Subject Overview
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Latin is very much alive and kicking at St. Francis’ College. The subject is taught to all students from Year 4 to Year 9, becoming optional at GCSE. Both Latin and Classical Civilisation A levels are run in the Sixth Form. Results in recent years have been consistently high and the subjects remain popular at all levels.
Whilst no longer a spoken language, Latin is a valuable subject for the skills it instils in our students. The onus is on both the language and culture of the Romans as well as some study of the Ancient Greek civilisation. Students will be taught to understand the place of Latin as the basis of many European languages including English, and develop an appreciation of the way in which Classical culture has influenced every aspect of modern life.
Programme of Study
Key Stage 3:
Year 7
- ‘de Romanis’ Book 1, Chapters 1-4
- Grammar: Nouns, verbs, adjectives
- Translation: Model sentences and passages
- Civilisation: Gods, mythology and religious beliefs
Year 8
- ‘de Romanis’ Book 1, Chapters 4-6
- Grammar: Nouns, verbs, adjectives, participles, imperatives, numerals
- Translation: Model sentences and passages
- Civilisation: Religious beliefs, fate and prophecy, festivals and entertainment
Year 9
- ‘de Romanis’ Book 2
- Grammar: Nouns, verbs, pronouns, comparative and superlative adjectives
- Translation: Model sentences and passages
- Civilisation: Roman History including the Republic, Julius Caesar and Egypt
Key Stage 4:
GCSE Latin
Examination Board: OCR (J282)
The Latin GCSE course aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the Latin language, alongside an appreciation of real, unedited Latin literature and Roman civilisation.
The aims of this qualification are to enable students to develop:
- Analytical thinking
- Problem solving
- Use of logic and reasoning – critical thinking
- Ability to write a fluent and coherent response
- Strong communication skills
- Grammar and reading skills
- Ability to challenge and debate
- Interpretation of sources
- Structure an effective argument
A Level Classical Civilisation
Examination Board: OCR (H408)
The study of Classical Civilisation at A Level enables students to engage with all aspects of the ancient world and gain an insight into their history, literature, mythology, religion, politics, art and daily lives. The OCR specification provides the opportunity to study a wide range of exciting modules and students will develop an in-depth knowledge of both Ancient Greece and Rome, as well as an ability to use source material and hone their skills of analysis.
The aims of this qualification are to enable students to develop:
- Analytical thinking
- Problem solving
- Use of logic and reasoning – critical thinking
- Ability to write a fluent and coherent response
- Strong communication skills
- Grammar and reading skills
- Ability to challenge and debate
- Interpretation of sources
- Structure an effective argument
A Level Latin
Examination Board: OCR (H443)
A Level Latin builds on the language mastered as GCSE, whilst giving students a much more authentic experience of Classical Latin language and a broader experience of literature. There is opportunity to read prose and verse texts in depth and to continue to discover more about Roman culture. A truly rigorous and traditional subject, graduates will be more than prepared for reading university Latin or applying new-found skills in other areas.
The aims of this qualification are to enable students to develop:
- Fluency in reading original Latin texts and considerable confidence in language generally.
- Analytical and evaluative skills honed through in-depth study of texts and attention to literary technique.
- A deep appreciation of the ancient world and its legacy.
- Independent learning and research skill.
