Classics at Fettes. Third Form

Transcription

1 Classics at Fettes Fettes has always been noted for its Classics and Old Fettesians are to be found in many universities. The Department achieves outstanding results, both for aspiring Oxbridge Classicists and for those who just want to reach GCSE. Third Form In the Third Form, more able pupils with a strong interest in Classics can opt to pursue a course containing both Latin and Greek. Most will not have done any Greek before, but those who have done some Greek in their prep schools are also welcome. Classical Greek is initially introduced during lesson time but then is taught as an activity, so real commitment is needed, but those who follow this course will relish the challenge and often find it very fun and rewarding. We use the first book of John Taylor s Greek to GCSE to help pupils to learn the alphabet and grasp the basics of this new language, as well as exploring the myths and history of the Ancient Greeks. Pupils in the top three sets aim to consolidate their Latin to give themselves a strong platform for pursuing the GCSE course. There will be an emphasis on vocabulary and grammar learning through translation, as well as looking at the civilisation to give context to the language. The course-book used carries on directly from Prep school and is So You Really Want to Learn Latin Prep III, and all these sets aim to complete the first half of Book 3 by the end of Third Form. In addition to this, we also offer beginners Latin for those who have never studied the subject or for those who have only covered some of the language but would prefer to have a refresher course. Pupils opting for this set will experience an accelerated programme in order to make them confident with all of the key vocabulary and grammar needed for them to pursue Latin GCSE in the Fourth Form if they wish. It is an intense experience, but well worth it for those who are interested in languages or keen to see just how far they can challenge themselves. Those pupils who choose to follow the Complementary Studies programme instead of taking Latin undertake a range of modules looking at a range of issues like current affairs, research projects and multimedia applications. Page 1 of 10

2 GCSE Latin and Greek Latin and Greek are stimulating subjects in themselves and they provide an invaluable background to other arts subjects. The GCSE course is very accessible now, and Fettes chooses to encourage a rigorous approach to language learning through translation as well as vocabulary and grammar exercises. In addition, pupils will study different civilisation topics to allow them to appreciate the context of the language. So You Really Want to Learn Latin Prep III is used as the foundation of the Latin language work (as well as John Taylor s Latin to GCSE books), and for Greek we use John Taylor s Greek to GCSE part 2 to finish learning all of the grammar needed for GCSE. Latin and Greek are the only language subjects in the current curriculum that offer reading and appreciating the original literature at GCSE. What you read at GCSE is the Latin and Greek that was used 2,500 years ago. There will be an obvious interest for those interested in History and literature, but scientists will also appreciate the opportunity to develop powers of analysis and show a breadth of academic interest. The structured discipline of the Classical languages is valued highly by employers in a wide variety of fields. Content: The examinations in Latin and Greek follow more or less the same pattern: we follow the OCR syllabus. There is a good selection of interesting verse and prose authors which include Herodotus and Homer in Greek, and Pliny, Horace and Virgil in Latin. The prose selections cover exciting periods of history, like the Battle of Thermopylae with Leonidas 300 Spartans or the lives of Rome s infamous emperors. The poetry tends to focus on an epic story about a hero and his quest, which is inevitably delayed by numerous obstacles. Think Lord of the Rings, just set in ancient times. The breakdown of the different elements is as follows: Language paper 50% (translation, comprehension questions and Latin composition) Prose set text 25 % (context questions, translation and literary criticism questions) Verse set text 25 % (context questions, translation and literary criticism questions) There is no coursework element. Opportunities: The department offers a variety of trips to Italy or Greece or to places of Roman interest in the UK. We have speakers once or twice a term who come to Fettes and talk about interesting topics of their own expertise. The Classics department is a place of excitement, interest and enthusiasm. The department s results are excellent and if you work hard you are likely to achieve a very good grade Careers: Many students worry about their future careers and wonder whether they are doing themselves justice by following the Classics route. However, in a world in which academic standards are continually under scrutiny, Latin and Greek GCSEs are valued as showing rigour and perseverance. Many classicists follow careers in law, business and finance, journalism, creative writing, civil service and teaching. Page 2 of 10

3 GCSE Classical Civilization Why study Classical Civilisation? The study of the Greeks and Romans is an important foundation for understanding the cultures on which the Western world has based its literature and art. This course will enable pupils to gain a sound knowledge and understanding of the classical world in an accessible and interesting way. Pupils will be able to read in an English translation some of the best literature ever written. We study a section of Homer s Odyssey, following our hero as he battles monsters in order to make his way back home. We will also explore cultural aspects of the Greco-Roman world like the remains at Pompeii and Herculaneum and life in the City of Rome, looking at topics such as gladiators, the theatre and the roles of men and women in society. From this, pupils will develop an awareness of the similarities and differences between the classical world and later times as well as read, understand and make a personal response to the literature in translation. Opportunities: Classical Civilisation is a very diverse course, which encompasses literature, ancient history and even archaeology. The Classics department takes students abroad regularly. Recent destinations have included Greece, Turkey and Rome and, on one occasion, we joined the modern linguists in visiting Roman remains in Provence and North East Spain. We take students to the Newcastle Classics conference and the Classical Society provides a very welcome focus with famous classicists and archaeologists giving entertaining lectures. No prior knowledge of Latin or Greek is required for Classical Civilisation. Those students who have some knowledge of the languages might be interested in broadening their knowledge and understanding of classical culture with this course, but we encourage students who have talent in Latin and/or Greek to continue with these languages to GCSE. Classical Civilisation tends to appeal to students who do not study Latin or Greek at the moment, but have a general interest in the ancient world. However, all students are welcome, including those who wish to continue with either Latin or Greek. Classical Civilisation candidates achieve nationally very good results and employers and universities value Classical Civilisation as a very credible qualification. The Classical Civilisation GCSE course We follow the OCR Syllabus: Paper 1 (25%): City Life in the Classical World: Rome Discover life in Europe s first mega-city. Paper 2 (25%): Epic and Myth: Homer s Odyssey Still one of the world s great stories after nearly 3000 years. Paper 3 (25%): Community Life in the Classical World: Pompeii Explore the town of Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. All exam papers require the candidates to provide short response questions based on content, explanation and analysis, and to write essays about one key theme for that module. Controlled Assessment (25%): Sophocles Antigone Perhaps the greatest of ancient playwrights, Sophocles draws us into a compelling battle between the needs of the state and the individual conscience. A man of principle descends into anger and tyranny when his authority is questioned by a young teenage girl, who greatly resembles Katniss Everdeen the heroine of the Hunger Games trilogy. Page 3 of 10

4 Classical Civilisation GCSE is currently being reviewed by the exam board and so some changes may be effected from September However, I will keep students updated about these changes once I know more. Careers: Although your choice of GCSE should be based more on broadening your education rather than training for later life, here are some careers that people who have studied Classical subjects have followed: law, medicine, newspaper editing, foreign correspondence, translating, library-related work, teaching in universities and schools, financial planning, computer programming, archaeology, and linguistics. Latin and Greek in the Sixth Form Latin and Greek are both subjects with a strong academic pedigree which are highly regarded by employers and university admissions tutors. Latin and Greek attract very well motivated and able candidates who may decide to apply to Oxford or Cambridge; the department has had a long career of successfully sending candidates to both universities, as well as many other top class places, to study Classics and related degrees. You should not, however, imagine that studying Classical languages in the Sixth Form is only for specialists. Latin and Greek are often taken by those whose interest is in English, Modern Languages, Drama or History and it is not uncommon for those intending to study Science subjects or Medicine to take one or other of the languages in the Lower Sixth to support their knowledge of the technical language. If you are a talented and academic young person you should seriously consider taking Latin or Greek for the sheer challenge and enjoyment the study of Classics can offer. A Level Latin and Greek The Classics A Levels are designed to provide a measure of linguistic achievement as well as study and enjoyment of very influential literature. Studying Ovid, Tacitus or Virgil sets you on very sound footing for studying English or History, for example, as we look at not only myths and epic stories, but also Roman history from the founding of the Empire by Augustus to the tyrannical end of Nero s reign. The same can be said for Greek where studying Herodotus and Homer allows pupils to explore early Greek history and some of the earliest surviving literature in the world. The Classics are the origins of our literature and culture. Anybody who achieved a good GCSE result is welcome to enter these courses. The department has strong links with the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews and Newcastle, and this helps with getting in speakers with great expertise to talk about particular aspects of the Classics. Course Content (OCR) Unit L1 Latin Unseen translation paper 1 hour 45 minutes (100 marks) You will be required to translate into English a prose passage and a verse passage, as well as answer a scansion question for 5 marks. A title and translation of the previous few lines of the text help you understand the content and context. There is a set vocabulary for you to learn and the meaning is given of any words not on this list. Unit L2 Latin Prose composition or comprehension 1 hour 15 minutes (50 marks) Page 4 of 10

5 You will be required either to answer a mixture of questions on a passage concerning the story, syntax and grammatical accidence, or to write a short prose passage into Latin. A title and translation of the previous few lines of the text help you understand the content and context for the comprehension passage. There is a set vocabulary for you to learn and the meaning is given of any words not on this list for both sections. Unit L3 Latin Prose Literature 2 hours (75 marks) You will study two set texts for this paper. The current options include: - Extracts from Cicero s pro Milone, Philippic and pro Cluentio this will allow students to study the cutting wit of one of Rome s greatest lawyers - Extracts from Tacitus s Annals or Histories this will explore the scandalous lives of the Roman emperors and the cut throat nature of Roman politics (Game of Thrones has nothing on them) - Extracts from Seneca s letters, Apuleius Metamorphoses and Livy book 1 this eclectic mixture allows pupils to read about the mythical founding of Rome and other stories which have helped to shape who the Romans were The exam will give pupils passages from the set text and ask them to translate short sections, to answer questions on content and style and essays on the option choice as a whole. Unit L4 Latin Verse Literature 2 hours (75 marks) You will study two set texts for this paper. The current options include: - Extracts from Virgil s Aeneid books this follows the end of the epic journey of a Trojan hero; with love triangles, battles and hacked off goddesses, there is something here for everyone - Extracts from Ovid s Amores or Heroides, Propertius and Tibullus or Catullus these love poems give students the opportunity to study some of the most heart wrenching pieces ever composed about how people feel about one another - Extracts from Horace s Satires and Odes Horace s work provides a much more wellrounded picture with poems on drinking, travelling and love, as well as the political climate at that time The exam will give pupils passages from the set text and ask them to translate short sections, to answer questions on content and style and to write essays on the option choice as a whole. Key Features Of The Syllabus: Language work tested by translation from Latin into English (or English into Latin) and by comprehension questions. Two short set texts each year, one verse & one prose. Knowledge & understanding of language, style, content and ideas are tested by translation, context questions and short essays. No coursework. Course Content (OCR) Greek is set-up in exactly the same manner as Latin You will study study two set texts for the Prose paper. The options include: - Extract from Thucydides students will get to explore the epic and dramatic Peloponnesian War, the big fight between Athens and Sparta, once friends but now bitter enemeies Page 5 of 10

6 - Extracts from Plato s Apology, Phaedo or Symposium pupils will have the opportunity to study one of the most influential ancient philosophers, and will get to debate just what on earth he is talking about and whether he is correct in his conclusions - Extracts from Herodotus known as the father of history, students will be able to read about the Persian Wars, where the small Greek city states took on the might of the Persian Empire and won. - Extracts from Xenophon s Memorabilia here, Xenophon presents his arguments in defence of Socrates, one of the world s greatest philosophers but also one of its most elusive, with none of his own work having survived. - Extracts from Plutarch s Alcibiades Plutarch is an interesting biographer, and pupils will be able to read all of the fascinating and salacious details about one of the most controversial characters in 5 th century Athens You will study two set texts for the Verse paper. The options include: - Extracts from Homer s Odyssey students will get the chance to read one of the oldest pieces of literature in the world, as Odyssey battles monsters and evil suitors in order to get home and win back his kingdom - Sophocles Antigone this play explores the story of Antigone, who is trying to do the right thing for her family, and Creon, who is the leader of the state and trying to act in its best interest. This play looks at the conflict between the loyalty to one s family and the loyalty to one s country - Extracts from Homer s Iliad - students will get the chance to read one of the oldest pieces of literature in the world, as Achilles decision not to fight in the Trojan war has devastating consequences for his fellow Greeks, including one of his closest friends, Patroclus - Euripides Medea this play explores the story of Medea, a foreign witch whose husband Jason is busy throwing her over for a younger, Greek princess. Little does he realise the horrors which Medea will unleash in order to exact her revenge. - Sophocles Ajax this play focusses on another hero from the Trojan war, but this one is a much more poignant tale of a proud man who is determined to get what is rightly his, but his pride will end up being his undoing - One of Aristophanes plays probably one of the most amusing and interesting playwrights of 5 th century Athens, Aristophanes plays can be rather rude to say the least, but also surreal, entertaining and politically thought provoking We strongly encourage our candidates to become fully immersed in Classics and we attend a Sixth Form conference at Newcastle, and encourage students to attend the joint Oxford and Cambridge open day and study days. Productions of classical drama, when they come to Edinburgh, are another attraction. There are regular trips abroad to Greece, Italy or other places of classical interest. The department has also had the good fortune of securing good speakers who expand the students academic scope. In recent years, these have included Paul Cartledge of Cambridge University and Charlotte Higgins of The Guardian. We encourage applications to Oxford and Cambridge; as school classicists represent a relatively small group nationally, the ratio of applicants to places at Oxbridge is relatively low for Classics by comparison with other subjects. Careers Some careers certainly demand a particular set of A Levels and, if so, that avenue should be followed. The great majority of professions, however, do not require a fixed A-level palette and this is where Classics (pursued in its own right or as an extra in the Lower Sixth) can sometimes Page 6 of 10

7 give an edge to a candidate at, for example, a job interview. Latin and Greek denote precision, rigour and persistence. Classics can be used as: a. A solid basis for training in law and medicine b. Preparation for occupations in and connected with Classical Archaeology which include field work, materials conservation, museum work, and the travel and tourist industry (planning and conducting tours through classical countries like Italy, Greece, and Turkey) c. A basis for work in various government positions where there has been a long tradition of people with a classical education, including occupations in the Foreign Service and the Security Agencies d. Preparation for occupations connected with education which include teaching in state and private schools as well as at college and university levels e. Journalism f. Business and finance IB Latin and Greek One of the strengths of the two year Standard and Higher Level Latin and Greek courses is that they allow students to explore other authors before they actually settle down to study the prescribed texts. This is very much in the nature of the IB course since its philosophy actively encourages breadth. You may take Latin as one of your foreign languages or even instead of them. You can take Latin and Greek together if this is something that suits your profile. The IB is offered at both Standard and Higher Level. Paper 1 is an unseen translation and Paper 2 is based on the set texts. Standard Level students will be expected to handle less sophisticated unseen translations and fewer set texts than the Higher Level ones. Both Standard and Higher Level students will also need to tackle a coursework element which accounts for 20% of the total mark. The route most students take is the one of making an annotated set of notes on primary sources. Titles in the past have included Augustus propaganda, slavery, gladiatorial combat and the Athenian Empire. Dictionaries are allowed for the unseen part of the exam for both levels. Content Latin: The set texts are Virgil, which explores the beginning of the epic the Aeneid as well as Virgil s agricultural treatise in the Georgics, and Tacitus and Suetonius, who look at the rule of Tiberius and all of the scandals and problems which he encountered during his reign. The emphasis will be on developing the language but also covering as many different areas of Roman literature and history as possible. Ovid will be also be read as the authors from whom Paper 1 unseen passages are taken. Greek: The set texts are Homer s Iliad Books 16 and 22, which follows the great Greek hero Achilles during the Trojan War and how he copes with the death of someone close to him, and Sophocles Electra. This play focuses on Electra, daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, who longs to avenge her father s death but is unable to do so until a well-known stranger appears. The prescribed unseen author is the Greek historian Xenophon. Key Features of the exam: Page 7 of 10

8 Pupils will be asked to translate a passage from either Ovid or Cicero in one paper Pupils will be asked to respond to the literature which they have studied and answer questions on the narrative of the set texts, specific references within the text and how the author effectively conveys their meaning through literary techniques The IB s philosophy and classical languages at Fettes promote: an ability to understand the language in the original and translate it with vigour and appropriate style an ability to construct a clear argument supported by specific examples an awareness of relationships between the classical and modern worlds an ability to appreciate and analyse the techniques and styles of a variety of ancient texts in the original language Oxbridge: Oxford and Cambridge are becoming increasingly aware of the IB and they are very keen to consider candidates that have gone through the IB training. A Level Classical Civilization This is an exciting subject that involves not only looking at literature but also history and archaeology. Classical Civilisation is a highly respected subject by employers who appreciate the versatility, breadth and insight that the course inspires in its student. No knowledge of Latin and Greek is required nor do you need to have h studied Classical Civilisation at GCSE. You may need a little extra reading in the beginning to become aware of certain aspects such as the Greek gods, but we find that students take that in their stride. Content F384: Greek Tragedy in its context, where pupils will study several plays (including Aeschylus Agamemnon, Sophocles Antigone, and Euripides Medea and Electra) exploring the Greek theatre and what their myths tell us about human nature. F392 Roman History from original sources Augustus and the Principate, where pupils will explore just how the 18 year old Augustus managed to take over the world and become the first Roman Emperor. Key features of the exam: For the Greek tragedy paper, pupils will be asked to describe a section of the story, comment on a section of the text in terms of character portrayal or effective language, and finally write an essay about a theme as a whole. There will then be a second longer essay to write, comparing the different plays to one another or exploring one of the other plays not covered in the initial question. For the Roman history paper, pupils will have a source to comment upon in terms of a topic, then will compare it to what other sources say and finally will comment on the main topic as a whole or a connected issue in an essay. There will then be a second longer essay to write, looking at one or several topics together. F390 Virgil and the world of the hero, where pupils will examine extracts from Virgil s Aeneid and Homer s Iliad, studying the epic stories of Aeneas quest the found a new homeland and Achilles struggle to control his anger and pride, and fight in the Trojan War. However, it Page 8 of 10

9 also allows pupils to think about what a hero truly is and whether these characters live up to that title. F393 Greek history: conflict and culture the Greco-Persian Wars, where pupils will look at just how a tiny group of Greek city states managed to beat the might of the Persian Empire. Key features of the exam: For the Virgil paper, pupils will be expected to respond to a passage in terms of literary criticism and then focus either on characterisation or on comparing the different epics which they have studied. For the Greek history paper, pupils will have to write two essays on key themes and events within the period prescribed. This course is currently under review by the exam board and I expect to hear news of the new syllabus in January 2017 to start teaching in September 2017, but I will communicate more to students once I have been informed. The Department offers a visit to London where we get a tour of the Parthenon marbles in the British Museum and an annual tour to a place of classical interest. Opportunities: Classical Civilisation is a very diverse course, which encompasses literature, ancient history and even archaeology. It should be a rewarding and very interesting way of learning about the ancient world. The Classics department takes students abroad at least once a year. In the past, pupils visited Greece and conquered Mt Olympus, a worthwhile and memorable trip and other recent visits have been to Rome, Provence, Turkey and the Bay of Naples. The Classics Society provides a very welcome focus with famous classicists and archaeologists giving entertaining lectures. Careers Some careers certainly demand a particular set of A Levels and, if so, that avenue should be followed. The great majority of professions, however, do not require a particular A Level palette, and this is where Classical Civilisation sometimes gives an edge to a candidate at, for example, a job interview. Students worry that the study of Classical Civilisation may be seen by employers as irrelevant or even a dead end. Statistics show the opposite. Students who have studied some Classics or Classical Civilisation at university have among the lowest levels of unemployment afterwards. Classical subjects denote precision, rigour and persistence and the desire to be open to different cultures. Classical Civilisation is a superb background for those who want to be involved in: a. Creative writing, journalism or publishing b. Preparation for occupations in and connected with Classical Archaeology which includes field work, materials conservation, museum work, and the travel and tourist industry (planning and conducting tours through classical countries like Italy, Greece, and Turkey) c. A basis for work in various government positions where there has been a long tradition of people with a classical education, including occupations in the Foreign Service and the Security Agencies d. Preparation for occupations connected with education which includes teaching in state and private schools as well as at college and university levels e. Business and finance Page 9 of 10

10 IB Classical Greek and Roman Studies This is an exciting subject that involves not only looking at literature but also history and archaeology. This option allows pupils to show their versatility, breadth and insight into the material, as well as their analytical and evaluation skills. No knowledge of Latin and Greek is required nor do they need to have studied Classical Civilisation at GCSE. Pupils may need a little extra reading in the beginning to become aware of aspects such as the Greek gods,but we find that students take that in their stride. Students will also need to tackle a coursework element which accounts for 20% of the total mark. They will compile a research dossier on an aspect of classical literature or civilisation, annotated with no more than 800 words. Content Topic 1: Roman epic Virgil s Aeneid - sections of this text are explored and compared with one another. The Aeneid follows a hero in a desperate search for a way to his new homeland, whilst battling difficulties and the involvement of the gods. This module allows pupils to think about what a hero really is and how successfully Aeneas manages to live up to that role. Topic 2: Greek tragedy Euripides the Bacchae and Hippolytus these plays are studied in full and pupils will look at the characterisation of the key people as well as what the plays tell us about human nature and society at the time. The plays focus on the role of stubborn mortals and how much they can suffer, particularly when the gods have their say. Topic 3: Alexander the Great this module mainly focuses on the events of Alexander the Great s reign during 3rd century BC through the eyes of Arrian, the main historian at that time. We will look at his upbringing, his strategies for gaining and maintaining power and his military campaigns. Topic 4: War to Peace in Augustan Rome and Empire this topic explores the meteoric rise of an eighteen year old Octavian who ends up becoming the first emperor of Rome, Augustus. Here we will look at a range of works, including those of Augustus himself, Tacitus Annals and Suetonius biography. Key features of the exam: In paper 1, pupils will write one essay on Greek Tragedy and one essay on Virgil s Aeneid exploring key themes In paper 2, pupils will be asked for short responses. For Both for Alexander the Great and War to Peace in Augustan Rome and Empire, candidates will need to provide answers to short answer questions about the authors of sources and the key information on the breakdown topics. Page 10 of 10