A Level Options: Latin

Entry Requirements

Pupils should normally have an A/A* in Latin (I)GCSE, or 7-9 in GCSE. Exceptionally, pupils who did not choose Latin for IGCSE could be accepted on the basis of their ability and results in Year 9.

Why study this subject?

Latin will enable learners to:

  • acquire the language skills which enable them to read literary texts, both prose and verse, in the original language
  • develop an academic interest in the literary, historical and cultural features of the ancient Greco-roman world, which serves as the foundation of the modern western world
  • begin to develop a sensitive and analytical approach to language generally
  • develop research and analytical skills that will empower them to become independent academic learners

These in themselves are valuable benefits, but for pupils at Runnymede College there are additional factors:

  • Studying a range of literature written two thousand years ago in a very different world is something very special and interesting in itself. There are also many direct and indirect links with English, Spanish and French modern literature.
  • A major part of the study of Latin A Level is the language. It gives considerable help with the understanding not only of English (half of English vocabulary comes from Latin), but also of Spanish and the other Romance languages – French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian.
  • Very often in English and Spanish it is the slightly less common words that come from Latin. In a virtually bilingual school like Runnymede the vocabulary used in one or both languages is often not as wide as it should be. Knowledge of Latin gives a richer vocabulary.
  • Studying Latin also gives a better grasp of the basic ideas of language. An analytical approach to language is necessary and this helps pupils to see English and Spanish in relation to a language of very different structure and to observe the influence of Latin on both languages. This helps general understanding and can lead to better expression, both when writing and speaking.
  • Latin helps you to acquire a greater range of vocabulary and more accurate spelling, and to express yourself more clearly, particularly when writing – a very important skill in many jobs.

What will I study and learn?

The Latin language is studied further. In Year 12 there is still language work to do. Much of this has already been covered, but needs to be reinforced and done in more detail. There is more emphasis however on vocabulary and on the Literature set texts, both poetry and prose, which are studied in Latin as part of the A Level course: Virgil's Aeneid (epic poetry), Ovid (love poetry) and Cicero, Philippics (political speech).

Some of these texts are studied in Year 12, some in Year 13. As well as studying the translation and the content of these Literature set texts in detail, pupils will also read other Roman authors more superficially for the unprepared translation paper.

How will I be assessed?

The exams are sat at the end of Year 13. There are four question papers:

Paper 1, Verse literature
Selections from Ovid and Virgil. Translation, context and style questions, and an essay question. (25%)
Paper 2, Prose literature
A speech of Cicero. Translation and context and style questions, and an essay question. (25%)
Paper 3, Unseen Translation
Unprepared translation of prose and verse passages. (33%)
Paper 4
A passage of Latin for comprehension, with grammar recognition questions. (17%)

Future opportunities (degrees and careers)

A Level Latin gives proof of knowledge and understanding of the Latin language and its literature at a high level. To have a pass at Latin is an excellent qualification (and in these days a slightly unusual one) for those applying for universities, particularly for those interested in such courses as English, History, PPE, Journalism, Modern Languages or Law. Universities are going to notice you when you apply if you have done Latin at A Level. They will consider you an individual capable of academic study at the highest level whether it is a subject closely related to your studies of Latin or not.

Although Latin – like many subjects – is not related to particular jobs, it prepares you for jobs linked with its content and language skills such as being a lawyer or journalist; and it is also a clear proof of your ability to work hard and to learn – possibly anything!

Many important people, who have gone on to success in very different jobs, have studied Latin at school and university. Two writers of children’s books were much influenced by it – J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter) and C.S. Lewis (Narnia).

  • Charles Geschke founded Adobe Systems.
  • Anthony Leggett was given the Nobel Prize for Physics – but he studied Latin and Greek at Oxford.
  • Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, studied Latin and is said to have quoted from the Roman poet Virgil at a Facebook conference!