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.
• General requirement: GCSE grade 6 or above (or Grade B or above) in Mathematics and English Language. • Course requirements: ▪ GCSE grade 7, 8 or 9 (or Grade A or A*) in the subjects to be studied. ▪ Students who wish to study subjects in the Sixth Form that are not normally offered at GCSE (Economics, Business, Politics, Psychology, Classical Civilisation) will be expected to achieve GCSE grades in line with our general entry requirements. GCSE Mathematics at grade 7, 8 or 9 (or grade A or A*) is strongly recommended for A Level Economics. A grade 7 or above in Latin at GCSE is normally required.
Method of Assessment - Four exam papers are sat at the end of Year 13: 1. Unseen Translation (33%) H443/01: candidates translate (a) an unprepared passage of prose and (b) an unprepared passage of verse by Ovid. They also scan two lines of Ovid. 2. Comprehension or Prose Composition (17%) H443/02: candidates choose between (a) answering translation, comprehension and grammar questions on an unprepared passage of prose by Pliny or (b) translating an unprepared passage of English prose into Latin. 3. Prose Literature (25%) H443/03: candidates translate excerpts from their prepared prose set texts and answer questions (including an essay question) on the content and literary style of the works. 4. Verse Literature (25%) H443/04: candidates translate excerpts from their prepared verse set texts and answer questions (including an essay question) on the content and literary style of the works.
About Education Provider
| Region | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| Local Authority | Bradford |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £15,684 |
| Address | Keighley Road, Bradford, BD9 4JP |
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.
• General requirement: GCSE grade 6 or above (or Grade B or above) in Mathematics and English Language. • Course requirements: ▪ GCSE grade 7, 8 or 9 (or Grade A or A*) in the subjects to be studied. ▪ Students who wish to study subjects in the Sixth Form that are not normally offered at GCSE (Economics, Business, Politics, Psychology, Classical Civilisation) will be expected to achieve GCSE grades in line with our general entry requirements. GCSE Mathematics at grade 7, 8 or 9 (or grade A or A*) is strongly recommended for A Level Economics. A grade 7 or above in Latin at GCSE is normally required.
Method of Assessment - Four exam papers are sat at the end of Year 13: 1. Unseen Translation (33%) H443/01: candidates translate (a) an unprepared passage of prose and (b) an unprepared passage of verse by Ovid. They also scan two lines of Ovid. 2. Comprehension or Prose Composition (17%) H443/02: candidates choose between (a) answering translation, comprehension and grammar questions on an unprepared passage of prose by Pliny or (b) translating an unprepared passage of English prose into Latin. 3. Prose Literature (25%) H443/03: candidates translate excerpts from their prepared prose set texts and answer questions (including an essay question) on the content and literary style of the works. 4. Verse Literature (25%) H443/04: candidates translate excerpts from their prepared verse set texts and answer questions (including an essay question) on the content and literary style of the works.