Latin GCSE (OCR J281) offers students the opportunity to study elements of the language and literature of the Roman world; it aims to provide a rigorous, academic course which is not only satisfying in itself but will also provide a sound foundation for further study.

Students will develop an appropriate level of competence in the Latin language and a sensitive and analytical approach to language in general. They will read and appreciate some of the literature of the 1^st Century BC and 1^st Century AD in the original and will learn how to evaluate, analyse and produce a personal response to the verse and prose set texts; they will also gain an insight into certain aspects of Roman civilisation and the continuing influence it has had on our own.

The Classics Department aims to foster an interest in all aspects of the classical world, beyond the curriculum, by means of external lectures and trips.

Trip to Hadrian’s Wall

Assessment

The GCSE assessment will consist of four short written examinations at the end of the course which will test ability in translation work and knowledge of the set texts; the marks are weighted equally between language and literature.  The first translation paper will focus upon mythology and the second upon history.  There is no coursework or controlled assessment. 

To find out more:  www.ocr.org.uk

Classical Greek (OCR J291)

Classical Greek GCSE may also be available (by mutual agreement) and, depending upon numbers, it may be taught within the curriculum or as an extra-curricular subject.  Any pupil who wishes to follow this course needs to be coping well with Latin, be extremely industrious and willing to rise to the challenge.  It is a very rewarding course.

To find out more:  www.ocr.org.uk