The Classical Civilisation course is based on the study of the literature, art and archaeological sources from Greece and Rome. In the first year, we study two modules. The first covers the epic literature of Homer, with the opportunity to read either the Iliad or the Odyssey in translation. We encounter fascinating characters such as Achilles, Agamemnon and Hector and the gods Zeus, Hera and Athena, whilst exploring themes such as the nature of the Homeric hero, the role of the gods and fate, women and slaves and the portrayal of war. The second module is more historically-based. We study the shift from Roman Republic to Principate through an examination of the emperor Augustus’ artful manipulation of his own image in art, architecture and literature. We consider how his opponents, Mark Antony and Cleopatra, are portrayed to suit Augustus’ own propaganda campaign in Rome and we track his inimitable rise to power and the methods by which he sustained and cemented his position as sole ruler of the Roman world. In the second year, we turn back the clock and look at how the Roman Republic disintegrated, and the circumstances that enabled a man like Augustus to reign supreme. Students of politics and history alike can learn plenty from its unraveling under the pressure of empire and the unbridled megalomania of some of its protagonists. In parallel to this we study Virgil’s Aeneid, seen by some to be the national epic of the Romans, by others as a key propaganda tool for Augustus’ new regime.
There is no need to have studied a classical language or Classical Civilisation at (I)GCSE before taking the subject as a specialist. The main prerequisites are an interest in the classical world, a desire to read texts and sources in translation and a willingness to engage with the subject matter verbally and in essays.
Pupils sit three final examination papers, all at the end of the second year of their course: Paper 1: World of the Hero: Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid (140 minutes) -40% Paper 2: Imperial Image (105 minutes)- 30% Paper 3: Politics of the Late Republic (105 minutes)- 30% Each paper contains a mixture of source-based commentary and longer essay work.
About Education Provider
| Region | South East |
| Local Authority | Surrey |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £47,535 |
| Sixth Form Fee | £38,367 |
| Address | Godalming, GU7 2DX |
The Classical Civilisation course is based on the study of the literature, art and archaeological sources from Greece and Rome. In the first year, we study two modules. The first covers the epic literature of Homer, with the opportunity to read either the Iliad or the Odyssey in translation. We encounter fascinating characters such as Achilles, Agamemnon and Hector and the gods Zeus, Hera and Athena, whilst exploring themes such as the nature of the Homeric hero, the role of the gods and fate, women and slaves and the portrayal of war. The second module is more historically-based. We study the shift from Roman Republic to Principate through an examination of the emperor Augustus’ artful manipulation of his own image in art, architecture and literature. We consider how his opponents, Mark Antony and Cleopatra, are portrayed to suit Augustus’ own propaganda campaign in Rome and we track his inimitable rise to power and the methods by which he sustained and cemented his position as sole ruler of the Roman world. In the second year, we turn back the clock and look at how the Roman Republic disintegrated, and the circumstances that enabled a man like Augustus to reign supreme. Students of politics and history alike can learn plenty from its unraveling under the pressure of empire and the unbridled megalomania of some of its protagonists. In parallel to this we study Virgil’s Aeneid, seen by some to be the national epic of the Romans, by others as a key propaganda tool for Augustus’ new regime.
There is no need to have studied a classical language or Classical Civilisation at (I)GCSE before taking the subject as a specialist. The main prerequisites are an interest in the classical world, a desire to read texts and sources in translation and a willingness to engage with the subject matter verbally and in essays.
Pupils sit three final examination papers, all at the end of the second year of their course: Paper 1: World of the Hero: Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid (140 minutes) -40% Paper 2: Imperial Image (105 minutes)- 30% Paper 3: Politics of the Late Republic (105 minutes)- 30% Each paper contains a mixture of source-based commentary and longer essay work.