Classical Civilisation

Assessment

There are three components to the A Level course offered by OCR. The World of the Hero This component will explore both Greek and Roman epic, with the study of Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid. The works of Homer are the foundation of the Western literary canon, and the Greeks themselves considered them the cornerstone of Greek culture. In his Aeneid Virgil pays homage to Homer, but also to Rome and its leader, Augustus. With their unique composition and exciting tales of gods and heroes, these works of literature form an excellent grounding for exploration of the classical world. Culture and the Arts This component involves the study of visual/ material culture. The study of the physical remains of the ancient world is crucial to a comprehensive understanding of it. At Mill Hill we focus on theatre, studying Aristophanes’ Frogs, Euripides’ Bacchae and Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex. Pupils are allowed to explore some of the ideas and ideals important not only to the ancient world but also to the modern one. From ideas about love to those about democracy, pupils will examine thought-provoking and interesting concepts that will develop their ability to evaluate and analyse ideas as well as sources.