Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation AS and A2 Level
Latin
The course comprises study of both language and literature by means of set books, translation and comprehension and encourages students to ‘read and make a personal response to selected Classical literature and consider the spiritual, moral and cultural issues that emerge from their reading’.
We aim to give students as wide a view of the subject as possible by visits and participation in such events as University Classics Days wherever possible, as well as inviting lecturers to the School.
Minerva
Year 12 visit to the British Museum
Classical Greek
The Department happily offers Classical Greek, which follows the same subject structure as Latin detailed above.
Classical Civilisation
This course is available at AS and A2 levels, which may be taken as a one- or two-year option. It offers the opportunity to study elements of the literature, archaeology, art, architecture, history, philosophy, politics, and religion of the Classical Greek and Roman Worlds. It encourages the development of wide communications skills which are of value in many areas.
EXAMINATION BOARD
OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations). The specification derives from a well respected course of long standing now brought into line with modern requirements.
| Modules | ||
| Genre | Title | Level |
| Greek Epic | Homer's Odyssey | AS |
| Greek Tragedy | Plays of Aeschylus and Sophocles | AS |
| Greek Comedy | AS | |
| Independent Study | A2 | |
| Greek and Roman Epic | Homer's Odyssey and Virgil's Aeneid | A2 |
| Greek Tragedy 3 | Euripides | A2 |
The new OCR Classical Civilisation Specification means that at AS we study two modules: Homer's Odyssey and Society and Greek tragedy in its context.
At A2 we study a further two modules: Virgil and the World of the Hero and Comic Drama in the Ancient World.
ASSESSMENT
AS candidates take 3 one-and-a-half hour papers in each of the modules
indicated for AS above.
The synoptic element follows at A2 level with a possibility of replacing
the historical module with an 'independent study' element.
ENTRY GUIDELINES
No knowledge of classical languages is required; just a keen interest to discover more about the classical world, and an enquiring and fun mind.
WHERE IT LEADS
A Level in a Classical language is highly regarded by any University Arts Faculty as well as those teaching pure Classics. The language and communication skills acquired are valuable in professions as varied as the law, journalism, media skills, advertising, banking and accountancy.