From Year 9, Latin has a full timetable allocation and students make quick progress through the course. The Eduqas Latin GCSE is an exciting and challenging course, which hones key transferable skills: careful analysis, attention to detail and intellectual flexibility, all of which are highly valued by universities and a wide range of professions. This GCSE incorporates the many aspects of studying the ancient world, which are assessed in three papers: Latin language; Roman civilisation; and Latin literature and sources. 

We run an inspiring trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum every other year so that all students have the opportunity to visit these renowned sites during their study of GCSE Latin.

Each year a group of students continue their Latin studies at Sixth Form and beyond. Latin A Level is recognised by the Russell Group of Universities as a facilitating subject.

Year 9

We finish Book 1 of the Cambridge Latin Course in the first term of Year 9. We then move to Roman Britain in the CLC Book 2, where students follow the life of an important, but cruel Roman official, Salvius. Students tackle some of the harder realities of Roman rule, such as slavery and rebellion. Through the stories, students study more complex grammatical constructions and deepen their knowledge of Latin vocabulary.

Year 10

We finish Book 2 of the Cambridge Latin Course in the first term of Year 10. This part of the course transports students to the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Alexandria, a renowned centre of learning. Students explore a range of fascinating topics, such as ancient scientific advances and medicine and the influences of Egyptian culture.

We then move onto a dedicated GCSE textbook, which further develops students’ translations skills and prose composition (writing Latin) through exciting stories about Roman history and myth. By the end of Year 10, students will have studied most of the grammar required for the Latin Language paper, which comprises 50% of the GCSE. This is assessed in the Year 10 mock.

Students also begin the Roman Civilisation paper, which explore aspects of the theme ‘Roman Leisure and Entertainment’. Students must carefully analyse and evaluate sources to answer questions about Roman banquets, the theatre, amphitheatre and baths. This is an engaging paper which brings the Romans to life.

Year 11

In Year 11 students cover the final grammar for the Latin Language paper. We then use exam style passages and past papers as a means of honing exam technique and consolidating grammar, vocabulary and syntax.

The remaining topics are studied for the Roman Civilisation paper.

Finally, we explore the Latin Literature and Sources paper, which is based on the theme ‘A Day at the Races’. This comprises 30% of the total GCSE. This paper requires students to explore and analyse Roman artefacts and literature written on the theme. Students develop their comprehension of unadapted Latin and their skills in literary criticism, so that they appreciate how authors manipulate words to produce certain effects. There are excellent online resources to support students’ independent study of the literature.