Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores how Latin and Ancient Greek can be used to support English literacy development. It provides quantitative and qualitative data from a five-year longitudinal educational study in areas of socio-economic disadvantage which illuminates the particular value of classical languages in closing the literacy attainment gap for children learning English as an additional language, children eligible for Free School Meals and children with Special Educational Needs. The book investigates the impact of classical subjects upon groups who have not traditionally had access to Classics, in this case students from an area of chronic social and economic disadvantage. It encourages readers to expand access to, and definitions of, ‘Classics’ via teaching materials which represent diversity within, and beyond, the Roman world. The book examines the development of the project, its collaboration with a number of partners and close involvement of student volunteers.