About this resource:
The nature of the learners
Students have prior experience of learning Latin and bring a range of capabilities, strategies and knowledge that can be applied to new learning. They are expanding the range and nature of their learning experiences; from synthetic or modified reading material, they may progress to some authentic Latin texts, encountering selections from famous works of poetry or prose. Through their reading, analysis and translation of texts, students of Latin further develop their literacy in English, through close attention to detail, precision, accuracy, memory, logic and critical reasoning. They have a growing awareness of the wider world, including the diversity of languages and cultures that have continued to be an integral feature of society since ancient times. They are considering future pathways and prospects, including how further study of Latin may feature in these.
Latin language learning and use
Learners gain direct access to life in the Roman world through reading, analysing and interpreting Latin texts that reveal the language use and social and cultural practices of the Romans. They use vocabulary, grammar and textual cues to analyse and interpret language use and cultural references in Latin texts, and convey their interpretations of information and ideas about Roman society and culture, in oral, written or digital forms, using Latin as appropriate. They respond to Latin texts by analysing themes, values and literary features, such as plot development and characterisation, and sharing and justifying opinions. They read aloud, recite or perform Latin texts, such as oratory, history, drama or poetry, to entertain an audience, using phrasing, voice inflection and metrical effects to convey meaning and emotion. They translate a range of Latin texts that incorporate complex sentence structures and extensive vocabulary into Standard English, reproducing the style and purpose of the texts. They evaluate the effectiveness of different English translations and interpretations of a text, and develop strategies for successful translations. Learners apply the principles of pronunciation for the reading of Latin texts, and apply an extended knowledge of vocabulary, accidence and syntax to analysing how Latin is used in complex sentences. They analyse the structure and organisation of different text types in Latin, exploring how they relate to context, purpose and audience. Learners identify Roman values, attitudes and beliefs implicit in Latin texts, reflecting respectfully on the interdependence of language and culture. They investigate the enduring linguistic and cultural legacy of the Roman world in the modern world. They question and explain their own and others’ reactions to and assumptions about the language, culture and values of Roman society, discussing how these relate to their own. They reflect on the power of language, and the impact of learning Latin on their own style of communicating, and ways of thinking and viewing the world.
Contexts of interaction
Task characteristics and literary styles at this level are complex and challenging, providing opportunities for independent as well as collaborative language interpretation and performance, and development and strategic use of language and cultural resources. The language class remains the principal context for learning Latin. Learners may participate in wider experiences relating to language and culture, such as competitions in recitation, art and essay writing; weekend camps; quiz nights; study seminars; summer schools; drama productions; and visits to museums and galleries. These experiences give learners a sense of connectedness and purpose, and allow them to make use of and extend their understanding of the Roman world and their language capability beyond the school context.
Texts and resources
Learners engage with a range of texts designed for language learning, such as textbooks, audio recordings, teacher-generated materials and online resources. A variety of texts gives opportunities for discussion and analysis of the relationship between language and culture. Research tasks allow for exploration of themes, cultural references and historical events.
Features of Latin language use
Learners apply the principles of pronunciation for the reading of Latin texts, for example, stressing the correct syllables, or acknowledging elision in poetry. They apply an extended knowledge of accidence and syntax, including subordinate clauses, finite and non-finite verb forms, pronoun forms, indicative and imperative moods, and active and passive voices, to the analysis and translation of texts that incorporate complex sentence structures. They analyse texts more critically, identifying the structure and features of different text types, and explaining their relationship with context, purpose and audience. They recognise the ongoing influence of Latin on English, through the transfer of specialist vocabulary and abstract concepts, for example, alibi or gravitas, and the coining of vocabulary for new technology and new discoveries, such as in science and medicine, for example, the terraforming of Mars. They analyse implicit values, concepts and assumptions embedded in texts, explaining the interrelationship between language and culture.
Level of support
This stage of learning involves consolidation and progression. Learners need opportunities for new challenges and more independent learning experiences. Continued scaffolding, modelling and monitoring are required to support these challenges. A range of resources is provided and processes are modelled for the development of more autonomous self-monitoring and reflecting strategies, such as online collaborating for translation, video documenting and discussion forums. Continued focused attention on grammatical and literary features supports learners in the reading, analysis and translation of texts.
The role of English
Latin is the language of texts studied, such as narratives, drama, poetry, history or oratory. Latin is also used for reading aloud, reciting or performing texts. English is used for translation, analysis, explanation, discussion, evaluation and reflection.
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http://rdf.australiancurriculum.edu.au/elements/2018/05/9ed3d0ed-5097-425c-9eb5-d276e125ddc1.rdf