Latin

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

This course teaches a thorough understanding of the structure and syntax of the Latin language. You will read some of the world’s greatest literature, explore controversial issues, develop your intellect and hone your academic skills. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

The bulk of the work will involve the study of set texts such as Catullus, Horace, Ovid, or Virgil. Skills in literary criticism are developed during the year; we study style and language in detail, as well as translating. There is very little ‘new’ grammar at A Level. You will have learnt almost all of the grammar for the GCSE examination. However, in Year 12 you will revise the grammar of the language thoroughly with the aim of removing all vagueness. Though the course is primarily literary, close attention is paid to cultural background, learning as much as possible about Roman society, and building on the background work of the GCSE course.

A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING LATIN IN THE SIXTH FORM?

You will need to have attained a grade 6 or higher at GCSE Latin. Experience tells us that if you achieve grade 7-9 at GCSE, you should achieve a high grade at A Level. The course involves the study of set texts and the learning of the grammar continues.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR?

students who are linguistically gifted

students with a developing love for literature

students who are not scared of hard work

Latin combines well with almost all A Level subjects – English, History, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Modern Languages and RPE to name but a few!

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION?

There will be four written examination papers at the end of the two year course:

Translation (unseen) examination

(1 hour 45 minutes)

33%

Comprehension (unseen) examination

(1 hour 15 minutes)

17%

Prose Literature

(2 hours)

25%

Verse Literature

(2 hours)

25%

In the Prose Literature paper, candidates will answer questions based on the two prose set texts they have studied over the two year course.

In the Verse Literature paper, candidates will answer questions based on the two verse set texts they have studied over the two year course.

In both Literature papers, there will be comprehension questions, set text translations, close textual analysis questions and an essay question.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS

OCR provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate.

Go to http://www.ocr.org.uk

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE?

A vast number of things! Whether combined with Greek or not, a degree in Classics or Classical Civilisation is an obvious choice, but a free-standing A Level in Latin carries a great deal of academic clout with Admissions tutors. It forms an excellent base for courses in English, Modern Languages, Law, History, Philosophy: in fact, anything at all on the Arts and Humanities side. The skills of discipline and clear thinking that an A Level in Latin requires are in demand by employers and universities alike. But, without a doubt, the main reason for choosing an A Level in Latin is to read the wonderful literature.