Syllabus Link

OCR, Syllabus H443 http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-latin-h043-h443-from-2016/

 Why Study Latin?

The study of Latin develops critical thinking and logical analysis. Few subjects allow the study of a language, and History, Philosophy, Literature, Society, Geography, Law… It also promotes skills that are universally applicable to further education and employment. The Classics Department has a distinguished record of success at Oxford and Cambridge. Classicists are much sought after in Banking, Law, Journalism, Accountancy and the Arts.

Course Content

Language 1: 105 mins, 33%

Translation of Latin prose and Latin verse into English

Language 2: 75 mins, 17%

Comprehension on Latin prose including grammar analysis OR prose composition

Prose Literature: 1 exam, 120 mins, 25%

Prose Literature from: Cicero ‘pro Roscio’, Tacitus ‘Annals’ 14 and Apuleius

Verse Literature: 1 exam, 120 mins,  25%

Verse Literature from: Virgil ‘Aeneid’ 4, Lcucretius and Ovid ‘Metamorphoses’

Requirements

Pupils must have attained a minimum of a ‘7’ grade in GCSE Latin or equivalent, but ‘8/9’ is usual. Familiarity with, and understanding of, the vocabulary, grammar and syntax from the GCSE syllabus are vital for successful study at this higher level. Encouragement should be gained from the fact that what new syntax there is invariably builds on an element met at the GCSE level. Pupils should enjoy the mental stimulation of arriving at accurate translation and be able to see linguistic fluency as a means of accessing, in the original language, some of the finest literature in European culture.

Complementary Subjects

Humanities, in particular Ancient History, History, Philosophy and English; Modern Foreign Languages; Maths and Economics

Post-Wellington

Pupils taking Latin in sixth form go on to study an impressive range of degrees at university. It is most obviously an excellent complementary subject for those pursuing Classics, English Literature, Philosophy, Modern Languages, Archaeology and Anthropology, and History. However, Wellingtonians taking Latin have also recently progressed to degrees as varied as Economics, Geography, Medicine, Dentistry and Mathematics. In short, Latin opens up an extremely extensive range of career options post-university, while those pursuing Classics will find themselves highly prized by employers in the legal, political, finance and banking sectors.

Contact for further information:

Dr M Johncock mspj@wellingtoncollege.org.uk