These subjects will be offered at both Standard and Higher Levels.

The syllabus aims to enable students to study works in the original language, to respond to texts as literature and to develop awareness of classical literature and civilisation. At both levels candidates are enabled to study in depth, and independently, an aspect of language, literature or civilisation which they find of particular interest as a piece of coursework. This provides invaluable research skills. Students will be encouraged to read a wider range of literature in translation as a complement to the study of original texts, and to understand the Roman or Greek civilisation along with its differences from, and similarities to, their own culture.

At Standard Level students prepare for:
Paper One ~ Unseen translation from Ovid, whose writings include mythology and love poetry, or Cicero, one of Rome’s most eloquent and prolific politicians, with some great works to read from. The topic aims to develop basic language skills. Examination is translation into English of one passage with the aid of a dictionary. For the Greek IB, the unseen author is Xenophon.

Paper Two ~ Topics: one verse and one prose. Examination is in the form of translation and comprehension questions on three passages taken from the topics studied plus one short essay for Higher; three passages only for Standard. Topics are chosen for the variety and interest they can offer to the student.

At both levels students also have to prepare a ‘research dossier’ ~ see below.

At Higher Level
The Paper Two texts are longer than those set at Standard Level and questions relating to the texts are more demanding.

Research Dossier
An annotated collection of source materials relating to a topic in classical literature, language, religion, mythology, art, archaeology or influence which may be related to but not overlapping with, a subject area studied in the Topic paper, or another area. The annotations should amount to approximately 1000 words.  This dossier is worth 20% of the final marks.