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Cambridge OCR GCSE · Specification J282

Online GCSE Latin Course

Learn to read and translate Latin while exploring Roman literature, religion, society and life in Britain. This flexible home-study course prepares students for the OCR GCSE Latin examinations in summer 2027 or summer 2028.

Immediate access to the online course 51 structured lessons for the 2027 and 2028 examinations Optional tutor marking, tutorials and printed materials

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Course overview

Learn Latin language, literature and Roman culture

Build your knowledge progressively from basic Latin grammar and sentence structure to unseen translation, prescribed verse literature and the critical study of ancient sources. The course is specifically designed for students planning to take the OCR examinations in 2027 or 2028.

Qualification

Cambridge OCR GCSE

GCSE Latin specification J282, graded on the 9–1 scale.

Course structure

9 modules · 51 lessons

Develop Latin language skills alongside the study of Roman literature, beliefs and culture.

Recommended study time

Approximately 200 hours

Work through the course at a pace that suits your timetable and intended examination date.

Enrolment

Start at any time

There is no fixed term date, so you can begin when it suits your study plans.

Assignments

8 assignments · 2 mock papers

Tutor-marked Assignments appear throughout the course, followed by mock examinations for Papers 1 and 4.

Assessment

3 written papers

The course prepares students for Language, Verse Literature A, and Literature and Culture.

Core skills

Translation and analysis

Learn to translate unseen Latin, interpret prescribed verse and evaluate literary, archaeological and historical sources.

Entry and grading

No prior Latin required

The qualification is graded from 9 to 1 and provides a foundation for further study, including A-level Latin.

Designed for the 2027 and 2028 examinations

Students enrolling on this version of the course should plan to sit the OCR GCSE Latin examinations in summer 2027 or summer 2028. The prescribed literature and cultural topics change between examination cycles.

Students intending to take the examination in 2029 or later will require the revised course materials for the relevant examination cycle.

Study language in its literary and historical setting

The course combines Latin vocabulary, grammar and translation with the study of Ovid and Roman civilisation. This helps students understand not only how the language works, but also how ancient writers and sources reveal Roman ideas, values and society.

How the course works

Build your Latin knowledge step by step

Begin with the principles of Latin word order, verbs and noun cases before progressing to more advanced grammar, unseen translation, prescribed literature and Roman cultural topics.


  1. Enrol and start online

    Receive immediate access to your online Latin course and begin studying without waiting for a fixed term date.


  2. Learn vocabulary and grammar

    Work through structured lessons covering Latin verbs, noun cases, adjectives, clauses, pronouns and sentence structure.


  3. Practise translation and interpretation

    Complete course activities, translate Latin passages and study Ovid alongside literary, historical and archaeological sources.


  4. Prepare for your examinations

    Develop examination technique through Paper 1 practice, Tutor-marked Assignments and mock papers for Language and Verse Literature.

Optional extra support

Add tutor support when it would help

Assignment marking, mock-examination marking, Email Tutor Support and one-to-one tutorials can be added when you need help with grammar, translation, literature or examination technique.

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What you’ll study

Nine modules covering Latin language and Roman civilisation

The 51 lessons introduce Latin grammar progressively while also preparing students for the prescribed Ovid set text and the Myths and Beliefs and Romans in Britain cultural topics required for the 2027 and 2028 examinations.

Module 1 First Principles of Latin Word order, basic verb forms, noun cases, pronouns and the foundations of reading Latin. 8 lessons
  1. Inflection and Word Order
  2. Present Tense – Regular First Conjugation Verbs
  3. Conjunctions
  4. Grammatical Gender and Declensions
  5. Nominative and Accusative Cases
  6. Pronouns
  7. Reading Outside the Course
  8. Present Tense – Regular Second Conjugation Verbs
Tutor-marked Assignment A
Module 2 Myths and Beliefs Roman state religion, the mythical founding of Rome and further development of grammar and verb forms. 4 lessons
  1. State Religion
  2. The Mythical Founding of Rome
  3. Genitive Case
  4. Present Tense – Regular Third Conjugation Verbs
Tutor-marked Assignment B
Module 3 The Present Tense and the Last Two Cases Roman roads and army life alongside fourth-conjugation verbs, irregular verbs, the dative and the ablative. 6 lessons
  1. Roman Roads
  2. Present Tense – Regular Fourth Conjugation Verbs
  3. Present Tense – Irregular Verbs
  4. The Roman Army – Life in Camp
  5. The Dative Case
  6. The Ablative Case
Tutor-marked Assignment C
Module 4 The Imperfect and Perfect Tenses Past-tense verb forms, irregular verbs and the layout of a Roman military camp. 5 lessons
  1. The Imperfect Active of Regular Verbs
  2. The Imperfect Active of Irregular Verbs
  3. The Roman Army – Camp Layout
  4. The Perfect Active of Regular First Conjugation Verbs
  5. The Perfect Active of Irregular Verbs
Tutor-marked Assignment D
Module 5 Preparing for Paper 1 Focused language-paper practice, prepositions and adverbs of time. 5 lessons
  1. Paper 1 Practice (1)
  2. Prepositions
  3. Paper 1 Practice (2)
  4. Paper 1 Practice (3)
  5. Adverbs of Time
Tutor-marked Assignment E
Module 6 Adjectives Questions, Roman gods and the principal forms of Latin adjectives. 6 lessons
  1. Asking Questions
  2. The Roman Gods
  3. 2-1-2 Adjectives
  4. 3-Termination Adjectives
  5. 2-Termination Adjectives
  6. 1-Termination Adjectives
Tutor-marked Assignment F
Module 7 The Roman Baths The layout and religious significance of Roman baths, the pluperfect and comparison of adjectives. 5 lessons
  1. Layout of the Baths Complex
  2. The Pluperfect
  3. Religious Significance of the Baths
  4. Comparatives
  5. Superlatives
Tutor-marked Assignment G
Module 8 Life after Death Roman beliefs about death and burial alongside future verb forms and several types of subordinate clause. 6 lessons
  1. Life after Death
  2. Cemeteries and Tombs
  3. The Future Tense
  4. The Future Tense – Irregular Verbs
  5. Purpose and Result Clauses
  6. Causal Clauses (quod and cum)
Tutor-marked Assignment H
Module 9 Ovid’s Metamorphoses Ovid, Pyramus and Thisbe, advanced clauses, the passive voice and deponent verbs. 6 lessons
  1. The Life of Ovid
  2. Pyramus et Thisbe
  3. Relative Clauses
  4. Conditional Clauses
  5. The Passive Voice
  6. Deponent Verbs
Mock Examination — Paper 1 Mock Examination — Paper 4
Follow the modules in order

Latin grammar builds progressively, so later lessons assume knowledge introduced earlier in the course. Work through the modules in sequence and revise vocabulary, verb forms and noun endings regularly.

The literature and cultural lessons in this version are tied specifically to the prescribed content for the 2027 and 2028 examinations.

Exams and assessment

How OCR GCSE Latin is assessed

This course prepares students for three externally assessed written papers: Language, Verse Literature A, and Literature and Culture. Together, these form OCR entry option J282 J.

Paper 1 · Language

J282/01

1 hour 30 minutes Exam duration
100 marks Available marks
50% Of the qualification

Students answer comprehension questions on unseen Latin, explore the derivation of English words and translate unseen material into English. They also choose between questions on Latin grammar and syntax or translating three short English sentences into Latin.

Paper 4 · Verse Literature A

J282/04

1 hour Exam duration
50 marks Available marks
25% Of the qualification

For the 2027 and 2028 examinations, students study Ovid, Metamorphoses 4, lines 55–166. The paper includes translation, comprehension, literary analysis and an extended response based on the prescribed text.

Paper 6 · Literature and Culture

J282/06

1 hour Exam duration
50 marks Available marks
25% Of the qualification

Students study Myths and Beliefs and The Romans in Britain through literary, archaeological and other ancient sources. Questions test knowledge, source analysis, comparison, evaluation and extended written responses.

Course entry route

OCR entry option J282 J

This combines Language, Verse Literature A, and Literature and Culture.

Prescribed content

2027 and 2028 cycle

The Ovid text and cultural topics used by this course are specific to these two examination years.

Coursework

No coursework component

The final grade is determined entirely through the three externally assessed written papers.

Grading

Grades 9–1

Grade 9 is the highest award. Work below the standard for grade 1 is unclassified.

Examination entry

You arrange your examination centre separately

Course enrolment does not automatically enter you for the examinations. Private candidates should find an OCR-approved centre willing to accept them and confirm that it can enter them for option J282 J.

All three components must be taken in the same May or June examination series. OCR recommends that private candidates make arrangements with a centre early in the course.

Learn about exam entry

Support and add-ons

Choose the level of Latin support you need

Your subscription provides the structured online course. Optional add-ons allow you to purchase written feedback, direct tutor contact, tutorials and printed materials when they would help your progress.

Written feedback

Assignment marking

Purchase marking for individual Tutor-marked Assignments and receive feedback on grammar, translation, comprehension, literature and source-based responses.

Exam preparation

Mock-examination marking

The course includes mock examinations for Paper 1 Language and Paper 4 Verse Literature. Purchase marking to identify strengths and priorities for further revision.

Written tutor contact

Email Tutor Support

Ask focused questions about vocabulary, noun endings, verb forms, syntax, translation choices, Ovid or Roman cultural sources.

Live support

One-to-one tutorials

Book a live tutorial for personalised explanation, translation practice, help with a difficult grammatical topic or focused examination preparation.

Study your way

Printed course materials

Add printed Oxford Home Schooling course materials if you prefer working from paper alongside your online course and reference materials.

Flexible support

Add support when you need it

Begin with the core course and add marking, tutor contact, tutorials or printed materials as your Latin studies progress.

Course support

Build the right support package for your studies

Review the available services before enrolling, or use My Course Add-ons after enrolment to purchase support linked to your Latin course.

Explore course add-ons My Course Add-ons

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the GCSE Latin course

Find answers about previous Latin experience, examination years, prescribed texts, assignments, course materials and arranging your examinations.

Do I need to have studied Latin before?

No prior knowledge of Latin is required. The course begins with word order, basic verb forms and noun cases before introducing more advanced grammar and translation.

Which examination years is this course for?

This version of the course is designed for the OCR GCSE Latin examinations in summer 2027 and summer 2028. Students enrolling now should plan to sit the qualification in one of those two examination series.

Students intending to sit the examination in 2029 or later will need the revised course version containing the appropriate prescribed literature and cultural material.

Which examination papers does the course prepare me for?

The course prepares students for J282/01 Language, J282/04 Verse Literature A, and J282/06 Literature and Culture. Together, these form OCR entry option J282 J.

Which literature and cultural topics will I study?

For Verse Literature A, students study Ovid, Metamorphoses 4, lines 55–166, including the story of Pyramus and Thisbe.

For Literature and Culture, the 2027 and 2028 topics are Myths and Beliefs and The Romans in Britain.

How many lessons and assignments are included?

The course contains nine modules and 51 lessons. There are eight Tutor-marked Assignments, followed by mock examinations for Paper 1 Language and Paper 4 Verse Literature.

Is there any coursework?

No. GCSE Latin is assessed entirely through three written examinations. Course activities and Tutor-marked Assignments support learning but do not contribute directly to the final OCR grade.

Do I need to buy a Latin dictionary or textbook?

No separate textbook is identified as compulsory. However, the course strongly recommends having a Latin dictionary available during your studies.

Suggested choices are the Collins Latin Essential Dictionary or the Collins Latin Dictionary and Grammar. OCR-endorsed textbooks and the 2027–2028 anthology are optional additional resources.

What is the Prescribed Sources Booklet?

The OCR Literature and Culture Prescribed Sources Booklet contains ancient sources that must be studied for Paper 6. Students should download and use the correct booklet alongside the course.

The required sources are reproduced in the examination insert, so candidates do not take their own source booklet into the exam.

How do I arrange my examinations?

Private candidates must find an OCR-approved examination centre willing to enter them for option J282 J. Course enrolment does not include examination entry or centre fees.

All three papers must be taken in the same May or June examination series, so arrangements should be made well before the entry deadline.

What can I study after GCSE Latin?

GCSE Latin provides a strong foundation for AS or A-level Latin. It also develops language, interpretation, research and analytical skills that are useful across humanities, languages and other academic subjects.

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Course materials

Latin dictionaries, set texts and prescribed sources

The Oxford Home Schooling course provides the main structured teaching materials. Students will also need the correct OCR
Prescribed Sources Booklet and are strongly advised to have a Latin dictionary available.

OCR Prescribed Sources Booklet

Students must study the OCR Literature and Culture Prescribed Sources Booklet for Paper 6. The course introduction provides a download link to the correct booklet and uses it alongside additional literary, archaeological and historical sources.

The examination itself provides the required sources in an insert booklet. Candidates are not permitted to take their own copy into the examination.

A Latin dictionary is strongly recommended

The course recommends the Collins Latin Essential Dictionary, ISBN 9780008377380, as a good basic choice.

Students who would like additional grammar support may prefer the Collins Latin Dictionary and Grammar, ISBN 9780008167677.

Optional 2027–2028 set-text anthology

The prescribed texts for the 2027 and 2028 examinations are available in the OCR Anthology for Latin GCSE 2027–2028, edited by Tim Chambers and Declan Lawell, ISBN 9781350424487.

The OCR specification permits centres to use any edition of the prescribed text. The anthology is therefore a useful additional reference rather than a compulsory Oxford Home Schooling textbook.

Other textbooks are optional

OCR-endorsed textbooks may provide additional explanations and practice material, but they are not required to complete the Oxford Home Schooling course or to sit the examination.

Ready to begin?

Start your online GCSE Latin course

Enrol at any time and begin working towards the Cambridge OCR GCSE Latin qualification through a structured, flexible home-study course designed for the 2027 and 2028 examinations.

  • Start studying at any time
  • Immediate access to the online course
  • Prepare for the 2027 or 2028 examination series
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