Latin

The study of Latin enables A-level students with a background in Latin to study the language and literature of the Ancient Romans.

Exam Board:  OCR
No coursework

The AS-level

Assessment is by means of two units for the AS-level. Students develop their language skills through a study of verse and prose texts such as the works of Ovid and Cicero.

The A2-level

At A2-level, the examination is made up of two units. Students develop their language skills through the study of verse texts such as the works of Virgil or Catullus, and prose texts such as the works of Livy or Tacitus.

It is possible to join our A2 group after taking AS at another school. Every year we have students who make this transition successfully even though they have previously studied different AS units on another board. Do contact us for advice.

Background needed

You will already have spent a few years studying Latin and will have revealed potential for further development to your teacher. You should also have a pass at GCSE level. The subject does require you to write essays and translate into English, but not into Latin.

Suitable combinations

This subject combines well with many others, and particularly so with History, English, Philosophy, Politics, Theatre Studies and Modern Languages.

After A-level

You can take the subject on to degree level if you wish. It also offers you a background for the study of other subjects. Western languages, literature, art and thought all have classical origins, and these other subjects cannot be well understood without some knowledge of the Ancient World. Latin also provides useful knowledge for the sciences and modern languages.

“Sung hic etiam sua praemia laudi. sunt lacrimae rerum at mentem mortalia tanqunt.”
Virgil: Aeneid 1

“Even here virtue has its own reward.
There are tears shed for suffering and the human condition touches the mind.”