Overview 

Ancient Greek at Key Stage 4 builds upon foundational linguistic skills to develop students’ ability to read and understand original Greek texts. Using Greek to GCSE Book 2 (John Taylor), students deepen their knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and literary appreciation. Alongside language study, students also study OCR Verse Set Texts and Greek Culture, gaining insight into Greek literature, history, and society while preparing for GCSE assessment. 

Curriculum Intent 

The Ancient Greek curriculum aims to: 

• Develop secure understanding of Greek grammar and syntax (including complex verb forms and constructions) 

• Build a wide-ranging core vocabulary to support fluent translation. 

• Enable students to read and analyse adapted and original Greek texts with confidence. 

• Develop literary analysis skills through the study of OCR Verse Literature (e.g. Homer) 

• Build knowledge of ancient Greek culture, society, and beliefs. 

• Foster transferable skills including problem-solving, linguistic analysis, and critical thinking 

Key knowledge and skills: 

• Defined vocabulary list   

• Grammar and translation skills   

• Understanding of Greek culture and society   

• Analytical and evaluative skills  

Curriculum Implementation 

Teaching Approach 

• Systematic teaching of grammar using John Taylor’s Greek to GCSE Book 2 (Chapters 5–10) 

• Regular translation practice 

• Explicit vocabulary learning and retrieval practice 

• Close reading and literary analysis of verse set texts (e.g. Homeric passages) 

• Thematic teaching of Greek civilisation topics alongside language 

• Use of modelling, guided practice, and independent application 

Sequencing of learning 

• Curriculum structured around the three exam papers:   

1. Language Paper (50%)  
2. Literature (Prose or Verse) Paper (25%)   
3. Literature and Civilisation Paper (25%)   

• Structured progression through Chapters 5–10, introducing increasingly complex syntax. 

• Increased complexity over time, moving from simple to extended responses.  

• Regular revisiting of grammar within literary and unseen translation contexts 

Assessment 

• Weekly vocabulary and grammar quizzes 

• Regular translation assessments 

• Literature assessments on verse set text analysis (language, style, context) 

• End-of-unit tests aligned with OCR GCSE exam format. 

• Mock examinations in Year 11  

Curriculum Impact 

Success is measured through: 

• Student progress in translation accuracy and fluency 

• Ability to analyse and respond to Greek verse literature confidently. 

• Understanding of Greek cultural themes and context 

• Performance in internal assessments and OCR GCSE examinations 

• Increased confidence in discussing language, literature, and civilisation. 

Curriculum Structure 

Key Stage 4 

Year	Topics / Units	Key Knowledge & Skills
10	John Taylor, Greek to GCSE Book 2 Chapter 5-10: participles, relative clauses, deponents, passives, imperatives	Core vocabulary acquisition, translation mastery, introduction to more complex grammar (passives, deponents etc), developing exam techniques and skills
11	Study of Ancient Greek literature (prose or verse) and culture	Literary analysis of Ancient Greek set texts, (including characterisation, themes, author’s intent), understanding of Ancient Greek society and culture, extended written responses and exam technique

Exam Board and specification link: 

OCR GCSE Ancient Greek (J292) 
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/ancient-greek-j292 

Enrichment 

Clubs, trips