Latin
Years 1 - 3
All boys in the first three years at the RGS study Latin as part of their core curriculum. We use the full colour Fourth Edition of the popular Cambridge Latin Course, which aims to introduce reading skill in the context of Roman civilisation. Topics include Gladiators, the Roman Army, theatre, Roman Britain, the City of Rome.
Years 4 - 5
Latin is part of the options scheme for the Fourth and Fifth Years and nearly half of each year group usually chooses to continue with the subject to GCSE. We complete the Cambridge Latin Course, as preparation for the new OCR GCSE syllabus in Latin. The emphasis in the Fourth Year is on solid understanding of the language; in the Fifth Year the focus shifts towards the reading and enjoyment of a selection of Latin literature beyond what is prescribed for the GCSE exam.
Sixth Form
Latin has a solid presence in the Sixth Form, where AS and A level students study it along with a wide range of other arts and science subjects. We follow the OCR syllabus for AS and A2, which gives the opportunity to study texts from several genres of Latin literature. Prose Composition (translation into Latin) is introduced in the Lower Sixth as a complement to more in-depth study of the language; this is continued at A2 where it is one of the examined units.
Beyond School
Boys studying Latin at the RGS have gone on successfully to study at University in a range of subjects including Law, English, Mathematics, Philosophy, PPE, and Chemistry as well as Classics and subjects related to Classics such as Ancient History, Archaeology and Egyptology.
In recent years we have taught a number of boys who gained places at Oxford and Cambridge Universities in Classics and other subjects.
Boys who have studied Classical subjects at the RGS in recent years have pursued careers in Law, Politics, Marketing, Corporate Finance, the Church, the Civil Service and the Diplomatic Corps among others.