OCR GCSE Latin specification (J282)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE Latin exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR GCSE Latin specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR GCSE Latin (J282) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OCR GCSE (9–1) in Latin is designed to develop learners' understanding of the Latin language and ancient literature, values and society. It enables students to read, interpret, and analyse Latin texts and appreciate their cultural and literary context. The course encourages a lifelong interest in the Classical world, offering a choice of prose, verse, and cultural components to suit different learner strengths. It supports the development of transferable analytical, linguistic and critical thinking skills, while also deepening learners’ understanding of English and other languages:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Language (Component J282/01)
- Develops translation and comprehension skills
- Students:
- Translate unseen Latin passages into English
- Demonstrate knowledge of vocabulary, syntax and accidence
- Answer comprehension questions
- Either answer grammar questions or translate English to Latin
Prose and Verse Literature (Components J282/02–J282/05)
- Study of 110–120 lines of prescribed Latin set texts
- Skills:
- Understanding content, style and context
- Translation and analysis of short extracts
- Extended responses on themes and literary techniques
- Texts are rotated in biennial cycles and include authors such as Virgil, Ovid, Pliny, and Apuleius
Literature and Culture (Component J282/06)
- Study of two Roman civilisation topics using prescribed literary and visual sources
- Themes include:
- The Romans in Britain
- Entertainment
- Myths and Beliefs
- Skills:
- Source evaluation
- Contextual knowledge and interpretation
- Comparing ancient and modern values
Grammar Content
- Full and restricted accidence and syntax lists (Appendices 5d & 5e)
- Includes:
- Verbs in various moods and tenses
- Uses of cases, participles, subordinate clauses
- Direct/indirect speech, purpose/result clauses, gerundives
Assessment structure
Component J282/01: Language
- 1 hr 30 mins written paper
- 100 marks (50% of GCSE)
- Section A: comprehension and grammar (30 marks)
- Section B: passage translation (70 marks)
Components J282/02–J282/05: Prose/Verse Literature
- 1 hr written paper (each)
- 50 marks (each worth 25% of GCSE)
- Includes translation, comprehension, literary analysis and extended response
Component J282/06: Literature and Culture
- 1 hr written paper
- 50 marks (25% of GCSE)
- Questions on source material and short essay responses
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Latin language knowledge (50%)
- AO2: Understanding of literature/sources (25%)
- AO3: Analytical response to literature/sources (25%)
Exam Conditions
- All components externally assessed
- Taken in one series (May/June)
- Multiple entry combinations available (A–K), choosing two options in addition to Language:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE Latin isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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