Languages - Latin

At Barkston and Syston, we teach Latin as a purposeful bridge between classical and modern language. Latin lessons foster respect for language, kindness in collaboration and determination in learning. Rooted in our small village primary ethos and church foundation, Latin introduces children to the structure of language through etymology, morphology and phonology, strengthening literacy, vocabulary and learning habits that benefit all subjects. Latin supports our inclusive community by giving pupils from all backgrounds—especially those with additional needs or who are disadvantaged—clear, structured access to language rules that build confidence and transferable knowledge.

Key Aims

· To develop a secure, sequenced understanding of etymology, morphology and phonology so children recognise how words are formed and pronounced, and how meanings connect across languages.

· To improve reading, spelling and spoken language in English and other modern languages by teaching Latin roots, prefixes, suffixes and phonological patterns.

· To develop curiosity, perseverance and respect for linguistic diversity as part of preparation for life in modern Britain.

Content and Skills

Pupils will gain discrete, cumulative knowledge and practice across two interlinked strands:

· Etymology: systematic study of Latin roots and their influence on English vocabulary and on high-utility words across the curriculum (science, RE, PE,

foundation subjects). Pupils learn to decode meanings and make connections between words.

· Morphology: explicit teaching of word formation—inflexions, stems, prefixes and suffixes—so pupils can analyse word families, spell accurately and manipulate grammatical forms.

Progression

Lower Key Stage 2: Introduce basic Latin roots and high-frequency morphemes linked to core English vocabulary; develop phonological awareness through simple pronunciations and oral repetition; begin to make links between Latin roots and English words in context. Lessons are short, concrete and multisensory to align with reading priorities, supporting oracy development and the RSE/Oracy school improvement focus.

Upper Key Stage 2: Broaden morphological knowledge—regular practice with common prefixes/suffixes, simple inflectional patterns and increased etymological word families.

Assessment is used consistently to identify gaps, address misconceptions and inform next steps so pupils "know more and remember more".

Wider Impact

Latin supports pupils’ broader personal development and future success by:

· Strengthening literacy, vocabulary and reasoning skills that underpin access to the whole curriculum and prepare pupils for secondary education.

· Enhancing oracy: planned speaking tasks and pronunciation practice contribute to school priorities for oracy and RSE curriculum aims for confident communication.

· Promoting cultural understanding and respect for diversity by exploring language history and how language connects communities—addressing the inspection finding to broaden pupils’ understanding of diversity and life in modern Britain.

· Providing structured, inclusive learning approaches that support pupils with SEND and those eligible for disadvantaged funding through clear sequences, multisensory resources and targeted assessment.

Through Latin, Barkston and Syston pupils will develop secure, transferable linguistic foundations, strong literacy skills and confident voices, enabling them to shine their light as curious, capable learners ready for the next steps of their education and life beyond primary school.