The aim of this course is to ensure that students know the basics of the Latin language well enough to allow them to tackle GCSE with confidence. The study of Latin at this level demands and develops skills such as looking closely at a text, the ability to recall vocabulary and the various endings of nouns and verbs, and applying this knowledge to the text in a logical fashion. The language is not studied in isolation, however. As the reading material for this year’s work is set in Roman Britain and in Rome itself, there are many opportunities for discussing various aspects of Roman life such as entertainment, the Roman army and the buildings of the city of Rome.
The GCSE course involves both the further development of language skills, which are tested by translation and comprehension, and a close study in the original language of the work of Latin authors who have done much to influence the work of later writers.
OCR: 1942
Pupils are required to demonstrate their linguistic competence in components 21 and 23 by translation of unprepared passages of the original language into English and by a comprehension exercise. Components 22 and 24 provide opportunities to encounter some of the great works of classical literature, both prose and verse, in the original language; set texts are studied in detail, and in the examination passages are given for translation and comment on context, background and literary content. All exam papers are marked externally and there is no coursework. It is not possible to start study of Latin in the Remove; a grade A at GCSE is normally required to enable a pupil to continue Latin as a Specialist.
J P Freeman
The study of an ancient language at this level is concerned with translation both from and into the target language and also with reading and responding to some of the great works of literature composed in the Classical world. Pupils who wish to study Latin as Specialists will require experience of and success in Latin at GCSE.
The first year will be spent in consolidating and improving language skills and in exposing pupils to a wide variety of Latin literature. Pupils will be introduced to writing in Latin, broaden their vocabulary and practise the analysis of sentences more complex than those they met at GCSE. They will also read widely in a variety of genres, learning the skill of literary criticism, which will include the writing of essays. They will also extend their knowledge of the history, political institutions and social structure of the ancient world so that they may place their reading securely in its historical context.
The second year will be spent practising and enhancing the linguistic skills of unseen translation and prose composition, as well as the criticism of unseen passages of verse. Another primary focus of the year will be the close study of two prescribed texts, one in verse and one in prose.
Candidates will be prepared for examination in the following four papers:
1. Verse literature (two hours and thirty minutes): Candidates will be required to write answers to questions on passages of a prescribed verse text, and also to write an essay on the text as a whole. In addition, they will be required either to write an essay on a prescribed literary theme exemplified by their text, or to answer literary questions on an unseen passage of verse. This paper carries 30% of the marks for the examination as a whole.
2. Prose literature (two hours): Candidates will be required to write answers to questions on passages of a prescribed prose text, and also to write an essay on the text as a whole. This paper carries 20% of the marks for the examination as a whole.
3. Unseen Translation (two hours): Candidates will be required to translate two passages, one of prose and one of verse, into good English. This paper carries 30% of the marks for the examination as a whole.
4. Prose Composition (one hour and thirty minutes): Candidates will be required to translate a passage of English prose into Latin. This paper carries 20% of the marks for the examination as a whole.
Because the study of a Classical language develops skills in the close analysis of data and the systematic application of the rules of grammar, and the study of literature promotes artistic sensitivity, it is commonly combined with languages such as English, French, Spanish, or German, with humanities such as History, and with sciences such as Mathematics and Economics. There are, however, no required or precluded combinations.
Pre-U Latin gives excellent preparation for many courses at university. Apart from students of Classics and Archaeology, modern linguists and historians will also find Latin especially a great support to their studies. As for careers, it has never been true that the study of Classics fits one only to be a Classics teacher. Students of Classics enjoy success in a huge variety of careers from journalism to accountancy, and from management to publishing. Because the study of Classical languages promotes both analytical rigour and sensitivity to art, it gives the pupil an enviable preparation for life after school.
J.P. Freeman