About this resource:
The nature of the learners
Students are beginning their study of Classical Greek and typically have little prior knowledge and understanding of the language and ancient Greek history and culture. Most will have learnt a different language in primary school, while some will have proficiency in different home/community languages and bring existing language learning experiences and intercultural awareness to the new experience of learning Classical Greek. Students’ skills in interpreting texts and their development of literacy are supported by their study of Classical Greek. Through their reading, analysis and translation of texts, students of Classical Greek develop their thinking processes, such as close attention to detail, pattern recognition, precision, accuracy, memory and logic. Students may need encouragement to take risks in learning a new language at this stage of social development and to consider how the experience of learning a Classical language impacts on their own ways of thinking and viewing the world.
Classical Greek language learning and use
Learners engage with people in the ancient Greek world, and gain direct access to their daily lives, through reading, comprehending and discussing Classical Greek texts that reveal their language use and social and cultural practices. They use vocabulary, grammar and textual cues to understand and interpret Classical Greek texts, and convey information and ideas about the daily life and attitudes of the ancient Greeks, in oral, written or digital forms, using Classical Greek as appropriate. They listen to and read Classical Greek texts, such as stories, myths and plays, and discuss characters, events, actions, settings and key emotions. They read aloud, recite or perform Classical Greek texts, such as stories, dialogues, poems or songs, to convey meaning and to entertain others. They translate Classical Greek texts into Standard English, applying their knowledge of vocabulary, accidence and syntax, linguistic cues and culture. They compare the features and relative merits of different translations of Classical Greek texts to determine the features of a successful translation. Learners focus on the systems that structure the Classical Greek language (grammar, vocabulary, sounds, the written alphabet) and systematically build a vocabulary and grammatical base that allows them to access a variety of Classical Greek texts, such as narratives and short plays. They understand that Classical Greek spread with the expansion of the ancient Greek world, and explore the influence of Classical Greek on English and other languages. Learners explore the relationship between language and culture by examining particular language use that provides insights into the daily lives, ideas, feelings and attitudes of Greeks in the Classical period. They discuss the ancient origins of modern values, pursuits, citizenship, literature, the arts and architecture, reflecting on the enduring influence of the ancient Greek world on the modern world. They are encouraged to consider their own and others’ reactions to and assumptions about the language and culture of ancient Greek society, and to reflect on their own approaches to learning and understanding of their own heritage, values and culture.
Contexts of interaction
Learners work both independently and collaboratively, exploring different modes and genres of communication. They pool linguistic knowledge and resources to plan and manage shared activities, problem-solve, and monitor and reflect on their work. Extra opportunities for interaction are provided through purposeful and integrated use of information and communication technologies (ICT); for example, shared research on aspects of culture and historical events, and collaborative translation of seen and unseen texts. Learners may extend their experiences relating to language and culture by participating in activities such as art competitions, drama productions and visits to museums and galleries.
Texts and resources
Learners work with a range of texts designed for language learning, such as textbooks, audio recordings, teacher-generated materials and online resources. They may also use materials designed for students of Classical Greek in different contexts, for example, comics, newsletters, online games, digital learning activities and apps. Texts from different sources give opportunities for discussion of the relationship between language and culture. Research tasks allow for exploration of themes, cultural references and historical events.
Features of Classical Greek language use
Learners 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 the Classical Greek alphabet. They apply their knowledge of Classical Greek grammar, including parts of speech, case, gender, number, person, for example, οἱ τοῦ ναυκλήρου ἐρέται ἤρεσσον πρὸς τὴν θάλατταν, verb conjugations, for example, παύω, ἓπομαι, agreement and tense, mood, voice, participles and infinitives, and conventions of sentence structure, for example, μικρὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ οἶκος, to the translation of Classical Greek texts. They use roots, derivatives and word lists to acquire and build Classical Greek vocabulary, and use dictionaries to select appropriate meanings of Classical Greek words. They explore influences of Classical Greek on English and other languages, focusing on derivatives and cognates such as phobia, cryptic, paralysis, and the contemporary use of Classical Greek words and expressions, for example, kudos, Adonis, molon labe. They make connections between texts and cultural contexts, exploring ways in which cultural values and perspectives are embedded in language and how language choices determine ways in which people and their ways of living are represented.
Level of support
A differentiated approach to teaching and task design caters for the diversity of learners. Support includes scaffolding, modelling and monitoring, explicit instruction and feedback, structured activities for practising new grammar, and access to print and electronic dictionaries. Students are supported to develop autonomy as language learners, and to self-monitor and refine strategies used in reading, listening, analysis and translation. Opportunities to review and consolidate are an important component of learning at this level.
The role of English
Classical Greek is the language of the texts studied. Classical Greek is also used for reading aloud, reciting or performing texts, and simple interactions in the classroom, such as greetings. English is used for translation, analysis, explanation, discussion, evaluation and reflection.
About this record:
http://rdf.australiancurriculum.edu.au/elements/2018/05/5c80b0ca-582f-41bb-b9b8-1de99d8523d6.rdf