Examined in June 2009 and June 2010
Examination Board: OCR

In addition to studying the traditional classical subjects eg. Latin and/or Classical Civilisation etc as individual A Levels, it is now possible to do a single A Level called “Classics” where candidates cherry-pick modules across the different disciplines. Two modules are studied at AS and two modules at A2 regardless of discipline.

Candidates could choose e.g
An Ancient History module and a Latin module at AS
A Classical Civilisation module and an Ancient History module at A2

For the sake of clarity and brevity the modules are discussed under the traditional subject headings.

 

Classical Civilisation

The Study of Greek and Roman Civilisation has always proved popular with students, in particular the story of the hero Odysseus and his struggle to return home after the Trojan Wars. Students relish Greek tragedy with its emphasis on dark issues of revenge and betrayal in the world of gods and men.

There are also opportunities to study Mycenaean archaeology, Greek comedy and Greek historians.

Two modules are studied at AS. No previous knowledge of the subject is required.

SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

UNIT	LEVEL	TOPIC	MODE OF ASSESSMENT	DURATION	WEIGHTING
					AS	A2
1	AS	Homer’s Odyssey and Society	Written examination	1 hour 30min	50%	25%
2	AS	Greek Tragedy in it's context	Written examination	1 hour 30min	50%	25%
A2
Two modules are also chosen at A2
UNIT	LEVEL	TOPIC	MODE OF ASSESSMENT	DURATION	WEIGHTING A2
3	A2	Art and Architecture in the Greek world	Written examination	2 hour	25%
4	A2	Virgil and the world of the hero	Written examination	2 hour	25%

 

Ancient History

You are spoilt for choice if you take Ancient History, whether you choose to study Athens’ rise to power, the murky, backstabbing politics of 1ST Century BC Rome; or Boudicca and the Britons’ spirited resistance to the Roman invasion.

Two modules are studied at AS. No previous knowledge of the subject is required but it is essential to enjoy reading.

SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

UNIT	LEVEL	TOPIC	MODE OF ASSESSMENT	DURATION	WEIGHTING
					AS	A2
1	AS	Greek History	Written examination	1 hour 30min	50%	25%
2	AS	Roman History	Written examination	1 hour 30min	50%	25%
A2
Two modules are also chosen at A2
UNIT	LEVEL	TOPIC	MODE OF ASSESSMENT	DURATION	WEIGHTING A2
3	A2	Greek History: Conflict and Culture	Written examination	2 hour	25%
4	A2	Roman History: the use and abuse of power	Written examination	2 hour	25%

 

Latin

There are some fascinating authors on the syllabus for Latin. Ovid writes a witty poetry about gods, heroes, and their love affairs, Cicero fulminates about Catiline and his dastardly plot to destroy the Republic.

A good grade at GCSE is required in this subject. There are two units of equal weight at AS Level: a language paper and a set text paper.

SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

UNIT	LEVEL	TOPIC	MODE OF ASSESSMENT	DURATION	WEIGHTING
					AS	A2
1	AS	Unseen Translation	Written examination	1 hour 30min	50%	25%
2	AS	Prescribed verse and prose text	Written examination	1 hour 30min	50%	25%
A2
Two modules are also chosen at A2
UNIT	LEVEL	TOPIC	MODE OF ASSESSMENT	DURATION	WEIGHTING A2
3	A2	Latin Verse	Written examination	2 hour	25%
4	A2	Latin Prose	Written examination	2 hour	25%

 

Greek

There is a brilliant selection of texts this year. You can study Homer’s story of the Trojan War and the tragic death of Patroclus, Achilles’ best friend at the hands of Hector. You can also study Lysias’ Speech denouncing one of the thirty tyrants who had terrorised Athens’ when its empire collapsed in 404BC.

A good grade at GCSE is required in this subject.

SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

UNIT	LEVEL	TOPIC	MODE OF ASSESSMENT	DURATION	WEIGHTING
					AS	A2
1	AS	Unseen Translation	Written examination	1 hour 30min	50%	25%
2	AS	Prescribed verse and prose text	Written examination	1 hour 30min	50%	25%
A2
Two modules are also chosen at A2
UNIT	LEVEL	TOPIC	MODE OF ASSESSMENT	DURATION	WEIGHTING A2
3	A2	Greek Verse	Written examination	2 hour	25%
4	A2	Greek Prose	Written examination	2 hour	25%