An overview of Latin
Latin is the language that was spoken by the ancient Romans.
The city of Rome was established as a small settlement on the river Tiber in the eighth century BC. As the Romans expanded their influence over neighbouring cities, Latin became the dominant language on the Italian peninsular.
At its peak in 117AD, the Roman empire covered 5 million km2 and contained 60 million people. The impact of Latin upon the languages, culture and development of European civilization has been immeasurable.
Learning Latin at Barker provides an opportunity for students to explore the ancient Greek and Roman world through a detailed study of the empire’s common language. The intellectual challenge of learning an ancient language equips students with a set of life-long analytical and transferable skills that are highly sought in advanced academic disciplines (eg Physics, Engineering, Philosophy, Medicine, Law).
Further reasons for choosing Latin include:
- Latin assists students to develop a sophisticated understanding of English. (up to 90% of technical words in English derive from Latin roots)
- Latin assists students to develop their understanding of History and Literature
- Languages such as French, Spanish, Italian are based on Latin.
- Medicine, Law and Science all rely heavily upon Latin terms.
It is not possible to pick up Latin for the HSC without learning it in the earlier years.
Contact
Head of Department: Matthew Ross
Email: mross@barker.nsw.edu.au
Year 9
One of the most compelling reasons for choosing Latin is the intellectual challenge that it offers students with linguistic ability and an interest in detailed systems of thought. The logic that underpins Latin grammar gives our students a set of life-long analytical skills that can be applied to the study of Mathematics and Science. The same logic is also found in the fields of Medicine and Law, both of which use many Latin terms.
In Year 9 students develop their knowledge of Latin vocabulary and grammar by reading and analysing complex texts. They learn about life in the provinces through a study of the frontier in Roman Britain. Students also undertake a unit on the daily life in the city of Rome during the first century AD. As the year progresses, authentic texts – such as coins, inscriptions, epigrams, and original Latin literature are included in the curriculum.
All Year 9 students also participate in the annual inter-school Year 9 Latin Reading Competition – which is a highlight in Term 3!
Assessment
The study of Latin is assessed by tasks that involve the skills of reading and writing (no speaking/listening).
Year 10
One of the most compelling reasons for choosing Latin is the intellectual challenge that it offers students with linguistic ability and an interest in detailed systems of thought. The logic that underpins Latin grammar gives our students a set of life-long analytical skills that can be applied to the study of Mathematics and Science. The same logic is also found in the fields of Medicine and Law, both of which use many Latin terms.
In Year 10 students develop their knowledge of Latin vocabulary and grammar by reading, analysing and interpreting complex texts. They learn about the politics of the imperial household in a unit that focuses upon the reign of Domitian (81-96 AD). Students are gradually exposed to a larger number of authentic texts – such as epigrams by Martial or selections from the poet Ovid.
All Year 10 students also participate in the annual inter-school Year 10 Latin Reading Competition – which is a highlight in Term 2!
Assessment
The study of Latin is assessed by tasks that involve the skills of reading and writing (no speaking/listening).
Year 11
One of the most compelling reasons for choosing Latin is the intellectual challenge that it offers students with linguistic ability and an interest in detailed systems of thought. The logic that underpins Latin grammar gives our students a set of life-long analytical skills that can be applied to the study of Mathematics and Science. The same logic is also found in the fields of Medicine and Law, both of which use many Latin terms.
In Year 11 students deepen their understanding of Latin literature by reading passages from Roman authors such as Virgil, Cicero, Catullus and Tacitus. They continue to build their knowledge of Latin vocabulary and grammar through their study of the set texts and explicit language exercises. Students practise writing analytically in response to a Latin passage. They learn to write persuasively in English, as Latin assists students to develop a sophisticated level of expression.
Students also build their language skills by translating unseen texts into English.
All Year 11 students also participate in the annual inter-school Year 11 Latin Reading Competition – which is a highlight in Term 2!
Assessment
The study of Latin is assessed by tasks that involve the skills of reading and writing (no speaking/listening).
Year 12
HSC Latin Extension
1 Unit of study for the Higher School Certificate.
Pre/Co-requisites: Latin Continuers
Course Description
Through the study of text in the original Latin, students will develop skills in translating and analysing text. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of Latin of a particular period and genre. Students will develop an appreciation of the linguistic, literary and cultural features of the text.
Main Topics Covered
In the Extension Course a specific genre of Latin literature (Lyric, Satire, Elegy or Historiography) will be studied. Texts by two or three authors exemplifying the specified genre will be prescribed for study.