Latin
Latin
Latin GCSE is a lively and wide-ranging subject which is well respected by employers for its development of logical thinking and written communication skills. Latin broadens vocabulary, enhances the ability to construct sentences effectively, and deepens a grasp of the meaning of ideas and thoughts. Latin is the root language for understanding many languages, especially English, French, Italian and Spanish; and the vast majority of technical and scientific vocabulary derives directly from Classical languages. The history and culture of the Roman Empire helps us understand not only the ancient world but also the modern world and the people we are today.
The Latin language is studied in order to translate Latin passages into accurate English, to answer questions in English about Latin extracts and to show knowledge of word derivations.
Roman literature - the work of one of the world’s most famous authors, Virgil, is studied in order to show knowledge of the details and to give comment on the characters, customs and literary quality of his book, the Aeneid. The passages studied will be short excerpts from one chapter and will include Roman legends and mythical characters.
The Latin language is studied in order to translate Latin passages into accurate English, to answer questions in English about Latin extracts and to show knowledge of word derivations.
Roman civilisation topics on everyday Roman life are studied. The classical world is compared with later times, Roman motives and attitudes are investigated, and informed, personal, evaluative responses are made about original archaeological and literary evidence.
The GCSE will be assessed by means of three written examination papers:
Latin language - 1 hour 30 minutes - comprehension questions and translation work
Latin literature - 1 hour - comprehension questions on the context and literary quality of the original Latin passages
Roman source material - 1 hour - factual and evaluative responses to original source material translated into English..
The examination board is OCR and the specification number is J282. You can see the full specification here.
The language paper is worth 50% of the total GCSE examination.
There is a set vocabulary list for the language paper which is learned over the two years. Many words have already been learned in Years 7-9.
The Roman sources studied are already translated into English and give direct, fascinating views of the world the Romans lived in. The topics will be on Roman everyday life and beliefs.
Latin literature is studied from the original Latin and consists of short excerpts from one chapter of the Aeneid.
If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Mr Phil Towler, Head of Latin, on pt@farlingtonschool.com