Examination Board: OCR
The authors studied in this subject have fascinated people and influenced thought and culture for many centuries. If you choose this subject, you will learn to solve linguistic and other problems logically and to interpret evidence, understand complex issues and argue coherently; both in written assignments and orally. You will show universities and employers that you are very capable academically and you will develop good communication skills.
You should be studying the subject for GCSE, enjoying the literature and Roman Life studies, and be coping well with the language.
A-level Latin involves the study of language and literature. The literature is no more difficult than what you are studying for GCSE, but there is more of it and more time to enjoy and explore it in greater depth. We read poetry, which may be ‘Love Poetry’ or part of a longer narrative (Virgil or Ovid).
Students study two units at A-level. As at GCSE, there is translation from, but not into, Latin, and we supplement a very manageable AS vocabulary list with thematic lists provided by the Department.
Latin has been combined with a range of subjects; frequently with English, History or Mathematics, but also with Religious Studies, Economics, Biology and Theatre Studies.
Our students have gone on to university courses in Classics, Archaeology, English, History, Law, Business Studies and Medicine. Employers are also pleased to note the breadth of interest shown by Classics students, as well as the intellectual discipline required of those subjects, so that a variety of top careers is open to Classics graduates after university. We have had many students go on to study at Oxbridge.
