KEY STAGE 4

GCSE LATIN (OCR)

Pupils have the fantastic opportunity to develop their linguistic ability by reading some of the great works of Roman literature in the original language.  During this two year course pupils study four units:

Latin Language 1: Through continued study of the Cambridge Latin course pupils prepare to answer a variety of comprehension and translation questions on a Latin passage focusing on Roman mythology or domestic life.  Most new grammatical constructions and vocabulary are covered by the end of Year 10, leaving Year 11 for consolidation and revision.

Latin Language 2:  A slightly more demanding language unit requiring pupils to answer a variety of comprehension and translation questions on a Latin passage with a historical theme.  Pupils rigorously prepare for this unit during the course of the year through practice translations and vocabulary tests.

Latin Prose Literature:  This unit requires understanding of and appreciation for the prose work of some of Rome’s literary greats.  Pupils study extracts from authors such as the historian Tacitus and the renowned rhetorician Cicero, whose influence can still be heard in the rhetorical cadences of the best speech makers of modern times.  

 
Latin Verse Literature: This unit usually involves the study of extracts from Virgil’s Aeneid, one of the most enduring and influential pieces of literature in the Western canon.  The unit cultivates appreciation for the literary devices and rich language of the poet and encourages the pupils to engage with the text on a personal level.    

  
 
GCSE CLASSICAL CIVILISATION (OCR)

An interesting and accessible course perfect for pupils who wish to increase their knowledge of Greeks and Romans society and literature through translated texts.  Pupils study four units:

City Life in the Classical World: This unit focuses on the everyday life of citizens in ancient Athens, one of the most flourishing and progressive city states in history. Pupils will develop an understanding of the concept of democracy as practised by the Athenians and learn about the role of religion, entertainment and the family in Athenian society.

Epic and Myth: Pupils will read and study set books from Homer’s seminal and immortal epic The Odyssey.  Pupils will learn about the wanderings of Odysseus and reflect upon intriguing issues such as what it means to be a hero and what makes a society civilised.
 

Community Life in the Classical World: Pupils study the ancient town of Pompeii; a unique source for our understanding of everyday life in a prosperous town at the height of the Roman Empire.  They will learn about all aspects of life in the town as well as the destruction caused by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Culture and Society in the Classical World: This is a Controlled Assessment unit for which pupils are required to produce a 2000 word essay on a question relating to the topic.  Pupils will be taught an understanding of the subject matter and basic research skills and will then complete their essay in class under exam conditions.  Since its introduction this unit has proved popular with pupils and has produced some truly fascinating independent work.


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