Latin Revival: Ancient Language Thrives in Modern Schools

Latin, a classical language in New South Wales, has experienced a dramatic decline in student enrollment since 1967, when it accounted for approximately 8% of all first-year HSC students. This year, enrollments have dwindled to just 129 students across the state. However, some schools are actively working to reverse this trend. Caringbah High, for instance, successfully relaunched Latin in 2019, finding it a suitable alternative to German, which struggled to attract students. Initially, Year 7 students sample Latin alongside French and Japanese before choosing a language. This initiative has led to sufficient enrollment for two Year 8 classes and a viable Year 9 class.

The revival of Latin is not confined to one school. Other institutions, including selective and private schools, have noted a small increase in Latin enrollments. These include Shore, Sydney Grammar, Sydney Girls, and Meriden. At Sydney Grammar, Latin classes have grown significantly since the 1980s. Educators and tutors suggest that parental desire for a comprehensive education and the perceived benefits of Latin for university applications, particularly in the US and at prestigious institutions like Cambridge and Oxford, are key drivers of this renewed interest. Some students also find the analytical nature of Latin beneficial for developing problem-solving skills.