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
Mixed Age Approach to Latin at Morley
Progression in Latin at Morley Primary School
Year 6 Morley Leaver
At Morley Primary School, we want every Year 6 child to leave with a love of language and the tools to use it with confidence and curiosity. Latin plays a key role in this journey and is woven into their experience throughout their time in Class 2 and Class 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, discovering how Latin continues to shape the language we use today. For example, they learn to break down words like aquatic (from aqua, meaning water) and vision (from video, meaning to see) to understand their meanings and origins.
Children also explore how Latin connects to modern Romance languages such as French, Spanish, and Italian. They learn how the Latin word mater (mother) links to the French mère and the Spanish madre, helping them recognise patterns across languages and preparing them for future language learning at secondary school.
Through their Latin studies, children develop an appreciation for the history and evolution of language. They explore how Latin influenced English during the Roman era and how it continues to shape scientific, legal, and academic vocabulary today. These discussions often link to their learning in history and geography, deepening their understanding of the ancient world and its legacy.
By the time they leave Year 6, children at Morley will have gained a strong foundation in Latin vocabulary and grammar, giving them a head start in future language studies. More importantly, they will leave with a deeper understanding of how words work, a curiosity about language, and the confidence to embrace whichever language they learn next. Latin isn’t just a subject they study—it’s a springboard for their lifelong journey with language.