Remove and 5th Form CurriculumLatin is highly regarded by universities and is seen as a mark of a disciplined, analytical and logical mind, which has undergone a rigorous training. It can be studied with any selection of GCSE and A Level subjects.
The study of Latin should provide an excellent medium for mental discipline and an aid to English. However, the ultimate aim is to read the original texts of the Romans and to gain an insight into Roman civilisation. This provides a unique opportunity for comparison of not only a different and ancient culture but also one to which our culture owes so much in terms of language, literature, thought and politics.
Pupils who have enjoyed the Fourth Form course can feel very confident of continuing with success to GCSE Latin. Most pupils attain grade A* or A at GCSE. Pupils generally find the work more exciting, challenging and enjoyable than at prep school.
The main means of learning remains the reading passage, with stories covering such topics as life in Roman Britain, the Jewish Revolt of AD66 and the corruption of the Emperor Domitian. All grammatical and syntactical input is covered by the Summer term and vocabulary for the exam is systematically learnt from a prescribed list of c. 600 words only.
Gradually the stories lead to the ‘raw’ Latin of the set texts. These include the poems of Catullus, the letters of Pliny and the description of the eruption of Vesuvius as well as selections from Virgil and Ovid. All passages are glossed and prepared before the examination. The set texts account for 50% of the GCSE marks, with language work 30% and background material (topics on aspects of Roman life studied in English) 20%.
