Latin and Classics

Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact 

 

Intent 

Classics is a wide-range subject which refers to the study of the languages, literatures, material culture, and history of the ancient civilisations of Rome and Greece. It can include literature, history, philosophy, art and archaeology. At Tenison’s all pupils study Latin in Key Stage 3 and can choose to take Latin at GCSE, and we offer Classical Civilisation as an A Level. As a department, our intent is to engage students’ curiosity and introduce them to the fascinating society of Ancient Rome. By reading original texts and studying material culture, students can gain a fascinating insight into the ancient world through the words and actions of people who actually lived at the time and compare the ancient society to their contemporary one.  The translation and comprehension of the Latin language enables our students to develop their analytical and problem-solving skills. As English has its roots in Latin, studying the language ensures pupils become more confident in their understanding of grammar, increase the range of their vocabulary and improve their literacy. The Latin and Classics curriculum is designed with a focus on academic excellence, but also in an accessible manner so that all students can improve their knowledge and understanding of the ancient world. In studying Roman history, students gain a greater insight into the biblical context of the New Testament. Latin has been used widely by the church throughout history, so learning Latin is a valuable opportunity for students in a Christian context. 

 

Implementation 

We are a department with 3 passionate subject specialists and our classes are taught in mixed ability groups. Year 7 and 8 pupils have one lesson per week, Year 9 two lessons per week, Year 10 and Year 11 pupils have three lessons per week.  

In Year 7 we begin with an introduction to English grammar, in order to improve pupils’ understanding of how the English language works. This focus increases students’ confidence in learning modern foreign languages, as well as giving them a good foundational knowledge of grammar before starting Latin. In Year 7 we also dedicate the first half-term focusing on the advantaged of learning Latin, studying some Latin phrases or abbreviations still used in English. At Key Stage 3, pupils study Latin using the Cambridge Latin course as our key text. We use a reading approach for Latin lessons, introducing new vocabulary and grammar through the translation and comprehension of a series of interconnected stories. Students learn about Roman daily life in the ancient Roman town of Pompeii. As students progress through Years 7 to 9, they are introduced to more complex grammar and a wide range of vocabulary, which gives them a good foundation for GCSE. 

  

At GCSE, students build on the work done at Key Stage 3 in developing their skills of translation, analysis of literature and understanding of the Roman world. We use the OCR Latin to GCSE textbooks designed specifically for the GCSE course. As our students’ knowledge of the Latin language advances, they are able to translate and analyse the literature of ancient Roman authors, as well as translating increasingly challenging unseen translations. Students will learn about an aspect of the ancient Roman world; the area of study changes each year, but recent topics have included Love and marriage in the ancient world and Roman family life. 

  

Classical Civilisation at A Level gives students the opportunity to learn about the ancient world without the requirement of studying ancient languages. At Tenison’s the course is designed so students can learn about both ancient Greece and Rome, with a balance of history and literature. The Imperial Image module focuses on how propaganda was used to create an image of Augustus as the ideal Roman Emperor. In the World of the Hero module students read Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid and analyse the key characters and themes of each epic poem. In Greek religion, students learn about the Olympiad of Greek gods, study Greek temples, the practise of religion in Greek society and Greek philosophy.  

  

As a small department of Classics specialists, we work closely as a team to create engaging and challenging lessons in both Latin and Classics and we are pleased that students with a wide range of prior attainment choose to take Latin at GCSE. We work closely with national charities such as Classics for All and regularly undertake training to ensure we are providing a rounded experience of learning Latin and Classics based on up-to-date pedagogical approaches. 

 

Impact

The number of students choosing to take Latin in Year 9 has grown significantly and we have a good number of students who choose Latin as their GCSE language option. Our GCSE students completed their course and achieved good results especially in 2023. Our Classical Civilisation A level students achieved excellent results, with 100% of students achieving A*-C grades in 2024. Students have gone on from Tenison’s to study Classical subjects at university with great success.  

  

Key stage 3 

  

Year 7 

• Introduction to Latin & Roman civilisation 

• English Grammar overview – nouns, adjectives, pronouns, verbs and adverbs 

• Simple Latin sentences, Caecilius and his household 

• The nominative and the accusative singular, Roman houses 

• The present tense, daily life in Pompeii 

• Greek mythology   

  

Year 8 

• Singular and plural verbs, Roman businesses 

• Questions, the town of Pompeii 

• Pronouns, the Roman forum 

• Plural verbs, the theatre 

• Imperfect and perfect tenses, Roman plays 

• Imperfect and perfect tenses, Slaves and freedmen 

  

Year 9 

• The dative 

• Comparative adjectives, gladiatorial shows and Roman baths 

• Pronouns, Roman education and the destruction of Pompeii 

• Irregular verbs, the infinitive, Roman Britain 

• Adjectives, the Roman conquest 

  

  

Eduqas Latin  GCSE 

Component 1: Latin Language (50%) 

• Section A: comprehension questions – translation. 

• Section B: Either grammar or translation from Latin into English 

• Written exam – 1 hour 30 minutes 

  

Component 2: Latin Literature  (30%) 

• Love and Marriage 

• A prescription of Latin literature, prose and verse, with prescribed source materials on the same theme 

• Written exam – 1 hour 15 minutes 

  

Component 3B: Roman Civilisation (20%) 

• Roman Family Life 

• A prescription of sources to analyse 

• Written exam – 1 hour 

  

OCR Classical Civilisation A Level 

  

Unit 1: The World of the Hero (40%) 

• Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid (all literature is studied in English) 

• 2 hour 20 minute exam 

  

Unit 2: Imperial Image (30%) 

• Literature and the art & architecture of Augustan Rome 

• 1 hour 45 minute exam 

  

Unit 3: Greek religion (30%) 

• The Olympian gods, religion and society, worship of the gods, philosophy 

• 1 hour 45 minute exam ​​

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