Latin

Assessment

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.