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Rooks Heath School

Rooks Heath School

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Ancient Greek

Overview 

Ancient Greek at Key Stage 5 develops advanced linguistic, analytical, and literary skills through the study of original Greek texts. Students build on GCSE knowledge to read extended prose and verse in the original language while exploring Greek literature, history, and thought. The OCR A Level course includes unseen translation, comprehension, and the study of verse and prose set texts, enabling students to engage critically with classical literature at a high level. 

Curriculum Intent 

The Ancient Greek curriculum aims to: 

  • Develop a sophisticated understanding of Greek grammar and syntax, including complex constructions. 

  • Build fluency in translating unseen Greek prose and verse. 

  • Enable students to read and analyse extended original texts independently. 

  • Develop critical appreciation of Greek literature (both prose and verse) 

  • Foster detailed understanding of historical, cultural, and literary context 

  • Cultivate analytical, evaluative, and written communication skills appropriate for A Level study. 

Key knowledge and skills:  

  • Secure understanding of Ancient Greek grammar (cases, verb forms, syntax, subordinate clauses)  

  • Knowledge of core vocabulary required for unseen translation.  

  • Foster critical analysis of literary texts, including themes, style, and historical context.  

  • Close analysis of Ancient Greek texts (word choice, syntax, literary effects)  

  • Constructing clear, structured arguments about the texts  

Curriculum Implementation 

Teaching Approach  

  • Explicit teaching of language through regular translation practice  

  • Close textual analysis of set texts in both Ancient Greek and English  

  • Class discussion focusing on themes, literary techniques, and historical context.  

  • Exam-style questions integrated regularly to develop confidence.  

Sequencing of learning  

  • Year 12 focuses on consolidating language skills and introducing prose and verse set texts.  

  • Year 13 develops deeper literary analysis and exam preparation.  

  • Unseen translation skills are developed progressively across both years.  

Assessment  

  • Regular vocabulary and grammar tests  

  • Translation and comprehension assessments  

  • Essay writing on literature texts (themes, characterisation, style)  

  • Full mock examinations in Year 13  

Curriculum Impact 

Success is measured through:  

  • Strong progress in translation accuracy and fluency  

  • Development of sophisticated literary analysis in essays  

  • Positive student outcomes in mock and final A Level exams  

  • Student confidence in tackling unseen material.  

  • Ability to engage critically with classical texts and ideas.  

Curriculum Structure 

Key Stage 4  

Year Topics / Units  Key Knowledge & Skills 
12 Language consolidation (grammar & syntax), introduction to unseen translation, introduction to the verse and prose literature study Secure knowledge of vocabulary and syntax, translation of adapted and original Ancient Greek, understanding of social and historical contexts for both the prose and verse literature 
13 Advanced unseen translation, continued analysis of literature both prose and verse  Confident translation of unseen prose and verse, development of structured, critical essays, more independent analysis of literature  

Exam Board and specification Link: 

OCR A Level Classical Greek (H444) 

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/classical-greek-h044-h444-from-2016/ 

Enrichment 

Clubs, trips