Latin
Latin is studied in Years 7 and 8 by all students in Eliot, Rossetti and Wilson. In Years 9 and 10, Latin becomes an after-school option, with the chance to achieve a GCSE by the end of Year 10. In Latin, we focus on four main areas – vocabulary, reading, roman civilisation and grammar. As well as learning a new language, the course aims to help you to extend your English vocabulary (through studying Latin root words and derivations), support your knowledge of modern languages (through related Latin grammar) and complement your skills in history (through the study of ancient civilisation).
what to expect in year 7
Topics studied include: Singular and plural regular nouns (nominative, accusative and dative), present, perfect and imperfect tenses, Roman family life, Roman houses, Roman theatre, Roman towns, Roman schools, Pompeii.
what to expect in year 8
Topics studied include: Adjectives, infinitives, relative clauses, irregular perfect tense, genitive, vocative, hic and ille, Roman Britain, Celtic Britain, Roman Egypt, Life in Alexandria, the cult of Isis, Roman medicine.
what to expect in year 9
Topics studied include: Adverbs, perfect active and passive participles, neuter nouns, the ablative, imperfect and pluperfect subjunctive, indirect questions and command, purpose and result clauses, Roman Bath, Roman religion, magic and curses, the Roman army, travel and communication.
why choose latin for gcse?
What does studying Latin involve?
The Eduqas GCSE in Latin contains a language / grammar element and a set texts / response to pre-studied literature element. The literature element requires you to read short texts in class in Latin and in translation, understand their themes, associations and style of writing and interpret them for the modern audience. The school will provide you with a working translation of the Latin text.
How will I know if I will be good at it?
The GCSE language expectations match roughly to the grammar covered in first three Cambridge Latin course books. There will be regular assessments to give you an idea of how well you are progressing and what you need to focus on to improve.
What skills will I develop?
A good knowledge of Latin vocabulary and grammar will enrich your English and extend your analytical skills. The course will also help you to build your written style in English. Through the literature you will develop an appreciation for how the Romans lived and what their values and aspirations were.
Where could this subject lead?
The literature and cultural elements provide a strong grounding for the A level Classical Civilisation course. You could use Latin GCSE for a degree in ancient history, classics or languages. A knowledge of Latin also supports terminology in certain areas of science. Students who have studied Latin have demonstrated that they are able to think, analyse, interpret, respond and communicate ideas clearly in writing. As such they are well-placed for a variety of careers.