Sixth Form Course Booklet 2013 - Bromsgrove School

LATIN
WHY STUDY LATIN?
Like most arts subjects, Latin is not a vocational subject, but rather an academic discipline which uses the language
and subject matter to develop a range of personal skills which are useful for other AS courses and valued by higher
education institutions and employers, who recognise the breadth of the subject. A successful Latin candidate will not
only have a well-developed linguistic ability and understanding through analysis of a logical language and its influence
on modern languages; he or she will also have a developed imagination and wide-ranging experience of many issues
raised by the literature and culture of ancient Rome as well as an ability to formulate a considered response to them.
AIMS OF THE COURSE
To build on the knowledge, understanding and skills required for GCSE Latin
To develop an understanding of elements of Classical civilisation, literature and language which have had a
profound effect on modern societies
To develop a level of competence in the Latin language and a sensitive and analytical approach to language
generally
To read, understand and make an informed personal response to literature in the original language
SKILLS NEEDED FOR AND DEVELOPED IN THE COURSE
Pupils need to have enthusiasm for and a keen interest in the Latin language and the literature and culture of the
Classical world. They need to possess a sense of inquiry which will enjoy the varying challenges of both detailed
linguistic analysis and wider cultural opinions.
A minimum of a grade B in GCSE Latin.
REQUIREMENTS FOR STARTING THE COURSE
Course followed: Latin
Examination Board: OCR
CONTENT OF THE COURSE UNITS
Unit L1: Latin Language
Unit L2: Latin Verse and Prose
Literature
Unit L3: Latin Verse
Unit L4: Latin Prose
Unseen Latin prose to be translated into English. The required grammar
for this paper is specified and there is a defined AS vocabulary list.
Questions are asked on the translation, content, context and literary
style of two prescribed texts. The verse text is an extract from Ovid’s
Amores III. The prose text comes from Cicero’s speech In Verrem II.
Candidates are required to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding
and appreciation of a verse set text (Virgil). Section B tests the
understanding of an unseen passage of Ovid through translation and
comprehension.
Candidates are required to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding
and appreciation of a prose set text (Tacitus or Sallust). Section B tests
the understanding of an unseen passage of Livy through translation and
comprehension.
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
AS Unit L1 (examination) (50% of AS marks, 25% of A2 marks) 1½ hours
Unit L2 (examination) (50% of AS marks, 25% of A2 marks) 1½ hours
A2 Unit L3 (examination) (25% of A2 marks) 2 hours
Unit L4 (examination) (25% of A2 marks)
2 hours
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