What you will learn

The course has Language and Literature components. There is a prescribed vocabulary list and no coursework.

Language Component

This component consists of two sections which will test understanding of unseen Latin. Section A will recount a story drawn from mythology or Roman domestic life. There will be comprehension questions in English, including questions about the derivation of English words from Latin. Section A will also test your ability to translate three basic English sentences into Latin using a restricted list of vocabulary and grammar. Section B will recount a story or stories drawn from history. Again there are comprehension questions and a passage to be translated from Latin into English.

Prose Literature Component

A prose text, such as Caesar, Piny or Tacitus, of between 110 and 120 lines is studied and questions are asked which require short answers and extended responses in English. Questions will involve comment on context, background and analysis of the literary content. There will also be a short passage from the set text to translate into English.

Verse Literature Component

A verse text, such as Virgil, Horace or Catullus, of between 110 and 120 lines is studied and questions are asked which require short answers and extended responses in English. Questions will involve comment on context, background and analysis of the literary content. There will also be a short passage from the set text to translate into English.

Use

Latin is highly regarded by employers as Classicists are prized for their academic rigour, logical and critical thinking, their precision and disciplined approach. It is identified by the Russell Group of universities as a ‘facilitating subject’, one that is frequently required or desired by universities to gain a place on a range of degree courses. Latin is the foundation of many modern languages spoken widely around the world, including French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Romanian. Latin grammar gives you a much surer grasp of English and a greater ability to use it correctly. Latin literature has been used through the ages by writers of many nationalities as a source of ideas and inspiration. Much English literature is difficult to understand without a knowledge of classical background. Latin helps the study of law and medicine and provides a large part of the vocabulary for these disciplines as well as for science and technology. OCR’s GCSE provides an excellent preparation for students who wish to continue studying Latin at A level and beyond.

Mathematics

Exam Board & Specification

EDEXCEL GCSE Mathematics

Method of Assessment

There are three equally weighted exams.

Paper 1: Non-Calculator, 1 hour 30 minutes

Paper 2: Calculator, 1 hour 30 minutes

Paper 3: Calculator, 1 hour 30 minutes