Latin - A Level

Studying Latin at Lansdowne will enable you to make progress towards mastering this ancient language. You will have the opportunity to encounter some of the most highly regarded and influential authors of the Western world including Cicero, Virgil and Ovid in the original. You will develop your ability to analyse literary sources and, apart from studying Latin in terms of vocabulary, grammar and stylistic device, will gain a greater knowledge of classical civilisation in general through an examination of what these authors’ writings reveal about the social, cultural, political and artistic life of the Roman world. You will also have the option to compose original Latin prose.

The scope and quality of texts covered in the A Level is immense. From the beginnings of literature at the founding of Rome to the arts of rhetoric and persuasion, love poetry, tales of war and legend, the sacking of Troy, Aeneas’ travels, Dido’s death, gladiatorial games, and the political life of the Senate.

A new aspect of the specification is the opportunity to study elements of the archaeology, architecture, art, history, literature, philosophy, politics, social history and religion of the Classical Roman world. You will have the opportunity to combine a number of different options from the syllabus and have, therefore, a degree of choice regarding what you study.

The study of Latin encourages the development of a range of analytic, interpretative and communication skills, which will equip you for further study in this or other, related fields.

What will I study in Latin?

AS units 1 & 2
Latin Language: As an introduction to the demands of A Level Latin you will study the works of Roman authors from the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, expanding your vocabulary and knowledge of syntax through the year.

Latin Verse & Prose Literature: Through an examination of passages of Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses’ and Cicero’s ‘In Catilinam’, you will expand your knowledge of Latin vocabulary, syntax and stylistic device, and examine what these texts reveal in terms of their reference to social and historical events.

A2 Units 3 & 4
Latin Verse: Referring to passages from Virgil’s ‘Aeneid’ and the poems of Catullus, you will gain a deeper understanding of the structure and style of Roman verse, again making reference to what these sources reveal about the Roman character and society.

Latin Prose: An examination of Tacitus’ ‘Annals XIV’ and Livy’s ‘Book XXIII’ form the basis for a more in depth examination of Latin prose style and a more sophisticated appreciation of stylistic device.

How will I be assessed?

The course is assessed by seen and unseen translation papers, as well as short essay based papers – 2 in the AS year and 2 in the A2.

Do I need to have studied Latin before?

It would be helpful for candidates to have studied GCSE Latin, although the subject is also suitable for those with no prior knowledge of the subject.

Who will teach me?

Claire Hoult has been teaching Classics for nearly twenty years, first in the United States and then in London. She has a BA and a PGCE from Oxford University. Her favourite book is the Odyssey and she learns something new every year she teaches it.

Peter Olive is an Oxford graduate with a passionate interest in education and the Classical World.

Which subjects complement Latin?

Latin combines particularly well with Classical Civilisation and Ancient History. At a broader level it sits well with academic disciplines such as Modern Languages, English Literature, History, Government and Politics, Religious Studies and Philosophy.

Which careers can Latin lead to?

Latin is suitable for students planning to enter a wide range of careers such as journalism, education, law, business, advertising, the civil service, government, social services, the City, etc.