Latin - GCSE
What will I study in Latin?
The syllabus requires you to know the most common elements of Latin grammar and a specified list of vocabulary so that you can read Latin texts in their original language. Half of the papers at GCSE will test you on your understanding of pieces of Latin you have not seen before. The rest of the course concentrates on material you prepare in advance - the literature of famous and influential authors such as Ovid, Virgil and Livy. There is also an option to learn about Roman Civilisation.
Translation and Comprehension
In order to understand and translate a piece of unfamiliar Latin you learn about the structure of the language – how Latin puts ideas together in ways different from English, how to analyse the language and how to make sense of Latin word forms. You also learn a basic Latin vocabulary of 475 words – many of which are related to words in English and other modern languages.
Your knowledge is tested in two papers. Both papers contain passages telling a story or stories and both papers require you to answer comprehension questions and translate a short piece of Latin. The stories are taken from mythology or domestic life in the first paper, from Roman history in the second.
Roman Literature
Your study of grammar and vocabulary also helps you prepare your set texts - one in prose and one in verse. These are pieces of real Latin literature in their original language that we prepare together. Study concentrates not only on what the ancient authors are saying but also on developing an understanding of the context in which they are writing and the way they are expressing their ideas.
Your understanding of Roman literature is tested in two papers, one on verse literature, the other on prose. Both papers contain passages from the literature you have prepared and test you through comprehension and literary appreciation questions.
In place of one of the literature papers there is also the option to learn about Roman Civilisation studied through Latin sources such as inscriptions, photographs of buildings and objects and passages in English about Roman society.
How will I be assessed?
The course is assessed by four separate exam papers, each one hour in length and each of equal weight.
Who will teach me?
Claire Hoult has been teaching Classics for nearly twenty years, first in the United States and then in London. She has a BA and a PGCE from Oxford University.
Peter Olive is an Oxford graduate with a passionate interest in education and the Classical World.
Which subjects complement Latin?
Latin teaches you an analytical and sensitive approach to language. As such it sits well with other subjects studying ideas through texts, such as English Literature, Religious Studies and History. It obviously has many elements in common with English Language and other languages too – ancient or modern. More surprisingly perhaps, Latin combines well with subjects that require a more analytical and scientific approach. Maths and Music are often popular combinations with Latin.
Which careers can Latin lead to?
A GCSE in Latin shows evidence of the ability to think clearly, to solve puzzles, to examine language and to communicate clearly. As such it is highly regarded by universities and employers. Latin is suitable for students planning to enter a wide range of careers such as journalism, education, law, business, advertising, the civil service and government.