Latin

Course summary

Time is divided almost equally between language work and the study of set texts. During language work, students assimilate a wider range of grammar and vocabulary than at GCSE and are rewarded by increasing fluency as they read a range of original texts in Latin prose and verse authors. The enjoyment of Roman poetry is enhanced by the study of verse metre. We also work at translating from English to Latin, which improves grammatical understanding and is an optional component of the A-level exam. The set texts are studied with attention to the historical context as well as the author’s aims and literary style. The content of texts invariably prompts interesting discussions of a wide range of topics. Latin prose set texts for examination in 2026 include a choice from: extracts from Cicero’s Pro Caelio (the speech for the defence in a trial for assault, civil unrest, and murder); Tacitus’ Annals Book XIV (detailing the emperor Nero’s plans to deal with his power-hungry mother); and selections from the letters of the younger Pliny. Latin verse set texts include extracts from Virgil’s Aeneid, the satires of Juvenal, and Ovid’s Fasti.