The law, civilisation and literature of Rome have exercised a profound influence on modern society and upon the English language. Learning about Rome is not only fascinating, it is invaluable for anyone who hopes to possess a sound understanding of the modern world. At university it is an advantage for undergraduates in law, English, history and modern languages.

It is a subject which is held in very high esteem by employers in a wide range of professions.

Pupils who opt for Latin will also get the chance to study Classical Greek.  

First, Second and Third Forms (Key Stage 3)
In the first to third forms both the Oxford and Cambridge Latin Courses are taught with the following aims in mind:

• To develop at an appropriate level a competence in the Latin language.
• To read, understand, appreciate and make a personal response to some of the literature in the original Latin.
• To acquire some understanding of the civilization within which the literature was produced.
• To encourage a sensitive and analytical approach to language.
• To encourage the ability to observe, abstract and analyse information.         

Fourth and Fifth-Forms (Key Stage 4)

The syllabus covers two areas: the language itself and Latin Literature through a selection of prose and verse texts.

Scheme of Assessment

There are four written papers covering the following elements:

There is no coursework in Latin

A Level Latin

This course is taught with the A2 set and all students take the AS examination at the end of the lower sixth. Students who have chosen only AS Latin may, if they wish, be considered for continuation to A2 in the upper sixth.

Latin provides the opportunity to develop the knowledge of the language and literature of the ancient Romans which students have gained at GCSE. The course is almost equally weighted between language and literature. Students will deepen their existing understanding of the language, as well as meet some new grammatical structures. They also have the opportunity to study a greater variety of Roman prose and verse authors at greater depth.

Through the reading of two Roman authors such as Cicero, Virgil, Tacitus, Ovid and Catullus, students also consider the historical, cultural and philosophical background to the texts. The literature questions in the AS examination take the form of context questions only.

As well as reading literary texts, students will improve their language skills through the study of grammar and the general reading of Roman authors. In the AS examination candidates have to translate from a passage of Latin prose. A vocabulary list is given to study in advance of the examination. There is also the possibility of translating sentences from English into Latin, though this is optional 

Assessment

There are 2 papers, one on language and another on literature. Each paper comprises 50% of the AS assessment.

AS Ancient History  

Students study the political history of Republican Rome (80-44 B.C) and the 5^th century Athenian Democracy.   Heavily focused on the understanding and use of original sources the course requires a detailed understanding of the political developments of both periods and the role played by individuals and institutions in the surrounding events. 

Assessment

The pupils are assessed through two 1 ½ hours papers, one on the Roman period and one of the Greek.  In both paper the pupils are required to show both their historical understanding but also an appreciation on the sources both on a historical and literary level.

The awarding body: OCR   

Internet Resources

The Classics section of the school learning resources website includes awide range of supporting material, such as lesson notes, presentation materials, sample and past exam papers.

Teaching Staff 

Mr D Sullivan (Head of Classics) dsullivan@los.ac