A Passion for Latin: Delta’s Latin Launch Inspires Students
Delta Academies Trust proudly hosted its inaugural Latin Conference on 8th November 2023, marking a significant milestone in the Trust’s commitment to promoting a love for language and culture among its students.
Earlier in the year, Delta was successful in its bid to join the Department for Education’s Latin Excellence Programme. Led by the Centre for Latin Excellence, which is based at Pimlico Academy in London. Darton, De Lacy, De Warenne, Garforth and The Vale will be the five academies initially offering this exciting experience.
Students will be given the opportunity to explore the rich heritage and linguistic beauty of Latin, a highly organised and logical language. It is the foundation of many foreign languages, and it is rapidly being seen as a “superpower” subject. Latin can help expand a student’s English vocabulary and is a key element in Maths, Science, Medicine, and Law.
Year 9 students participated in three engaging activities, designed to encourage friendly competition between the five participating academies. After each activity, points were tallied and displayed to the teams, motivating students to strive for higher places on the leaderboard.
The event kicked off with an Etymology session, where students delved into the fascinating world of word origins, uncovering the Latin roots of many common English words. This interactive session ignited students’ curiosity and fostered a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of languages.
Next, students embarked on an exhilarating Escape Room challenge, immersing themselves in a captivating adventure to decipher codes and find the ‘secret agent’. Through teamwork, problem-solving, and their growing knowledge, students navigated their way through a series of challenges, culminating in the thrilling reveal of their culprit!
To enhance their understanding of Roman civilization, students embarked on a guided tour of the Roman Empire. Students made flags and placed them on a map, indicating where historic activities took place. This immersive experience transported students back in time, allowing them to visualise and appreciate the lives of ancient Romans and how evidence of their culture can still be seen today.
Closing comments from Steve Hodsman, Delta’s Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Helen Holmes, Delta’s Senior Director of MFL were made before Charlie Furber, the Director of the Centre for Latin Excellence concluded the day by handing out prizes to GA8, the winning team from Garforth Academy saying, “this is the most impressive event I have been to”. Students willingly shared their feedback too.
“I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly and the activities were really fun.”
“I’ve learnt things about Latin that I didn’t know before.”
“The event was good, and the escape room was fun. I would happily take up Latin.”
“My team was very good at solving the puzzles! Delta MFL has organised a huge event introducing us to Latin and its uses in everyday life.”
The students’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn more about Latin were evident, highlighting the event’s resounding success. The Latin Launch serves as a testament to Delta’s commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education that encompasses not only core subjects but also the exploration of diverse cultures and languages. By fostering a passion for Latin, Delta empowers students to connect with the past, develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them and helps them to broaden their horizons and futures.