The certificate is designed to provide a qualification for students who have covered roughly half the linguistic content required for GCSE. It can be used as a ‘stepping stone’ for those who will later progress to the GCSE, or as an end goal in its own right for those who are not able or do not wish to study for the full GCSE. As such, it is hoped that the certificate will lead to an increase in numbers of learners who are able to achieve a substantive qualification in Classical Greek.
There are no specific requirements for prior learning with this specification. It builds upon the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired at Key Stages 1 and 2 in a wide range of subjects, such as English, History, Literacy, MFL, logic skills learnt in Maths and Science. Many students may know a little Greek mythology from prior study at primary school or from their own personal reading, but this is not a prerequisite.
The course is designed to enable candidates to develop:
1. a basic level of competence in the Classical Greek language;
2. a sensitive and analytical approach to language in general;
3. an awareness of the influence of Classical Greek on the languages of today;
4. an appreciation for Classical Greek history and culture, as exemplified in stories about Greek myth and history.
- ICCG
The contents of the examination are purely linguistic, although it is hoped, and indeed encouraged, that teachers will explore cultural and historical aspects of the Ancient Greek world as much as teaching time allows.
- Level 3
Students will be awarded a Distinction, Merit, Pass or Fail, according to the overall mark achieved across the whole paper. There is no hurdle of achievement within the paper (i.e. weaker performance in one section can be compensated by better performance elsewhere).
It is proposed that grades will be awarded as follows:
Distinction c. 90% or more
Merit c. 70% or more
Pass c. 50% or more
Fail under c. 50%
The examination will consist of one 90-minute paper, with 100 marks available.
Learners are assessed on ability to demonstrate knowledge of Classical Greek by: answering simple comprehension questions based on a passage of unseen text; translating short selections of simple unseen Classical Greek into English, demonstrating knowledge of vocabulary, accidence and syntax as detailed in the specification; answering questions involving Classical Greek grammar, e.g. morphology of noun and verb forms, the use of cases or parts of speech, and rules concerning specific items of vocabulary (90% of assessment).
And to demonstrate knowledge of Classical Greek by translating English words or short sentences into Classical Greek, using vocabulary, accidence and syntax (10% of assessment).
There is no Autumn re-sit opportunity each year, but students are welcome to enter for the qualification again in subsequent years. There is no limit on the number of times an individual student can enter for the qualification.
Guided learning hours: 50.
The examination will be available once per year, in June. The examination must be sat during a specified week, with the exact timing at the discretion of the school or college; this is akin to the Olympiad model used in several other subjects. The examination sitting will usually occur in schools or colleges, according to the normal arrangements for public examinations as described by JCQ. Independent learners or adult learning groups should contact the Certificate Administrator to confirm the venue and invigilation arrangements for the examination.
This certificate enables smooth progression to GCSE if students can or want to pursue this.