Our mission is to improve pupils' English literacy and broaden their cultural and historical horizons by delivering a dynamic, rigorous and engaging Latin programme to London state schools. In 2017-18, we continued to challenge preconceptions of Latin as an 'elitist' subject and make it as relevant as possible to the communities and children we work with across 9 boroughs and 49 classes. Right now, schools are struggling. We want to continue to bring Latin to schools whose funding has been cut.
One in six people in the UK struggles with a literacy level below that expected of an eleven-year-old. This under-achievement is particularly evident among those who face multiple barriers, such as children from low-income families or children learning English as an additional language.
The Latin Programme sends highly trained teachers into under-achieving state primary schools to work with children in Years 3-6 to improve their literacy. We teach Latin through English, and English through Latin. Our pioneering approach has proven results: after a single year, 88% of our students progress by more than one level in Literacy. Latin improves: - grammar - vocabulary - critical thinking - the ability to learn other languages - understanding of cultural identity
Literacy allows students to expand their general knowledge, it contributes to a better understanding of other cultures, enhances community participation and stimulates insight into human nature and decision-making. By offering children who face multiple barriers the opportunity to increase and solidify their literacy skills, we not only improve the likelihood of their educational success, but increase their overall life chances.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).