Greek

(Only available as an extra GCSE on Thursday afternoon)

Classical Greek is a favourite subject of the brightest pupils in the School. Pupils enjoy learning the alphabet, which is useful for Mathematics or, indeed, in visiting modern-day Greece, and the fact that they are taught in a small group of enthusiastic peers. They also quickly learn to appreciate that the ‘Greek genius’ that has brought to us mathematical theories, philosophy, ideas of democracy, and public speaking can only be truly appreciated through reading the actual words in the original language. Pupils will have the opportunity not only to develop their enjoyment of languages in general, through getting more acquainted with Greek, but also to study the selection of exciting original texts, including the works of Homer, or the tragic plays of Euripides. They will also study a literature and culture module focussing on aspects of Ancient Greek life by studying visual and architectural sources, as well as written sources translated into English: this is ideal for those with an interest in the culture and history of Greece who have not previously had a chance to study it.

The course will, like Latin, involve developing pupils’ language skills and ability to deal with the Greek texts. The stories from the textbook Greek to GCSE offer pupils, through interesting tales from Greece, an insight into the ideals and ideas which are in the core of the study of Classics, such Alexander the Great, the philosophy of Socrates, and Greek myth.

Paper 1: Language (50%)

Unprepared translation and comprehension on a story from mythology, domestic life or history.

Paper 2: Literature and Culture (25%)

Athenian Society and the Olympic Games

Paper 3: Verse Literature (25%)

We shall study part of Homer’s Odyssey 10, dealing with Odysseus’ encounters with the Sorceress Circe

Classical Greek GCSE is well respected by universities and employers, who appreciate the intellectual qualities required in studying the language. It has traditionally been associated with the Law and Medicine. Classical Greek can be continued at A Level and university levels. In the past, it was traditionally studied with Latin, but nowadays it can be studied alone or in many combinations with Arts subjects, such as English, Modern Foreign Languages, History, Philosophy, etc. and also with Science subjects and Maths. A GCSE in this subject can be used as support for Arts or Law courses and also Science or Medicine courses in higher education, but a good grade will be valued whatever subject you study eventually.