Edexcel A-Level Greek
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The PEARSON-EDEXCEL A-Level Greek specification covers 6 topics with 51 learning objectives (9GK0). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 6 topics
- 51 learning objectives
Verified courseQuestions and notes checked against the official specification.
- 24
- verified practice questions
- 27
- verified teaching notes
- 6
- topics
Your exams
- Paper 1: Translation into English, reading comprehension and writing (research question) in GreekFriday, 14 May 2027, AM
- Paper 2: Translation into Greek and written response to worksThursday, 27 May 2027, PM
- Paper 3: Listening, reading and writing in GreekMonday, 7 June 2027, AM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Translation into English, reading comprehension and writing (research question) in Greek | 150 min | 80 | 40% |
| Paper 2: Translation into Greek and written response to works | 160 min | 110 | 30% |
| Paper 3: Listening, reading and writing in Greek | 135 min | 60 | 30% |
Explore your topics
6 topics
Assessment Objectives1 topic
Themes, sub-themes and research subjects1 topic
Translation into English, reading comprehension and writing (research question) in Greek1 topic
Translation into Greek and written response to works1 topic
Listening, reading and writing in Greek1 topic
About this course
About Pearson Edexcel A-Level Greek
Pearson Edexcel A-Level Greek offers students the opportunity to develop advanced linguistic competence in Ancient Greek, focusing on the language, literature, and culture of classical Greece. The course is designed to deepen your understanding of Greek grammar and vocabulary while engaging with original texts from authors such as Homer, Sophocles, and Plato.
The specification is structured around three main components: language, prose literature, and verse literature. You will study set texts in depth, analyse literary style and content, and translate unseen passages. This A-Level is ideal for those who enjoy classical languages and wish to pursue classical studies, history, or literature at university.
Assessment Structure
The Pearson Edexcel A-Level Greek qualification is assessed through three written examination papers, all taken at the end of the course. Paper 1 (Language) is worth 40% of the total qualification and lasts 1 hour 45 minutes, testing unseen translation and comprehension. Paper 2 (Prose Literature) is worth 30% and lasts 2 hours, with questions on prescribed prose texts. Paper 3 (Verse Literature) is also worth 30% and lasts 2 hours, focusing on prescribed verse texts. There is no coursework component; all assessments are externally examined. Each paper is marked out of 100, giving a total of 300 marks.
Why Choose Pearson Edexcel?
- Pearson Edexcel offers a clear and structured specification with a wide range of set texts, allowing you to study both well-known and less familiar authors, which can make lessons more varied and engaging.
- The assessment model is straightforward, with three equally weighted written papers that focus on translation, comprehension, and literary analysis. This provides a balanced test of your language skills and your ability to engage critically with classical literature.
- Edexcel provides extensive support resources, including past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports, which are invaluable for exam preparation and help you understand exactly what examiners are looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between A-Level Greek and A-Level Classical Greek?
Do I need to have studied GCSE Greek to take A-Level Greek?
What set texts are studied for Pearson Edexcel A-Level Greek?
How much vocabulary do I need to know for the A-Level Greek exam?
Are there any opportunities to study Greek culture or history as part of the A-Level?
Assessment and exam guidance
Assessment Objectives
Understand and respond in writing to spoken language drawn from a variety of sources
Understand and respond in writing to written language drawn from a variety of sources
Manipulate the language accurately, in written forms, using a range of lexis and structure
Show knowledge and understanding of, and respond critically and analytically to, different aspects of the culture and society of the countries where the language is spoken
Exam Structure
Paper 1: Translation into English, reading comprehension and writing (research question) in Greek
2h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
40%
Weighting
Paper 2: Translation into Greek and written response to works
2h 40m
Duration
110
Marks
30%
Weighting
Paper 3: Listening, reading and writing in Greek
2h 15m
Duration
60
Marks
30%
Weighting
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Misunderstanding AO1 as a speaking or translation task: it is about understanding spoken Greek and responding in writing, so practise written answers, not oral performance.
- •Treating the audio as background and relying on general knowledge: the response must be based on what is actually said in the spoken source, so listen for specific detail.
- •Writing a full transcript instead of an answer: the objective requires a response that shows understanding, so select and organise relevant points rather than copying everything heard.
- •Ignoring the variety of sources: tasks may use different registers, accents or text types, so prepare for more than one kind of spoken Greek.
- •Misunderstanding AO2 as a translation or copying task: it is about understanding written Greek and responding in writing, so practise answers that show comprehension, not reproduction.
- •Ignoring the variety of sources: tasks may use different registers, genres or text types, so prepare for more than one kind of written Greek.
- •Writing a summary of everything in the text instead of answering the question: select and organise relevant points rather than retelling the whole source.
- •Neglecting written accuracy: the response must be in clear, accurate Greek, so check grammar, monotonic spelling and sentence structure.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Before listening, read the question so you know which details to listen for; this makes your written response more focused.
- •During listening, note key words and ideas in Greek; after listening, write full sentences that answer the question directly.
- •Check your written Greek for clarity, monotonic accents (τόνος) and grammatical agreement, making sure every part of the question has been addressed.
- •Before reading, skim the question so you know which details to look for; this makes your written response more focused.
- •While reading, underline or note key words and ideas in Greek; after reading, write full sentences that answer the question directly.
- •Check your written Greek for clarity, monotonic accents and grammatical agreement, making sure every part of the question has been addressed.
- •Before writing, jot three or four topic-specific words or phrases you intend to use, then check after drafting that you actually used them.
- •After drafting, read your answer once only for verbs: check each ending agrees with its subject in person and number, and that tense and aspect are correct.
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