Head of Classics: Mrs M Frankland
We study the classical past to understand the origins of western civilisation and to engage with the people who appear both so familiar and so alien. At A Level, students develop their knowledge of the Latin language further and engage with works by influential Roman authors. The texts chosen give students the opportunity to explore and debate key cultural topics that are still relevant today. Indeed, Tacitus and Cicero write, in very different styles, about the impact on the populace of corruption charges within the political sphere; Ovid writes about the physical and mental effects of unrequited love, and in so doing subverts the genre of love elegy; while Virgil raises the question of what it is to be a dutiful father, husband and son.

Course content
Examination board: OCR

Unseen Translation:
Analysis of linguistic structures and accurate translation of unseen material into English.
33% of total A Level
Written paper ~ 100 marks ~ 1 hour 45 minute paper

Prose Composition or Comprehension:
Comprehension, translation and questions on syntax and accidence.
17% of total A Level
Written paper ~ 50 marks ~ 1 hour 15 minute paper

Prose Literature:
Linguistic and literary analysis of two Latin Literature set prose texts.
25% of total A Level
Written paper ~ 75 marks ~ 2 hour paper

Verse Literature:
Linguistic and literary analysis of two Latin Literature verse set texts.
25% of total A Level
Written paper ~ 75 marks ~ 2 hour paper

Co-curricular
The Classics Department runs a variety of trips for the Sixth Form throughout the year to enhance the students’ experience of the classics curriculum at A Level:
– Study Day with Cambridge University to explore the university and analyse Latin Literature with world experts.
– Theatre trip(s) to broaden appreciation of the impact of classical literature today.
– Trip abroad every two or three years. Past trips have included Sicily and the Bay of Naples.

University and beyond
Choosing Latin prepares you for the world of business, law or medicine by sharpening your ability to read and analyse information, by improving the clarity and persuasiveness of your speech and writing, and by making you an interesting, flexible, cultured person.