Latin

Latin

Latin A Level offers students the opportunity to develop their language skills along with their appreciation of Latin literature. A highly regarded qualification, it works well with any combination of subjects, including the sciences, dealing with both the logical and the imaginative. The study of Latin leads to a greater understanding and appreciation of our own civilisation and heritage, and is still highly relevant to the world today. 

We aim to: 

  • further students’ interest in and enthusiasm for the ancient world 
  • develop linguistic skills via translation of a wide variety of Latin authors 
  • develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, the literary, historical and cultural features of the ancient world via the study of extracts from legal speeches, poetry, or Roman history in the original 
  • develop responses to literary techniques, styles and genres  
  • develop students’ ability to apply an analytical, logical and evaluative response  

Entry Requirements

Grade 7 in Latin. Students must have taken the subject at GCSE. 

Topics Covered

• Development of Linguistic skills and nuance.
• Cultural understanding of either Republican or Imperial Society through reading of prose set verse text.
• Cultural understanding of either Roman satire or epic poetry through reading of verse set text.

Methods of Assessment

Throughout the year students may expect regular testing of vocabulary and grammar, as well as regular practice of unseen translation. 

Paper 1: Unseen translation (33%) 

1 hour 45 minutes  

 

Paper 2: Prose composition/ unseen comprehension (17%) 

1 hour 15 minutes  

 

Paper 3: Prose literature (25%) 

2 hours  

Students study two prose literature texts in depth. 

 

Paper 4: Verse literature (25%) 

2 hours  

Students study two verse literature texts in depth. 

Enrichment Opportunities

• Classics Society offers the chance to research and speak on subjects of your choice
• Greek Club offers the chance to learn another Classical language
• A variety of evening lectures are held at KES by the Southampton Classical Association
• Latin reading and essay/translation competitions
• Visits to exhibitions and a biennial visit to Greece/Rome

Meet the Staff

If you have a specific enquiry for the Classics Department, email classics@kes.hants.sch.uk 

Miss I.M. Painter  
BA 

Head of Classics, Classics Society, Cryptic Crosswords Club

Mr. C.E. Giles
BA

Classics, Byron Society, Cactus Club, Scamp Club 

Mr. J.C. Halls
MA

Classics, Greek club