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Resuscitatio: Stowupland High School considers Latin GCSE following popular club

News

Stowupland High School students are conquering Latin in a popular new club, with the school eyeing its introduction as a GCSE subject.

The big picture: The weekly Latin Club, attended by about 15 students, goes beyond simple language instruction. Pupils delve into Latin's linguistic legacy, exploring its influence on English and uncovering the rich tapestry of ancient Roman history and culture.

  • Principal Lee Walker, who previously taught Latin and Greek, leads the club.

  • Students follow the Cambridge Latin course, starting from scratch.

  • The club focuses on the life of Caecilius, a man who lived in Pompeii in AD 79.

Principal Mr Walker, Samuel Evemy, science technician Ms Swinger and Georgiana Palmer at Latin club
Principal Mr Walker, Samuel Evemy, science technician Ms Swinger and Georgiana PalmerStowupland High School

The club provides valuable insights into language, history, and culture:

  • Students gain an understanding of Latin's impact on English vocabulary.

  • The club explores Roman life, including theatre, gladiators, trade, and family dynamics.

  • It offers a unique perspective on how ancient Rome shaped the modern world.

What they're saying: “We follow the Cambridge Latin course and the aim is to learn the language from scratch, to learn its influence on the English language and to look at the culture and history of the time,” said Principal Lee Walker.

  • Year 9 Georgiana Palmer said; “I really enjoy Latin Club, we can learn about history of the time, the culture and how the Latin vocabulary has affected modern languages.”

  • Year 9 student Samuel Evemy: "It's such a fascinating subject and language to learn about. It's so interesting to see a new perspective on how Rome shaped the modern world."

Between the lines: The club's appeal extends beyond students.

  • Some teachers also participate, contributing their expertise.

  • Science technician Ms Swinger has provided insights on historical dyes used for clothes and painting.

What's next: Principal Walker sees potential for expansion, stating: "It has been hugely popular, with around 15 students taking part, and is growing every week. We are now looking at introducing the subject as a GCSE option."

Learn more: For additional information about Stowupland High School, visit www.stowuplandhighschool.co.uk.

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

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