The J281 Latin GCSE consists of two compulsory language papers (A401 and A402) and two from: Latin Prose Literature (A403), Latin Verse Literature (A404) and Sources for Latin (A405).
The examination is tiered, with the majority of candidates sitting the higher tier (graded A*-D) and a much smaller number entered for the foundation tier (graded C-G). The information and resources on this website are aimed at higher tier candidates.
All information on this website is for guidance only, and while every effort is made for that information to be correct, candidates are always advised to check official OCR publications for details of examinations.
| Language 1 | Language 2 | Prose Literature | Verse Literature | Sources for Latin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper code | A401 | A402 | A403 | A404 | A405 |
| Exam length | 1 hour | 1 hour | 1 hour | 1 hour | 1 hour |
| Exam dates 2017 | Fri 19 May (pm) | Tue 23 May (am) | Wed 17 May (am) | Thu 25 May (pm) | Wed 7 Jun (am) |
| [fergcorp_cdt_single date=”19 May 2017″] | [fergcorp_cdt_single date=”23 May 2017″] | [fergcorp_cdt_single date=”17 May 2017″] | [fergcorp_cdt_single date=”25 May 2017″] | [fergcorp_cdt_single date=”7 June 2017″] | |
| Vocabulary/lines (higher tier) |
300 words | 475 words | c. 135 lines (1070–80 words) | c. 135 lines | – |
| Topic / Author | Mythology and Domestic Life | History | Option A: Conquest & conflict Option B: Messalina, U. Quadratilla |
Option A: Catullus, Ovid Option B: Virgil Aeneid I |
1. Work and domestic life 2. Social life and entertainment |
| Marks available | 60 | 60 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| % of qualification | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% |
| Specification | A401 spec | A402 spec | A403 spec | A404 spec | A405 spec |
| 2015 question papers (higher tier) |
A401 | A402 | A403 | A404 | A405 |