Latin
Specification: WJEC-GCSE-Latin
This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.
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Objectives
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Exam Tips
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Key Features
- Master key concepts
- Develop exam technique
- Apply knowledge effectively
About WJEC GCSE Latin
The WJEC GCSE Latin course offers students a rich and balanced introduction to the language, literature, and culture of ancient Rome. The specification is designed to develop linguistic competence through the study of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, while also cultivating interpretative skills through engagement with original Roman texts. Students will build a solid foundation in the language, enabling them to translate, comprehend, and analyse Latin passages with increasing confidence.
A distinctive feature of this course is its dual focus on literary appreciation and cultural understanding. Through the set literature components, students explore two separate selections of Latin literature: a thematic study (Component 2) and a narrative-focused study (Component 3). The thematic option draws on texts and sources linked by a cultural topic, such as Roman Britain, entertainment, or religious beliefs, allowing learners to see how language and civilisation intertwine. The narrative option, meanwhile, presents a single sustained work (prose or verse) to develop deeper literary analysis skills.
Assessment is entirely through written examination, with no coursework or controlled assessment. The course suits students who enjoy learning a classical language and wish to gain an insight into the Western literary tradition. It is especially valuable for those planning to study Latin at A Level, as well as those seeking a rigorous qualification that complements modern languages, history, and English literature.
Assessment Structure
This qualification is assessed through three written papers, all taken at the end of the course. Component 1: Latin Language (50% of total marks) is a 1 hour 30 minute exam worth 100 marks, testing translation and comprehension skills. Component 2: Latin Literature and Sources (Themes) (30%) is 1 hour 15 minutes, worth 60 marks, and requires analysis of a thematic set text alongside related Roman sources. Component 3: Latin Literature (Narratives) (20%) is a 1 hour exam, worth 40 marks, focusing on a single narrative set text. The total mark across all components is 200. There is no tiering; all students sit the same papers.
Why Choose WJEC?
- The clear separation of literature into thematic and narrative components allows students to develop distinct skills: cultural analysis with sources on one hand, and sustained literary appreciation on the other. This structure appeals to a wide range of interests and provides a varied curriculum.
- WJEC provides a supportive and well-defined set text list, with options that teachers can select to match their students’ interests. The thematic topics are particularly engaging, often connecting Latin language with tangible aspects of Roman life, such as military service or daily leisure.
- The exam format and marking schemes are transparent and student-friendly, with a strong emphasis on clear comprehension and reasoned response rather than trick questions. Many centres appreciate the balance between straightforward language testing and rewarding literary discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Gets Top Grades
Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge
- Uses correct subject-specific terminology
- Shows detailed understanding of concepts
- Makes accurate connections between topics
- Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge
Application
Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts
- Selects relevant knowledge for the question
- Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
- Uses examples appropriately
- Shows awareness of context
Analysis & Evaluation
Develops sophisticated analytical arguments
- Constructs logical chains of reasoning
- Considers multiple perspectives
- Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
- Acknowledges limitations and nuances
Key Command Words
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
Specification Topics
No curriculum content available for this specification yet.
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