Ancient History & Civilisation

Overview

Any student who enjoyed and was successful at English and History GCSE will like the variety and scope of Ancient History & Civilisation A Level. It concentrates on exploring the world of the Ancient Greeks and Romans, which has had such an influence on Western culture –and it’s all in English!

Ancient History & Civilisation involves the study of some of the greatest works of art and literature. Students will read about Achilles, Agamemnon and the Trojan War; explore the politics of the Roman Republic featuring the likes of Caesar, Cato and Cicero; and consider how the Greeks presented their myths and history in some of the world’s greatest vases and sculpture.

For further information or to discuss in more detail, please contact:

Ms L Andrew Head of Classics landrew@kgs.org.uk

Follow us on Twitter: @KGS_Classics

How is the course assessed?

The course is divided into three sections: The World of the Hero (40%), Culture and the Arts (30%), and Beliefs and Ideas (30%). Each has its own exam paper featuring a mixture of factual questions on literary or material sources, longer commentary questions and essay questions.

World of the Hero

We study two of the most influential authors from the classical world in English: Homer’s Iliad Books 1, 3–4, 6, 9–10, 16–19, 22–24 and Virgil’s Aeneid Books 1–2, 4 and 6–12. Students sit an exam of 2 hours 20 minutes in this module.

Culture and the Arts – Greek Theatre

Students investigate the pivotal role that theatre played in the cultural and religious life of ancient Athens. We will explore what the archaeological evidence can tell us about attending the theatre in ancient times. We will also study several plays in detail, encompassing both the heartrending mythological tales of the tragedies and the slapstick and wordplay of Aristophanes’ comedies.

Beliefs and Ideas – Politics of the Roman Republic

Students consider the implications of personal relationships between the likes of Caesar, Cicero and Pompey, and the scandals which rocked the Roman world at a time of massive upheaval. Through a combination of Cicero’s letters and political and legal speeches, students explore the politics of Republican Rome and how they sought to retain their values traditions and, most importantly, power, in a period of utter turmoil whilst trying to avoid the ultimate disaster: civil war.

Examination board

Useful attributes

You do not have to have taken a classical subject at GCSE to study Ancient History & Civilisation at A Level. You will need the same skills of evaluation and analysis which you have developed in English and subjects such as History or Religion & Philosophy. An inquisitive and open mind and an enjoyment of reading are essential.

Personal development

Because of its great breadth and overview of human thought and development, Ancient History & Civilisation constitutes the single best preparation in a general sense for almost any of life’s available pursuits. Classicists develop the ability to think logically, to compile and evaluate evidence, and to express themselves clearly and succinctly. Practice in analysing sources, both literary and material, helps to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Exposure to cultures which are similar and, at the same time, very different to our own encourages empathy and an appreciation of the wider world in which we live today.

Future directions

From pots to plays, Plato to Pausanias – the range of areas Classicists study is exhilarating, offering a great base from which to branch out, alongside a grounding in an inherently fascinating area with excellent travel opportunities. Classicists make their way into careers as diverse as computing, the Civil Service, politics, journalism, law, accountancy, teaching, public relations and advertising.