Why study Classics?

Studying the classics helps you appreciate modern literature and society by becoming more aware of the history of ideas and by learning to use your own language more effectively. You will gain a sense of perspective by tracing ideas from their origins and this will help with many other subjects such as History, Politics and Languages. The course provides the perfect Arts balance for Science and Technology students.

 

What THE TIMES had to say about the value of Classics

 

The course covers aspects of the

 
  • archaeology

 

 
  • art & architecture

 

 

 
  • literature

 

 

 

 
  • history

 

 

 

 

 
  • philosophy

 

 

 

 

 

 
  • social history

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  • religion etc

of the classical world

 

 

The Course

 

Sources range from plays to archaeological material of different types. Students learn to understand the context of the original works while also expressing their own response to them.

The European Dimension

The course seeks to relate what happened in the ancient world to the experience of students today. It shows how modern culture has developed from the classical past and how the civilisations of Greece and Rome have helped in shaping modern Europe and how Classical influences are still important through the development of nation states and their institutions and the spread of ideas and forms of expression.

Foundations of the Modern World

Skills

Skills, not subject specifics, are what employers look for in a wide range of careers. Classical Civilisation gives a broad mix of the transferable skills sought by employers and the Key Skills fundamental to the new A Level specifications are fully integrated.

Course requirements

There are no special subject requirements — all students need are good overall GCSE grades, and an interest in the subject.

All students starting the course in the Lower Sixth take the AS modules at the end of the year. At this point you have the choice of taking an AS certificate or of ‘banking’ your results towards a full A level after a second year of study.

Go here to see a summary of the AS/A syllabus.

You can also look at the resources available to students