Course specification: OCR J292 (9-1)
Classical Greek can be taken as an additional subject, taught in after-school classes on one day per week from 4.15-5.45pm. Students from St Bede’s Inter-Church School and other local schools join our students for these lessons.
All the benefits of a Latin qualification are also realised by students of Classical Greek. Additionally, students will be learning a language using a different alphabet and will be introduced to some fascinating stories.
Classical Greek is an enjoyable and novel challenge, and is guaranteed to look impressive on a curriculum vitae. Keen scientists or those interested in a career in medicine will find Classical Greek particularly valuable, since many scientific and medical terms are Classical Greek. Of course, Classical Greek is also likely to enhance students’ chances of getting onto a competitive university course, such as medicine or dentistry.
Students can join this two year course when they are in Year 9 or Year 10. The examination is taken after two years of study, either in Year 10 or Year 11. The Classical Greek course is recommended for motivated and enthusiastic students who enjoy languages and find them easy. There are some similarities with Latin, so if you enjoy Latin you will probably do well in Classical Greek. However, if you are a motivated linguist and have not studied any Latin, you are able to start Classical Greek and joining the course would be a good opportunity to sample an ancient language.
Classical Greek is assessed by examination after two years of study. There are three papers in total:
- In the Language paper students will undertake some translation and comprehension of Classical Greek passages and will have the option of either translating some short sentences into Classical Greek or answering questions on the language of the passage.
- In the Literature paper they will answer questions on a Greek set text which they will have studied in class.
- In the Literature and Culture paper they will answer questions on specific topics – for 2021 the Olympic Games and Athenian Society – using information gained from literary sources in translation and archaeological evidence.
Optional Trip: Classics Trip to Greece or Italy. Years 9-13 (Greece) and Years 8-13 (Italy). 4 days.