Latin
Barclay Academy - Hertfordshire
01438 748459
Walkern Road, Stevenage, SG1 3RB
Course summary

Students will continue to learn and master Latin, the language of the Romans. They will read and analyse Latin texts in the original and learn about Roman culture and politics. A-Level Latin has a much greater focus on reading Latin literature than GCSE and offers the opportunity to engage with some of the most influential and exciting works of literature ever written. You will also learn the skill of prose composition, the translation of English into Latin.

Entry requirements

At least Grade 7 in GCSE Latin, Grade 4 in Maths and Grade 5 in English. Strong literacy skills are a distinct advantage.

How you'll be assessed

Assessment for A-Level Classical Civilisation is by written examination in both language and literature. Language: 50% of A-Level (2 written examinations) Unseen Translation (Prose and Poetry) – 1 hour 45 minutes Unseen Comprehension—1 hour 15 minutes Students will learn to understand and translate passages of Latin literature which they have not studied beforehand. Students will fully develop their knowledge of Latin grammar and vocabulary, as well as read ancient literature, including selections from Ovid’s Metamorphoses – one of the most influential poems from the ancient world – and the great Roman historian and mythologist, Livy. Students will also be introduced to prose composition – translation from English to Latin – for the first time and will build the skills and grammar knowledge needed to approach translating whole passages into Latin, demonstrating an understanding of the quirks and idioms of the language. Literature: 50% of A Level (2 written examinations) Poetry – 2 hours Prose – 2 hours Students will study two prose texts and two poetry texts; specific sections will be studied in Latin, while others will be studied in English translation to provide context. The first prose text will be Nepos’ Life of Hannibal, bringing to life his daring campaigns, cunning strategy, and larger-than-life character in a vivid, compact narrative. Students’ first poetry text will be taken from Book 4 of Virgil’s Aeneid, detailing the passionate and tragic love of Dido and Aeneas. In Year 13, students will dive into Tacitus’ Annals, a gripping account of the Roman Empire from 14-68 AD, full of intrigue, power struggles, and unforgettable characters. Alongside this, students will explore Book 2 of Ovid’s Fasti, uncovering Roman festivals, traditions, and beliefs through the rhythm of the calendar.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionEast of England
Local AuthorityHertfordshire
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender Type
AddressWalkern Road, Stevenage, SG1 3RB