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Latin
Student websiteGCSE Course (OCR 1942)
In years 10 and 11, the transition is made from reading made-up Latin to original authors such as Pliny, Catullus and Virgil. Grammar has largely been dealt with and students will now concentrate on learning the syntax of more advanced sentences. They will read as widely as possible in order to extend their vocabulary and, in Year 11, systematic learning of the prescribed GCSE vocabulary will take place. When the set book work begins, they will also be introduced to literary criticism.
As part of our course, we also study some non-linguistic components on the everyday life of ancient Rome. This is at the teacher's discretion and may include a look at the evidence provided by the remains of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome itself, to which the department generally runs a trip every other year.
The GCSE comprises 4 written examination papers. There is no coursework.
- Language 1 (Translation and comprehension): 1 hr 15 mins, 30% of total
- Language 2 (Translation): 45 mins, 20% of total
- Verse Literature: 1 hr 15 mins, 30% of total
- Prose Literature: 45mins, 20% of total
The syllabus is examined at two tiers: higher and foundation. We expect to enter the majority of our students for the higher tier.
Latin, always challenging, encourages a more conscious awareness of language structure and of the strong relation of Latin vocabulary to the terminology of academic study - the most Latinate area of English. This language awareness is a valuable acquisition. Students are also encouraged to compare and contrast the Roman world, which has had an immense influence on the culture of Europe, with our own.
As for future prospects, classicists are highly valued and find employment in a wide range of careers, particularly in industry or the professions - finance, accountancy, law, public service. As a careers adviser has recently written:
"The study of Classics makes you analytical and gives you breadth in viewing situations. Logical reasoning and numeracy go with this, along with clear thinking, the ability to order material and to adapt to different situations, and that is what employers are looking for."
A-Level Course (OCR AS 3818, A2 7818)
Full specificationThe primary aim of the A-level course is to enable students to read the most interesting and important Latin authors with competence, understanding and enjoyment. A wide range of authors is tackled, which may include Catullus, Livy, Virgil, Ovid and Horace; and students are asked to prepare translations at home which are then gone over in class. Some work on literary appreciation is also done, mainly through class discussion. There will also be one set book to prepare each year for examination purposes. In addition, students continue with language work, including translation from English into Latin, which is taught from scratch. Some time may also be devoted to Roman History, exploring topics such as the fall of the Republic and the reign of Augustus.
The syllabus is divided into two parts: AS in year 12 (lower sixth) and A2 in year 13 (upper sixth), each consisting of three units, all of which are assessed by examinations.
AS-Level Course
Unit 1: Unprepared Translation (15%)
One passage of Latin prose to translate into English. The exam board issues a vocabulary list to help students prepare for this unit.
Unit 2: Literature 1 (20%)
Comprehension and literary appreciation questions on a set text, which is prepared in class during year 12. Students have to answer two questions.
Unit 3: Literature 2 (15%)
Translation and essay questions on the text set in Unit 2. Students have to translate two passages and write one essay.
A2-Level Course
Unit 4: Unprepared Translation (15%)
One passage of Latin prose and one passage of verse to be translated into English. These will come from named authors and students will be prepared for this by reading extensively from them in year 13.
Unit 5: Literature 3 (20%)
Comprehension/literary appreciation and essay questions on the year 13 set text. Students have to write one essay and answer two other questions.
Unit 6: Prose Composition (15%)
A short passage of English to be translated into Latin.
Beyond A-level
Classics has a justified reputation for being intellectually rigorous, and a degree in Classics fosters skills such as logical thought, problem-solving and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and on paper. Since it involves the study of all aspects of a civilisation - a language, literature, history, philosophy and art - it promotes the development of a breadth of mind which is often unmatched elsewhere. The Classics graduate can be a person much sought after by employers, and careers which recent graduates in this subject have followed include law, finance - especially in the City - accountancy, banking, the Civil Service, commerce, industry, advertising, marketing, personnel and computing. In short, any career which does not demand a highly specialised degree subject is open to the Classicist.