Latin

Why study this subject?

Latin A Level offers an excellent opportunity to study an ancient society and literature in its original language. Latin is the basis of French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, and lends very many words to English. If you have enjoyed the study of Latin at GCSE then it is well worth considering Latin A Level as an option. When they study Latin, learners read verse and prose texts taken from a rotation prescribed by the exam boards. When studying literature, learners study the structure, form, and content of the texts, asking questions like ‘What does the poet mean by this word or phrase?’, ‘Why has this word been chosen?’, ‘What are the various ways in which we can interpret this passage?’, or ‘What do we discover about the character of x in this text?’. Learners study poetic meter and metrical rhythms, as well as a wide range of literary devices (such as polyptoton, alliteration, chiasmus, hyperbole, etc.).

The course is stimulating, challenging and enriching at every level, enjoyable in its own right and an excellent complement for other A Level options, notably Humanities and Modern Languages. We also often have students with a scientific or mathematical background choosing Latin at A Level who enjoy the logical nature of the subject and the refreshing change it offers them. Not only does the study of Latin give students a deeper understanding of grammar and syntax of our own language but it also helps us to understand Roman society and the lasting impact of its culture on our own. A knowledge of Classics is most definitely equipment for life.

What skills will you develop?

The study of Latin at A Level is excellent preparation for any degree not just Classicsspecific ones. This rigorous subject teaches transferable skills of a very high order, much sought after by both universities and employers.

These include, but are not limited to: • The ability to analyse any language in a very rigorous and methodical way. • The understanding of English vocabulary and the etymology of words in a more profound way. • The ability to analyse and evaluate literature in a highly critical way. • The ability to formulate convincing and articulate arguments (both oral and written), drawing on different evidence. • An understanding of the origins of European literature and civilization. • The ability to read and research independently. • Intellectual curiosity and inquisitiveness. • Empathy, being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. • Deeper understanding of a foreign culture and civilisation which, in turn, fosters open mindedness and critical self-understanding. • Increased literacy and essay writing techniques. • Creativity and originality of thought, being able to ‘think outside the box’.

What are the key elements to the course?

Translation to and from Latin into English is a key feature of the A Level course as is prose comprehension/ prose composition. Students build on the skills they have learned in Latin GCSE through increased acquisition of Latin vocabulary and a deeper understanding of Latin grammar and syntax so that they become progressively more competent at analysing text and translating it with accuracy and style. As they do this, they develop an awareness of the influence of classical languages on the languages of today.

Classical literature is also studied in the original language. This may include the works of authors such as Virgil, Ovid and Cicero, universal masters of their craft, who have been a source of inspiration to many later writers. Through the study of two prose and two verse literature texts, an unsurpassable linguistic and analytical training is acquired, again building on the skills acquired at GCSE. Students gain an understanding of some of the most important works of Western literature, exactly as they were written some 2,000 years ago and they can judge for themselves, critically, some of the views that Roman authors had of their world.

In the study of Latin, we seek to enrich as far as possible our students beyond the confines of the curriculum, alerting them to interlocking cultures of the ancient world, including Egypt, Persia, and India. Through the study of literature, we place an emphasis upon the statuses of men and women in the ancient world and encourage students to think critically about modern issues such as feminism, ethnicity, and national identity. Our Classical Societies are open to all students, but our Sixth Form Classicists are especially encouraged to run and give talks/presentations on topics related to the art, literature, history, and culture of the ancient Mediterranean world and beyond.