Latin
Exam Board: OCR

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 analysis plus 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 fine-tune our knowledge of the Latin Language in preparation for the Language Paper. 

Of the five lessons per week three are spent on literature and the civilisation which underpinned it. We read both prose and verse in Years 12 and 13. The total lines of text are slightly longer than those studied at G.C.S.E. and are examined by two papers per year containing questions for translation, commentary and short essays.

We deal with outstanding works of literature which have not only stood the test of time but
have also influenced 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.  Many students of Latin come to realise very quickly how this helps and enhances their study of most other given advanced subjects, and especially English and Modern Languages.

There are two modules in Year 12 and two in Year 13; in total therefore; there will be four papers which currently embrace the genres: Epic poetry; Political Rhetoric; History (Nero); myths and legends in verse; occasional poetry; propaganda.