Head of Classics: Mrs M Frankland
Choose Classical Civilisation if you are interested in learning about the classical world – its personalities, events, literature, drama, art, architecture, history, politics, philosophy and mythology. The course shows how modern culture has developed from the classical past, how the civilisation of classical Rome and Greece has helped in shaping modern Europe and how classical influences are still important in understanding today’s world. The breadth and depth of classics as a subject is vast and it is this variation that makes the subject so interesting, enjoyable and compelling to study and explore.

Course content
Examination board: OCR

Beliefs and Ideas
Students must study one component in this group, chosen from:
– Greek Religion (H408/31)
– Love and Relationships (H408/32)
– Politics of the Late Republic (H408/33)
– Democracy and the Athenians (H408/34)

Components in this group involve an area of classical thought in combination with either the study of literature in translation or visual/material culture.

30% of total A Level
Written paper ~ 75 marks ~ 1 hour 45 minutes

The World of the Hero
This is a compulsory component consisting of an in-depth study of:
– one of Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey
– and Virgil’s Aeneid

This component is solely focused on the study of literature in translation.

40% of total A Level
Written paper ~ 100 marks ~ 2 hours 20 minutes

Culture and the Arts
Students must study one component in this group, chosen from:
– Greek Theatre (H408/21)
– Imperial Image (H408/22)
– Invention of the Barbarian (H408/23)
– Greek Art (H408/24)

Components in this group involve the study of visual and material culture. In all except Greek Art this is combined with the study of literature in translation.

30% of total A Level
Written paper ~ 75 marks ~ 1 hour 45 minutes

Co-curricular
The Classics Department runs a variety of trips for the Sixth Form throughout the year to enhance the students’ experience of the classics curriculum at A Level:
– Study Day with Cambridge University to explore the university and analyse classical texts with world experts.
– Theatre trip(s) to broaden appreciation of the impact of classical literature today.
– Biannual trip abroad. Past trips have included Sicily and the Bay of Naples.

University and beyond
Choosing Classical Civilisation prepares you for the world of business, politics, journalism and teaching by sharpening your ability to read and analyse information, by improving the clarity and persuasiveness of your speech and writing, and by making you an interesting, flexible, cultured person.