Classical Greek

EXAMINATION BOARD: OCR SPECIFICATION CODE: H444

EXPECTED GCSE REQUIREMENTS: A GRADE 7 OR ABOVE IN CLASSICAL GREEK.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

You will study some of the most important works in Greek (by authors such as Homer, Herodotus, Plutarch, Plato and Aristophanes), both as works of literature, but also with a view to their context and significance in Greek history and society. You will also continue to scrutinise the language with a greater degree of fluency.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

There are four exam papers at the end of the A2 course which are worth the following: n Unseen Translation (01)

1 hour 45 minutes, 33% of total A Level n Prose Composition or Comprehension (02)

1 hour 15 minutes, 17% of total A Level n Prose Literature (03) 2 hours, 25% of total A Level n Verse Literature (04) 2 hours, 25% of total A Level

WHERE WILL THIS TAKE ME?

An A Level in Classical Greek would give you a firm foundation in the language in preparation for a Classics degree. Aside from this, Greek suggests to university admissions tutors that you possess extensive analytical skills and intellectual flexibility. Job applicants whose thought and reasoning processes have been formed by the study of Classical Greek are a good recruitment target for shrewd employers in both the City and many other disciplines.

WHAT ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES ARE THERE?

We are well connected with the Guildford Classical Association, who organise many lectures, quizzes and discussions, which are all available to you as students at Tormead. Last year we heard about the origins of Virgil’s Aeneid from Prof. Llewelyn Morgan, for example.

This year we are running a trip to the British Museum for L6 and U6 combined. This visit will enable you to see the visual sources you are studying in the flesh and even meet new vases and statues. Seeing these objects up close is a really fantastic experience, and your perspective on Greek and Roman art and architecture will be changed once you see it in all its glory. We hope to make this a regular trip.