The Schola Linguarum Biblicarum (“School of Biblical Languages”) was started at the inititative of the Free Reformed Church of Rockingham, Western Australia (FRCR) and is funded by the federation of the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA). The school is governed by an oversight committee consisting of the school rector, a representative of the consistory of the FRCR and three governors. This committee reports biannually to the FRCR consistory.

The first year of formal tuition begins in 2026, although prior to this language classes have been conducted under other auspices for the past eight years.

There is a suggested curriculum of up to six years of language study for those students wishing to prepare themselves for further theological studies. It is also possible for students to take selected courses only.

It is not recommended that any student begin learning more than one language at a time. The first year for any language contains a fair amount of memorisation of vocabulary and paradigms as well as coming to terms with grammar. Students are encouraged to begin with Latin and from there to progress to Greek and finally tackle Hebrew.

The complete programme takes at least six years (six years of Latin, five years of Greek and four years of Hebrew). By that time students should have the following competency levels:

It should be noted that students may begin Latin when doing Year 10 at high school (from 2027 this course will be fully integrated into the John Calvin Christian College curriculum) so that students may take Latin in Years 11 and 12 as an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) subject.

For students electing to take a gap year before entering upon university studies, extra readings and book reviews can be assigned so as to maximise the learning potential during this year.

Students are advised that they do not have to enrol at the University of Western Australia (UWA) for their bachelor’s degree (a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for further theological studies). An undergraduate degree from any university is sufficient. The language course presented here is more than sufficient to ensure language competency and CRTS (the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary)  recognises recommendations from the Schola Linguarum Biblicarum for matriculating students. That having been said, enrolment at UWA does offer the ability to review and enhance one’s language competency in Latin and Greek.  Students may elect to request exemptions from first year language courses at UWA so as to go straight to second year courses (this usually involves a competency test). Alternately they may take first year courses and treat them as basic revision. The texts studied in second year courses at UWA are different (and thus supplementary) to the texts studied at the Schola Linguarum Biblicarum. Students are, however, warned that the level of ability acquired at UWA and the average level of students who have not been enrolled in the Schola is often pitifully low. Public education in Western Australia is not geared towards ancient languages. Therefore students are strongly advised against substituting the language courses of the Schola with the courses offered at UWA.

In addition, because of the time and effort required for the Schola Linguarum Biblicarum, students are strongly advised not to take more than a bare mininum full-time course-load at university. Where possible, students are encouraged to take summer units at university to free up time during the semester.

For a student taking the six year course, the number of hours per week to be reckoned are:

Note that in the ideal situation, the hours for the first three years of Latin will be incorporated into the curriculum of Years 10-12 of High School.