I believe in three key principles...

 

 

 1. ANYBODY CAN EXCEL IN LATIN AND GREEK

 

With a little guidance and a decent amount of independent work, it is genuinely possible for anybody to master the ancient languages. The journey will also be hugely enriching.

 

 

 2. GRAMMAR IS KEY

 

I believe that an understanding of Latin grammar is empowering. It eliminates guess-work and maximises success. It doesn't have to be boring, either!

 

I find that many students respond well to traditional 'rote learning' techniques (such as chanting endings), as long as those methods are made fun and inspiring. It is also crucial that students appreciate why grammatical knowledge is so valuable. This means giving them the tools and techniques they need to apply their grammar to its best effect in the context of a translation.

 

Grammar taught in isolation and for its own sake is dull and pointless, which is why the traditional methods have sometimes had a bad reputation. My approach is always to combine the best of the 'old' with the best of the 'new'.

 

 

 3. STUDENTS MUST BE IN THE DRIVING SEAT

 

Private tuition can be very helpful, but it depends as much on the student as it does on the tutor. Progress is greatly accelerated when the student is empowered to take command of their own learning. In some cases this may mean putting in time outside of the tutoring sessions (see Technique). 

 

Tutors must provide students with the tools and inspiration to make their own big strides forward, even when the tutor isn't there. Students should also drive key decisions, such as what to cover in lessons and how much tutoring is needed.

 

It is crucial that parents and tutors both consult and listen to students, and that students buy into any decisions that are made. Ultimately they are the stakeholders in those decisions, and they can only succeed if they truly believe in the approach.