Latin at A Level is an intellectually demanding and rigorous course, one which is consequently very rewarding. Students of Latin develop a sensitive and analytical approach to language generally, as well as a competence in classical Latin and an awareness of the influence of classical languages on languages of today. They read, understand and make informed personal responses to literature studied in the original language while developing their understanding of the history and culture of Ancient Rome. Latin goes particularly well with the study of Classical Greek, History, English, Mathematics, Modern Languages and the Sciences. Beyond A Level, a degree in Classics is very versatile leading to such varied careers as the law, politics, the Civil Service, academia, the world of business and journalism. You could even become a TV presenter/national treasure, like Mary Beard, or a pop star (witness Maisie Peters)! This course is suited to you if: you are a lateral thinker; you want to develop a logical brain and become more analytical; you love reading literature; you enjoy history; you like to question “why?” and make comparisons between an ancient society and culture and our own; or you simply love Latin! Over the two years, you will study prescribed authors from a range of genres. The verse set texts for examination in 2026 include the Fasti by Ovid and Book 2 of Virgil’s Aeneid. Ovid’s poetry gives us a mythological take on the Roman calendar, while Virgil’s Aeneid plunges us into the toils and travails of the Trojan hero Aeneas, as he relates the dramatic fall of Troy, including the famous Trojan horse episode. The prose set texts for examination in 2025 include Cicero’s Pro Caelio and Tacitus’ Annals XIV. In one of his most famous speeches, Cicero unpicks a seamy mix of statesmanship, sex and scandal, while Tacitus provides a memorable vignette of Nero’s decadence and cruelty in the failed and then successful murder of his mother, Agrippina. Alongside your study of Latin literature, you will also develop a deeper understanding of the Latin language by practising unseen translation and comprehension of both prose and verse, as well as the art of prose composition. Assessment is through four written examinations: Unseen Translation; Prose Composition or Comprehension; Prose Literature and Verse Literature
Current South Hampstead pupils transferring to the Sixth Form must achieve a minimum of six GCSE grades at grade 7 or equivalent, and at least a grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language. Individual requirements are set for different subjects, with some requiring at least a grade 8 or equivalent. For external candidates, places are offered based on the result of the entrance examinations, interviews and projected GCSE grades. Offers are conditional on achieving the required standard, with specific conditions outlined in individual offer letters. The expected standard is high – offers are usually made on the condition of\ candidates achieving at least seven GCSEs at grade 8 or equivalent, including in your chosen subjects.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Camden |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £22,764 |
| Address | 3 Maresfield Gardens, London, NW3 5SS |
Latin at A Level is an intellectually demanding and rigorous course, one which is consequently very rewarding. Students of Latin develop a sensitive and analytical approach to language generally, as well as a competence in classical Latin and an awareness of the influence of classical languages on languages of today. They read, understand and make informed personal responses to literature studied in the original language while developing their understanding of the history and culture of Ancient Rome. Latin goes particularly well with the study of Classical Greek, History, English, Mathematics, Modern Languages and the Sciences. Beyond A Level, a degree in Classics is very versatile leading to such varied careers as the law, politics, the Civil Service, academia, the world of business and journalism. You could even become a TV presenter/national treasure, like Mary Beard, or a pop star (witness Maisie Peters)! This course is suited to you if: you are a lateral thinker; you want to develop a logical brain and become more analytical; you love reading literature; you enjoy history; you like to question “why?” and make comparisons between an ancient society and culture and our own; or you simply love Latin! Over the two years, you will study prescribed authors from a range of genres. The verse set texts for examination in 2026 include the Fasti by Ovid and Book 2 of Virgil’s Aeneid. Ovid’s poetry gives us a mythological take on the Roman calendar, while Virgil’s Aeneid plunges us into the toils and travails of the Trojan hero Aeneas, as he relates the dramatic fall of Troy, including the famous Trojan horse episode. The prose set texts for examination in 2025 include Cicero’s Pro Caelio and Tacitus’ Annals XIV. In one of his most famous speeches, Cicero unpicks a seamy mix of statesmanship, sex and scandal, while Tacitus provides a memorable vignette of Nero’s decadence and cruelty in the failed and then successful murder of his mother, Agrippina. Alongside your study of Latin literature, you will also develop a deeper understanding of the Latin language by practising unseen translation and comprehension of both prose and verse, as well as the art of prose composition. Assessment is through four written examinations: Unseen Translation; Prose Composition or Comprehension; Prose Literature and Verse Literature
Current South Hampstead pupils transferring to the Sixth Form must achieve a minimum of six GCSE grades at grade 7 or equivalent, and at least a grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language. Individual requirements are set for different subjects, with some requiring at least a grade 8 or equivalent. For external candidates, places are offered based on the result of the entrance examinations, interviews and projected GCSE grades. Offers are conditional on achieving the required standard, with specific conditions outlined in individual offer letters. The expected standard is high – offers are usually made on the condition of\ candidates achieving at least seven GCSEs at grade 8 or equivalent, including in your chosen subjects.
