LATIN LESSONS: Pupils learning the ancient language.

Young Latin scholars in north Norfolk have been praised by visiting VIPs from London.

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Representatives from the charity Classics for All visited North Walsham to see what progress pupils at the town’s high school and its cluster of surrounding primaries are making on their Latin studies, which began in September thanks to funding from the charity.

They were impressed by the progress being made by the Year Nine and 10 GCSE students and the enthusiastic reports given at an evening gathering for parents, teachers and governors, according to a spokesman.

On the following morning a similar event was held for the 70 primary children, from Years Three to Six, as well as the Year Seven high school students, all of whom are currently enjoying the popular “Minimus” Latin course.

Dr Jeremy Paterson, the main speaker at both events, illustrated how evidence provided by the famous Hadrian’s Wall Vindolanda tablets had revealed fascinating details of daily life in Roman Britain almost 2000 years ago.

The commander of this fort, his wife, family and slaves were the real people who became the inspiration for the “Minimus” course written by Barbara Bell.

The rural north Norfolk project is one of only eight in the UK to succeed in obtaining a grant. It aims to provide a model for other schools to follow, in line with the main purpose of Classics for All, which is to encourage and support the reintroduction of classics teaching to state schools.

● Classics for All is inviting new applications from state primary or secondary schools, universities or other educational establishments. Bids need to be submitted by February 24. Full details are on their website www.classicsforall.org.uk