Classical Civilisation
Most students come to study Classical Civilisation as a brand new subject, making it attractive to aspirational students. It also provides new opportunities to study diverse topics within Arts & Humanities.
Most students come to study Classical Civilisation as a brand new subject, making it attractive to aspirational students. It also provides new opportunities to study diverse topics within Arts & Humanities.
To study this subject, you'll need at least a Grade 7 in GCSE English.
You will not need GCSEs in Classical Greek or Latin to study this subject.
What will you learn?
For students wishing to progress on to higher education, Classics qualifications are highly esteemed. You will not only acquire specific knowledge, but also important transferable skills such as analysing sources and developing independent, critical and evaluative approaches. You will learn to formulate and support an argument and gain a valuable understanding of cultures very different to your own. From the proven ability to write a well-structured extended response to the acknowledgement of the views of others and a cultural sensitivity to these, Classics puts you in an excellent position to seek employment opportunities.
Course Components
Studying Homer’s Iliad & Virgil’s Aeneid in translation, explore the drama, politics and human emotions behind two of the greatest epics ever written. You’ll analyse characters, themes and storytelling techniques while discovering how these texts shaped ancient—and modern—ideas about heroism, fate and power.
Greek Theatre, including plays, staging, costume, and the cultural context of performance. Investigate how the Greeks used theatre to entertain, question society and explore big ideas. You’ll also analyse sculpture, pottery and other visual evidence to understand how art expressed identity, values and community in the ancient world.
Study Athenian Democracy and the wider beliefs, rituals and philosophies of ancient societies. Unpick how ancient political systems worked, what citizens believed, and how religion and philosophy shaped everyday life. By comparing societies, you’ll build strong critical thinking skills and see how ancient ideas still influence modern debates.
Develop analytical skills by examining different types of evidence, questioning interpretations and forming your own arguments. You’ll gain a deep understanding of how ancient cultures lived, thought and expressed themselves—no Latin or Greek required.
Skills you will develop
Textual Analysis
Studying and interpreting ancient literature, myths, and historical sources.
Critical Thinking
Evaluating ideas, beliefs, and cultures from the ancient world.
Essay Writing
Developing clear arguments supported by evidence.
Cultural Understanding
Exploring the history, art, religion, and society of ancient Greece and Rome.
Students who study this subject, often have these careers...
How will you be assessed?
OCRYou will be assessed by written examination at the end of the course.
Component One: The World of the Hero
2hr 30min 100 marks 40% of gradeCompulsory study of Homer's Iliad and Virgil's Aeneid.
Component 2: Culture and the Arts.
1hr 45min 75 marks 30% of gradeGreek Theatre.
Component 3: Beliefs and Ideas
1hr 45min 75 marks 30% of gradeDemocracy and the Athenians.
Sixth Form Trips and Enrichment
Bring Classical Civilisation to life beyond the classroom through unforgettable experiences and academic enrichment. Explore the ancient world first-hand on international study trips to Rome and the Bay of Naples, where you can walk through the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, stand in the Colosseum, visit the Roman Forum, and experience the landscapes, art and architecture that shaped the classical world you study. Deepen your appreciation of classical theatre at the annual Warwick Drama Festival, watching live performances of Greek tragedies and comedies that connect directly to A-Level texts. You will also have opportunities to broaden your academic thinking through Classics lectures at the University of Birmingham, hearing from experts and engaging with ideas beyond the curriculum.
Bring Classical Civilisation to life beyond the classroom through unforgettable experiences and academic enrichment. Explore the ancient world first-hand on international study trips to Rome and the Bay of Naples, where you can walk through the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, stand in the Colosseum, visit the Roman Forum, and experience the landscapes, art and architecture that shaped the classical world you study. Deepen your appreciation of classical theatre at the annual Warwick Drama Festival, watching live performances of Greek tragedies and comedies that connect directly to A-Level texts. You will also have opportunities to broaden your academic thinking through Classics lectures at the University of Birmingham, hearing from experts and engaging with ideas beyond the curriculum.
Who will teach you?
Miss E Roberts
Head of Classics
Mrs E O'Connor
Teacher of Classics
Students who study this subject, often get accepted at...
Discover More
Our mission is to nurture confident, considerate and intellectually curious young women.