Independent Learners ~ Frequently Asked Questions
1.
About the Cambridge Latin Course
2.
Working as an Independent Learner
3.
Finances
4.
Assessment
| 1. About the Cambridge Latin Course |
What is the Cambridge Latin Course?
The Cambridge Latin Course consists of five books designed to take students from beginners' level up to, and beyond, Level 2/GCSE standard.
Each book teaches the Latin language, complemented by information on Roman culture and civilisation.
What are the aims of the Cambridge Latin Course?
The course has two main aims. The first is to teach comprehension of the Latin language for reading purposes. The second is to develop from the outset an understanding of the content, style and values of Roman civilisation. The Course presents language not as an end in itself, but as a means of gaining access to literature and to the culture from which it springs.
Why should I study the Cambridge Latin Course?
Our independent learners have joined the course for a variety of reasons. You may always have wished to study Latin and not had the opportunity to do so before. You may also wish to take up Latin, having done it at school and enjoyed it, or because you want to get a better understanding of English vocabulary. You may also be interested in the civilisation aspects of it. Whatever your reason, the study of Latin and the Roman World is both interesting and enjoyable!
How far through the Cambridge Latin Course can I go as an Independent Learner?
We currently offer independent learners' courses through each of Books I, II and III and our Level 2 Latin Language course covers Books IV and V. Our AS and A2 courses take students beyond the end of the Cambridge Latin Course.
How do I know whether the Cambridge Latin Course is for me?
The Cambridge Latin Course is more than a traditional grammatical approach to Latin learning, as we incorporate a strong civilisation element. Because of the width of its appeal, it is the most successful Latin course in the UK with approximately 3.5 million copies sold to date. However, if you have already studied Latin for several years and you only wish to extend your grammatical knowledge in some depth, then you may find that our course is not appropriate. We strongly advise you to examine a copy of one of the books in an academic bookshop, as this will give you a good feel for both its content and its approach.
| 2. Working as an Independent Learner |
Is there an age limit for starting a course?
There is no age limit. We have students from age 8 to those in their 80s!
May I begin a course at anytime?
You can start a course whenever you wish, provided that we have an e-tutor available at the time. Those following the externally examined courses (Level 1, Level 2, AS and A2 Level courses) should remember that examinations take place in May/June each year and students are advised to start by September in the year before the examination.
What are the technical requirements for following a course?
In order to take the course you need to have email and internet access.
How do I enrol?
Details of how to enrol for each course are set out in the relevant area for that course.
Can I take an entire course online?
Most courses consist of a variety of materials. They are primarily print-based courses supported by online interactive resources and e-mail support from a qualified e-tutor. Therefore, for all courses it is necessary to purchase the relevant print publications.
What support do I receive ?
When you enrol, we will provide you with a course outline and study plan to follow. We also provide you with e-tutor support. For full details of what materials we will send you and what support your e-tutor will provide, please visit the relevant area for that course.
What will my e-tutor do?
Your e-tutor will be responsible for directing your learning; marking your work; providing individual support and guidance for improvement. However, it is up to you to make the most of the service by working closely with your e-tutor and asking him/her for help whenever you need to. Most of our e-tutors say that they would like to be contacted more often by their students rather than less!
What work should I send to my e-tutor?
Your study plan includes details of which pieces of work to send to your e-tutor. The work varies from course to course.
May I progress at my own pace or are there deadlines to meet?
Yes, you can progress at a speed that suits you, but remember you have a maximum period of e-tutor support, as defined in the individual course details. You can move through the sessions as quickly or slowly as you wish and send your work to your e-tutor whenever you wish. We do, however, advise you to contact your e-tutor every so often, even if you are not actively submitting any work, so that he/she knows you are still keen in your study of Latin. Those following the externally examined courses (Level 1, Level 2, AS and A2 Level courses) should remember that examination takes place in May/June and that the content of the course may change from year to year.
May I pay by credit card?
Yes. We accept most major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Switch/Maestro, Delta, Fort Oak and JCB.
Can I pay in instalments?
No, the full enrolment fee is due at the outset.
From the time I pay, how long does it take to have everything set up so that I can start the class?
Once we receive payment we will send you the Independent Learning Manual (ILM) and the ILM Answer Book alongside the Independent Learners' Guide that contains your study plan (if appropriate). We also need to arrange for an e-tutor to support your learning. This process is usually completed within a couple of weeks.
Does the time that the e-tutor is available commence when I pay or when I start the class?
The e-tutoring period commences when you start the course. A formal letter will be sent to you with the details of your e-tutor and your start and finish dates.
Can I claim any money back if I decide to withdraw?
Unfortunately, no refund can be given after you enrol. This is because the e-tutors receive their payment at the outset.
What tests are available for me?
Short progress tests can be taken after Stages 4 and 8 of Book I and after Stages 22 and 26 of Book III. Formal Graded Tests are available after Stage 12 (i.e. at the end of Book I) after Stage 16 (midway through Book II), after Stage 20 (at the end of Book II) and after Stage 28 (at the end of Book III). Although we would encourage you to take the tests, you should note that they are not compulsory.
National qualifications are available as follows:
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Level 1 Certificates in Latin are available at the end of Book II (Stage 20); |
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The Level 2 Certificate in Latin Language & Roman Civilisation is available at the end of Book III (Stage 28); |
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The Level 2 Certificate in Latin Language is available at the end of Book V (Stage 40); |
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The Level 2 Certificate in Latin Literature is available after the study of 240 lines of original literature; |
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AS and A2 qualifications are also available following the AS and A2 courses. |
Can the Cambridge Latin Course tests also be taken online?
Normally, you receive a paper copy of the tests and you post your answers to your e-tutor. Students are trusted to complete the tests under examination conditions.
How are the Cambridge Latin Course tests administered?
Attainment (but not Graded) tests are sent by the e-tutor to the student either electronically, as an attached document, or in the post. Independent learners do the tests at home and send their scripts to their e-tutor, who then marks the work and informs the student of the results. At the end of Book I (Stage 12) midway through and end of Book II (Stages 16 and 20) and end of Book III (Stage 28), e-tutors mark the student's script and send it to the CSCP office for moderation. E-tutors are informed of the outcome of moderation and they, in turn, let their students know whether they passed the test.
Will I receive a letter grade at the end?
Your e-tutor will inform you what marks you have achieved in the respective tests. All certificates, however, merely indicate successful completion of the relevant tests.
Students following the externally examined courses (Level 1, Level 2, AS and A2 courses) will receive their grade information from the examination board via their examination centre.
Will I receive a formal qualification/certificate at the end of my studies?
You can take a Graded Test accredited by the University of Cambridge at the end of Book I (Stage 12), midway through Book II (Stage 16), at the end of Book II (Stage 20) and at the end of Book III (Stage 28). Successful completion of the tests results in certification from the University of Cambridge.
Those following the Level 1, Level 2, AS and A2 courses will receive
formal certification from the examination board.
Can I receive formal accreditation to satisfy the American education system?
No, the Graded Tests at the end of the Book are purely an informal recognition of the standard achieved. If you would like more information about formal accreditation in the United States, then please visit the North American Cambridge Classics Project website at
www.cambridgelatin.com.
CSCP Independent Learners Manager
Email:
Learning*CambridgeSCP.com
Telephone: 01223 330579 (or +44 1223 330579 outside UK). |  | 
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