Latin

Studying A Level Latin at Sheffield Girls’ offers students the opportunity to explore the language, literature, and culture of Ancient Rome.

This fascinating and rewarding course develops linguistic precision, analytical skills, and an appreciation of some of the greatest literary works ever written. Beyond language proficiency, Latin provides insight into the fundamental ideas and values that have shaped Western civilization, from law and government to philosophy and literature.

Why Study Latin?

• Latin is the foundation of many modern languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Italian.

It offers the following benefits:

• Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills through translation and literary analysis.
• Enhances understanding of English and other Romance languages, as Latin and Greek-derived words make up as much as 70% of the English language and an even higher percentage of technical vocabulary in Medicine and the Sciences.
• Provides a strong foundation for careers in law, history, linguistics, and the humanities.
• Offers an enriching insight into the literature, philosophy, and history of Ancient Rome.
• Encourages intellectual curiosity and provides a window into the cultural, political, and moral debates of antiquity, which still resonate in today’s world.

Course Structure

A Level Latin is assessed through four key components:

• Unit 1 – Unseen Translation
  • Develops skills in translating Latin prose and verse into English.
  • Encourages familiarity with a wide range of Latin authors.
• Unit 2 – Prose Composition or Comprehension 
  • Either translating English sentences into Latin or answering comprehension questions on a Latin prose passage.
  • Strengthens linguistic accuracy and syntactical understanding.
• Unit 3 – Latin Prose Literature
  • In-depth study of two set Latin prose texts (e.g., Cicero, Tacitus, Livy).
  • Analysis of themes, historical context, and literary techniques.
  • Additional literature in translation to provide contextual understanding.
• Unit 4 – Latin Verse Literature 
  • Study of two Latin verse texts from authors such as Virgil, Ovid, or Horace.
  • Analysis of poetic form, metre, and literary style.
  • Additional literature in translation to provide historical and cultural context.

Each component assesses students’ ability to understand and interpret Latin texts, as well as their translation and analytical skills.

Who should take Latin?

• Students who have gained 6 or above in Latin GCSE.
• Those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of language and literature.
• If you are looking for a subject that pairs well with subjects such as English, Modern Languages, and History but also complements Maths and Science.
• Those who want a useful foundation for careers in Medicine, Law, or Journalism.
• Students who enjoy problem-solving, logical thinking, and the challenge of working with an ancient yet intellectually rewarding language.

Co-curricular activities and educational visits:

• Trips & Visits: Excursions to museums, historical sites, and classical lectures to see Latin and Roman culture in its historical and cultural context. Residential visit to Pompeii and the Bay of Naples.
• Latin Club: Opportunities for leadership, discussion, reading additional texts, and developing translation skills.
• Competitions: Participation in local, regional and national Latin competitions, showcasing linguistic and analytical skills.
• Guest Lectures: Talks from university academics and professionals who use Latin in their careers, offering insight into its real-world applications.

Future Pathways

An A Level in Latin is highly regarded by universities and employers. It supports applications for degrees in:

• Classics
• History
• Law
• English Literature
• Modern Languages
• Philosophy and Theology 
• Archaeology
• Politics and International Relations
• Medicine 

The study of Latin demonstrates intellectual curiosity, analytical ability, and linguistic precision: qualities valued in a wide range of careers. Many graduates in Latin go on to work in law, journalism, academia, diplomacy, publishing, and education. It is also highly beneficial for those pursuing careers in medicine and the sciences due to its technical vocabulary.