Not so topical anymore but this is the last picture I took of the boys just before we took the tree down.
I also studied Latin at a state comprehensive in Glasgow in the late 70s - for both O Grade and Higher (we were able to do 6 Highers, so I was able to keep it equal Arts and Sciences: English, French, Latin, Maths, Physics, Chemistry). I'm glad I did it as it helped me when I went on to study French and Russian at Uni - but I wouldn't say it was an essential subject. Any heavily declined living language would have served the same purpose.
I got an A for for both exams (despite only having re-started it after returning from 2 years in NZ 6 months before the "O" grades
) - but only because I am an excellent rote learner 