IGCSE Options: Latin

Why study this subject?

What do J.K. Rowling, Mark Zuckerberg and a Nobel prize-winner in Physics have in common? They all studied Latin. Why did they find it interesting?

• They enjoyed the challenge of learning and understanding another language, which, although familiar in many ways, is not that easy. But it is worth it.
• There are many things useful things it can give you. First, a major part of the study of Latin is the language. It helps you to understand and use English (as half of English vocabulary comes from Latin), and Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian.
• Knowledge of Latin gives a richer vocabulary. It helps you understand the basic structure of language. This leads to better expression, both when writing and speaking.
• Latin also involves study of an ancient and different civilisation. Roman civilisation provided the foundations of the civilisation in which we live, and helps in understanding it.
• It seems a good idea to be able to step back from the modern world occasionally – to see how other people have lived and to look at our world in a more detached way.
• Reading a range of literature written two thousand years ago in a very different world from ours is interesting in itself.
• Studying what the Romans wrote and writing about it also helps pupils to develop useful analytical skills.

So you have the satisfaction of doing something challenging and get lots of benefits!

What will I study and learn?

The work in Year 10 is, first, a thorough consolidation of the work done in Years 7 to 9 and, then, the language is studied further, following the Latin to GCSE textbook series. The language syllabus is completed by the end of Year 10.

In Year 11, there is emphasis on the Latin literature set texts of the course. In 2022, one of these is epic poetry, an excerpt from Virgil’s Aeneid Book 3, the other is prose, an extract from the work of the politician and philosopher Cicero. At the same time, the grammar and syntax learned in Year 10 is further revised through practice papers.

How will I be assessed?

The IGCSE is sat at the end of Year 11 and consists of two question papers of equal weighting in the final grade. One question paper has two passages of Latin, to translate into English and to answer questions on. There is a list of vocabulary to study for this paper.

The other question paper has questions on the two Latin literature texts which will be studied during Year 11. The questions involve narrative understanding the texts and discussing their contents.

Future opportunities (degrees and careers)

IGCSE Latin gives proof of knowledge and understanding of Latin language and literature.

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 – whether it is at IGCSE or A Level. They will see you as a student capable of academic study at the highest level, whether it is going to be in a subject 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 or pursuing an academic career; 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!