Why do you support Labour?

Ronib - this is copied directly from the Cambridge website re the study of Classics. I can't say every universityis a welcoming as Cambridge but who knows! - I have cut some questions out etc (so it doesn't go on for ages) but it's in the FAQ section. There's also a comment on special cases and other situations which i can't now find - but think someone who wanted to study Classics at Cambridge would probablyhave taken more notice of! .

Can I study Classics if I have never studied Latin and Greek before?
Absolutely! You can do our 4-year degree. The course is designed to ensure that you will have all the same opportunities as those taking the 3-year course.

I haven't studied either Latin or Greek: how do I know that I'll be good at them?
You might well have enjoyed a modern language like French or Spanish at school. But if you haven't had the chance to study any languages, or if you are still uncertain, you can always sign up for one of our open days, including a free annual taster day specially for students in your situation.

Requirements
Classics (3-year)
Greek or Latin at A level (or equivalent) is an essential requirement for the Classics (3-year) course. Almost everyone who takes the three-year course has Latin A level, but this is not an absolute requirement (see question 8).

Classics (4-year)
While GCSE Latin or Greek or A level Classical Civilisation are useful, no specific subjects are required for the Classics (4-year) course. See question 9.

Barleyfields

What higher taxation would you like to see NotSpaghetti? How much more would you be willing to pay?

Income tax (which I think could be on a formula according to average income), Second homes, unearned wealth, alcohol, tobacco, petrol, flights, land and council tax reform... I'm open to suggestions. I'd be happy to see more money raised through inheritance tax. I am wary of VAT as I think that would affect the poorest most..

I don't think I'm really the person to ask about taxes to be honest. Obviously someone with expert knowledge of taxation and the relationship between taxes would be better placed - I am clearly not an expert here - but basically I'm happy to contribute to the UK pot.
I was grateful to have help with my rent years ago for a period when our rent was high and our income wasn't - so am happy to pay in so that as a group we can help others out.

What do you want me to say about how much more would I be happy to pay, Barleyfields? If we can still live a reasonable life I'm happy.
I'd like everyone to live a reasonable life though.

I hate the notion that those of us who have been fortunate enough to buy a house and have a pension are the ones that have "earned it" and "worked hard". I have worked with people who have "worked hard" for longer than me (two or three jobs) and were barely holding body and soul together. This is plainly unfair.

As Aneurin Bevan said.....Vote for the poor and needy. The rich and greedy have always been able to look after themselves.

I’d like to see higher spend by govt - on all the services left in despair by the previous govt. id pay more tax and I’d like to see the energy companies pay more from obscene profits

What higher taxation would you like to see NotSpaghetti? How much more would you be willing to pay?

I’d prefer dull and constructive too Oreo!

I would love to see lower spending by government. The money going to Ukraine for the next 100 years is obscene.

GrannyGravy13

NotSpaghetti it was you that brought up tax, I was responding.

It is nobody’s business who I vote for.

It was a genuine question as the thread was about why people vote Labour.

Yes. I would like to see higher taxation.

Barleyfields

Thanks Casdon. I hope they are able to do that rather than give pupils of independent schools an advantage in whatever circumstances Latin may still be required in order to study for some degrees, as was my experience many years ago.

I don't know of any degree where school-level Latin is still required. I did Latin O level in 1971 because it was clear that I was good at foreign languages and would possibly want to study for a languages degree. At the time, most of the prestigious universities required Latin to study foreign languages. However, that requirement was dropped in the year I applied for university and I can't really say that my knowledge of Latin has ever been very useful.

University degrees which require some knowledge of Latin (eg ancient history, law, medicine) could easily provide short course in the first year covering the essential subject-specific language.

Too old dear MaizieD but it’s always good to see what the younger folk think … we’re in danger of being left behind here.

ronib

Mumsnet has a reasonable thread on this subject….

Delighted to hear that, ronib. Perhaps you could go and join it?

Mumsnet has a reasonable thread on this subject….

Yes, my grammar school taught Latin but up to O level it was only as an alternative to a second foreign language (in addition to French).

I made my comment because I sometimes think that many Gnettter's experience of education has been via private schooling.
I think most Grammar and High schools routinely taught Latin and Greek in the 1950s and 60s when many Gransnettters were at school.

It does seem to be -
but we still had a lovely sunny / misty morning here, everyone seems busy & in the park the dogs are all still wagging their tails!

Latin is the least of our worries.

The country is in an appalling state.

Governments make decisions about budgets all the time ronib. They are not obliged to inform the public specifically which budget line this funding will go into. However, given the huge issues inherited regarding the state of the education system, it’s is safe to assume it will offset other education costs. You do seem to be baffled at the strangest inconsequential details when you must know the answers.

Iam64 why would you hope that? So do you understand where the money went from the Latin programme or do you simply not care? Bit New Labour?

Let’s all hope the govt continues to baffle or annoy you ronib

To you maybe Casdon - clear as mud to me. What happened to the £4 million funding meant to last until 2026 - given by the Conservatives in 2021 for the Latin Excellence Programme?

ronib, the funding issues are addressed above.

Casdon The Latin Excellence programme has had funding removed. I was under the impression that State schools were being deprived of adequate funding and that budgets are very tight. Don’t forget the £22 billion black hole. So exactly where is the funding for Latin?

Barleyfields

Thanks Casdon. I hope they are able to do that rather than give pupils of independent schools an advantage in whatever circumstances Latin may still be required in order to study for some degrees, as was my experience many years ago.

It was my experience nearly 60 years ago, Barleyfields but it hasn't been so for decades.

If Latin is needed for some subjects it's usually of a very simple nature, not the entire language, vocabulary, grammar etc. If someone is of sufficient ability to gain a place at university they should be able to learn the simple Latin that may be required for their subject. They're not exactly being required to read the complete body of Latin literature.

I made my comment because I sometimes think that many Gnettter's experience of education has been via private schooling.

Thanks Casdon. I hope they are able to do that rather than give pupils of independent schools an advantage in whatever circumstances Latin may still be required in order to study for some degrees, as was my experience many years ago.

Barleyfields

Funding?

The schools that are teaching it were doing so before the additional funding was announced, so if they want to continue to allocate funding to carry on they can. They haven’t lost anything.