GREEK (WITH LATIN)*

*The Classics Department offers Latin only or a combination of Latin and Classical Greek as options in Years 9-11. For details of the Latin option see under the heading Latin.

Year 9 Course Outline

In Year 9 there is an opportunity for pupils to study both Classical Greek and Latin. This is a single option, combining the two subjects. Pupils study the same Latin material as those doing Latin only (see details under Latin) so that pupils are in no way disadvantaged if, in the end, they decide to opt for Latin only at GCSE. In addition to Latin, they gain an understanding of the alphabet and structure of the Greek language and start reading some stories in the original Greek. As background work we study Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey and aspects of Greek Mythology.

Years 10 and 11 Course Outline

Pupils are able to continue to study Greek and Latin to GCSE in Years 10 and 11, when both subjects are taught in a single timetable allocation of six periods per fortnight. Pupils selecting this option at GCSE level should normally have studied both subjects at Year 9. As with Latin, they develop their translation skills and start studying and evaluating Greek authors such as Herodotus and Euripides in the original Greek. In Latin pupils work towards the Eduqas GCSE Latin qualification which consists of three elements: Latin Language (1½ hrs); Latin literature (sources) (1 hr); Latin literature (narratives) (1 hr).

Skills Required and Developed

Pupils who opt for Greek as well as Latin in Year 10 do an additional GCSE within the regular timetable. They therefore need to be able and confident linguists who are prepared to put in some extra work. This is not an easy option, but a highly rewarding one. Pupils should discuss their initial choice with their Latin subject teacher or the Head of Department.

Ancient Greece has been rightly described as the cradle of Western civilisation. The writings of the first playwrights, historians, geographers and philosophers were in Greek; above all, the principles of democracy and judicial law were founded in Ancient Athens. The challenges that the study of Greek demand are well recognised by universities and undergraduates with some knowledge of Greek are much sought after by Classics Departments.

External Assessment

Dependent on progress and aptitude, pupils may be entered either for the Full Greek GCSE or the Short Course. (All are entered for the full Latin GCSE. For details, please see Latin section in this booklet.) There is no non-Examined Assessment coursework.

Full Course: Greek Language 1: Unseen translation (mythology and history) (1½ hrs)

Greek Language 2: Greek Prose Literature (1 hr)

Greek Language 3: Greek Verse Literature (1 hr)

Beyond the Classroom

See Latin section

Further Information

Mr M G D Murray, Head of Classics, Tel 023 9236 0036 ext 326, Email m.murray@pgs.org.uk

Exam board Websites:

Classical Greek: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-classical-greek-j292-from-2016/ Latin: http://eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/latin/eduqas-gcse-latin-spec-from-2016.pdf?language_id=1