Intermediate Greek Certificate: Why, When and How to Succeed in Classical Greek

What is the Intermediate Certificate in Classical Greek (ICCG)?

Until recently, it has not been easy to find an opportunity to learn classical Greek while in secondary education. However, a new kid on the block is revolutionising access to an entry-level qualification in Greek.

By preparing for this certificate, you can:

• Learn how to read and write in classical Greek

• Acquire basic vocabulary that will help you understand the language of science, technology and sophisticated literature

• Immerse yourself in the world of classical Greece, from mythology to political history, while reading engaging stories and stimulating your linguistic awareness.

The ICCG provides a straightforward scaffold to organise your learning and leads to a recognised certificate that can be used in UCAS applications. It can be completed in one or two years, depending on the time you dedicate to it, and you can take it in the comfort of your own school at a date chosen within a convenient window at the end of the school year.

Who takes these exams, and how do they do?

So far, every single student I have accompanied to prepare for this exam has not only had a fabulous time exploring the language and culture of the Greeks, but also come out with a sense of achievement and pride in their result.

Here are two profiles (names redacted for privacy):

• S., a state school pupil, started learning Greek online in Year 9 and sat the exam at the end of Year 10 so that it would not clash with their other GCSEs. Their school did not offer classical languages, but the certificate offered the opportunity not only to learn the language but also to showcase their effort with a distinction under their belt.

• L. had applied for Classics but had never done Greek or Latin in school. They completed the course during their gap year to get a taste for what working in the original languages implies and achieved a stunning 95%.

The temple of Segesta, in Sicily

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Here are the main features of the Intermediate Certificate in Classical Greek:

• You do not need any previous knowledge of Classical Greek to get started and it can be completed in one year (or more if desired)

• It takes place every year in June (15-day window is given)

• As a Level 3 course recognised as a QIP, it will not only be accepted as part of your UCAS application but also add proof of your determination, passion and achievement in the study of an ancient language

• It is very closely based on Taylor Greek to GCSE 1

• It can be considered half a Classical Greek GCSE (minus the literature papers), and it is a solid foundation if you want to continue with the study of the language

• It is graded as Distinction, Merit, Pass or Fail

• It costs £15 to sit it, and it allows resits if necessary the following year – but not in Autumn, as for some other courses

• It can be arranged to be taken both on the premises or outside of a secondary school

• It is endorsed by the Classical Association, Classics for All and JACT Greek Summer School

• It includes both language and the study of mythology

• Access arrangements will be taken into consideration, including but not limited to 25% extra time when needed

What is the aim of the ICCG certificate?

As stated on the UCAS website, the certificate aims are the following:

The course is designed to enable candidates to develop:

1. a basic level of competence in the Classical Greek language;

2. a sensitive and analytical approach to language in general;

3. an awareness of the influence of Classical Greek on the languages of today;

4. an appreciation for Classical Greek history and culture, as exemplified in stories about Greek myth and history.

You can find out more directly on the ICCG website, including the full specification, past papers and mark schemes, explanatory videos and additional resources.

Who can take the certificate?

The certificate has been designed for students in Y9-11, but it is also an excellent complement for A-Level and mature learners.

What will the assessment look like?

The following is an extract from the specification:

The examination will consist of one 90-minute paper, with 100 marks available. All the Greek passages printed in the paper will form a continuous narrative or will concern a common theme. The difficulty of the Greek will increase gradually between Sections 1, 2 and 3. The overall difficulty of the passage in Section 3 will be roughly commensurate with that of the passages in Chapter 6 of Greek to GCSE: Part 1 (Taylor). Sections 1-3 will assume knowledge of the accidence and syntax detailed in Appendix 1 of this specification, and the Greek to English Defined Vocabulary List (c. 280 words) as detailed in Appendix 2; other vocabulary and proper nouns not in the DVL will be glossed. Vocabulary and grammar used in the English-to-Greek sentences in Section 4 will be drawn from the words in the English to Greek Restricted Vocabulary List, and the Restricted Accidence and Syntax list, both contained in Appendix 3. No accents will be printed on the examination paper, other than for interrogative τίς.

If this has whetted your appetite, check out some of the stories I use to teach this course by following my YouTube channel.

Classical Greek courses

If you are looking for a course to learn Greek from scratch and start working towards the ICCG exam, I offer them in small groups capped at 5 students. Please get in touch to ensure that you enrol on the most appropriate level.

My courses include a suite of online activities, videos, and resources, as well as email support, exam preparation logistical help and all materials except the official book, Greek to GCSE 1, which contains all the grammar and students will use for independent work:

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