The Project administers have developed a graded test scheme to accompany the teaching of the Cambridge Latin Course.
- What are graded tests?
They are non-competitive attainment tests. They work on a pass/fail system (like driving tests, life-saving certificate tests). The requirements for a pass are clearly defined. Success is usually rewarded in the award of a certificate.
- Why have graded tests in Latin?
The Project has been impressed by the experience of many Modern Language teachers who have found that the introduction of graded tests has provided pupils with a series of manageable and worthwhile short-term goals and thereby increased their motivation. The tests have been particularly effective in motivating pupils who for a variety of reasons will not continue their study of the foreign language until the end of the course at 16+. We have found that the introduction of graded tests in Latin has been equally successful.
- What tests are available for the Cambridge Latin Course?
The Project has produced booklets each containing three alternative written tests to be taken at the end of Book I, Book II (Stage 16), Book II (Stage 20) and Book III (Stage 28). An optional reading test is also provided for each set of tests in Books I and II.
- For which pupils are the tests designed?
The tests should be within the compass of the great majority of pupils taking the Course. The style of the Book I tests is particularly suitable for pupils aged 11-12. Teachers are free to select the tests they think appropriate for their particular pupils; for example, there is no necessity for pupils to have taken the Book I tests before going on to the Book II tests.
- What form do the written tests take?
Each test consists of two Parts, with a time allowance of 35 minutes for each Part. Part A begins with a story set in Pompeii/Roman Britain/Roman Egypt and written at the linguistic level of the last Stage of the Book. Pupils are asked questions about the content of the passage, e.g. the setting, events, reasons, attitudes, about the meaning of particular words, phrases and sentences. Part B, which should be taken in a subsequent lesson, is focused entirely on background and takes its starting-point from the topics within the Latin of Part A. Pupils are tested on their knowledge of Roman life and their ability to apply what they have learnt. The format of the questions in both Parts is varied and includes multiple choice, one word answer, single sentence and more extended types. Several questions based on pictures are included. Pupils must achieve a certain number of marks on each Part to pass the test and receive the Certificate. There are only two grades: pass and fail.
- How are they organised?
The booklet contains full instructions for the administering, marking and moderating of the tests. The teacher chooses a test from those in the booklet, makes the required number of copies and gives the test to the pupils soon after they have reached the end of the Book (or Stage 16). The teacher marks the test in accordance with the mark scheme supplied and sends the marklist and the papers to the Moderator. After moderation the marklist is sent to the Project which will supply the required number of Certificates. It is hoped that these will be presented to pupils on some suitable public occasion in school.
- Who is the Moderator?
Teachers are asked to find another Latin teacher in another school who will agree to moderate the scripts. It is hoped that teachers will be able to form pairs or trios to moderate each other's scripts. Moderation involves examining borderline cases and re-marking a sample of scripts in accordance with directions in the booklet. If it is not possible to find a Moderator, please contact the Project at office@cambridgescp.com using the subject line 'Graded test moderation'.
- What is the optional reading test?
In the Book I and II Tests, pupils have the option to select two passages, prepare them and read them aloud to the teacher. When the readings have been successfully completed, the teacher sends a list of the successful pupils to the Project at the same time as the marklist for the written test. The reading test result is recorded on the Certificate. A brief guide to the pronunciation of Latin is included in the booklet.
- Can one use the tests without joining the scheme?
Yes. The tests may be used as teachers think fit. Teachers are, however, asked to take the same security measures described in the booklet as the teachers taking part in the scheme.
- How much will the scheme cost?
Book I, II and III Graded Tests Booklets have been revised in line with the 4th Edition of the CLC. The cost of each booklet is £29.99 (inc. postage). Limited numbers of the old Integrated edition of Unit IIA (cost £27.50 inc. postage), IIB and IIIA (cost £27.50) are still available. Only one copy of each booklet is needed for each school since the teacher is asked to make the required number of copies of tests and marklists. The booklets will last for several years as the tests may be re-set. A charge of 50p will be made for each Certificate to cover the cost of printing, postage and administration. Requests for certificates and booklets may be made from the Cambridge School Classics Project, Faculty of Education, 184 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8PQ, using a PO or our order form.
