Course information
Classical Civilisation
The King Alfred School - Barnet
02084575200
149 North End Road, London, NW11 7HY
Course summary

A knowledge of the civilisations of Greece and Rome is fundamental to an understanding of our own. The new A-level syllabus offers an integrated study of literature, art, history, culture and philosophy in the ancient Mediterranean world. No previous knowledge of the subject is needed at all, although if you already have GCSE Classical Civilisation you will enjoy deepening and broadening your understanding. A typical lesson will involve reading or studying a primary source (an extract from a Greek poem or an image of a Roman sculpture, for example), followed by a teacher-led discussion. Often we will turn the spotlight back from the ancient world onto our own world to reassess the nature of our modern societies and values. An A level in Classical Civilisation provides an excellent basis for a range of degrees from Art to Philosophy. The subject can also be continued at university on its own or in combination with others. A Classics degree will require the study of Latin and/or ancient Greek, but the languages are not an entry requirement in most cases. Classical Civilisation degrees do not require language study, and there are also options such as Ancient & Modern History, Archaeology & Anthropology, Classics & English, Classics & Oriental Studies, and Classics and Modern Languages. Well-known public figures who have found the study of Classics a valuable training before going to high achievement in other fields include JK Rowling (best-selling author of the Harry Potter series), Tom Hiddleston (Actor), Susan Greenfield (who presented the series Brain Story on BBC2), Sir Anthony Cleaver (ex-Chairman of IBM, Head of UK Atomic Energy Authority), and Sir Jeremy Morse (ex-Chairman, Lloyds Bank).

Entry requirements

In general, external applicants are required to achieve at least five GCSE passes at Grade 6 or above (as required by individual subjects) for entry into our A-level courses. Grade 6 or equivalent in English, History, Classical Civilisation, Religious Studies or similar at GCSE.

How you'll be assessed

At the end of two years you will sit three papers and exam questions test a balanced combination of factual knowledge and evaluative skills, both historical and literary. • Paper 1: The World of the Hero This is a compulsory paper consisting of an in-depth study of either Homer’s Iliad Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid. At KAS we study the Iliad. These Epic poems are studied in translation. • Paper 2: Culture & the Arts You can study one of the following options: Greek Theatre; Imperial Image; Invention of the Barbarian; or Greek Art. All of these topics involve the study of visual and material culture and all but Greek Art includes the study of literature in translation. At KAS, the current choice is The Invention of the Barbarian, which looks at the Greeks and their attitude to ‘others’, especially the Persians. This exciting course offers the chance to learn something about the Persian empire as well as about the Greeks. • Paper 3: Beliefs & Ideas We study one of the following options: Greek Religion; Love and Relationships; Politics and the Late Republic; Democracy and the Athenians, depending on students’ interests. These topics involve the study of an area of classical thought, in combination with the study of literature in translation or visual/ material culture.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionLondon
Local AuthorityBarnet
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form Fee£19,059 - £22,980
Address149 North End Road, London, NW11 7HY