Latin
Contact : Mr I Andrews Email : andrewsi @ pocklingtonschool . com
Course : A Level Latin Exam Board : OCR
A study of Latin and the classical world brings an impressive array of educational benefits , offering rich insights into the nature of language and culture . Students acquire deeper understanding of the linguistic structures of Latin as they read and make a personal response to Latin literature . Students are also encouraged to compare and contrast the Roman world with our own times ; and to develop a more conscious awareness of language structure and of the strong relationship of Latin vocabulary to English and other languages . As well as being a valuable subject in its own right , and being the obvious accompaniment to study of modern languages , Latin also offers huge benefits for those pursuing studies in History , RS , Politics , Computing and more … the ultimate crosscurricular subject ! It is also the perfect academic foil to study of sciences , showing a student to be more than just a one-trick pony .
CONTENT OF COURSE
A wide variety of texts are studied , which provide an enjoyable and lively encounter with the Roman world . In Latin , works of original authors such as Virgil , Tacitus , Catullus and Pliny are studied in greater depth than at GCSE .
Students can expect to study two authors per year in some detail , and always enjoy the opportunity to learn those texts properly , at a higher level .
For the language , there is time to learn the grammar in detail and students thrive on then applying that to translation of prose and verse passages , deriving huge satisfaction from getting under an author ’ s skin to see what is being said .
COURSE ENTRY AND QUALIFICATIONS
Latin is a first-rate academic discipline , highly regarded by universities as inculcating a clear-thinking , logical mind in those who study the language . The subject is also an excellent accompaniment to many other arts-based and scientific subjects , including English , History , RS , French , Physics and Maths .
Those who wish to study Latin at A level require a pass in Latin GCSE at grade 6 or above .
LATIN AS A QUALIFICATION FOR FURTHER STUDY AND CAREER OPTIONS
Latin has a justified reputation for being intellectually rigorous , and fosters skills such as logical thought , problem-solving and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely .
In a world where there is a perceived deterioration of standards , Latin A level stands out as a subject which is both rigorous and challenging in its scholarly demands . Classical study can involve all aspects of a civilisation - Language , Literature , History , Philosophy and Art – and as such it promotes a breadth of mind which is often unmatched elsewhere . The Classics graduate can be a person much sought after by employers , with careers including law , finance , the Civil Service , industry , advertising , the military and computing . In short , any career which does not demand a highly specialised degree subject is open to the classicist .
What employers appreciate is that Latin provides mental training in a whole range of different disciplines , and produces graduates of exceptional intellectual flexibility . In our world of rapid social and technological change , it is the capacity to react to new and unforeseen developments with flexibility which employers value most , and Classics graduates have an unparalleled capacity to adapt to new circumstances and learn new skills .
COURSE OUTLINE
A level ( examining all components of the 2 year course )
PAPER CONTENT MARKS AVAILABLE
H443 / 01 Unseen Translation ( 1hr 45 mins ) 33 % H443 / 02 Comprehension ( 1hr 15 mins ) 17 % H443 / 03 Prose Literature ( 2hrs ) 25 %
“ I ’ m supposed to be some sort of thug . But I know Latin , I know the roots of words .”
Bernie Grant
H443 / 04 Verse Literature ( 2hrs ) 25 %
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