Classical Civilisations at PPS

GCSE

Examining Board:    OCR

Head of Department: Mr Aaron Columbus 

aaron.columbus@portland-place.co.uk

Classical Civilisations is the study of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. It is an interdisciplinary and academic subject where history, drama, literature, art and architecture are all studied. This is a new subject at Portland Place School and it is intended that Classical Civilizations will be offered at A Level when this first cohort of Classicists complete the GCSE course. The specification information will change from September 2009 with the introduction of new specifications. We will remain with AQA.

The aims of the GCSE Classical Civilizations course are for students to:

• Acquire and understanding of the civilization or civilizations studied in their historical context;
• Read, understand and make a personal response to literature in translation, in the context of the civilization;
• Develop an awareness of the similarities between the classical world and later times;
• Make an informed response, based on evidence within the material specified for study, using written and, where appropriate, oral and other means of communication.

No prior learning or level of attainment is necessary to take Classical Civilizations, although given the academic nature of the subject; students should have strengths in and enjoy subjects like History and English. No knowledge of the Classical Greek and Latin language is required. It is intended that Classics will be offered as an A Level when the next year’s cohort complete their GCSE.

The core content consists of:

Greek and Roman Literature in Translation (Paper 1) Total marks: 40%

Topic 1: Sophocles – Oedipus the King & Antigone (Greek)

Topic 2: Virgil – The Aeneid (Roman)

Exam Structure: short and extended answer questions on two topics

Greek and Roman Civilisation (Paper 2) Total marks: 40%

Topic 1: Athenian Social Life (Greek) – the home, work, education, religion.

Topic 2: Early Empire – Tiberius, Claudius and Nero (Roman) – the Julio-Claudian Dynasty, imperial women, power struggles.

Exam Structure: short and extended answer questions on two topics

Centre-assessed Coursework (Total marks: 20%)

Structure: three assignments of approximately 750 words (on one topic)

Topic: Roman Social Life in the First Century A.D (Roman) – society, religion, the family.

Outside activities

Visits to Athens and Rome.