Classical Civilisation GCE A Level
A Level
In Southport
Description
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Type
A Level
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Location
Southport
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Duration
2 Years
Even in the modern world, we are still constantly surrounded by references to Classical culture and mythology - in rock songs (Iron Maiden), TV shows (Dr Who), films, paintings, computer games, politics (Boris Johnson), novels and architecture. By studying Classics you can discover the key to understanding all these references and therefore understanding more about the world around you. This.
Important information
Government funding available
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Start date
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About this course
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4 B grades at GCSE. As this course involves a lot of reading and essay writing, students must have at least a C grade in both English Language and English Literature. If you have already taken History or Classics at GCSE then you must have at least a C grade, but neither is essential.
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Course programme
Classical Civilisation GCE A Level
Qualification: AS/A2 - 2 year course
Course type: Level 3 (advanced)
Entry requirements:
4 B grades at GCSE. As this course involves a lot of reading and essay writing, students must have at least a C grade in both English Language and English Literature. If you have already taken History or Classics at GCSE then you must have at least a C grade, but neither is essential.
Head of Department: Miss Julia Clayton
Course assessment:
All four modules are assessed by written exams taken in June of each year; there is no coursework and no opportunity to take modules in January. All exams follow the same format - one source-based context question and one essay question on each paper.
What can this course offer me?
Even in the modern world, we are still constantly surrounded by references to Classical culture and mythology - in rock songs (Iron Maiden), TV shows (Dr Who), films, paintings, computer games, politics (Boris Johnson), novels and architecture. By studying Classics you can discover the key to understanding all these references and therefore understanding more about the world around you.
This course offers an insight into the culture, society, history and religion of two ancient civilisations - Greece and Rome. It differs from the Ancient History course in that it is based entirely on the art & literature produced by these two societies. Students who have completed the course always say that they enjoyed the variety of topics available: epic poetry, comedy, philosophy, sculpture, architecture & social history.
We have an excellent track record of exam results; no student at KGV has ever failed A2 Classics. Our Classics Department has been recommended in the "Good Schools Guide" every year since 2004.
What will I learn?
Most of our intake have never studied Classics before, so the course is taught entirely from scratch, assuming no previous knowledge.
We use the OCR syllabus, which enables students to study a mixture of Greek and Roman topics in each year of the course:
AS Course
CC2: Homer's Odyssey & Society (the warrior culture behind one of the world's great epic poems)
CC3: Roman Life & Thought (exploring Roman society through satirical poems & personal letters)
A2 Course
CC8: Art & Architecture in the Greek World (mythology, temples, sculpture & vase-painting)
CC9: Comic Drama in the Ancient World (Greek & Roman comedy and its development over time)
Depending on student demand, it may also be possible to run an alternative A2 module on the Role of the Hero in Ancient Epic, based on Homer's Iliad and Virgil's Aeneid.
Our teaching methods include class discussions, play readings and debates, but we also use a lot of visual material. The work we do in class is backed up wherever possible by visits to museums and art galleries
What Makes a good Classical Civilisation student?
Although we assume no previous knowledge, an interest in mythology, ancient history or archaeology is clearly a big advantage. You have to be prepared to do a lot of reading and essay writing, so if you do not enjoy these activities, then this course may not be right for you.
Which other courses link well with this subject?
Popular subject combinations include: Ancient History, Archaeology, History, English Lit, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Politics, Drama, Geography and Art (as much of our A2 course is Art History). However, some Science students also choose to take Classics as a "one-stop" Arts course.
Future Opportunities
Each year, so many of our students enjoy the course, that they choose to study Classics or related courses (Archaeology, Ancient History, Byzantine Studies, Art History etc) at university. Over the last eight years, sixteen students have won places at Oxford University to study Classics and/or Ancient History. The degree subject chosen by students depends on their overall combination of A level subjects.Popular degree courses for Classics students are: History, English, Law, Creative Writing, Drama, Politics, Geography and Art. We have also had students whose offer for Medicine, Pharmacy or Dentistry courses included their grade in Classics.
Careers for Classics graduates include: museum work; the heritage industry; travel & tourism; teaching; publishing; journalism; the media; financial services; art galleries and so on. JK Rowling, Boris Johnson and Margaret from The Apprentice are all Classics graduates!
Is there anything else I need to know?
Students sometimes find it difficult to choose between Classical Civilisation and Ancient History. There is no overlap between the two, so you can take both. As a rough guide Classics about the culture of the two societies, rather than the history.
Classical Civilisation GCE A Level