Course Description

Our i-Learner Centre now offers students the opportunity to hone their logic, critical thinking and understanding of English by studying Latin, the language of the Ancient Romans! Although deemed a ‘dead language’, Latin is very much alive in the way in its long-lasting influence on English. Over 60% of words in English are derived from Latin, either directly or through French. This means that students of Latin quickly expand their English vocabulary and can easily guess the meanings of new words when they read difficult texts.

Moreover, as Latin gave rise to the Romance languages of French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese, choosing to study Latin will help all students with their global studies. Latin students are able to pick up Romance languages easily after learning Latin vocabulary and grammar. And even more difficult languages like German will seem easier after tackling noun declensions and verb conjugations in Latin!

Besides, Latin played an important role in European culture, which is prevalent even today. Long after the mighty Roman Empire collapsed, Latin continued to be used for centuries as the language of European courts, diplomacy, the Church and official documents. Studying Latin not only allows students to strengthen their English skills, it also provides a window into European civilisation and history. Today, the Vatican still issues announcements in Latin, Wikipedia has its own Latin pages, and Harry Potter is full of Latin spells!

Our courses are offered at both Primary and Secondary level, with younger students focusing on materials from Minimus, and older students on Latin to GCSE. Students who take Latin have seen vast improvements in their linguistic understanding and ability to learn other languages. Students ready for a challenge can say, Accio Linguam Latinam!

 

Why Study Classics?

What is Classics? This famous, traditional subject encompasses the study of the history, languages and culture of the Ancient Greek and Roman civilisations and has enjoyed a long-standing place in the curricula of top British and North American schools. Renowned figures such as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling even studied Classics at university. However, despite the importance of these languages abroad, the access to Classics in Hong Kong is limited to only a couple of international schools.

At i-Learner, we believe in delivering high-quality education for all learners. In line with this mission, we’re working to ensure every child has the opportunity to study important yet rare subjects such as Classics. Our Centres now offer regular courses in Latin and Classical Greek, giving all students the chance to study these foundational languages and improve their understanding of English.  As much as 60% of the English language comes from Latin and Greek, while almost 90% of scientific and technological vocabulary is derived from these languages.

By studying Classics, students not only improve their understanding of English and other languages, they also train their logic, practise critical thinking and broaden their knowledge. Students learn about the pivotal role played by Greek and Roman literature, history, philosophy and mythology in western civilisation. And many love studying Greek and Roman gods and monsters!

Our Latin and Classical Greek courses are offered at both Primary and Secondary level and are taught by tutors with degrees in Classics from world-class universities, including the University of Oxford.

“I am biased in favour of [students] learning English. I would make them all learn English: and then I would let the clever ones learn Latin as an honour, and Greek as a treat.”

Winston Churchill