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Latin
Course outline
OCR
Students with a qualification in Latin stand out to universities and employers alike and is a superb basis for any career. Armed with numerous transferable skills and a deep appreciation of our western civilisation’s heritage, Latin can lead you to politics, journalism, the media, law, and medicine to name just a few possible careers. Latin is all around us and its study will give you a deeper understanding of the modern world through a study of its cultural and linguistic roots. Several successful media figures from JK Rowling to Tom Hiddleston were inspired by their study of ancient languages and have found that the treasures of the ancient world have paid them richly in their adult lives. The study of Latin is not just a step along the career path, but a gift that will stay with you forever.
Latin will help your ability to think cogently as well as to write with clarity, conviction and panache. It underpins the study of other modern foreign languages, such as French, Italian and Spanish, whilst broadening your vocabulary in English and developing your critical thinking skills. Through analysis of the language, Latin is a perfect complement to scientific and mathematical studies, as well as standing proud in its own right.
There is no coursework requirement but four written examinations as follows:
• Unseen Translation (33%) 1 hour 45 mins.
• Prose Comprehension (17%) 1 hour 15 mins.
• Prose Literature (25%) 2 hours.
• Verse Literature (25%) 2 hours.
The study of Latin in the Sixth Form allows for greater insight into the rich and varied culture of ancient Rome through the study of its diverse literature. The language component of the examination involves the translation and comprehension of unseen passages of Latin from a number of different authors, which will build upon your previous knowledge. The literature components of the course will involve translation and stylistic appreciation of both prose and verse set texts, by such famous authors as Cicero, Tacitus, Virgil and Ovid, all whose influence lives on today. By studying such a variety of authors, you will come to appreciate some of the finest classical literature and have a deeper understanding of its cultural context.
Latin not only sharpens the brain and delights the soul, but there are also several opportunities for study beyond the classroom. Typical experiences include study days in the UK, theatre trips and author visits, as well as residential trips which are offered further afield from Hadrian’s Wall to Italy.
AS Classical Greek is also available as an enrichment option.
