Latin GCSE

Latin (GCSE)

LATIN

GCSE (AQA)

Campus: Cheadle and Marple

(30.07.09)

Course overview

Latin is the study of the language used by Ancient Rome, Western Europe and the Western Mediterranean. Latin was also used as an international language in Mediaeval times. The structure and vocabulary of many modern languages, such as French, Spanish and English, are based on Latin.

The GCSE programme is for beginners, or those who have studied a little Latin, and leads to either foundation or higher level within 1 or 2 years. At GCSE the focus is on acquiring the basic structure of the language and on developing the ability to read simple Latin texts. For the final exam two texts - one prose and the other poetry - are studied. There is no coursework or practical work, but you may feel you want to become involved with archaeology after taking the course!

This course is aimed at students who:

are interested in the Ancient World and its influences on our world today

are interested in languages and their history

love literature and want to find out more about classical references in writers such as Shakespeare

want a challenge!

Special entry requirements

No formal qualifications are needed for this course, however you should be self-motivated, with an interest in the classical world and a willingness and ability to think in a structural and logical way.

How you will learn

The Latin class tends to have students working at different levels so it is important to be able to work independently, but with the close support of the tutor. Independent study is highly valued at degree level in any university. The programme is carefully structured to take you through Latin of increasing difficulty and to give you confidence. There is no speaking, listening or translation into Latin and the grammar is not learnt by rote as it used to be, but through extensive reading and translation of texts into English .

You will be encouraged to form your own views on the texts studied and the characters within them there are no right or wrong answers so long as you can substantiate what you say.

The class will be a mixture of sixth form students and adult learners.

Other complementary subjects

Anything most, but by no means all, of those who take Latin are interested in History and Archaeology. Latin is a potential support to any academic course.

What you can do after this course

After College you can go on to take a degree in Latin, Latin and Greek or Classical Studies. Classics graduates are highly sought after by employers for their intellectual rigour and ability to think through an issue precisely and clearly. Or you can simply use it as a nice addition to your UCAS form/CV!

What the students say

Latin is a different subject, but much easier to understand than it sounds. I have found it an interesting experience, if challenging sometimes. Susan Colley

I decided to take Latin because it sounded interesting and unusual, and I have really enjoyed it as it is different from any other subject I have done. It is challenging but not too difficult. Caroline Blake

I have found studying Latin very interesting and I would recommend the course to anyone who is taking other subjects concerning history or a modern language.Rachael Ward

Other useful information

Most of the issues which we face today in our personal lives and in society generally were real to the Ancient Romans.