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• Languages | Classical Greek: Learning in Classical Greek

  The place of Classical Greek and the heritage of the ancient Greek world

  The Classical Greek language belongs to the Indo-European linguistic family. It is thus related to most of the languages of Europe, to Old Persian and, through Sanskrit, to several major Indian languages.

  Classical Greek is...

  Overview material | Classical Greek

• VCGRCU009

  Acquire and build vocabulary by using roots, derivatives and word lists, and use dictionaries to select appropriate meanings of Classical Greek words

  Elaborations

  • developing own and class lists of vocabulary related to texts and topics, such as daily life in ancient Greece, for example, δοῦλος/δεσπότης, γυμνάσιον/παλαίστρα
  • creating a class bank of words frequently found in Classical Greek, for example, μῦθος/ἥρως/θηρίον, ναῦς/ναύτης/ναύκληρος/ναυμαχίαν, πλοῦς/ἱστίον/ἐρέτης/λιμήν, and common expressions used in everyday activities, for example, χαίρετε, τὶ πράττεις; ἐλθὲ δεῦρο, φεῦ, οἴμοι, εὖγε, εὖ ποιεῖς, σὺν ἀλλήλοις
  • practising vocabulary knowledge, for example, by using electronic resources
  • using print and electronic dictionaries to locate the appropriate meanings of words
  • understanding that one Classical Greek word may correspond to several different English words, and selecting the most appropriate meaning of a word in its context
  • developing strategies for vocabulary building by applying knowledge of roots and derivatives, for example, ἄγγελος (angel/archangel/evangelist), περί (periscope/perimeter/periphery), μόνος/η/ον (monotony, monologue, monopoly)
  • building vocabulary by recognising Classical Greek words commonly used in English, for example, idea, aroma, drama, synthesis, analysis, antithesis, hyperbole

  VCGRCU009 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Systems of language

• Classical Greek: Levels 9 and 10 achievement standards

  By the end of Level 10, students analyse a range of Classical Greek texts to obtain information and ideas about ancient Greek society and culture. They use vocabulary, grammar and textual cues to analyse and interpret language use and cultural references in Classical Greek texts, such as poetry...

  Level description | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 9 and 10

• VCGRCU007

  Understand the phonological and orthographic systems of Classical Greek, including the restored pronunciation and the written alphabet

  Elaborations

  • learning the Greek alphabet in lower and upper case, including final sigma, matching script to sound, for example, δ = d, γ = g, θ = th
  • recognising the use of the upper case in Classical Greek to distinguish proper nouns
  • mimicking or copying restored pronunciation of Classical Greek words, individually or with peers
  • writing simple sentences in Classical Greek to consolidate knowledge of script
  • recognising and representing diphthongs, double consonants and aspirated consonants, for example, αι, γγ, ψ, ξ, θ, χ, φ
  • recognising and using diacritical marks to show aspiration and iota subscript, for example, ἡ ὁδός, τῇ ὁδῷ
  • learning the standard system of transliteration of Greek into English letters, for example, δ = d, χ = ch, αι = ae
  • recognising that punctuation in Classical Greek can be different from English, for example, the use of the semicolon as the question mark in Classical Greek

  VCGRCU007 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCGRCU008

  Understand concepts of accidence and syntax used in simple and compound sentences in Classical Greek, including parts of speech, case, gender, number, person, declension and conjugation, agreement and tense, mood, voice, participles and infinitives

  Elaborations

  • recognising that Greek verbs have variable endings that indicate person and number, for example, φέρω, φέρουσιν
  • conjugating -ω verbs in the present, future, imperfect and aorist tenses, active and middle, for example, λύω/λύομαι
  • conjugating contract verbs –εω, –αω in the present, future imperfect and aorist tenses, active and middle, for example, φιλῶ/φιλοῦμαι, τιμῶ/τιμῶμαι
  • using the imperative in the present and aorist tenses, active and middle, for example, σπεῦδε/σπεῦσον
  • using the infinitive and participles, active and middle, in the present, future and aorist tenses, for example, παύειν/παύων, παύσειν/παύσων, παῦσαι/παύσας
  • using the irregular verb ‘to be’ in the present, future and imperfect tenses, for example, εἰμἰ/ἔσομαι/ἦν
  • using the definite article to identify the number, gender and case of nouns, for example, αἱ ὁδοί, τούς δικαστάς
  • recognising that the definite article, nouns, pronouns and adjectives inflect to show number and case, for example, ὁ ἡμέτερος πατήρ, τὰ μικρὰ ἄροτρα
  • identifying the forms and functions of the nominative, vocative, accusative, genitive and dative cases of the definite article, nouns and pronouns, for example, τῶν πολιτῶν πολλοί (partitive genitive), τῇ ὑστεραίᾳ (dative of time when)
  • identifying the three declensions of nouns and adjectives, including variants:
    • first declension: ἡ κρήνη, ἡ οἰκία, ἡ θάλαττα, ὁ δεσπότης, ὁ νεανίας
    • second declension: ὁ ἀγρός, ἡ νῆσος, τὸ δένδρον
    • third declension: ὁ φύλαξ, τὸ ὂνομα, ὁ ἀνήρ, ἡ τριήρης, ἡ πόλις, ὁ βασιλεύς, τὸ τεῖχος
  • identifying forms of common irregular nouns, for example, ἠ ναῦς, ὀ βοῦς
  • identifying forms of common irregular adjectives, for example, μέγας/μεγάλη/μέγα, πολύς/πολλή/πολύ, πᾶς/πᾶσα/πᾶν
  • recognising agreement between adjectives and nouns in number, gender and case, for example, ἠ μακρὰ ὁδός, τοῦ ἀληθοῦς λόγου
  • recognising the comparative and superlative degrees of regular adjectives, for example, ἀνδρεῖος, ἀνδρειότερος, ἀνδρειότατος
  • identifying cardinal numbers εἷς/μία/ἕν to χίλοι/αι/α and μὐριοι/αι/α and ordinal numbers πρῶτος/η/ον to χιλιοστός, μυριοστός
  • identifying the forms and application of personal, interrogative, indefinite, demonstrative and relative pronouns, for example, ἐγώ/σύ, ἡμεῖς/ὑμεῖς, τίς/τί, τις/τι, οὗτος/αὕτη/τοῦτο, ὅς/ἥ/ὅ
  • distinguishing between prepositional phrases using the accusative, genitive and dative cases, for example, πρὸς τὴν πόλιν, πρὸς τῶν θεῶν, πρὸς τῇ νηί
  • forming positive, comparative and superlative adverbs from adjectives, for example, ἀληθῶς/ἀληθέστερον/ἀληθέστατα
  • analysing the functions of words in sentences from their inflected forms, such as subject + verb + complement, subject + verb + direct object, preposition + noun, for example, τὸ ἄνθος καλὸν ἐστίν. ὁ γεωργὸς τὸν κλῆρον σκάπτει. ὁ στρατὸς πορεύεται πρὸς τὰ τῆς πόλεως τείχη
  • recognising how word order may be different in Classical Greek, such as the use of the attributive and predicative position of the adjective to vary meaning, for example, ἡ καλὴ κόρη and καλὴ ἡ κόρη
  • recognising that adverbs, adverbial phrases and prepositional phrases can give important details about what is happening in a sentence, for example, νῦν, πρὸς τῇ θύρᾳ
  • learning strategies for building on prior knowledge and learning new grammar, for example, mnemonic devices, paradigms, drill exercises, online learning tools

  VCGRCU008 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCGRCE001

  Read, comprehend and discuss Classical Greek texts, using vocabulary, grammar and textual cues, to explore the ancient Greek world

  Elaborations

  • developing an initial sense of the structure and content of texts by inferring meaning from textual cues, for example, titles, headings, images or captions to images, maps
  • listening to simple sentences in Classical Greek to infer meaning, using aural cues such as ἆρα ἤδη πονεῖτε ἐν τοῖς ἀγροῖς; ἐλθὲ δεῦρο
  • determining the general sense of texts through initial holistic reading, by identifying familiar people, vocabulary, places or topics, for example, ὁ Λεωνίδας μάχεται ἐν ταῖς Θερμοπύλαις, recognising modern editors’ use of punctuation to guide readers
  • analysing sentences, identifying and explaining the function of inflected forms, for example, ὁ δεσπότης καλεῖ τὸν δοῦλον (subject + verb + object)
  • identifying and discussing linguistic features in narratives, such as word order, use of interrogative particles, striking word choice, for example, καὶ μὴν καταβαίνει έκ τοῦ ὄρους κένταυρος μέγιστος
  • interpreting and commenting on language choices, such as patterns and length of simple and compound sentences, or use of direct speech, for example, ὁ δὲ Κύκλωψ τόν τ’ Ὀδυσσέα καὶ τοὺς ἑταίρους ὁρᾷ καί, «ὦ ξένοι» βοᾷ, «τίνες έστὲ καὶ πόθεν πλεῖτε;»
  • explaining cultural references embedded in texts, for example, μηδὲν ἄγαν
  • discussing cultural information implicit in Classical Greek vocabulary, for example, ἀνήρ, ἄριστος, σοφός, δεινός, ἥρως
  • exploring cultural elements implicit in language use, for example, vocabulary and expressions particular to specific gods and festivals, such as ὧ Ζεῦ Σῶτερ/Βρόντιε/Ξένιε, ὦ Βάκχε/Βρώμιε, ὦ Φοῖβε, ὦ Ἀθήνη Πρόμαχε
  • discussing cultural representations such as symbols, for example, the owl (Athena), trident (Poseidon), olive wreath (Olympic victory), the letter lambda (Spartans)
  • interpreting stated and implied meanings in texts and supporting an opinion with evidence from the Classical Greek, such as relationships between characters

  VCGRCE001 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 7 and 8 | Engaging with texts | Accessing the ancient Greek world through Classical Greek texts

• Classical Greek: Levels 7 and 8 description

  Students become familiar with the sounds of Classical Greek, including the restored pronunciation. They use appropriate phrasing and voice inflection when reading aloud, reciting or performing Classical Greek texts, such as stories, dialogues, songs or plays, and develop their understanding of...

  Level description | Languages | Classical Greek

• Classical Greek: Levels 7 and 8 achievement standards

  By the end of Level 8, students use their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and textual cues to identify and interpret information in Classical Greek texts, such as narratives, about the daily life and attitudes of the ancient Greeks. They interpret grammatical structures such as inflected forms...

  Level description | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 7 and 8

• VCGRCU024

  Expand vocabulary by using a range of strategies, including knowledge of roots, cognates and derivatives, and use dictionaries to determine the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary in specific contexts

  Elaborations

  • developing vocabulary lists pertinent to particular reading, for example, philosophical words, poetic words and military words, such as στρατός, στρατηγός, στρατιώτης, στρατόπεδον
  • using a dictionary to investigate how vocabulary choices in Classical Greek and English can express shades of meaning, ὑπεροράω (‘look down on’, ‘overlook’, ‘despise’)
  • extrapolating knowledge of word origins, roots and cognates to interpret unfamiliar vocabulary, for example, δίκη/δίκαιος, λάμπω/λαμπρός, φοβοῦμαι/φοβερός
  • extending vocabulary through word-building from Classical Greek roots, for example, τιμῶ/τιμή, ἔργον/ἐργάζομαι, πόλις/πολίτης/πολιτικός/πολιτεία
  • identifying and interpreting compound words, for example, προσβάλλω/καταβάλλω/ἐκβάλλω
  • recognising common patterns of vowel change to identify words from the same root, for example, γίγνομαι/γένεσις, λέγω/λόγος
  • expanding vocabulary by using connections between conceptually related words, for example, chronology, chronic, anachronism

  VCGRCU024 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCGRCE018

  Respond to Classical Greek texts by analysing themes, values and literary features, such as plot development and characterisation, and sharing and justifying opinions

  Elaborations

  • reading texts in Classical Greek and responding to questions in English to demonstrate understanding of content, context, purpose and technique
  • discussing how language is used to reveal character, values and key messages in texts such as narratives, dialogues, plays, poems, letters or speeches, for example, Pericles’ funeral oration
  • discussing epic plots and characters, such as the depiction of Croesus in Herodotus’ Histories, Dicaeopolis in Aristophanes’ Acharnians, for example, debating significant events and the author’s purpose
  • analysing plot development in texts such as plays and stories, discussing features, for example, use of comic episode, plot twist, climax, resolution
  • interpreting how particular stylistic effects are created, such as emphasis, doubt, irony or supposition, for example, through the use of particles πῶς γὰρ οὔ; καὶ γάρ, ἆρα οὐ/ἆρα μή
  • analysing how writers use language features to achieve particular aesthetic, humorous or persuasive purposes and effects, such as hyperbole, for example, μύριοι, or irony, for example, Socratic dialogue or dramatic irony
  • evaluating the effectiveness of texts, by considering the use of techniques, for example, simile, metaphor, personification or pathos, for particular purposes, such as to entertain or persuade

  VCGRCE018 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 9 and 10 | Engaging with texts | Responding to texts

• VCGRCE020

  Translate a range of texts that incorporate complex sentence structures and extensive vocabulary from Classical Greek into Standard English, representing the style and purpose of the texts

  Elaborations

  • reading holistically to deduce the context and content of Classical Greek texts, by identifying key words and phrases
  • applying expanded knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and problem-solving skills to translate compound sentences and complex sentences with nested clauses
  • conveying shades of meaning of a range of subtle vocabulary, for example, inferring the different connotations of a word in a particular context, such as δίκη
  • inferring the meaning of new words and expressions, using knowledge of the text type and the author’s purpose and technique, for example, ὁ λόγος (word, speech, argument, reasoning, story, computation)
  • expanding the variety of English translations for verb tenses or moods, for example, to express aspect in a command, παύου (general/ongoing) compared to παῦσαι (once)
  • deducing the meaning of new words, by drawing on prior knowledge, derivatives and connections with familiar words, for example, σαρκοφάγος, κακοδαίμων
  • recreating mood, tone and dramatic impact in English translations by selecting appropriate vocabulary, comparing and contrasting potential choices, for example, τύχη (chance, luck, fortune), συμφορά (event, circumstance, mishap, misfortune)
  • refining translations by exploring print and online Classical Greek and English dictionaries and thesauruses to consider a variety of meanings and synonyms
  • conveying emphasis and tone, such as indignation, anger or suspense, embedded in Classical Greek word order, for example, χρυσόν τε καὶ ἄργυρον φέρει ὁ Ὀδυσσεύς ἐν τῷ ἀσκῷ
  • translating complex sentence structures, such as subordinate clauses and indirect speech, for example, causal, purpose, result, indirect questions, commands, conditionals
  • rendering the precise meaning of tenses in Classical Greek into idiomatic English, for example, ἐλάμβανον/ἔλαβον
  • conveying the meaning of idiomatic expressions and culturally specific terms, for example, ἀρετή, δαίμων/δαιμόνιον/εὐδαιμονία, τα πρόβατα θόρυβον ποιεῖ, γλαύκ’Ἀθήναζε/γλαύκας εἰς Ἀθήνας, by choosing appropriate English terms and expressions
  • constructing and editing translations collaboratively with peers, using a range of ICT
  • correcting own translations to increase accuracy and better reflect register, tone and relationships
  • translating, independently or in collaboration with peers, unseen texts with compound or complex sentences, drawing on familiarity with the style and language of texts already studied

  VCGRCE020 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 9 and 10 | Engaging with texts | Translating

• VCGRCU022

  Understand and apply the principles of pronunciation for the reading of Classical Greek texts

  Elaborations

  • developing fluency in recognising sound and spelling changes, for example, those that occur when stops (β/π/φ, τ/δ/θ/ζ, κ/γ/χ) are followed by sigma, as in σπεύδω/ἔσπευσα, πέμπω/ἔπεμψα, διώκω/ἐδίωξα
  • using diacritical marks for accentuation, to distinguish between words with the same spelling, for example, interrogative and indefinite adverbs and pronouns, such as τις and τίς, or verbs, such as πονεῖ and πόνει
  • recognising the component parts of compound words involving transfer of aspirates, for example, κατά + ἵστημι = καθίστημι
  • recognising non-Attic versions of common words, for example, θάλασσα (θάλαττα), πονέω (πονῶ), ἐς (εἰς), μάτηρ (μήτηρ)
  • understanding the function of crasis and elision when reading aloud, for example, κἀγαθοί = καὶ ἀγαθοί, τἄλλα = τὰ ἄλλα
  • noting that iota subscript is given in the upper case when reading Classical Greek inscriptions

  VCGRCU022 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCGRCE006

  Compare different translations and interpretations of Classical Greek texts, and identify features of successful translations

  Elaborations

  • identifying the characteristics of a successful translation, such as grammatical accuracy
  • examining translations to determine how effectively Classical Greek is conveyed in English idiom, such as the use of participles
  • comparing and discussing the merits of different translations of the same text, identifying differences and recognising that they may be equally valid
  • giving and justifying opinions about the effectiveness of own and others’ translations
  • identifying and discussing effective strategies to create appropriate translations, such as skimming through the text and identifying familiar words and phrases, contextualising new vocabulary, and using these strategies to review and polish own translations

  VCGRCE006 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 7 and 8 | Engaging with texts | Translating

• VCGRCU011

  Understand that Greek spread with the expansion of the ancient Greek world, and developed over time, influencing English and other languages

  Elaborations

  • recognising that Greek is a member of the Indo-European family of languages, related to other ancient languages, such as Latin, Sanskrit and Old Persian
  • recognising that Greek has been spoken in various forms uninterruptedly from the 3rd millennium BCE to the present day and has been documented in writing since about 1450 BCE
  • recognising that Classical Greek is a specific form of the language, evolved from earlier forms such as Mycenaean Greek and the Archaic Greek used in the epics of Homer
  • identifying Classical Greek as the Attic/Ionic dialect of the language spoken in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE in Athens, many Aegean islands and the coast of Asia Minor
  • recognising that Classical Greek was the form of the language used by significant ancient Greek authors, such as Thucydides, Sophocles, Plato, Lysias
  • locating on a map the places where Greek was spoken in antiquity around the Mediterranean basin from Spain to the coast of Turkey and across the Black Sea
  • investigating how the geography of mainland Greece influenced the development of independent city-states such as Athens, Sparta, Corinth and Thebes
  • exploring the spread of Greek colonies across the Mediterranean and Black Sea coastlines, such as Syracuse (Sicily), Naples (Italy), Marseilles (France), Cyrene (Libya), Miletus (Turkey), Emporion (Spain)
  • identifying and using Classical Greek derivatives to expand own English vocabulary, for example, sceptic, cynic, antithesis
  • recognising connections between the spelling of Classical Greek and English words and applying understanding to improve own spelling in English, for example, psychology, rhythm, seismology
  • identifying expressions in Classical Greek that are commonly used in English, for example, hoi polloi, eureka
  • identifying words of Classical Greek origin that are used as school subjects, for example, mathematics, history, geography, music, drama, biology, chemistry, physics, philosophy, psychology, economics
  • identifying and collecting word families in which the same Classical Greek root is used with different prefixes or suffixes, for example, calligraphy, biography, biology, technology, paralysis, analysis, Palaeolithic, palaeontology
  • applying knowledge of Classical Greek to understand words and expressions in Modern Greek, such as signs in shops and public places, for example ΚΙΝΔΥΝΟΣ, ΠΡΟΣΟΧΗ, ΙΧΘΥΟΠΩΛΕΙΟΝ, ΦΑΡΜΑΚΕΙΟΝ, έν τάξει, κλειστόν
  • identifying similarities between Classical Greek and other Indo-European languages by comparing cognate words, such as ἕξ: sex (Latin), sechs (German), six; πατήρ: pater (Latin), Vater (German), father

  VCGRCU011 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | The powerful influence of language and culture

• VCGRCE005

  Translate Classical Greek texts into Standard English, by applying knowledge of vocabulary, accidence and syntax, and linguistic and cultural cues

  Elaborations

  • reading texts to gain a sense of holistic meaning, and identifying cues, such as text type, familiar vocabulary, grammar, and cultural references
  • considering multiple meanings of vocabulary, for example, by using dictionaries and electronic translation tools, and making appropriate selections according to context, for example, ἄριστος
  • using known vocabulary, in Classical Greek or English, and context to deduce the meaning of unknown words
  • identifying meanings of words by recognising change of form, such as irregular verb forms and third declension nouns, for example, φέρω/οἴσω, παῖς/παιδός
  • identifying parts of speech and their function in context to determine meaning, for example, identifying the verb in a sentence
  • identifying the specific function of inflected forms to determine meaning, for example, ὁ ναύκληρος καλεῖ τὸν ναύτην (subject + verb + direct object) or ὁ ἀνήρ ἐστι ποιητής (subject + verb + complement)
  • applying knowledge of grammar to recognise in context the specific function of words which may have multiple applications, such as subject or object, for example, τὸ δένδρον θάλλει. ὁ γεωργὸς κόπτει τὸ δένδρον
  • exploring the effect of using the variety of English translations for verb tenses, for example, ἰδών (‘having seen’, ‘after seeing’, ‘on seeing’, ‘seeing’)
  • selecting appropriate English meanings, identifying words and expressions that do not translate easily, for example, ἀγαθός, ἄριστος, καλός, ξένος, δεινός, πρὸς τῶν θεῶν
  • determining appropriate word order in English to retain meaning and emphasis, for example, κελεύει σε ὁ Ζεύς
  • translating Classical Greek into idiomatic English, for example, by translating ἔστι μοι δοῦλος, as ‘I have a slave’
  • discussing how words that refer to aspects of ancient Greek culture should be translated, for example, ὁ δῆμος (deme, people, citizen body), ὁ ἀνήρ (man, husband, hero), ξένος (stranger, guest, foreigner)
  • developing problem-solving skills to resolve perceived issues and anomalies encountered in the translation process, for example, confusion of second declension masculine nominative and third declension feminine genitive
  • discussing and correcting own translations to increase accuracy and better reflect register, tone and relationships between characters
  • collaborating with peers to interpret meaning in texts and develop and edit joint translations, using a range of ICT
  • translating, independently, unseen texts in Classical Greek into appropriate English

  VCGRCE005 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 7 and 8 | Engaging with texts | Translating

• VCGRCE004

  Read aloud, recite or perform Classical Greek texts, using phrasing and voice inflection to convey meaning and to entertain others

  Elaborations

  • listening to and reproducing familiar and unfamiliar words, phrases and simple texts in Classical Greek to convey meaning, using restored pronunciation and appropriate phrasing and expression
  • presenting orally short texts in Classical Greek, such as stories, dialogues, poems or speeches, to peers or the class, for example, a scene from Aristophanes or an epigram
  • performing short extracts from comedy or passages of dialogue in collaboration with others, using strategies to convey the emotions of the characters
  • reading aloud or reciting extracts from Classical Greek literature, such as the initial lines of the Iliad and the Odyssey

  VCGRCE004 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 7 and 8 | Engaging with texts | Responding to texts

• VCGRCE016

  Read, analyse and interpret Classical Greek texts, using vocabulary, grammar and textual cues, to engage with the ancient Greek world

  Elaborations

  • predicting the context and content of Classical Greek texts through initial holistic reading, by identifying key words and phrases, for example, οἱ βάρβαροι μάλα φοβούμενοι
  • inferring meaning using knowledge of the text type and the author’s purpose and technique, for example, νῦν οὖν ἀτεχνῶς ἥκω παρασκευασμένος/βοᾶν, ὑποκρούειν, λοιδορεῖν τοὺς ῥήτορας/ἐάν τις ἄλλο πλὴν περὶ εἰρήνης λέγῃ. (Aristophanes’ Acharnians)
  • investigating and explaining the effect of word order in Classical Greek in producing emphasis and tone, for example, indignation, anger, suspense
  • examining and interpreting complex sentence structures, such as the use of the optative mood in indirect statements, for example, ὁ στρατηγὸς εἶπεν ὅτι οἱ σύμμαχοι δ’ ὁλίγου νικήσοιεν
  • reflecting on the particular use of tenses in Classical Greek and making comparisons with English, such as use of aspect, vivid use of the present in indirect speech, or use of the aorist in gnomic statements, for example, παθὼν δέ τε νήπιος ἔγνω
  • explaining how the coherence of complex texts relies on devices that signal text structure and guide readers, for example, οὖν, γάρ. μέντοι, δήπου
  • discussing conventions of Classical Greek texts, such as the inclusion of speeches in historiography
  • investigating how different conjunctions are used in complex sentences to extend, elaborate and explain ideas, for example, εἴχομεν ἡμεῖς Πύδναν καὶ Μεθώνην καὶ πάντα τὸν τόπον τοῦτον
  • explaining allusions to historical or mythological characters who exemplify Greek virtues, such as Achilles, Hector, Theseus, Solon, Socrates
  • recognising positive and negative connotations implicit in Classical Greek words, for example, τύραννος, δαίμων
  • examining cultural assumptions that influence ways in which meanings are expressed or interpreted, for example, the use of pompous or tragic language for comic effect in Aristophanes’ plays
  • discussing the function and power of cultural representations such as symbols, for example, the gorgon/aegis, the omphalos, Asclepius’ wand, the owl
  • justifying interpretations of texts, using examples or quotations from or references to the text, such as line numbers or a paraphrase of a longer section of text
  • constructing, editing and presenting interpretations of and responses to literary Classical Greek, using ICT collaboratively

  VCGRCE016 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 9 and 10 | Engaging with texts | Accessing the ancient Greek world through Classical Greek texts

• VCGRCU026

  Understand that Greek became the dominant language of the ancient Mediterranean world and facilitated the spread of Greek civilisation and culture, and that Classical Greek continues to enrich English through specialist vocabulary and abstract concepts embodied in the language

  Elaborations

  • recognising that, from the Hellenistic period onwards, Koine Greek developed from Classical Greek to become the lingua franca of Eastern Mediterranean lands and the language of the New Testament
  • discussing the spread of Greek influence across the Mediterranean and Black Sea, including the use of Greek as the common language for government, trade, commerce, education and law
  • investigating how the Greek language allowed the spread of innovative Greek ideas in the areas of science, medicine, mathematics, historiography, geography and philosophy, for example, μαθηματικά, γεωγραφία, ἱστορία, φιλοσοφία
  • recognising that there were many dialects of Greek spoken in antiquity, such as Doric, Aeolic, Arcado–Cypriot
  • exploring famous centres of Greek learning and culture such as Alexandria, Antioch and Ephesus
  • recognising the spread of Greek ideas in the Roman world, shown by the use of borrowed Greek vocabulary in Latin to denote such concepts as stadium, palaestra, rhetor theatrum, comedia, stoica, philosophia
  • exploring abstract concepts derived from Classical Greek, such as philanthropy, idol, autonomy, paradox, aesthetics, nostalgia, agony
  • exploring and discussing the meaning of Classical Greek sayings used in literature, such as μηδὲν ἄγαν, γνῶθι σαυτόν, μολὼν λαβέ
  • recognising words in English that are a hybrid of Classical Greek and Latin, for example, metalanguage, quantum physics, teleconference, television, automobile
  • discussing Classical Greek derivatives that are used in fields such as business and education, for example, macroeconomics, monopoly, pedagogy, syllabus
  • examining the Classical Greek roots of English words in subjects across the school curriculum, such as theorem, metaphor, photosynthesis, chlorine, atom, planet, geophysical, ecosystem, orchestra, music, scene, dialogue, chorus, athletics
  • identifying Classical Greek roots in English scientific, technical and medical terminology, for example, catalyst, aerodynamic, pathogen, bacteria, atherosclerosis, acne, asthma, chromatography, symmetry, thermometer, seismic
  • exploring how Classical Greek is used to coin terms for new technology and new discoveries in science and medicine in the modern world, such as gigabyte, nanotechnology, antioxidant, polymer, genotype, triglyceride
  • applying knowledge of Classical Greek to form plurals of borrowed English words, for example, criterion/criteria, phenomenon/phenomena, crisis/crises, thesis/theses, stigma/stigmata
  • discussing the enduring use of Classical Greek in religious contexts, for example, κύριε ἐλέησον, Χριστὀς, ἐκκλησία, βάπτισμα, συναγωγή, κλῆρος, ἄγγελος, πρεσβύτερος, ὕμνος, βίβλος, εὐαγγέλιον

  VCGRCU026 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | The powerful influence of language and culture

• VCGRCU028

  Identify how cultural values, attitudes and beliefs of the ancient Greeks are embedded in their language

  Elaborations

  • discussing ancient Greek values that are embedded in terms such as such as σοφία and ξενία and considering their significance in the modern world
  • understanding how language and cultural practices are interconnected, for example, by explaining religious origins or connotations associated with words and expressions such as ἱερόν/τέμενος/ἡρῷον/ἄβατον/μυστήρια/εὐσέβεια
  • investigating the use of dialects to denote differences in ethnicity and social status in ancient Greece, for example, Aristophanes’ use of Doric to ridicule a Spartan character
  • exploring the formal language that ancient Greeks used for greetings, or responding to the challenges of public life, such as ἔρρωσθε καὶ ἐδαιμονεῖτε, ἀσπάζομαι, ὦ ἄνδρες Ἀθηναῖοι, ὦ δικασταί, and making comparisons with own language use in formal contexts
  • reflecting on how language, texts and artefacts provide a means of understanding the social and cultural practices of ancient Greeks and how they conceptualised their world

  VCGRCU028 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Role of language and culture

• VCGRCE002

  Convey information and ideas about the daily life and attitudes of the ancient Greeks, in oral, written and digital forms, using Classical Greek as appropriate

  Elaborations

  • gathering, collating and presenting information about daily routine in the ancient Greek world, such as in posters or digital displays about family life, education, food, hygiene, exercise, with annotations in English or words and simple phrases in Classical Greek
  • reading stories about the daily lives of ancient Greeks, and recreating their everyday experiences, for example, through role-play or an imaginative animated cartoon
  • comparing details from different sources about where Greek people lived, such as in urban centres or rural settlements, for example, through dioramas or drawings with labels in English or Classical Greek, and discussing what they reveal about different lifestyles in the Classical period
  • researching the purpose and function of spaces in an ancient Greek home, for example, the ἀνδρών and γυναικών rooms, for an oral or digital presentation, using labels in English and Classical Greek
  • examining artefacts from the classical Greek period, such as those from ancient Athens, and discussing what they reveal about the everyday lives of ancient Greek people
  • collating and sharing information online about ancient Greek inventions, engineering and infrastructure, for example, the Antikythera Mechanism, the Hippodamian urban grid plan, Archimedes’ screw
  • researching the attitudes of ancient Greeks revealed in their myths and legends, and acting out stories, such as the labours of Heracles, to convey these attitudes
  • gathering and creating a class bank of information from texts about ancient Greek religious beliefs and practices, for example, Olympian deities, local festivals (Dionysia in Athens) and panhellenic festivals (Pythian Games at Delphi)
  • reading accounts of historical events, such as Aeschylus’ eyewitness account of the Battle of Salamis, and presenting information in new ways, for example, as a news report

  VCGRCE002 | Languages | Classical Greek | Levels 7 and 8 | Engaging with texts | Accessing the ancient Greek world through Classical Greek texts