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Classical Greek
GCSE Course (OCR 1943)
In years 10 and 11, the transition is made from reading made-up Greek to original authors such as Xenophon, Herodotus and Homer. Much of the time is spent mastering the language by continuing with translation from Greek, comprehensions and grammar exercises. When the set back work begins, students will be introduced to literary criticism and, in Year 11, systematic learning of the prescribed GCSE vocabulary will be undertaken.
As part of our course, we also study background material on Socrates, Greek Mythology and the historian Herodotus.
The GCSE comprises three written examination papers. There is no coursework.
- Translation and comprehension (2 hours, 50% of total marks)
- Verse set text (1.5 hours, 30% of total marks)
- Prose set text (1 hour, 20% of total marks)
The syllabus is examined at one tier.
The study of Greek is demanding, requiring accuracy, attention to nuance of language and thought, and an understanding of a very different but brilliant and influential culture. Quite apart from the subject matter, the study of Greek encourages flexibility of thought and being articulate and coherent, orally and on paper. These are valuable qualities, much in demand by employers.
A classicist and businessman has described Greek as "a wonderful training for getting things down on paper clearly and concisely", and, in the words of a careers adviser, "Classicists can do anything".
A-Level Course (OCR AS 3817, A 7817)
Full specification
Student website
The primary aim of the A-level course is to enable students to read the most interesting and important Greek authors with competence, understanding and enjoyment. A wide range of authors is tackled, which may include Thucydides, Plato, Homer, Euripides and Aristophanes; and students are asked to prepare translations at home which are then gone over in class. Some work on literary appreciation is also done, mainly through class discussion. There will also be one set book to prepare each year for examination purposes. In addition, students continue with language work, including translation from English into Greek, which is taught from scratch. Some time may also be devoted to Greek History, exploring topics such as Athenian Democracy and relations between Athens and other Greek states.
The syllabus will be divided into two parts: AS in year 12 (lower sixth), and A2 in year 13 (upper sixth), each consisting of three units, all of which are assessed by examinations.
AS-Level Course
Unit 1: Unprepared Translation (15%)
One passage of Greek prose to translate into English. The exam board issues a vocabulary list to help students prepare for this unit.
Unit 2: Literature 1 (20%)
Comprehension and literary appreciation questions on a set text, which is prepared in class during year 12. Students have to answer two questions.
Unit 3: Literature 2 (15%)
Translation and essay questions on the text set in Unit 2. Students have to translate two passages and write one essay.
A2-Level Course
Unit 4: Unprepared Translation (15%)
One passage of Greek prose and one passage of verse to be translated into English. These will come from named authors and students will be prepared for this by reading extensively from them in year 13.
Unit 5: Literature 3 (20%)
Comprehension/literary appreciation and essay questions on the year 13 set text. Students have to write one essay and answer two other questions.
Unit 6: Prose Composition (15%)
A short passage of English to be translated into Greek.
Beyond A-level
Classics has a justified reputation for intellectual rigour, and a degree in Classics fosters skills such as logical thought, problem-solving and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and on paper. Since it involves the study of all aspects of a civilisation - language, literature, history, philosophy and art - it promotes the development of a breadth of mind which is often unmatched elsewhere. Classics graduates embark on careers such as law, finance - especially in the City - accountancy, banking, the Civil Service, commerce, industry, marketing, personnel and computing. In short, any career which does not demand a highly specialised degree subject is open to the Classicist.