Latin

Belhaven has a young and dynamic department with an excellent scholarship and Common Entrance record in Latin. The department works hard to keep Classics at the forefront of the curriculum within the school and this involves not only providing a rigorous approach to teaching the subject, but also maintaining a realistic, innovative and up-to-date awareness of how to enthuse modern children of all abilities.

The children start to study Classical Civilisation in Form 4 where they begin their background studies of the language, through studying the ancient world, its people and day-to-day life, and the way they perceived the world. At this stage, children also discover a variety of Greek myths and learn about the Romans' impact on Britain.

Children are put into sets from form three onwards. The focus is more clearly on the Latin language, while maintaining a clear connection with the cultural context and studies of this are continued on a regular basis right through to Form 1. A visit to Hadrian's Wall is enjoyed by pupils in either their Form 2 or Form 1 years and in Form 2 children also get the chance to meet pupils from other preparatory schools at Fettes Latin Day, where the pupils' study of Latin is enjoyed and tested in a fun learning environment.

Much, but certainly not all, of the emphasis is on preparing children for the relevant Common Entrance and Scholarship examinations, but of greater importance is the child’s sense of achievement and enjoyment from studying Latin.