Latin A Level

Applications Open: - 28th November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th January 2026

How to Apply: - via Kent Choices

Entry Requirements: - Students must meet the following academic criteria:

(a) Applicants must achieve at least an average GCSE grade of 5.7 from eight subjects (this must include at least one modern foreign language, at least one science and at least one humanity).

(b) Applicants must also have GCSE Mathematics and at least one English GCSE at a minimum of grade 5.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants wishing to be accepted on to a particular subject must achieve the requirements set down for that particular course in the Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

https://mgs.kent.sch.uk/admission/sixth-form-entry/

All students study 4 A Levels in Year 12 (Choose 5 subjects on the application form, with the 5th being a reserve). It is important that students refer to the 6th Form Curriculum booklet to ensure that they choose their courses appropriately. (There is the option to drop one of these subjects at the end of Year 12 and undertake an EPQ).

We do not require applicants to write a Personal Statement.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Alongside our extensive A level offering, students are offered the opportunity to gain an Extended Project Qualification (Level 3). This research based qualification is an ideal way to prepare ahead of further academic studies and / or the working world. Students are able to research, plan and realise a 5000 word study on a topic of their choosing. Topics are wide ranging. Many students choose to explore topics that either complement their interests and academic studies or create a bridge to future career aspirations, for example in law or medicine. An EPQ provides ideal content for CVs, university applications and is worth up to 28 UCAS points. Importantly, many universities will lower their offer to students studying an EPQ because they recognise the skills and expertise students gain from studying an EPQ.

A Level Latin is an academically rigorous and rewarding course which will allow you to develop your understanding of the Latin language and the related ancient literature, values and society.

We will support you as you consolidate and develop your knowledge of the grammar encountered at GCSE Level to develop confidence in unseen translation. You will develop the language skills to read literary texts, both prose and verse, in the original language. Through this, you will develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, the literary, historical and cultural features of the ancient world. You will also acquire the literary skills required to read and fully appreciate ancient literature, both prose and verse, in its original language with appropriate attention to literary techniques, styles and genres.

The new OCR A Level qualification consists of four elements as follows, all examined via terminal exams at the end of Year 13:

1. Unseen translation (1 hour 45 minutes exam – 33% of total A Level).

2. Prose composition or comprehension (1 hour 15 minutes exam – 17% of total A Level).

3. Prose literature (2 hour exam – 25% of total A Level).

4. Verse Literature (2 hour exam – 25% of total A Level).

Authors currently specified for the set text papers (3 and 4 above) include Virgil and Cicero.

Candidates interested in studying AS Level Latin only should first discuss this with Miss Adams to see whether it is possible to accommodate this within the course structure.

As above.

To study this course for A Level Latin, you should have at least a Grade 6 in Latin GCSE. Also, at least Grade 5 in GCSE Maths and English.

You could take this course to complement other Advanced Level courses, which could lead onto Higher Education in Classical Civilisation, or related subjects such as English, History, American Studies, or Politics. With further training, you could go into a job related to Classical Civilisation by seeking employment in areas of Heritage such as working for a Museum, or within Education such as a History Teacher.