What is Latin?
GCSE Latin gives students an introduction to the Latin language with a focus on beginners vocabulary and grammar. Students will gain a good understanding of the core grammar of Latin by studying a range of seen and unseen texts. The course helps develop both your language and logical thinking skills which can be applied to a range of other areas but is particularly useful in studying MFL.
Why study Latin?
The Latin language is the basis for some of the major languages in Europe as well as the rest of the world. Studying Latin will help develop your knowledge and understanding of core language rules which will make learning other languages easier. Many other academic subjects, such as law and biology, use Latin vocabulary as a key component and studying the language can help develop your understanding of core vocab in other subjects. Added to this Latin as a subject provides a rare opportunity for many students which can expand their portfolio when applying for top universities and careers.
Is Latin right for you?
This course suits enthusiastic and curious students who enjoy studying something a bit different. There is no need to have any knowledge of the course, but a love of reading and history is helpful, as well as an interest in language more generally. Students in this class excel when they ask questions and discuss ideas with each other. As an additional course this relies on students to be motivated and engaged and be willing to complete work outside of the classroom.
What will you study?
Language and grammar
Core vocabulary, word types (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs), verb tenses (present, imperfect, perfect, pluperfect, future), voices and moods, and seen and unseen translations
Virgil's Aeneid
One extract from one chapter (this changes every two years), Latin linguistic techniques and literary analysis: how does the author create meaning and narrative effects?
Oxford Latin Anthology
Set extracts from the anthology (this changes every two years), Latin linguistic techniques and literary analysis
What happens outside lessons?
Students have the opportunity to attend lectures and conferences at local universities including a Classics day at Newcastle University and a Classics Conference at Durham University. There is also the opportunity to take part in joint-visits with History students to Helmsley archaeological store, visits to sites in London and potential theatre trips, as well as a bi-annual visit to Rome to see the Language in context.
Where can Latin take you?
Museum/gallery curator, archivist, heritage manager, museum officer, archaeologist, academic researcher/lecturer, teacher, solicitor, barrister, civil service, local government, editor, journalist, linguistics and philology, medicine, and communications and PR
What subjects go well with Latin?
History, English literature, philosophy, sociology, psychology, fine art, law, drama, English language, criminology, geography, geology, biology and chemistry