Classical Civilisation A Level

OCR A Level Classical Civilisation

This course focuses on the ancient Greeks and Romans. Together, these two civilisations have had an enormous influence on the development of European culture and continue to be relevant to the modern world in many surprising ways. Students will learn about Greek and Roman mythology, art, literature, religion, politics, warfare and wider achievements.

Visits relevant to the course, such as theatre and museum trips and study days, are made and students are expected to undertake a programme of wider research including reading and watching recommended television series and documentaries.

Paper 1 - 40%: The World of the Hero

• Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid

Paper 2 - 30%: Greek Theatre

• The Oedipus Tyrannus of Sophocles, the Bacchae of Euripides and the Frogs of Aristophanes

Paper 3 - 30%: Greek Religion

A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4. This MUST include:

• Mathematics Grade 4 AND

• English Language Grade 5 OR

• English Literature Grade 5 AND English Language Grade 4

Plus

Grade 4 in a Classical OR Historical subject (if studied)

Students develop the ability to express themselves clearly and fluently both orally and in writing, to critically analyse texts and visual arts, to empathise with others in different times and places and to work collaboratively. Students will learn to research independently, manage their time and organise their workload effectively. All of these are useful transferrable skills.

Classical Civilisation is a highly respected subject when applying to higher education. University of Cambridge will accept it as an alternative to History and a number of Russell Group institutions will accept it as an alternative to English Literature.

Classical Civilisation combines well with many different subjects from Drama and Film Studies, History and English Literature to Mathematics and Languages. Students who study Classical Civilisation progress to university to study degrees including: Classical Civilisation, Ancient History, Law and Archaeology.