Latin

Subject: Latin

Syllabus Number: EDUQAS

Teacher who leads the subject: Ms C Barnett

 

Why study Latin?

 

The culture of the Roman and Greek world is everywhere in our world.  Our greatest writers, living and dead, draw on our shared understanding of the world the Romans and Greeks lived in; from J K Rowling and Carol Ann Duffy to Shakespeare.  Its echoes can be felt through film, art, architecture, design, advertising and nearly every aspect of the society we live in.  The Latin language itself is found in the expressions we use, the language we employ and the names we give things.  Studying Latin helps you see those connections and can enrich your enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of literature, history and our society today.

 

In English, you will find that you can decode obscure and technical language faster and your vocabulary will increase.  Studying Latin helps you think analytically and systematically.  This helps develop your logical and systematic thinking skills.  This is helpful for everything from maths to computer programming to philosophy.  At this level we study the structure of the language in a way that means you will begin to examine and even challenge how you use your own language and others.

 

The subject aligns with other areas, allowing new insight into other subjects, such as English Literature, History and Religious Studies.  

 

Latin GCSE allows you to read about the hopes, thoughts and dreams of people who died over two thousand years ago, in their original words.  

 

Latin is a challenging subject that leads to a highly respected GCSE.  People who study Classics go on to a broad range of careers including computer programming, law, accountancy, banking, politics, science and the arts.  Famous Classicists include Baroness Susan Greenfield (who studied Classics before becoming a neurosurgeon), J K Rowling (who studied French and Classics), Chris Martin (lead singer of Coldplay), Anthony James Leggett (Nobel Prize winner for Physics) and Tom Hiddleston (actor).

 

Outline of syllabus content:
 

We study for the following papers:

  • Latin Language (translation)
  • Literature (original Latin based on a theme)
  • Literature (original Latin based on a narrative)


 

Assessment


The GCSE is assessed by three exams at the end of the course.  This gives adequate time to allow you to become confident and perfect your exam technique and understanding of the set texts.


Additional information is available on the Curriculum Overview section of the website - click here