Overview 

The Eduqas GCSE in Latin is a course that combines language learning with the study of literature and Roman civilisation, offering students a broad and enriching understanding of the ancient Roman world. Students learn to read and understand Latin, developing skills in translation, comprehension, and linguistic analysis. Alongside this, they explore literary texts in Latin, gaining insight into themes such as heroism, morality, and power through authors and stories from classical antiquity. The course also includes a civilisation component, where students study aspects of Roman life, allowing them to understand how people in ancient Rome lived, worked, and interacted.  

Curriculum Intent 

The Latin curriculum aims to: 

• Develop students’ ability to read and understand Latin through structured language study. 

• Ensure secure knowledge of core vocabulary (440 words) and grammar.  

• Build knowledge of Roman culture, society, and history. 

• Engage students with classical literature, encouraging critical analysis of themes, characters, and storytelling. 

• Promote transferable skills such as problem-solving, linguistic awareness, and evaluation of evidence. 

• Foster cultural awareness by comparing ancient and modern societies. 

Key knowledge and skills: 

• Defined vocabulary list  

• Grammar and translation skills  

• Understanding of Roman culture and society  

• Analytical and evaluative skills 

Curriculum Implementation 

Teaching Approach 

• Explicit teaching of prescribed vocabulary lists using the Suburani textbook series. 

• Strong focus on translation skills and comprehension skills 

• Grammar taught through the storytelling in Suburani rather than in isolation. 

• Frequent retrieval practice and interleaving of vocabulary. 

• Regular practice of translating and exam-style tasks. 

Sequencing of Learning 

• Curriculum structured around the three exam papers:  

1. Language Paper (50% of Latin GCSE) 

2. Literature: Heroes and Villains (30% of Latin GCSE)  

3. Civilisation: Slavery in the Roman World (20% of Latin GCSE) 

• Vocabulary and grammar are carefully sequenced and revisited. 

• Increased complexity over time, moving from simple to extended responses. 

Assessment 

• Three externally assessed papers: Language (50%), Literature (30%), and Civilisation (20%) 

• Ongoing formative assessment (vocabulary tests, end of unit assessments) 

• Mock exams in Year 10 and Year 11 

Curriculum Impact 

Success is measured through: 

• Strong progress in translation and comprehension skills with increasing independence 

• Secure retention of core vocabulary 

• Ability to analyse Latin literature and discuss themes such as heroism, morality, and power. 

• Understanding of Roman society, particularly the complexities of slavery.  

• Positive student engagement and curiosity about the ancient world.  

• GCSE outcomes in line with national expectations 

Curriculum Structure 

Key Stage 4  

Year	Topics / Units	Key Knowledge & Skills
10	Suburani Book 2 Chapter 20-30: gladiators, politics, Athens, philosophy, the Olympics, the oracle, Ephesus, Palmyra, the silk road, augury, Roman army, and emperors.	Core vocabulary acquisition, translation mastery, introduction to more complex grammar (passives, subjunctives etc), developing exam techniques and skills
11	Literature: Heroes and Villains   Civilisation: Slavery in the Roman World  Revision of Language	Literary analysis of texts about Roman heroes and villains, (including characterisation, themes, author’s intent), understanding of slavery in Roman society (roles, treatment, attitudes), extended written responses and exam technique

Useful Websites: 

• Suburani Vocabulary Trainer 

https://hands-up-education.org/suburani_full/activities/vt.html 

• Latin Eduqas Vocab Tester  

https://latinvocabularytester.com/ 

• Hands up Education Latin Vocab Tester 

https://hands-up-education.org/voc/vtedu.html 

Exam Board and specification link: 

Eduqas GCSE Latin (C990QS) 

https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/latin-gcse/ 

Enrichment 

Clubs, trips