The Iris Project's Inner London Latin Project has been running since 2006 in the capital's state primary and secondary schools - offering pupils in large, mixed-ability classes the opportunity to learn about Latin in fun, accessible and relevant ways. Student teachers from University College London Department of Greek and Latin and King's College London Department of Classics deliver a year long introductory course to year fives and sixes in inner London schools, which introduces Latin using activities and games, and offers a taste Classical myths and culture, using storytelling and drama. The Cambridge Schools Classics Project funded Lorna to write the course, which was then piloted in three inner city schools in 2006/7. Coverage of the pilot in the media can be found on the 'news' section of this site. (Also this newsclip is taken from the Newsround feature on the project NewsroundLatin )

State primary and secondary schools across the city have been taking part in the project, which is run by The Iris Project in conjunction with UCL and KCL. Students involved are supervised and supported by project leaders, and also have the unique opportunity of attending training sessions run especially for them by the King's College London Department of Education, one of only three education departments in the UK which offer PGCE training in Classics.

The Project provides access to the fascinating subjects of Latin and Classics for hundreds of inner city school children. It is also a wonderful way for students to engage in their local communities, gain experience and training in teaching, and also to develop other new skills.

All lesson plans, worksheets and details are provided below.

If you are a University of London student, and would like to be involved, please contact us through the site or contact your university Iris co-ordinator:

For UCL - Dr Maria Wyke - see UCL website link here

For KCL - Dr Will Wootton - see KCL website link here

 

We believe that all children are entitled to the opportunity of learning about the languages and cultures of the ancient world, and that these subjects are wonderful tools for enhancing literacy, social awareness and analytical skills. Through a range of initiatives in UK state schools, we work to enrich the curriculum by promoting learning about the ancient world.