Subject Department: LATIN

Examination Board: OCR

AS Code: 3818 A2 Code: 7818

Specification Summary
The purpose of the course is to acquire an understanding of some of the elements of classical civilisation, literature and language which have had a profound influence on modern societies, to fire imagination and to deepen and develop experience by considering a wide range of issues, such as aesthetic, ethical, linguistic, political, religious and social questions.

Aims of the Course
The specification aims to enable students to:

	develop an appropriate level of competence in Latin and a sensitive and analytical approach to language generally;
	develop an awareness of the influence of the classical languages on the languages of today and on their distinctive modes of expression;
	read, understand and make an informed personal response to literature in the original language;
	progress to Higher Education courses in Latin or Classics, whether linguistic or non-linguistic.

Prior Level of Attainment
Students should normally have obtained a B or higher grade in GCSE Latin.

Course Content Summary

	Assessment is by three examined units for AS and six for A2. There is no coursework.
	At AS students are tested on unseen translation from Latin to English. One prescribed text is studied, chosen from epic, non-epic verse, history and non-historical prose, and students are examined on translation, comprehension and appreciation of the text.
	At A2 students are tested on unseen translation (both prose and verse) and comprehension of an unprepared passage of Latin. One further prescribed text is studied, at greater length and in greater depth than for AS, and students are examined on their comprehension and appreciation of the text.

Links to Careers, Employment and Higher Education
A-level Latin is an excellent foundation for degree courses in Latin, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History or Archaeology, but is also useful preparation for studying other subjects including English, Modern Languages, History, Philosophy and Law. With their analytical skills and the intellectual flexibility that comes from studying a wide range of disciplines (for example language, literature, history, philosophy). Classics graduates are highly employable and a vast range of careers is open to them, including education, politics, civil service, industry, finance, journalism and broadcasting.

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