“Latin is the bridge subject for all languages. Once you know it, any language is possible.”
Latin covers a range of content in the Sixth Form, including vocabulary, grammatical constructions, political history and mythology. The content complements subjects such as English and History, but the logical thinking required fits well with Maths and Sciences. It combines skills such as factual recall, problem solving, analysis and argument construction.
A level
Course Content and Assessment
- Paper 1: Unseen Translation (Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 33% of the qualification)
- Paper 2: Prose composition or comprehension (Written exam 1 hour 15 minutes, 17% of the qualification) pupils will translate two passages of Latin into English, and then answer comprehension questions on the content and syntax of another passage. This should prove fairly straightforward for pupils who have studied Latin to GCSE Level as they will have studied almost all of the grammar and a large section of the vocabulary list already. This paper is designed to hone pupils ’ translation skills and to introduce them to a wide variety of Roman stories and texts.
- Paper 3: Prose Literature (Written exam: 2 hours, 25% of the qualification)
- Paper 4: Verse Literature (Written exam: 2 hours, 25% of the qualification)
Pupils study a range of Latin writers such as Catullus, Virgil, Tacitus and Cicero. Catullus is considered one of the greatest love poets of all time and his turbulent love life has been captured dramatically in his work, while Tacitus explored the history of the early Roman emperors, albeit through distinctly disapproving eyes. Virgil wrote an epic masterpiece about the foundation myth of Rome by Aeneas, which has been one of the most important works to be studied by Classicists. Cicero was a famous and gifted lawyer in his day whose acerbic wit was second to none, allowing him to successfully prosecute notorious criminals and corrupt politicians. We will study one of his law court speeches analysing the content and the style which Cicero uses to present his arguments. The examination consists of comprehension questions and a short essay.
Co-Curricular
There are a number of opportunities for pupils in the Sixth Form to become involved in the Classics department. Classics Society is led once a week by the pupils which involves helping to promote the club and presenting a short talk on a topic of their choice. Pupils are also able to provide additional support to younger pupils with vocabulary and grammar in Classics Clinic which occurs twice a week.
Trips will also be run to relevant lectures and theatrical productions held in London, as well as study days. Lectures will also occasionally be held at lunch times or during lessons in school
Careers & Higher Education
Employers and Universities value the study of Classics because it is an indication of academic prowess and it teaches a variety of transferable skills like problem solving and attention to detail.
Popular careers for Classicists include Politics, Journalism, Law, the Civil Service, Accountancy, Teaching, Academia, Museum Work, Archaeology, Media, Publishing, Archive Work, Auction House Work, Arts Management, and Theatre and Performing Arts.
