Here's a word we should all start using

[MollyC]

I tried to give up Latin one year before O levels, mostly because the teacher was a tartar.  It was pointed out my worst school exam mark was English Literature, so perhaps I should skip that one instead.  I was surprised they allowed me to do that.

One of my friends had only done two years of Latin, then later decided on a career in Law which in those days required Latin O level.  She had to study for it in the 6th form.

[BumbleB]

My Maths master did ask me how much I'd bribed the examiners to obtain my GCE.  Not surprising really as, if I remember correctly, I filled in my name on the Geometry and Trigonometry papers and that was it.  Algebra and Arithmetic were easier.   

[Melbell]

I think that all children should be given the chance to learn Latin!

Wouldn't it be great if more Junior schools could introduce "Minimus Mouse" as part of the curriculum - https://www.minimuslatin.co.uk/

Bring it on!

Melbell

[MollyC]

I remember our teacher reading to us for a last lesson of term, Petrus Lapidus.  We hadn't a clue what it was all about.

[mare]

My late f-i-l was a language master, Latin in particular and eventually taught alongside a few of his former pupils. He also tutored a few students during their school years and continued with private tutoring in retirement. At his funeral 6 years ago he had colleagues and students alike attending or sending condolences, quite a few had continued to visit or keep in touch so perhaps he had made some impression and appreciation of his teaching and manner! He also instigated the introduction of Classical Studies into NZ High School options and was happy that our children picked it up. Husband as eldest son was encouraged to learn French and Latin at senior level, he felt more suited to a technical course but plodded on not doing particularly well and a bit less pressure then on the siblings.
My own familiarity with Latin through primary school was just hymns and the Sunday mass, I had very little idea at all of translation, and then a commercial course at senior school level and no languages other than English. Met f-i-l not that long after leaving school  ... once a teacher, always a teacher and he did correct me a few times along the way and of course I came to realise that if understanding Latin you can understand the formation of so many words!

[lydiaann]

I think Latin should be taught.  I went as far as 0-level (failed it, but that's not the point) some 65 years ago.  Our English teacher used to advocate that we all did as well as possible in our Latin class, since it would help us with our English. Naturally, we took no notice of him, bless him (sorry, Mr. Taylor!)  I became an old-fashioned secretary, rising up through the ranks as it were to what I believe is now called Executive Level.  Many jobs that I had (Himself was in the RAF, so we moved around a lot) relied on my good English, particularly when working with non-English speakers.  As I progressed, I began to realise quite early that this archaic language was, in fact, extremely useful - particularly during those times I worked in the para-medical fields and when trying out my French where necessary (eg, 'precede' vs 'supersede', always a favourite).  We lived in Canada for 20 years (where I did the first year of a Linguistics degree at a local college) and there was always talk about reviving extra-curricular Latin courses.  Vancouver eventually set one up, scheduled to start in the September after we returned to the UK in the June!  I did recommend it to some of my colleagues, whether or not they took me up on it, I know not!  I fear I am now too old to start again, although I do believe I still retain a good breadth of Latin knowledge!

[horselydown86]

I saw it on a headstone recently, PROAVO. 

proavo m (plural proavi, feminine proava)

I searched on Rootschat, and nobody has ever used it.

For the record, proavus has been used at least once on Rootschat.  It won't come up in a search because it was, inevitably given the time (1306), used in a contracted form - p(ro)avus.

https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=862045.msg7316091#msg7316091

[ThrelfallYorky]

I hated Latin at school!! With a bitter hatred!!! I suffered French, and German, "O" levels, too (French at "A" level). Since schooldays I've found German and French of little or no use, but Latin has proved its value time and time again! Helped me a lot learning Italian, too.
TY

[radstockjeff]

Who can remember that little rhyme?

Latin is a language
As dead as dead can be
It killed the ancient Romans
And now it's killing me!

We started Latin in Junior School in Nairobi- age 10, and then when I came back to England carried it on from what would now be year 8 in Grammar School. I gave it up just a few months before GCE but on reflection it gave me a good grounding in grammar and the understanding of words and their derivation.