Key Stage 4

Students begin Latin in Year 9 and make quick progress through the course.

The Eduqas Latin GCSE is an exciting and challenging course, which hones key transferable skills: careful analysis, attention to detail and intellectual flexibility, all of which are highly valued by universities and a wide range of professions. This GCSE incorporates the many aspects of studying the ancient world, which are assessed in three papers: Latin language; Roman civilisation; and Latin literature and sources. 

We run an inspiring trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum every year so that all students have the opportunity to visit these renowned sites during their study of GCSE Latin.

Each year a group of students continue their Latin studies at Sixth Form and beyond. Latin A Level is recognised by the Russell Group of Universities as a facilitating subject.

 

Year 9

We begin the Hands Up Education Suburani Latin course which follows the gripping story of a young girl living in the Subura of ancient Rome, a bustling part of the city which is not always safe. Through the stories, students study the grammar and vocabulary of Latin, as well as explore important and engaging cultural topics, such as Roman chariot-racing, religion, slavery and Roman Britain.

Year 10

We continue with the Suburani course, as Sabina’s life becomes more complicated. Students explore a range of fascinating topics through the textbook, such as the gladiators, Roman childhood, marriage and beliefs about death in the Roman world. Students deepen their knowledge of Latin vocabulary and tackle more complex grammatical constructions to enhance their knowledge of Latin accidence and syntax.

By the end of Year 10, students will have studied most of the grammar required for the Latin Language paper, which comprises 50% of the GCSE. This is assessed in the Year 10 mock.

Students also begin the Roman Civilisation paper, which explore aspects of the theme set by the exam board: Slavery in the Roman World. Students must carefully analyse and evaluate visual and written sources in English to answer questions. This is an engaging paper which brings an important part of Romans culture to life.

Year 11

In Year 11 students cover the final grammar for the Latin Language paper. We use exam style passages and past papers as a means of honing exam technique and consolidating grammar, vocabulary and syntax.

The remaining topics are studied for the Roman Civilisation paper.

Finally, we explore the Latin Literature and Sources paper, which is based on a set theme e.g. ‘Heroes and Villains’ or ‘Roman Come Dine with Me!’. This comprises 30% of the total GCSE. This paper requires students to explore and analyse Roman artefacts and literature written in Latin on the theme. Students develop their comprehension of unadapted Latin and their skills in literary criticism, so that they appreciate how authors manipulate words to produce certain effects. There are excellent online resources to support students’ independent study of the literature.