Classical Greek

The subject

Classical Greek offers students the opportunity to read, in the original language, a selection of verse and prose literature by Classical Greek authors. A GCSE in Classical Greek is normally required. The course includes selections from Homer’s Iliad (which recounts an episode in the tenth year of the Trojan War), a Greek tragedy by Sophocles, Plato’s Republic and Herodotus, sometimes called the ‘first historian’. Students also have the opportunity to learn how to translate from English into Greek.

Classical Greek, combines well with English, other modern languages, Mathematics, History, Ancient History, Classical Civilisation and Latin.

 

The course

Students take three units at AS level giving them the opportunity to study key texts of Homer, Sophocles, Plato and Herodotus. They also prepare for an unseen paper where the student is asked to translate a moderately challenging Greek text. At A2 level study focuses on the same texts as at AS but in greater depth and length. Further papers ask the student questions on comprehension and translation of unprepared texts from known authors.

The course includes visits to the theatre as opportunities arise.

  

Preferred Board: OCR