Subject Choices for GCSE
EXTRA - 10TH SUBJECT
Classical Greek Classical Greek GCSE is completed from scratch in two years. This subject provides suitable challenge for able
COURSE CONTENT
linguists, who have an interest in the culture and history,
You learn Greek using Taylor’s Greek to GCSE (Parts 1
myths and legends of classical Greece. The course is
& 2), which provides knowledge and understanding of
well suited for those who are taking Latin GCSE, but
both Greek language and culture. Two prescribed texts
can be studied equally well as an independent option.
are studied, one prose and one verse. The prose text
Because this GCSE is taught in only two years, the pace
for examination in 2023 will be the philosopher Plato’s
will be fast, and you should bear this in mind if you are
moving account in his dialogue Phaedo of the death of
considering the option of studying Greek GCSE.
his teacher and friend Socrates; the verse text will be an extract from Book 7 of Homer’s Odyssey, the great
COURSE AIMS AND BENEFITS
epic which tells the story of its hero, Odysseus’ ten-year
The course aims to develop a greater understanding of
journey home after the Trojan War. In the prescribed
the classical Greek world and its influence on modern
section, you will read Odysseus’ own account of his
society, particularly in the fields of language, science,
trials and tribulations that he tells to the King and
history, the arts and our political systems. As you
Queen of the Phaeacians, a people who entertain him
begin studying Greek in Year 10, the course will help
after he escapes from a violent storm and struggles
you develop analytical skills and a more sophisticated
ashore onto their land.
appreciation of language, enabling you to discover
One of the main aims of studying classical Greek is to
ASSESSMENT At the end of Year 11 students take three examinations:
gain access to the wealth of famous literature from the
Language
ancient world and to develop an appreciation of Greek
1 hour 30 minutes; 50% of marks
literature in its cultural context. The Department runs
Prose Literature
a variety of trips, including visits to see Greek plays in
1 hour; 25% of marks
London, Oxford and/or Cambridge. As well as being
Verse Literature
exciting and inspiring, this course helps you develop
1 hour; 25% of marks
some of the many links between Greek and languages still spoken today.
an intellectual flexibility, which will be useful in further study and subsequently a wide range of careers.
The course caters for a wide variety of interests: literary and linguistic, as well as cultural and historical, making it an excellent complement to many other subjects. We stretch students well beyond what is required for GCSE, getting them to translate English into Greek and exposing them to many sophisticated literary analytical techniques taught at A level. Classical Greek is very highly regarded by universities and employers alike, whatever discipline or career you intend to pursue.
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT There is no Controlled Assessment for Greek.
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