MBE for the author that has made Latin “cool”
- Release Date: 18/08/2009
- Country of Issue: United Kingdom
- Category: Cambridge Learning
Barbara Bell, author of the Minimus Latin books for primary school pupils, published by Cambridge University Press, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Barbara’s MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Member), for services to education, recognises her tireless work in bringing Latin to thousands of young pupils who would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn the language or discover the Roman world. Barbara also teaches Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation at Clifton High School in Bristol.
Minimus is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2009. The first Minimus book was published in 1999 and rapidly generated press coverage and widespread interest from schools. Pupils were intrigued by the book about the little mouse living in Vindolanda, near Hadrian’s wall, at the beginning of the second century AD − and schools quickly picked up on the accessible approach and lively, cartoon-strip presentation of the materials. The success of the first book led to the publication of a sequel, Minimus Secundus, in 2004.
The overwhelming response to ‘the mouse that made Latin cool’ has surprised many – including Barbara herself. Many schools used the books to introduce Latin into the primary curriculum for the first time in generations; more still set up lunchtime or after-school Latin clubs. A dedicated team of volunteers emerged to teach the newly-formed classes.
Ten years on, Minimus remains as popular as ever. In fact Barbara’s annus mirabilis (wonderful year) started in April when sales of the Minimus pupils’ book passed the 100,000 copies mark. And success has not been limited to Britain: an Italian version of the course is published by Loescher, and sales in the United States continue to grow.
Much of this continued success is due to Barbara’s undiminished energy in promoting Minimus. As she herself says, ‘I am so delighted and deeply honoured by this award. My family will join me on the day and we are looking forward to another Minimus celebration! From the start Minimus was more than just a book. It is a campaign and mission, and I am especially pleased that Classics will be brought into the public eye on this occasion.’
Last month, Barbara’s promotional activities took her to the United States. During a 10-day trip, with stops in New York, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, Barbara participated in a variety of events ranging from a celebratory tea party, to a training session for future Latin tutors, to a video ‘webinar’ attended by teachers and Cambridge University Press staff from all over the United States and Canada.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
About Minimus
Minimus: Starting out in Latin is a unique course for 7-10 year olds, providing a lively introduction to the Latin language and the culture of Roman Britain with a highly illustrated mix of comic strips, stories and myths. Minimus Secundus continues the course up to 13. Both books, along with teachers resource books and audiocassettes, are published by Cambridge University Press.
The course centres on a real family who lived at Vindolanda in 100AD: Flavius, the fort commander, his wife Lepidina, their three children, assorted household slaves, their cat Vibrissa - and Minimus the mouse! It features many of the artefacts and writing tablets from the Vindolanda excavations.
There is full support for the non-specialist teacher in the Teachers Resource book and via inset training.
Minimus products can be purchased online at: http://www.cambridge.org/uk/catalogue/search.asp
Minimus: Starting Out In Latin
Pupils Book: ISBN 978-0-521-65960-4, GBP 11.25, EURO 13.84
Teachers Resource Book: ISBN 978-0-521-65961-1 GBP 50.50, EURO 62.12
Audio Cassette: ISBN 978-0-521-00551-1, GBP 12.25, EURO 15.07
Audio CD: ISBN 978-0-521-68146-9, GBP 11.75, EURO 14.45
Minimus Secundus: Moving On In Latin
Pupils Book: ISBN 978-0-521-75545-0, GBP 11.25, EURO 13.84
Teachers Resource Book: ISBN 978-0-521-75546-7, GBP 50.50, EURO 62.12
Audio Cassette: ISBN 978-0-521-75547-4, GBP 14.25 + VAT, EURO 17.53
Audio CD: ISBN 978-0-521-68147-6, GBP 13.95 + VAT, EURO 17.16
For further information about Minimus, go to www.minimus.com
About Cambridge University Press
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Throughout its history, the Press has maintained a reputation for innovation and enterprise, through publishing the latest research, and through supporting the latest methodologies for teaching and learning. Its purpose is to advance learning, knowledge and research worldwide. It publishes 240 journals and over 2,500 books annually for distribution in nearly every country in the world.
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