Latin & Classic
Head of Department: Miss M. Kwapiszewska
m.kwapiszewska@harrisrainham.org.uk
Please note that you must have studied Latin in Year 7, 8 and 9 in order to choose this option in Year 10.
If you choose to study Latin and Classics in Year 9, you will develop an in-depth understanding of the language and culture to level where you are able to read ‘proper’ Latin literature, prose and verse. English is also strongly influenced by Latin. In fact, over 50% of English words come from Latin!
What will I study
GCSE in Latin provides a strong foundation in linguistic and cultural competence, enabling students to access knowledge and understanding of the ancient world directly through reading and responding to its language and literature. Students who choose Latin will deepen their language skills, study an aspect of Roman society in depth and read Roman literature on the themes of love and marriage.
How will I be assessed
For GCSE, we use the Eduqas exam board.
Students take 3 papers:
50%: Language
30%: Literature
20%: Civilisation
Anything else I need to know
Students will:
- Deploy their knowledge and understanding of the ancient language
- Deepen their understanding of English and other languages
- Relate their knowledge and understanding of the ancient world to other disciplines
- Develop research and analytical skills which will empower them to become independent students and enquirers, equipping them for further study in arts, humanities and sciences.
- Improve their writing skills by mastering English grammar
- Enhance their analytical and reasoning skills.
The learning pathway into classical civilisations will be the springboard for students to make informed decisions about further educational opportunities in school and higher education and career choices. Possession of a Latin/Classics degree itself is taken as evidence of intellectual prowess. What is more important to the potential employer is the range of transferable skills which you can demonstrate. Classics graduates currently hold the best record of employment alongside those graduating in mathematics and the sciences.
