What is the OxLAT Scheme?
The OxLAT scheme is an outreach programme run by Oxford University’s Faculty of Classics which aims to offer the opportunity to study for a GCSE in Latin to students who attend state schools where there would otherwise be no chance to learn the language. The scheme provides such students with lessons which cover Latin grammar and literature through to their GCSE examination. The scheme is offered to ‘enthusiastic and committed’ students, from Years 9 to 11. To get enrolled on the course, students need to submit an application which includes details of why they are interested in learning Latin.
How do the students get taught?
The classes are taught by 2 professional Latin teachers for 2 hours on Saturday mornings at the Faculty of Classics. Aside from being taught Latin vocabulary and grammar, students are taught the ability to translate and analyse two Latin texts, whilst simultaneously learning more about the history and culture of Ancient Rome. Unlike modern foreign languages like French, Spanish, or German, there is no oral exam. Example literature texts include Virgil’s Aeneid, Tacitus' ‘Annales’ and Pliny the Younger’s ‘Letters’.
What does the scheme hope to achieve?
The OxLAT scheme is designed to break down the stereotype associated with both Classics and Oxford University: that they are only for a very specific, and privileged group of people, and are not accessible to a wider demographic, especially including minorities. The programme, therefore, aims to increase diversity,
inspiring a wider variety of students to study classics in further education, or merely to consider applying to competitive universities like Oxford after completing their A-Levels. Essentially, the OxLAT scheme is opening the doors of the university to students at state schools to make places like Oxford more welcoming to students from all backgrounds.
What is available to students when the programme has finished?
Following completing their GCSE, students have the opportunity to progress onto the OxLAT Extension Programme in Classics and the Ancient World.This is run by Trinity College, and involves 2 summer schools and six other study days, which allow students to attend lectures, classes, and other study sessions which develop their knowledge of Ancient Greece and Rome, over the course of two years. A range of different topics are covered, from art, to politics, to architecture, philosophy, and literature, as well as continuation of the Latin they learnt at GCSE, and an introduction into Ancient Greek. One student, who is now taking the Extension Programme, says, “OxLAT was such a fantastic opportunity, and I am so glad to have been given it. I especially enjoyed the literature analysis, as I think it gives you a real window into what life was like at the time, in a way history books can’t always get across. It’s also amazing to be in an environment where everyone else is as enthusiastic to learn as you. I would definitely recommend applying.” Another said, “Thanks to OxLAT, I am now hoping to study Classics at University, which before I would never have considered. I found that I really loved studying Latin,- it combines my interests in languages and history perfectly.”
