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Latin

                  This subject will be offered at both Standard and Higher levels.                Latin counts as a Language in Group 2 or can be chosen as a Group 6 option. 

Students must have studied Latin at GCSE to take this course, and must have achieved a level 7 or above to study Higher level Latin.

However, if you are hoping to study Classics, Ancient History or Archaeology at university, you will still be able to become a Classics Prefect and be invited on Classics-related trips, and we will fully support your university application. You will also be able to write your Extended Essay on a Classical topic. We recommend that you choose English, History or an MFL as one of your Higher level subjects, but there are no subject requirements for these degrees at university.

STANDARD LEVEL LATIN: 

Paper One (35%) Language ~ Unseen translation, Prose or Verse. 

  • Throughout the year we will be reading authors from across the Roman Empire writing in a wide range of genres.
  • The examination is a series of short-answer comprehension questions and a few lines for translation.
  • Students will have the support of a dictionary in the exam.

Paper Two (35%) Literature ~ Virgil's Aeneid Book 1 - The Aftermath of Troy, and the creation of the Roman people.

  • In this iconic & exciting piece of Latin poetry students will read about the conflict between the gods and Fate, the destiny of a refugee from Troy, and an encounter with the Queen of Carthage herself, Dido.  
  • The exam is in the form of a series of short-answer questions about the content of a passage, and then a longer answer discussing Virgil's style. These questions are similar to those encountered in the Latin Literature paper at GCSE level. Students will also write a short essay (in English) about the content, style and context of Latin poetry. 

*Topics are chosen for the variety and interest they offer to the student, and are subject to change.

Coursework (30%)

  • Students prepare a Research Dossier - this is a collection of 7 - 9 primary sources all linked by a theme of the students' own choosing
  • This can be on any element of Roman civilisation you wish
HIGHER LEVEL LATIN

(Level 7 or above at GCSE) 

Paper One (30%) Language ~ Unseen translation, Prose or Verse. 

  • Throughout the year we will be reading authors from across the Roman Empire writing in a wide range of genres
  • The examination is a series of short-answer grammar questions, a short passage of translation, and a more detailed style question on a second passage.
  • Students will have the support of a dictionary in the exam

Paper Two (30%) Literature ~ Cicero's In Catilinam & Virgil’s Aeneid Book 1.

  • Higher level students will read Cicero's in Catilinam: Cicero doesn't hold back in this dramatic accusation of the senator Catiline and his alleged conspiracy to overthrow the government of Rome.   
  • HL students will also read Virgil's Aeneid Book 1 to gain an insight into Roman Verse authors and their inspirations: why was poetry so important to them? 
  • The exam is in the form of a series of short-answer questions about the content of a passage from one of the set texts. These questions are similar to those encountered in the Latin Literature paper at GCSE level. Students also write a short essay, in English, on the genre of the other set text. Students have the option to choose which set text to focus on.

*Topics are chosen for the variety and interest they offer to the students, and are subject to change.

Coursework (40%) 

Students prepare a Research Dossier (20%) - this is a collection of 7 - 9 primary sources all linked by an aspect of classical literature or civilisation of the student's own choosing. Students at Higher level also produce an original composition of 100 words in Latin. (20%) 

WHY CONTINUE LATIN FROM GCSE?
  • A challenging course that helps you stand out from the crowd;
  • Closely connected with top professions like law, medicine, politics;
  • Cross-curricular links with all other subjects;
  • Builds logic and problem-solving skills to help support scientific subjects like Computer Science and Chemistry;
  • Massive scope for university study: perfect if you are unsure about future career options;
  • Allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of art, literature and culture.

You will need to arrive in Year 12 still confident with your GCSE vocabulary list. You should have at least attempted to learn the principal parts (the middle column). 

Vocab can be tested here: https://latinvocabularytester.com/ 

You must be familiar with recognising and translating all verb endings. If you are bored of your GCSE word list and want a challenge, the link to the AS Level vocab list is below, and can also be tested on the website above.

https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/221507-as-level-gce-latin-h043-defined-vocabulary-list.pdf 

(However there is no requirement to have learned any of these words before starting!). 

Finally, it’s advisable to read over your GCSE Latin Literature again, at least in translation, to refresh your memory before starting Year 12. Have a look at our reading list for more Classics-related books, or visit the Classics Office to borrow a book from our Classics Library. 

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