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Original poster

We've just been advised that DD (11) has been put on the G&T register and has been offered to do Latin GCSE (!?) in 2 years time - would appreciate a chinwag about this with someone who's in the know

37 replies

MadreInglese · 15/09/2009 09:12

I don't really know anything about the G&T register. We've always known that DD was bright and we're very proud of her but I'm concerned that doing an early GCSE in an extra subject might put her under too much pressure (she can be a bit of a stress-head).

What does G&T mean to you? Do you think it has helped G&T children to have it recognised? Are they all taught at higher levels or just in certain subjects? I feel that Latin is an odd subject to offer as an extra GCSE, will it be of any use (I can only think of gardening/florist or medical use of latin words) or is it more to flex their brains by learning something completely new? DD wants to do it, I'm just a little unsure.

Would appreciate your thoughts and comments on this, thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
MadreInglese · 15/09/2009 11:14

Thanks all - some good points to ponder

OP posts:
OrmIrian · 15/09/2009 10:06

I know nuffin about G&T but I did latin O-level and it was fascinating. And it gave me a massive boost with my English vocabulary and the understanding of other languages. It's the skeleton beneath so many languages. It helps in so many ways.

And the other question has to be 'Why not?'

SpawnChorus · 15/09/2009 09:59

I did Latin through to A-Level, and have found it incredibly useful with, for example, acquiring new modern languages, improving English spelling and grammar and expanding English vocab. It's great for developing mental agility and logical skills. It also provides the opportunity to study beautiful Latin literature!

I would love for my kids to have the chance to study Latin. I'd seize it with both hands if I were your DD

happywomble · 15/09/2009 09:53

I did latin at school. It is quite a difficult subject but one worth doing for the mental challenge if nothing else. I would certainly encourage my children to learn Latin if they ever have the option.

ShrinkingViolet · 15/09/2009 09:42

DD1 did Latin GCSE in Y11 (she's also G&T, but her school offered Latin as an afterschool "club" in Y9 to top set languages students, and she then chose it as a GCSE option).

There's quite a bit of work involved - four exams, chunks of Latin prose and poetry to memorise - plus learning grammar pretty much form scratch (depending on how much English grammar she already knows). DD1 loved it at the beginning, and at the end, but found the middle six months or so hard work till it all "clicked".

Latin is quite often recommended as an extra for G&T as it's quite mentally stretching. Check how much school suppport she'd be gettign, and how mcuh she'd be expected to do on her own.

Original poster
MadreInglese · 15/09/2009 09:41

Yes good point, she can always change her mind if it does get too much

I'm not familiar with Latin at all - is it easier to learn than eg French or German?

OP posts:
marialuisa · 15/09/2009 09:38

I doubt doing Latin GCSE a couple of years early will stress your DD. Latin is quite easy to learn (I went from no Latin to A* at GCSE in 2 years) at that level and will help her with other languages and English. if she wants to do it, let her. She can always withdraw if she finds it too much.

Original poster
MadreInglese · 15/09/2009 09:36

See I can hardly get my head round the fact that she's gone to secondary school (feels like I left not so long ago myself!!) let alone thinking about her doing GCSE exams

Would the school benefit from her doing and passing an early GCSE?

She does want to do it, but I'm not sure if that's just because she's flattered and would like the recognition IYSWIM. She's only been there just over a week and so not into the full swing of all the homework - I'm not sure how much extra work would be involved.

I wonder if it will be worth having a chat to the year head or form teacher about it.

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abra1d · 15/09/2009 09:28

My son started learning Latin at 11. It has helped him with his English--it is so logical.

I think it really helps make a highly literate and rounded individual.

SofiaAmes · 15/09/2009 09:25

Latin is quite useful for vocabulary and learning romance languages.
But if it will stress your dd so much that she is unhappy, what's the point.

Original poster
MadreInglese · 15/09/2009 09:20

oh yes, law

that's awful about your DS's teacher it's the kind of thing that I feel a bit nervous about tbh

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Curiousmama · 15/09/2009 09:17

I think latin comes in handy for law?

DS1 is G&T but he doesn't make much fuss as a few of his friends are. One of his teachers at his primary could be awful to them. He told me if a G&T child made a mistake she'd say 'I have down here you're G&T yet you make mistakes like that?' and suchlike along those lines, in front of everyone. He only told me this recently now he's just gone to Comp otherwise I'd have said something. I hate singling children out.

Hope you get some answers from parents who's children have done the latin.