The University of Cambridge has launched a new distance learning course aimed at increasing access to the study of Latin.

The course in GCSE Latin will build on beginners’ courses in Latin that the University already provides to some 150 independent learners. Students on the course will be able to start their studies at any time after 1 September 2006 and will work towards GCSE examination in summer 2007. The course will be open to people of all ages and all abilities.

The course is being delivered by the Cambridge School Classics Project (CSCP. Students will work with CSCP staff, following a schedule of 28 study sessions and submitting work by email throughout the year. A blend of print and online e-learning materials will be used to support the students’ study of Latin language and literature and Roman civilisation. Video-conference, web-cam and telephone support will be available to those who require it. The cost of the course will be £250.

Will Griffiths, Project Director, who has 14 years’ experience teaching Latin in the state sector, said: “We are delighted to add this course to the many ways in which we support access to the study of the Classical world. Latin is currently offered to approximately five per cent of the school population. From September, any student will be able to study the subject through to GCSE or even AS level.”

Sue Pemberton, the Project’s Independent Learning Manager, said: “Since we started offering distance learning courses in Latin, numbers have kept growing and growing. For some time we have been asked to provide a course in GCSE Latin. There is clearly still a very strong demand for Latin.”

CSCP took the decision to construct the course following the success of its earlier distance learning courses in Latin and recent government support for personalised learning. In 2000, the Project launched its first course with just seven students. Since then, numbers following its courses have doubled each year.

The provision of the GCSE course is the final link in the chain which allows students to study Latin at a variety of levels, from complete beginners through to AS level. The Project also operates a distance learning course in Latin literature, for those who already have a knowledge of Latin and want support reading original literature. Full details of all the distance learning courses in Latin are available at www.independentlearners.com.

Image is of a Roman copy in the University of Cambridge's Museum of Classical Archaeology, cf. Artemis of Aricia, Rome (Terme, 108, Paribeni 1953).

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