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, one of Plato ' s dialogues, 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.
THE MIDDLE SCHOOL | AT SEVENOAKS 37