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GCSE Latin

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The Subject

This subject gives the student the opportunity to study the language and literature of ancient Rome, reading the works of authors such as Caesar, Horace, Tacitus and Virgil. They will experience at first hand elements of the culture, language and social and political life of Roman civilisation which has inspired almost every empire that has appeared since.

Studying an ancient language helps students learn more about the way languages are structured, and how they impact upon later cultures. This course will also promote the development of analytical skills and intellectual flexibility, which will be useful in a wide range of jobs or in further study.

Students need no prior knowledge of any classical language for this course, but will need to start in Year 10 if they do so.

Students with prior knowledge of Latin to KS3 level will be able to take the course in one year, but will need to be prepared to work hard to reach the required level – please contact the Collingham office if you would like to discuss this option.

The Course

Students will:     

  • Learn how to read classical Latin texts in their original language.
  • Read and analyse set texts by authors such as Caesar, Horace, Tacitus and Virgil in their original language.
  • Develop a sensitive and analytical approach to language, including an awareness of the relationship between classical Latin and modern languages.
  • Learn more about ancient Roman culture and society to provide context for the texts read in class.
  • Be able to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.

The OCR GCSE in classical Latin is composed of three papers. For students who are less familiar with Latin, there is the option to replace the second literature paper with a culture paper instead:

1. Language (1 hour 30 minutes). This paper requires the student to translate and/or answer comprehension questions about texts they will not have seen before they enter the exam room.
2. Literature 1 (1 hour). This paper requires the student to translate and answer comprehension questions about the prose texts that they have read in class. Authors include Caesar, Pliny and Tacitus.
3. Literature 2 (1 hour). This paper requires the student to translate and answer comprehension questions about the verse texts that they have read in class. Authors include Horace, Martial and Virgil.
4. Culture (1 hour). This paper asks the student to answer questions exploring the culture and society of ancient Rome.

There is no language component to this paper. This paper is traditionally taken by those new to Latin or with less confidence in the language.

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