A-level Hebrew (Biblical)₇₆₇₇

• the opportunity to develop linguistic skills which will help both in the study and application of other languages
• the opportunity to be inspired, motivated and challenged by reading widely across a range of set texts
• the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the life and culture of the ancient world through the literature studied
• the encouragement to develop and apply critical analytical skills, which will help students in their future study
• the separation of the assessment of unseen language and set texts in different question papers
• the chance to develop the language and literature skills needed to progress to studying a classical languages degree or equivalent.

A-level Biblical Hebrew will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills specified for GCSE (9–1), although prior attainment of a GCSE (9–1) qualification in Biblical Hebrew is not a requirement. Students will be introduced to a greater range of vocabulary through wider reading of original material, more complex examples of syntax and accidence and the in-depth study of prose literature and poetry .

There is no defined vocabulary list for A-level Biblical Hebrew. Rather, the qualification will require students to know and build upon words which are listed in the Core Vocabulary List.

Students are expected to study a range of texts in order to develop a wider vocabulary and more complex understanding and application of syntax and accidence. They will be required to not only understand syntax and accidence but to be able to explain and apply it, both in unseen texts and in the set texts. This will enable them to translate unseen passages, answer comprehension and grammar questions on unseen prose and poetry passages, and translate a passage of English prose into Biblical Hebrew.

A-level Biblical Hebrew will also extend the study of ancient literature in terms of breadth and depth, further developing students’ ability to critically analyse and evaluate ancient literature. The qualification also requires students to read additional literature in translation in order to understand the context from which the set texts have been taken.

Over the course of the A-level, students will have studied four different books of the Bible in preparation for the language and literature exams.

This specification follows the Orthodox Jewish tradition for the presentation of Divine names.

The four-letter Divine name will be written יי

Other Divine names will be written as they appear in the Hebrew Bible, except that a dash will be added in between the first and second letters, for example: אֱ-לֹהִים, אֲ-דֹנָי , צְ-בָאוֹת

You may use this approach, but you are also free to approach the qualification from a Christian or other perspective.

Schools/colleges should be aware that Hebrew verse counting will be used wherever relevant, for example in listing the set texts.

• •3.1 Unseen translation, comprehension, pointing and composition
• •3.2 Prose literature and poetry
• •3.3 Grammar
• •3.4 Works
• •3.5 Vocabulary