During the Spring Term, five Year 12 pupils taught Latin at Mauldeth Road Primary School. This is an important partnership project which Withington has run for several years and the children there both enjoy and benefit from these lessons.

The course was nine lessons long, using the Minimus Latin course as a starting point. The pupils were introduced to vocabulary, grammar and mythological stories. The project gives the children a taste of a language they might not otherwise meet and supports their literacy work in Year 5.

Mrs Jo Howling, Head of Classics, said: “Well done to our five volunteers who have been very enthusiastic and have really impressed me with their confidence and natural teaching skills. They have given up their lunchtimes to plan and deliver the lessons during this past term and should be congratulated on all they have achieved.”

Children from Mauldeth Road commented:

“The staff are excellent. They really help if you’re stuck and they’re just really nice people in general. The lessons teach us a lot and I have learnt a lot of new Latin words.”

“I loved that they were always patient and enthusiastic. I really liked learning Latin.”

“I loved learning about and watching the myths, as well as the numbers and playing bingo. Thank you for teaching us.”

“Latin is different. It’s a different language. I’ve never heard anything like it so that’s why it’s an adventure! It’s even better when the people are so friendly and encouraging. I love Latin!”

In the final session of the term, the children thoroughly enjoyed created their own Pandora’s Box with the Latin word for hope (spes) at the centre as told in the myth.

Read more about our Partnerships and Projects: www.wgs.org/partnerships/partnerships-and-community-links