultural world of ancient Rome and its Mediterranean empire. Reading the Latin language gives pupils a glimpse into ancient Roman society; learning about the Roman background aids understanding of the language. Pupils' awareness of the European heritage is also heightened by a knowledge of the language and culture which contributed so much to Western society and which left the rich legacy of Roman literature.

Latin provides a useful support for the study of English and other curriculum areas. In the national guidelines English Language 5-14, it is stated that knowledge about the structure of language, its grammar, vocabulary and sounds, is seen as contributing to all four outcomes of (English) language. These areas of language competence are an important part of Latin learning and teaching in S1 and S2. Indeed, Latin has made a major contribution to the vocabulary of English. It helps to make pupils more aware of the structures of language because of its clearly expressed grammar. it introduces them to principles of analysis which are involved in the structure of other languages, including computer languages. It also aids the understanding of scientific terminology. Latin therefore fulfils an important ancillary role in that the knowledge, skills and attitudes it seeks to promote complement work in other subject areas.

Good study skills are encouraged: these include attention to detail in reading, skills of analysis and synthesis and the ability to memorise, predict and infer. All of these skills have a general application to learning for life.