Wolverhampton Girls High School - Classics and Latin

Classics and Latin - 6th Form

What can I do with an A' level in Latin?

Latin is a logical language whose economy and beauty of expression make it a worthwhile study in itself, and having finished your study of Latin, it is possible to further pursue its study in degree courses at most universities on its own or with Ancient Greek or a Modern Language, English or History or other combinations.

Careers in teaching, library, museum and archive work can follow a degree in Latin, but it is also a most useful foundation for a law career, banking, accountancy, management, the Civil Service and other related careers and professions.

What extra-curricular opportunities will I have?

Last year some girls took advantage of the opportunity to visit Rome and Pompeii. Next year (2004-5) a trip to Greece is planned, since the Romans owed so much of their culture to the Greek world. There are also opportunities to attend study days connected with the A’ level specifications; for instance, this year we are attending a day at the British Museum in London.

What will I be studying?

Star diagram showing how european languages are influenced by latin, black and white image

The tentacles of Latin are present in most European languages and cultures. In our own language we use Latin words and Latin derivatives everyday without realising it. Latin has also become the language of technology e.g. video and audio equipment.

The course itself is varied, stimulating and entertaining, containing the same elements as GCSE, but in greater depth. Literature is studied in its social context and the language element builds on the grammar learnt at GCSE. Vocabulary knowledge is accumulated gradually and painlessly.

Exam Board

AQA

AS Examination

Three modules will be taught in Year 13

Module 4: Further Language: One passage of unseen Latin prose, assessed by comprehension and translation, and an unseen verse passage for translation.
Module 5: Verse set text: A study of a verse assessed by passage-based and essay questions.
Module 6: Literature and Society. A prose text will be studied in Latin and English.

Three modules will be taught in Year 13

Module 4: Further Language: One passage of unseen Latin prose, assessed by comprehension and translation, and an unseen verse passage for translation.
Module 5: Verse set text: A study of a verse assessed by passage-based and essay questions.
Module 6: Literature and Society. A prose text will be studied in Latin and English.

Former student achievements

Recently many girls have seen the importance of continuing their study of Latin and Classics at university, not only to pursue a subject they have enjoyed but also to increase their employment prospects. (Classics graduates are much sought after in many aspects of employment).

Rachel Barnett was awarded a place at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge; Helena Nicholls at St Anne's College, Oxford; Roberta Whitter at St Hilda's College, Oxford and Fleur Tooby at the University of Birmingham.

In 2003 Holly Ranger and Ghurbinder Dhinsa started their degree courses in Classics at Cambridge and Oxford respectively.

Departmental Activities