EXAMINATION BOARD: OCR

Latin at AS and at A level gives pupils the opportunity to build on their knowledge of the Latin language acquired at GCSE by studying a more authentic style of texts written by a wider range of authors. A consolidation of grammar and vocabulary allows pupils to appreciate the full subtlety and flexibility of Latin, improves logical thought processes and conceptual understanding, and exposes them to a variety of texts which are central to the formation of our culture. These texts give direct access to a remarkable corpus of ancient literature, philosophy, history and law. In the Lower Sixth pupils will concentrate on developing their knowledge of the language as well as having the opportunity to read more widely in Latin literary and historical texts. In the Upper Sixth pupils will engage in a more in-depth study of Virgil’s Aeneid and Tacitus’ Annals. Pupils will become more familiar with the language by reading a wider range of authors, and translating from English into Latin.

Pupils will:

• Develop their knowledge of the language by studying grammar to a higher level and by expanding their vocabulary.
• Gain fluency in the language by translating from English into Latin and by reading a wide variety of Roman prose and verse authors.
• Study in depth a prose and a verse set text: Virgil’s Aeneid VIII and Tacitus’ Annals I.

Discuss and write about the complex literary, legal and historical themes raised by these texts.