Latin

What will I study?

The AS and A2 Latin courses aim to extend your knowledge of language in general, and of this inflected language in particular; and to develop your appreciation of Roman literature in its original form.  You will not only improve your linguistic competence, but also learn to analyse and respond to literature with increasing sophistication.  Outside the classroom, Latin students are encouraged to attend Classical Society meetings, run jointly with the Girls' Division, become a mentor for a more junior pupil, or get involved in the running of the Junior Classics Club. 

Each year of the course consists of a combination of linguistic and literary work.  At AS the units studied are:

L1 Latin Language

You will consolidate and build upon your existing knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, and become familiar with the language of authors of the 1st century B.C. and of the 1st century A.D.  You will learn to recognise and analyse increasingly complex features of Latin.   

L2 Latin Verse and Prose Literature

Through study of two prescribed texts, one verse and one prose, you will develop your understanding and appreciation of Latin literature within its literary, social and historical contexts.  Currently, the prescribed texts are:  Ovid,Amores3 and Cicero,in Verrem2.

The A2 units are:

L3 Latin Verse

Your understanding of Latin poetry will be further consolidated through preparation for this module, which includes both language and literature work. 

L4 Latin Prose

This module follows the same pattern as L3, but with prose texts instead of verse.   

How will I be assessed?

You will sit two examinations for AS, and a further two for A2.  There is no coursework for this subject. 

Desirable requirements

If you have enjoyed the subject and been successful (ideally, grade A or higher) at GCSE level, you will find the greater depth of study at A level rewarding and fulfilling.  The subject combines well with most other subjects; there are particular links with English, History, Modern Languages, Greek and Classical Civilisation. 

Where will it lead?

In the words of one recruiter for industry, 'Classics produces an ordered mind [and] an ability to present cases precisely and concisely' - a skill valued highly by universities and employers alike.  In recent years, several of our students have pursued subjects directly related to Latin at Oxbridge, Yale and other top-class Classics Departments.  However, this is not the only option available to those who have studied Latin at A Level:  a good grade will allow the student to choose from a broad range of university courses, whether containing a classical component or not.  University classicists enter a varied range of careers including solicitor's training, computing, industry and commerce, banking, publishing and journalism.