GREEK
Aims Learning Greek provides students with a varied educational experience ; the language elements of the course encourage clear thinking and logical problem-solving , the literature elements promote interpretation and creativity , and the subject as a whole encourages an enthusiasm for the personalities , ideas and achievements of the ancient world . Students will always be studying Greek alongside Latin , giving able and enthusiastic candidates the opportunity to gain an extra GCSElevel qualification .
Skills Taking Greek GCSE encourages students to develop a competence in translating and understanding the Classical Greek language , and as a result , improve problem-solving in all disciplines . It asks them to make an informed and personal response to the literature studied , which could be extracts from a Greek tragedy , the Histories of Herodotus or Homer ’ s epics , the Iliad and Odyssey . They gain a broader perspective on the cultural and linguistic heritage of Europe , and develop a systematic approach to grammar and meaning in all languages , including English . It also develops a deeper understanding of today ’ s issues through the discussion of ideas prevalent in Classical Greek times and their influence on modern civilisation .
Content The course is divided into language and literature sections . Students will improve their linguistic skills and be tested on these via translation and comprehension , and will also be asked to evaluate and interpret the Greek literature extracts they have studied in class . Set texts change from year to year , but recent selections have included Euripides ’ version of the sacrifice of Iphigenia before the Trojan War , Lucian ’ s account of his trip to the moon , Herodotus ’ descriptions of Egyptian culture and crocodiles , and Odysseus ’ adventure with the Cyclops . There is no coursework element to Greek GCSE .
Enrichment Although by no means compulsory , students are very much encouraged to take part in the Year 10 Classics study trip to Pompeii and the Bay of Naples , which normally takes place in the Easter holiday or May half term . Students are also invited to think beyond the requirements of the syllabus through wider reading and occasional theatre and museum trips . It is necessary to have studied Greek at this level in order to take it in the Sixth Form , where it is an option at both Higher and Standard Level in Group 2 ( Languages ) of the IB Diploma , and can also be taken as a second language in Group 6 .
However , the skills gained within a Greek GCSE course are transferable to a huge range of subjects within the IB and beyond . As one employer puts it : ‘ I think Classics graduates are probably better than those of any other discipline .’
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