Latin

As children move into Key stage 2, they are introduced to Latin, following the Minimus scheme of work. Our intent for the teaching of Latin is to teach children a broad and balanced curriculum, using Latin to support vocabulary development, a deeper understanding of grammatical structures in English and foreign languages and for children to investigate the derivatives of language alongside historical stories. The teaching of Latin follows a clear progression in line with age-related expectations.

Rationale 

Enhancing children’s vocabulary and promoting a love of reading and language is at the heart of everything we do at Whiteknights. Latin naturally aligns with our vision of building knowledge for long-term learning across subjects. By connecting the roots of words, children deepen their understanding and strengthen links to their long-term memory. Since Latin forms the basis of 60% of English words, its study significantly enhances English vocabulary, benefitting subjects such as science, maths, geography, and history.

Intent 

We want all pupils to make strong progress in Latin, using it to expand their language skills and vocabulary. Our aim is to inspire a love for language learning that builds confidence in reading, writing, and communication, while preparing them for the next steps in their education.

Implementation

Latin is taught through the Minimus Scheme, which engages Key Stage 2 pupils in a structured and enjoyable way. Each chapter is designed to fully immerse children in the language, with plenty of opportunities for practice, assessment, and revision before moving on. Teachers create links between Latin and other subjects, so pupils can see how it helps their wider learning.

Impact

By learning Latin, pupils will build a richer vocabulary and a stronger grasp of how language works. They’ll recognise Latin roots in English, helping them improve their reading and writing across the curriculum. As they progress, they’ll not only gain confidence in language learning but also see how Latin connects to other subjects, setting them up for success in the future.