The Subject
This subject gives the student the opportunity to study the language and literature of ancient Greece, reading the works of authors such as Euripides, Homer, Plutarch and Xenophon. They will experience at first hand elements of the culture, language and social and political life of Greek civilisation which has inspired much of western civilisation.
Studying an ancient language helps students learn more about the way languages are structured, and how they impact upon later cultures. This course will also promote the development of analytical skills and intellectual flexibility, which will be useful in a wide range of jobs or in further study.
Students need no prior knowledge of any classical language for this course, but will need to start in Year 10 if they do so.
The Course
Students will:
- Learn how to read classical Greek texts in their original language.
- Read and analyse set texts by authors such as Euripides, Homer, Plutarch and Xenophon in their original language.
- Develop a sensitive and analytical approach to language, including an awareness of the relationship between classical Greek and modern languages.
- Learn more about ancient Greek culture and society to provide context for the texts read in class.
- Be able to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.
The OCR GCSE in classical Greek is composed of three papers:
1. Language (1 hour 30 minutes). This paper requires the student to translate and/or answer comprehension questions about texts they will not have seen before they enter the exam room.
2. Literature (1 hour). This paper requires the student to translate and answer comprehension questions about the literary texts that they have read in class.
3. Culture (1 hour). This paper asks the student to answer questions exploring the culture and society of ancient Greece.
There is no language component to this paper.