Latin
Latin A-Level
GCSE in Latin with at least level 6 is Required.
This A-Level would suit candidates who:
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Are enjoying their GCSE in Latin.
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Love mental challenges of translating a language with inflections and grammatical rules which are often very different to our own.
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Are interested in any aspects of the Roman world, but especially their literature.
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Want a seriously respected A Level subject on their UCAS forms and CVs and enter one of the most prestigious Russel universities
Latin (OCR H443):
Over the course of the A/AS level, learners will have studied the works of at least four different authors in preparation for the Language and Literature examinations. In both the Prose and Verse Literature components students will be required to read additional literature in translation in order to understand the context from which the set texts have been taken.
Students continue to develop their understanding of Latin grammar from KS4 and are expected to translate and answer comprehension questions on unseen texts and comment on prepared literature (both verse and prose). Texts include Cicero’s “Philippics” and Horace “Satyr”. They are also taught in Y12 to compose in Latin. Students are assessed via regular tasks relating to their exams, such as translations, comprehensions and literary criticism.
What does A Level consist of?
The new specification consists ofâ¯four unitsâ¯for A level. Theâ¯Latinâ¯A Level consists of:
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Unseen Translation [33%] Translation of a prose and a verse passage from Latin to English. Livy and Ovid will be the authors from which the passages will be taken
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Prose Composition or Comprehension [17%] Either answer questions on a prose passage in Latin or translate approximately 100 words from English into Latin. These are based on any prose author
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Prose Literature [25%] Two texts are studied with questions set on style and content; there is also an essay on one of the set texts andâ¯further reading in English. Cicero “Pro Cluentio” and the murder at Larinum
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Verse Literature [25%] This follows the same model as the Prose Literature. Catullus and his erotic poems
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Where could this subject take you?
Latin provides a fascinating insight into how other languages work and the foundations of European culture. Not only does it benefit linguists with keen analytical minds, but it can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in the classical world. So, if you are considering law, languages, history, medicine, literature or philosophy then the skills you will pick up in Latin are infinitely transferable. Latin is recognised and respected by top universities as rigorous academic subject and will stand out on application for any degree subject.
Good Classics graduates can end up working in pretty much anything other than Science based jobs – accountancy, marketing, teaching, law, banking and advertising to name just few. There are just few examples of how jobs and careers are directly benefitted by a good Classics degree.