A Level in Latin
at The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, High Wycombe · school or sixth form
What the college says
There are two main branches to the work: First, the study of the literature, in prose and poetry, written by authors of central importance such as Cicero, Ovid, Tacitus, Livy, Sallust, Catullus and Virgil. Activities range from straightforward translation, to discussion and explanation of the subject-matter, to literary criticism. Specific prescribed texts of both prose and poetry are set; study of individual authors begins in Year 12, and in Year 13 there is the option to either add another author or to study the first author in greater depth. These are examined by both context and essay questions. Second, knowledge of the language is strengthened throughout the course with the grammar gradually becoming more complex in order to enable you to read Latin in the original with confidence. The skill of translating from English into Latin may be introduced in Year 13, leading, for those that want it, to the possibility of offering a prose composition (English into Latin) in the examination. The alternative is a comprehension/translation test which includes some questions on grammar. Latin fits particularly well with Modern Languages, History and English (and may be offered with those for university entrance, including Oxbridge), but in recent years it has also been combined very successfully with Mathematics and/or Science subjects to offer some breadth. Exam Units taken at the end of the 2 year course: 1. Unseen translation of one prose and one verse passage (1 hour 45 minutes)
What you need to get on
GCSE Grade 7 Latin
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
The Royal Grammar School High Wycombe
Amersham Road, High Wycombe, HP13 6QT
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · High Wycombe
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
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