WJEC Eduqas GCSE Latin specification (C990)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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 WJEC Eduqas 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 WJEC Eduqas GCSE Latin (C990) 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 WJEC Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC Eduqas GCSE (9–1) in Latin fosters linguistic and cultural understanding of the Roman world through the study of Latin language, literature and civilisation. It equips learners to read and interpret Latin confidently and to appreciate its literary qualities. The course promotes critical thinking, structured argumentation, and reflection on ancient values and society. Students develop transferable skills applicable across the curriculum, gain insights into English and modern languages, and are encouraged to engage with history, literature and classical culture through texts and material evidence:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Latin Language
- Translate unseen prose into English using vocabulary and grammar from defined lists
- Comprehension questions on a Latin narrative passage
- Translate English to Latin sentences or analyse Latin syntax and accidence
- Vocabulary from Appendix A (440 words); grammar from Appendix B
- 90% of marks from comprehension and translation (Section A), 10% from Section B
Component 2: Latin Literature and Sources (Themes)
- Study a prescribed theme including prose, verse and ancient source materials
- Analyse style (e.g. word choice, literary devices, rhythm)
- Evaluate content and context with extended written responses
- Two theme options per series (e.g. “Romans in the Countryside”, “Love and Marriage” in 2024–26; “Heroes and Villains”, “Come Dine with Me!” in 2027–29)
- Open-book format with a clean resource booklet provided in the exam
Component 3 (choose one of the following):
3A: Latin Literature (Narratives)
- Study a Latin narrative with adjacent English passages
- Analyse literary style, cultural context and construct extended responses
- Authors change biennially (e.g. Suetonius & Ovid in 2024–25; Livy & Virgil in 2026–27)
- Open-book format
3B: Roman Civilisation
- Study a cultural topic (e.g. Roman family life, the city of Rome, slavery, festivals)
- No prescribed sources; uses a wide range of visual/literary material
- Five areas of study per topic (outlined in Appendix C)
- Extended evaluation questions based on source evidence
Assessment structure
- 1 hr 30 mins written exam
- 50% of qualification (100 marks)
- Section A: comprehension and translation (90% of marks)
- Section B: either English–Latin translation or grammar questions (10%)
Component 2: Latin Literature and Sources (Themes)
- 1 hr 15 mins written exam
- 30% of qualification (60 marks)
- Two themes offered per session; learners choose one
- Extended responses required; open-book exam
Component 3A: Latin Literature (Narratives)
- 1 hr written exam
- 20% of qualification (40 marks)
- Study of one prose or verse narrative with supporting English translation
- Extended evaluation required; open-book
Component 3B: Roman Civilisation
- 1 hr written exam
- 20% of qualification (40 marks)
- Choose one of two topics; evaluated through ancient sources and written analysis
- Extended response drawing on full topic content
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (Language): 50%
- AO2 (Knowledge of texts/sources): 25%
- AO3 (Analysis and evaluation): 25%
- Translation into Latin contributes 10% of AO1
- All assessments are linear and externally marked:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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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