Archaeology

ARCHAEOLOGY
Level(s):AS, A2
Enquiries to:Martin Ballard
FACTS
Courses available

AS, A2

Entry requirements

How the courses are assessed

AS: 100% exam A2: 60% exam, 40% coursework

Exam board

AQA

Where does it lead?

Many students go on to degree courses in Archaeology, Geography, History and combinations of these. This subject can lead to careers in field archaeology, local government (planning), museums and education

Other information

Lessons are active and varied, focusing on the interpretation of a wide range of evidence and approaches. There will be opportunities to participate in field trips and visits. Recently, students have spent a day on a local excavation and spent four days in Rome visiting the classical sights, as well as a full day excursion to the ruins of Pompeii. In the future we hope to return to Italy, and to also visit the extensive Roman remains at St Albans.

Are you interested in finding out more about the human past? If so, then this fun and varied subject which unites the humanities and the sciences is for you. Archaeology is the study of past human societies from the investigation of material remains. In the AS course you will study how archaeologists discover, excavate and record sites. You will also investigate how archaeologists analyse data and interpret evidence from a variety of sites, at home and abroad. The third core topic is the study of religion and ritual in the Roman world, looking at evidence for temples, burial, worship and sacrifice in Britain and beyond. At A2 students build on their knowledge from AS to consider themes in world archaeology such as status and people in the landscape and trade in ancient societies. We also study the contemporary and political role of archaeology, such as its part in defining our sense of identity by tangibly connecting ourselves to our shared past and common humanity. There is also a Personal Study on a topic of your choice.

TOPICS COVERED
AS Level
Religion & ritual in the Roman world incl. burial & sacrifice \ Principles of world archaeology \ How sites are discovered (incl. aerial photography & geophysics) \ Excavation strategies \ Scientific analysis & dating techniques

A2 Level
Coursework on a local topic of student's choice \ Environmental archaeology \ Ancient settlements \ Status & social organisation \ Specialism & manufacture \ Contemporary issues in world archaeology