The study of classics and ancient languages can teach us valuable
lessons in history, politics and art that are still relevant
today.
It helps students understand the evolution of language and gives
them the chance to study and analyse ancient texts that provide
valuable insights into important questions for the twenty first
century.
All schools are free to include Latin and classics as part of
their curriculum, and there is a range of free support available
to help them.
How can schools access support to teach Latin and
classics?
Any school can introduce classics, but some may need additional
support. The Department for Education is working with two
charities to provide specialist support to schools that need
it.
Classics for All is a charity which has been working since 2010
to support classics teaching in state primary and secondary
schools. In the last 14 years, it has worked with over 180,000
pupils aged 7-18 in over 1,250 schools at all key stages helping
them to introduce Latin, Greek, Classical Civilisation and
Ancient History both on and off the curriculum.
The Classical Association is the national subject association for
Classics. That means its members are teachers who are experts in
their subjects. The educational charity offers a wide range of
support for teachers of all classical subjects, at all stages of
their career.
What type of support is available?
There is a range of support available to help teachers and
schools build Latin and classics into the curriculum.
Teacher training
Classics for All works flexibly with primary and secondary
schools to find the most appropriate course and training for
them. It often works with teachers who specialise in different
subjects to support them to introduce classics to the
classroom.
The Classical Association hosts in-person and online training
days for Latin, Greek, Classical Civilisation and Ancient
History.
Teacher bursaries
Classics for All supports a number of teacher bursaries at
established summer schools, and through the Institute of
Continuing Education at Cambridge University.
The Classical Association also supports a number of summer school
bursary schemes so teachers can attend courses in classical
subjects. It also supports state-school teachers to undertake an
A Level in Classical Civilisation.
Grants
The Classical Association provides major grants and can offer
financial support for the study of classics in UK schools and
colleges. Teachers in state-maintained schools can apply for
funding to support their professional development. It can also
help with costs for student competitions and day trips for pupils
to museums and archaeological sites.
Resources
The Classical Association produces the UK's leading classics
teaching journal, the Journal of Classics Teaching. It
also publishes Omnibus magazine for students and teachers who are
discovering the wonders of Classics for the first time.
What about the Latin Excellence Programme?
The Latin Excellence Programme was set up to help improve the
number of pupils taking Latin GCSE, as well as improve their
attainment.
The programme has been discontinued, but the 39 schools in the
programme can still access the curriculum materials provided
through the scheme to support high-quality teaching.
These materials and the wider support available will ensure that
pupils on the programme taking their Latin GCSE this summer will
continue to be provided for.
The Department for Education values a varied curriculum and
schools can continue to teach Latin outside the
programme.
Where can I find out more?
You can find out more about Classics for All, including its
Impact report and
school case studies from the Classics for All website: Classics for All. You
can find out more about the Classical Association at its website:
Home - The Classical
Association.
