Morley Primary School
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Why Latin?
At Morley Primary School, we want every child to leave with a love of language and the tools to use it confidently. Learning Latin is an important part of this journey.
Latin is often called the “grandfather of languages” because it forms the foundation of many modern languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Italian. By learning Latin, children can better understand the roots of English words, helping them to build their vocabulary and make sense of unfamiliar words.
As part of our curriculum, we also explore how Latin has influenced other languages. This helps children spot similarities between Latin and Romance languages like French and Spanish, giving them a head start for secondary school language lessons.
At Morley, vocabulary is at the heart of everything we do. Learning Latin helps children understand where words come from and how they are connected to history and culture. This doesn’t just improve their language skills—it also inspires them to think about how languages have evolved over time.
When children leave Morley, they take with them a love of language and the confidence to explore new languages in the future. Latin provides the perfect foundation for whichever language they choose to learn next, setting them up for success in secondary school and beyond.
Latin at Morley Primary School
Progression in Latin at Morley Primary School
Year 6 Morley Leaver
At Morley Primary School, we want every Year 6 leaver to leave with a love of language and the tools to use it confidently. Learning Latin is an important part of this journey and is woven into their experience throughout their time in Class 2 and 3.
In Year 6, children build on their earlier learning by exploring Latin vocabulary, grammar, and sentence construction. They study the roots of many English words, learning how Latin influences the language we use today. For example, they will break down words like "aquatic" (from aqua, meaning water) or "vision" (from video, meaning to see) to understand their meanings.
Children also discover how Latin links to modern Romance languages including French, Spanish, and Italian. For example, they learn how the Latin word mater (mother) connects to the French word mère and the Spanish word madre. This helps them recognize patterns in other languages and prepares them for secondary school language learning.
Through their studies, children develop an appreciation for the history of language. They explore how Latin shaped the English language during the Roman era and how it continues to influence scientific, legal, and academic terminology today. They also engage in discussions about how language evolves over time, making connections to their learning in history and geography.
By the time they leave Year 6, children at Morley will have gained a solid foundation in Latin vocabulary and grammar, giving them a head start for future language studies. They will leave with a deeper understanding of how words work, a curiosity about language, and the confidence to take on whichever language they learn next. Latin isn’t just a subject they study—it’s a springboard for their lifelong language journey.