As someone who learned Latin at a bog-standard comprehensive in Sunderland, it was both cheering and depressing to read of Arlene Holmes-Henderson’s work to keep classics in the classroom (‘They see it is living’: Durham professor’s mission to get more pupils into classics, 2 January). My school was lucky in its classics teachers precisely because Durham produced such good graduates who could stay and work in the area.
In the north-east, we were surrounded by the Romans, and learning Latin made more sense to me than learning French, where the chance to use the language beyond the classroom seemed much less likely than for Latin. But learning French (and every language I’ve attempted since) was benefited by the understanding of grammar that Latin instilled. I went on to use my Latin professionally, so it also gave me a career and a future – but even if it had not, the mental discipline and inherent interest involved in learning Latin laid down skills that have lasted a lifetime.
Prof Lesley Smith
Oxford
• Teaching in a comprehensive school, staff were asked to add enrichment to the curriculum over six weeks with a personal enthusiasm. I introduced Latin and six weeks extended into years until I retired. In turn, students’ enthusiasm led to Latin GCSE and sixth-form AS classical civilisation and an unforgettable trip to Greece. Some students were inspired to study linguistics at university.
Students see Latin “as living”, as Arlene Holmes-Henderson says. They claimed that Latin grammar made aspects of English and French studies much clearer and one student surprised his parents by suddenly spotting a gerundive in a London street, Bibendum. They found infinite connections in their lives: drama, poetry, medicine …
I would encourage any teacher who would enjoy a challenge beyond their own subject to consider learning and teaching Latin to enrich their own, and students’, education and lives. Some teachers do both simultaneously. They and their students will experience the endless fascination of etymology. I was inspired by a wonderful teacher who taught my sons, and from this sprung a weekly group meeting to read Latin poetry with her that has lasted for more than 30 years.
Liz Byrne
Letchworth, Hertfordshire
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