Latin
Exam Board: OCR
Head of Department: Miss P J Anderson
Am I suited to this course?
Entry requirements: At least a B grade in GCSE Latin but those with a C grade will be considered.
You should have an interest in the Latin language and in Roman literature and civilisation. Latin A level forms an excellent partnership with English and History, or Classical Civilisation, or as a contrast to an otherwise predominantly science-based set of A level choices. It promotes the development of analytical skills useful in many careers: Classicists often go on to study law or journalism for example.
What will we study?
Language:
You will extend your knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and syntax so that you can tackle unseen passages of increasing difficulty. In addition, you will translate English into Latin - a skill which tightens your command of the language and also gives scope for creativity.
Literature:
We will study two texts each year, looking at them in their literary, social and historical contexts. In 2009 the first text will be Book VIII of Ovid's "Metamorphoses", which concerns the popular myths of Crete, including Daedalus and Icarus, and the Minotaur. The second text will be Cicero's speech prosecuting the revolutionary villain, Catiline.
What work will I do?
Literature:
Preparation of set texts using a dictionary, going through the set texts in class, writing up your own translation of the section just studied, writing an essay (this may involve wider reading) and being tested on your knowledge of a text.
Language:
Unseen translation, initially with help, later on your own. Practice on constructions through translating sentences from English into Latin, leading to prose composition. Learning and revising vocabulary and grammar.
How will my AS and A level grades be assessed?
Two written papers at AS, and a further two at A2, each worth 50%.
For the first time it is possible to combine modules from the classical civilisation syllabus with modules from the Latin or Ancient Greek syllabus, following a pathway to a combined "Classics" A level. Please ask for details.