Classical Greek

Why study Classical Greek?

Classical Greek is a highly academic subject, recognised by employers as intellectually demanding. The GCSE course presents the opportunity to explore a culture which is considered to be the cornerstone of Western civilisation.

The ancient Greeks defined many of the key areas of our civilisation, posing the basic questions to which we are still seeking the answers. An open mind, ability to apply skills logically, and an appreciation of literature and culture in general are qualities that this course engenders.

Classical Greek traditionally complements Latin, although occasionally pupils do opt only for this course. The skills acquired through the study of Greek command the respect of universities and employers alike, showing that whoever has this GCSE has a keen mind and good study habits.

How is the course examined?

Examination

Language (50%) 1 hour 30 minutes

Verse Literature (25%) 1 hour

Literature and Culture (25%) 1 hour

The language paper requires candidates to translate from Classical Greek into English as well as to answer some comprehension questions on passages recounting stories drawn from Greek mythology or domestic life, and history. There are optional sentences to translate from English into Greek.

The Literature paper requires candidates to answer translation, comprehension and literary appreciation questions on verse text which they have studied in class.

The Literature and Culture paper requires candidates to respond to sources from Classical Greece.

What does the course cover?

The Year 9 Latin syllabus includes a six-week Greek Taster Course to give you a taste of this traditional subject. The first year of the Classical Greek GCSE course is spent mainly acquiring linguistic knowledge and skills, many of which are similar to those used in Latin. You also learn about the culture and history of Ancient Greece so that you are learning the language in context rather than in isolation. The final year is devoted more fully to the study and appreciation of the literature as well as the consolidation of translation and comprehension skills. Whilst the Prose authors for the literature paper can vary, the Verse literature set text is usually either part of a Greek tragedy or a fragment of Homer’s IIiad.