Classical Civilisation

What is the exam board and the route?

A Level Classical Civilisation OCR 

Subject Entry Requirements: Grade 7 in GCSE English Literature or GCSE History or GCSE Classical Civilisation advised. It is not necessary to have studied GCSE *Classical Civilisation to take this A Level.

Subject outline 

A combination of skills are developed through reading Homer and Aeneid and studying religion and theatre of Greeks – all in English. 

How is the course assessed? 

The World of the Hero: Written paper – 2 hours 30 minutes [40%] 

Culture and the Arts: Written paper – 1 hour 45 minutes [30%] 

Beliefs and Ideas: Written paper – 1 hour 45 minutes [30%] 

Why study this subject? 

Classical Civilisation is one of the broadest subjects available: it encompasses two different cultures, a wealth of literature, poetry, drama, history and philosophy, a rich feast of art and architecture and the study of every aspect of complex societies. This course gives students the opportunity to study, in English, diverse classical topics and sources, including both the oldest surviving works of literature and the world of gods and heroes; other topics for selection include Greek drama, Greek views of outsiders like the Persians, love and relationships, or the political turmoil of the last years of the Republic and the Roman Civil Wars. This course would suit a student who enjoys aspects of both literature and history with an appreciation of the ancient world. All this will allow students to consider the ideals and ideas of Western thought that we have inherited from the ancients. Classical Civilisations is co-taught with LHS. 

Complementary subjects 

Classical Civilisation stands between English, History, Art and Politics, so would complement all humanities or offer something different to computing or sciences. It would allow all students to develop critical thinking and essay writing. 

Possible careers 

Law, Banking and Finance, Business, Economics, Journalism, Drama and Politics. 

Subject enrichment available 

• Trips abroad to Greece and Italy 

• Theatre visits 

• Lectures and study days 

• Oxford and Cambridge visits 

• Oxbridge essay competitions 

• Oxbridge application and interview preparation 

• Greek and Latin Reading competitions 

• Linguistics Club 

• Archaeology Club 

• Young Philosophers’ Club ‘Labyrinth’ 

• New Testament Greek 

• Classics Film Club (LHS)