A level of Classical Civilisation offers the most wide-ranging and interdisciplinary approach to the ancient world. You can study the origins of theatre in Greek tragedy alongside its representation in fifth-century vase painting; the development of Roman love poetry and love’s dissection in Greek philosophy; the foundational epic of Western literature, Homer’s Iliad, next to its Roman counterpart, Virgil’s Aeneid. Few subjects offer such a broad exploration of the very beginnings of Western thought. You sharpen your critical faculties across a range of media: lyric poetry, drama, philosophy, and archaeology, all have their place within the course. Crucial to a scholarly understanding of these artefacts is the historical context which produced them, as such you will gain an insight into archaic Greece, the politics, culture and conflicts of Athens in the fifth century BC, and early imperial Rome. Lessons will often be discursive and thus require preparation of the material under discussion in advance.
There is no need to have studied Latin or Greek, or GCSE Classical Civilisation. Please note: if you opt for A level Ancient History, you cannot opt for A level Classical Civilisation as well.
Our course consists of one compulsory component and two components, where the topic is dictated by the particular teacher’s passion and expertise. Paper 1: The World of the Hero (40%) Homer’s Iliad (Year 12) – as a lyrical exploration of the destructive impact of war on a community, the Iliad remains unsurpassed. Virgil’s Aeneid (Year 13) – Virgil recasts Homer, Iliad and Odyssey alike, into one great Roman epic, written for an empire (and emperor) that ruled the world. Paper 2: Culture and the Arts (30%) Greek Theatre (Year 12) – This module goes to the roots of European drama. Critical reading sets two great tragedies, Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and Euripides’ Bacchae, against an equally great comedy, Aristophanes’ Frogs. Paper 3: Beliefs and Ideas (30%) Love and Relationships (Year 13) – this comparative study traces Greek and Roman beliefs across both cultures to take in the ideas of Sappho (one of the few female voices from the ancient world), Plato, Seneca and Ovid on gender, passion and the nature of love itself. Written tasks focus on the close analysis of sources, both visual and literary, and the building of cogent arguments in broader essays. You are encouraged to read the opinions of modern historians and critics, so you reach your conclusions within the context of contemporary scholarly debate. All papers are examined at the end of Year 13, and there is no coursework.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Haringey |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £25,515 |
| Address | North Road, Highgate, N6 4AY |
A level of Classical Civilisation offers the most wide-ranging and interdisciplinary approach to the ancient world. You can study the origins of theatre in Greek tragedy alongside its representation in fifth-century vase painting; the development of Roman love poetry and love’s dissection in Greek philosophy; the foundational epic of Western literature, Homer’s Iliad, next to its Roman counterpart, Virgil’s Aeneid. Few subjects offer such a broad exploration of the very beginnings of Western thought. You sharpen your critical faculties across a range of media: lyric poetry, drama, philosophy, and archaeology, all have their place within the course. Crucial to a scholarly understanding of these artefacts is the historical context which produced them, as such you will gain an insight into archaic Greece, the politics, culture and conflicts of Athens in the fifth century BC, and early imperial Rome. Lessons will often be discursive and thus require preparation of the material under discussion in advance.
There is no need to have studied Latin or Greek, or GCSE Classical Civilisation. Please note: if you opt for A level Ancient History, you cannot opt for A level Classical Civilisation as well.
Our course consists of one compulsory component and two components, where the topic is dictated by the particular teacher’s passion and expertise. Paper 1: The World of the Hero (40%) Homer’s Iliad (Year 12) – as a lyrical exploration of the destructive impact of war on a community, the Iliad remains unsurpassed. Virgil’s Aeneid (Year 13) – Virgil recasts Homer, Iliad and Odyssey alike, into one great Roman epic, written for an empire (and emperor) that ruled the world. Paper 2: Culture and the Arts (30%) Greek Theatre (Year 12) – This module goes to the roots of European drama. Critical reading sets two great tragedies, Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and Euripides’ Bacchae, against an equally great comedy, Aristophanes’ Frogs. Paper 3: Beliefs and Ideas (30%) Love and Relationships (Year 13) – this comparative study traces Greek and Roman beliefs across both cultures to take in the ideas of Sappho (one of the few female voices from the ancient world), Plato, Seneca and Ovid on gender, passion and the nature of love itself. Written tasks focus on the close analysis of sources, both visual and literary, and the building of cogent arguments in broader essays. You are encouraged to read the opinions of modern historians and critics, so you reach your conclusions within the context of contemporary scholarly debate. All papers are examined at the end of Year 13, and there is no coursework.
