Through studying Latin, pupils learn the grammar and vocabulary of a language which provides roots to Modern Languages, such as French and Spanish. They learn to recognise also the connections between Latin Vocabulary and English words, developing their literacy skills, and they develop an understanding of how grammar systems work. Latin is a very logical language, and pupils develop 'code-breaking' skills, which also aid their studies in a variety of subjects, from Maths and Computer Science to Music. 

We also study a variety of thought-provoking topics, from gladiators to slavery, which encourage pupils to reflect on classical society in comparison with modern culture. 

Mrs Rachel Fec - Head of Classics

All pupils in the 1st and 2nd Forms take Latin. They study the first and second books of the popular Cambridge Latin Course, supplemented by departmental grammar worksheets and digital resources. They learn about the Roman world in 1st Century Pompeii and Roman Britain, while also learning the fundamentals of Latin grammar and vocabulary.

In the 3rd Form, Latin is studied by those with previous experience of the language. We continue with the Cambridge Latin Course, introducing some of the key grammatical constructions required for GCSE, while also consolidating their core grammar. The stories this year focus on the town of Aquae Sulis, modern-day Bath.

Latin GCSE is an option that achieves excellent grades at The Oratory, and is a GCSE subject that makes pupils stand out from the crowd in terms of demonstrating a real range of skills and intellectual acuity. Pupils learn to translate unseen Latin passages, and to answer comprehension and grammar questions. They also study set texts in Latin verse, usually extracts from Virgil’s Aeneid and original prose passages on aspects of Roman life.

Latin A Level is a challenging and stimulating option, which really develops pupils in terms of their skill in language and logical approaches to unadapted unseen passages, alongside the development of sophisticated analysis of ancient prose and verse set texts. They are assessed on unseen translation and grammar analysis or prose composition, as well as the analysis, translation, and overall thematic interpretation of their prepared set material. Latin is extremely well looked upon by universities, and complements almost any other set of A Levels, especially the traditional academic disciplines, whether in the sciences or humanities. Pupils who have studied Latin at A Level at The Oratory in recent years have gone on to study Classics at some of the country’s top universities, including Cambridge.

GCSE

Latin offers pupils the opportunity to gain an insight into the Language, Literature, and Culture of Ancient Rome. It develops skills of logic and analysis that transfer well across the curriculum. The GCSE course is an intellectually stimulating one, which develops the Latin language skills already introduced in prior learning.

At GCSE level, pupils also have the opportunity to look at some elements of Roman culture in depth and to study some Latin Literature in its original language, and also to think about the work in its original context.

The Language aspects of the course will appeal to those with a logical mind-set, as well as to those with an instinct for languages and an interest in the development of European languages. The Literature and Culture elements of the course introduce pupils to wider aspects of Roman culture and history.

GCSE Latin is normally only available to those who have studied the subject previously. There is no coursework component and it is examined in three written papers.

Find out more about our Latin GCSE, including course content and assessment, here: GCSE Subject Options Brochure.

 

A Level

The study of Latin requires a capacity for logical thought and analysis that suits those with aspirations towards Medicine, Law, and a number of other top academic degrees. The course also introduces pupils to the great literature of the ancient world, which forms the bedrock of Western writing and thought, and so helps provide an excellent foundation for other arts and humanities subjects. It is an option for those with Latin GCSE and is extremely well regarded by universities.

Latin combines well with Modern Languages, English Literature, and History, all disciplines that have clear cultural and linguistic links with Classics; however, owing to the logical nature of the language, it also forms a natural link with Maths and the Sciences. The course comprises the study of the language, tested by unseen translation, and comprehension or prose composition, and the study of prose and verse literature, tested by textual commentary and essay writing. All units are assessed by written examination. Success in the language papers calls for a high level of linguistic flair and intelligence. The prescribed literature is studied in detail with a view to consideration of style, form, subject matter, and particular literary techniques, as well as translation.

Find out more about our Latin A Level, including course content and assessment, here: 6th Form Subject Options Brochure.

 

A Level

A Level Classical Civilisation has been designed to provide learners with a broad, coherent, and rewarding study of the literature and culture of the classical world, without the requirement to study Latin or Greek.

Instead, it offers pupils the opportunity to study some of the great texts, figures and ideas of the classical world and to gain an understanding of how they shaped and influenced our own society.

Topics studied normally include Homer and Virgil (the great foundational epics of Western culture), Imperial Image and Greek Religion.

Classical Civilisation is an appropriate A Level to be pursued alongside Latin or Classical Greek, or to complement English Literature or History. There are no prerequisites, though it is likely to appeal to those who have enjoyed studying one or more of these subjects at GCSE. It will be particularly suitable for pupils who have a love of the stories from ancient myth, Greek or Roman History, or reading about the ancient world. It is assessed by three examinations at the end of the course. These papers are listed below.

Find out more about our Classical Civilisation A Level, including course content and assessment, here: 6th Form Subject Options Brochure.

The Classics Department runs a variety of trips including overnight stays for GCSE Latin pupils to sites in Roman Britain. In lower years, we regularly run visits to sites such as Bath, Fishbourne and Butser Ancient Farm.

GCSE
Pupils with a GCSE in Latin will stand out from the crowd when applying for courses or jobs. It is an academically respected subject, which shows an aptitude for logic and problem-solving, together with an ability to analyse a range of different material and draw conclusions. A knowledge of the classical world is useful for understanding modern culture as so many aspects of language, literature, philosophy and even the legal system were heavily influenced by its legacy. Latin can support the study of other Languages, of History or English, and even logical subjects such as Maths and Science.

A Level
Classical Civilisation offers a broad understanding of a different culture and History, and the ability to interpret a range of different sources to aid this understanding. These skills are highly prized in the workplace and are useful in a range of careers. Classical Civilisation has the advantage of drawing together the different facets of studying a culture in a way that is unique among A Level subjects.