LATINA
- LINGUA AUREA – THE GOLDEN TONGUE
Advanced Level
Latin is not
a dead language. It is the eternal language. A Level Latin involves
the in-depth study of language and literature. During this process
we hope that students will savour the broader cultural legacy of
the Ancient World. In this way our understanding of Roman and Classical
Civilisation is enhanced and we can better appreciate the achievement
of the Romans and their contribution to the development of the Modern
World.
Study of Latin
and Classics will help students on the way to achieving their higher
education aspirations in whatever field. This is because Latin has
formed the basis of all academic, literary and intellectual vocabulary
and terminology since the Renaissance. Latin is also an extra asset
for any serious modern linguist. Universities and employers recognise
that the study of a Classical Language and the Civilisation which
underpinned it indicates a capacity for taking on a challenge, for
careful and detailed application to tasks, and nurturing an instinct
for the finer points of language use and an ability to grasp complex
concepts.
With only a
few students taking Latin at this level (five or six is the average),
the lessons are both challenging and informal. There is a great
deal of discussion and much attention is paid to the needs and interests
of the individual student. We work hard to improve our knowledge
of the Latin Language in preparation for the 1½ hour AS Foundation
Language Paper.
Of the five
lessons per week at least two are spent on literature. We read both
prose and verse in Year 12. The total lines of text is slightly
longer than those studied at G.C.S.E. and is examined by one paper
containing questions for translation, commentary and a short essay.
We deal with
outstanding works of literature which have not only stood the test
of time but
have also influenced the our literary heritage and the thought and
writings of more recent years. The Great Voices of the past still
have a lot to tell the Modern Age
There is substantial spin off in the development of skills and transferable
knowledge applicable to other A Level subjects involving literature
and language. Use of English is rewarded in most subjects and Latin
will help develop better mastery of English. These skills are built
up by honing translation techniques, mastery of grammar and the
close analysis of texts and literary techniques.
There will be
two modules in Year 12 and two in Year 13. In total therefore, there
will be four papers.
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