Learning Outcome 1: Listening and Speaking

The learner is able to listen and speak for a variety of purposes, audiences and contexts. In Latin listening with understanding to Latin texts being read aloud, and reading these aloud with correct phrasing, are indicative of mastery. The learner is able to issue or respond to simple commands and ask or answer simple questions in Latin. The learner is able to participate in Latin quizzes and word games. The learner is able to explain and elucidate a Latin text orally in his/her home language or other additional language.

Learners understand that speaking and listening are social activities that take place in particular contexts and for various purposes and audiences, and that oral genres and registers vary accordingly. In the context of Latin learning, oral and aural communication within the classroom is mainly related to the expression and obeying of commands and injunctions, asking or answering questions, reading aloud both poetry and prose with correct phrasing, in order to convey meaning, and discussion of aspects of Latin language or culture in the medium of teaching.

Learning Outcome 2: Reading and Viewing

The learner is able to read and view for understanding and to evaluate critically and respond to a wide range of Latin texts and visual material. Such response includes use of another language for oral translation, precis or summary of a Latin text or comment on material viewed.

Well-developed reading and viewing skills are central to successful learning across the curriculum, as well as for full participation in society and the world of work. In the context of Latin, reading, understanding and translating Latin into another language enhances abstract thought as well as fluency in the other language. In the context of Latin cultural studies, a wide range of visual material (e.g. representations of artefacts) is also available for viewing and response. So, too, reading modern books written in other languages, which relate to the ancient world, and interpreting these in preparation for research assignments and projects, continue the above ideals.

Learning Outcome 3: Writing and Presenting

The learner is able to write and present for a wide range of purposes and audiences using conventions and formats appropriate to diverse contexts. This will include written translation of Latin into the language of learning and written presentation of research topics relating to the Roman world and the literature read.

Writing is a powerful instrument of communication that allows learners to construct and communicate thoughts and ideas coherently. Frequent writing practice across a variety of contexts, tasks and subject fields enables learners to communicate functionally and creatively. The aim is to produce competent, versatile writers who will be able to use their skills to develop appropriate written, visual and multi-media texts for a variety of purposes. In the context of Latin, this includes facility in translation, and an enhanced vocabulary in English (and to a lesser degree, Afrikaans). In addition, the presentation of formal research topics on the context of Latin texts hones these writing skills.

Learning Outcome 4: Language

The learner is able to use language structures and conventions appropriately and effectively. Such use includes familiarity with Latin vocabulary and interpretation of language structures to facilitate translation from Latin and also explanation or elucidation of language features within a Latin text.

Through interacting with a variety of texts, learners extend their use of vocabulary and correctly apply their understanding of language structures. Learners develop critical awareness of how values and power relations are embedded in language and how language may influence others. This is particularly true of study of masters of the Latin language such as Caesar, who used the language for propaganda, Cicero, who used it for persuasion, and Martial, who through satirical language tried to effect social change. In the context of Latin, an analytical approach to language learning with due attention to the minutiae of meaning imbedded in every inflected word sharpens an intellectual awareness that remains as a life-long accomplishment.

Note: Learning Outcome 4 has been specifically versioned for Latin in the LANGUAGE SUBJECT STATEMENT AND LEARNING PROGRAMME FOR LATIN. It is further elucidated by means of examples at the end of Part Two, below, and Part Three sets out the linguistic content to be studied in each grade. Two Addenda suggest special approaches in the context of learners with an African home language.