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Classical Greek

  • Additional
  • OCR

Classical Greek is an additional GCSE subject offered outside the GCSE Option Block system. It is therefore open to any student interested in Classics. At the end of Year 9, the Classics Department will liaise with students who may be interested.

Classical Greek is an additional GCSE subject offered outside the GCSE Option Block system. It is therefore open to any student interested in Classics. At the end of Year 9, the Classics Department will liaise with students who may be interested.

This subject offers you the opportunity to

Study the language and literature of classical Greece, reading the works of famous authors such as Homer, Euripides, Herodotus and Plato.

Experience elements of the culture, language and social and political life of the Greek civilisation which has inspired many later generations.

Make comparisons between the ideas of Classical Greece and those of today and to appreciate the great legacy of Classical Greece to western democracy and culture.

Gain enriched vocabulary and improved spelling – it is not always appreciated how many English words and how much scientific vocabulary is derived from Classical Greek.

Improve your critical and analytical skills essential for most A Level courses.

Access a different script and lettering system which can be both challenging and rewarding.

Course content and assesment

Classical Greek is an additional GCSE subject offered outside the GCSE Option Block system. It is therefore open to any student interested in Classics. At the end of Year 9, the Classics Department will liaise with students who may be interested.

Language 50%

1 hour 30 minutes

Students are required to prepare for one language paper. This involves the ability to translate from Greek, to comprehend a Greek passage and answer questions on this in English. Also, students either answer grammar questions or translate short sentences from English to Greek. Students build their knowledge of the required accidence and syntax over the two-year course and learn the vocabulary in the Defined Vocabulary List.

Verse Literature 25%

1 hour

Students are required to answer comprehension questions and translate a passage. Learners study a set prose text or group of texts, totalling between 110 and 120 lines in length. The set texts will change every two years.

Literature and Culture 25%

1 hour

This module is designed to develop students’ knowledge of Greek culture through the study of source images and ancient literature in translation. Students are required to answer questions which assess their ability to analyse and evaluate evidence from these sources. The set topics will change every two years.

Related subjects

Classical Civilisation

  • Optional
  • OCR

Further Maths

  • Core
  • Level 2
  • AQA

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