Latin
SI
SI pupils follow the Cambridge Latin Course, an introduction to the Latin language and to social and political life in Pompeii in the 1st century AD. The syntax of the noun, the formation of the present tense, and the structure of the simple sentence is covered. Assessment of the course takes the form of a single examination requiring pupils to translate a passage of unseen Latin, answer questions on grammatical construction and etymology, and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Roman public entertainments.
SII
The course builds on the language elements introduced in SI, introducing new tenses, noun endings and sentence constructions. Pupils are now required to comprehend and translate longer passages of Latin, and to write an extended report of their investigation into a number of Classical topics. Assessment is by examination and project assessment.
SIII-SIV Intermediate 2
This course has two distinct elements: Translation and Interpretation. Translation work trains the pupils in the grammar and syntax of the Latin language, so that they can translate short passages of unseen Latin prose with accuracy and understanding. Skills of language analysis, vocabulary awareness and critical thinking are developed through close study of original texts. During SIII, pupils work to acquire the grammatical and linguistic skills required to read the Prescribed Texts. In SIV, pupils focus on reading the Roman authors. Examination in textual interpretation requires pupils to read and analyse extracts from key works in Latin, and to answer detailed questions on content, historical context and literary style. The prescribed works are Virgil's 'Aeneid' and Cicero's 'Speeches Prosecuting Verres'.
SV/SVI Higher
Higher Latin involves the study of the language and literature of Classical Rome. The course allows pupils to focus on two units. In the Translation Unit, pupils study the accidence and syntax of the language, in order to translate unseen passages of Latin prose. In the Prescribed Texts Unit, pupils make a close study of selected passages from Virgil (Aeneid Book VI) and Cicero (In Verrem V), in order to answer questions on the literary, historical and linguistic details of the texts. Pupils must pass three unit tests during the course of the year, and the course is examined externally, through two papers: Translation (45 minutes) and Prescribed Texts (2 hours).
SVI Advanced Higher
Advanced Higher Latin allows pupils to continue detailed study of the language and literature of Classical Rome. Pupils focus on three units:
- Translation Unit - pupils make a detailed study of the accidence and syntax of the language, in order to translate unseen passages of Latin prose (Livy) and verse (Virgil).
- Prescribed Texts Unit - pupils make a close study of selected works from the genre of Erotic Elegy in order to answer questions on the literary, historical and linguistic details of the texts.
- Investigation Unit - pupils choose a topic for research, in order to produce a report of approximately 4,500 words detailing their work on the topic. The Investigation report is submitted for external assessment.
In addition, pupils must pass two unit tests during the course of the year, and sit two examination papers: Translation (45 minutes) and Prescribed Texts (2 hours).