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Why choose A Level Classical Civilisation?

The study of A Level Classical Civilisation allows students to look at many aspects of the classical world which are significant in the development of the modern world.

Students are taught a variety of ancient Greek and Roman texts over the two year course, ranging from the epics of Homer and Virgil, to the tragedies and comedies of Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes. You do not need any knowledge of Latin or Greek for this A Level as all texts are studied in their English translations.

Pupils will critically analyse each text, focusing on authorial style, characterisation, historical background and the performance of each piece. Each topic is examined at the end of the year. Classical Civilisation is a highly regarded subject, and is on Trinity College Cambridge’s ‘A List’ of acceptable A Level subjects for Cambridge entry. Clearly it is a subject worth giving serious consideration to!

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All you need to know

  • World of The Hero — Homer’s ‘Odyssey’ and
  • Virgil’s ‘Aeneid’
  • Greek Theatre — Sophocles’ ’Oedipus the King’,
  • Euripides’ ‘Bacchae’ and ‘Aristophanes’ ‘Frogs’
  • Love and Relationships — Greek and Roman
  • Men and women; Seneca; Plato; Sappho; Ovid

Classical Civilisation can be taken with any combination of A Level subjects. As it does not need any specific GCSEs as an entry requirement to take the course, and can be taken without any prior knowledge of the subject beforehand, it is open to all Year 12 students. Nevertheless, it does complement some subjects such as English Literature, Drama, History, Philosophy, and the Classical Languages.

Grade 6 or above in English Literature or any written subject at GCSE including English, History and EPR.

No previous knowledge of the subject is required, however, Classicists should have an inquisitive mind, be willing to debate, and have a passion for mythology, history and literature.

OCR

According to the Independent News Guide for students, people graduating from Classical Studies and Ancient Language degrees are highly valued by employers. Thanks to their studies, they learn to think logically, to compile and evaluate evidence and to express themselves clearly and succinctly both orally and in writing. The more common careers include architecture, journalism, education, language-based careers and theatre; however, they can make their way into careers as diverse as computing, the civil service, gold dealing, insurance, law, accountancy, public relations and the wine trade.

 

The aims of the Classical Civilisation specification are:

  • To encourage candidates to develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, the classical world
  • To acquire, through studying a range of appropriate sources, knowledge and understanding of selected aspects of Classical Civilisation
  • To develop awareness of the continuing influence of the classical world on later times and of the similarities and differences between the ages. In addition to these aims, the Classics department aspires to provide students with educational, varied, fun lessons, which allow them to enter into an imaginative world of mythology and history.

Students are encouraged to immerse themselves in ancient culture and legend, something which is aided by the popular Classics trips abroad to the ancient sites in Italy or mainland Greece, and the opportunity to watch a number of stage productions of Greek tragedy and comedy.

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