Classical Civilisation
No knowledge of the classical languages is required to study Greek and Roman literature, history and culture as part of Classical Civilisation and this is an ideal option for those with a particular interest in literature and ancient history.
At GCSE, pupils have some choice of specialist topics of study but must cover
an aspect of civilisation and an aspect of literature:
- Component 11 (Foundation) or 21 (Higher): two topics from Paper 1 (Civilisation):
Roman Sport and Leisure, Pompeii, Roman Britain.
- Component 14 or 24: three topics from Paper 2 (Literature): Homer's
Odyssey, Sophocles' Oedipus, The King and Antigone, Virgil's Aeneid,
Books.1, 2 and 4.
Studies at A-level
For Sixth Form study, pupils should be interested in both literature and history.
No knowledge of the ancient languages is required, but the ability to write
coherent English and to structure an argument is essential.
Year 12
- Unit 1: Greek and Roman Society. Students study the role
of women in Athens and Rome, leading to a written examination.
- Unit 2: Greek and Roman Literature. Students study Homer's
Iliad (books 1,3,6,9,11,16,18,19,22,24) and there is one written examination.
- Unit 3: Centre-assessed Coursework - students complete
an essay of approximately 2000 words on EITHER Augustus and the foundation
of the Principate OR Roman Satire.
Year 13
- Unit 4: Greek History and Culture. Students study EITHER
The Persian Wars OR Greek Sculpture OR Greek Tragedy.
- Unit 5: Roman History and Culture. EITHER Roman Epic
OR Politics and Society in the Early Empire OR Roman Architecture
and Town Planning.
- Unit 6: Centre-assessed Coursework - essay of 2500-3000
words on EITHER Alexander the Great OR Socrates and Athens OR
Biography OR The Punic Wars Or Roman Britain OR
Epicureanism and Stoicism.