Classics

The Removes & Fifths
 

Classical Civilisation

There is no need for a boy to have studied Classical Civilisation in the Shells in order to do it for GCSE. All he needs is an interest in the ancient world. The aim of the course is to give boys an understanding of the Greek and Roman world through a study of different topics which cover cultural, literary and historical aspects. The coursework component allows boys either to pursue an area of their own interest or develop further their understanding of a topic studied in the syllabus. The exam consists of two papers, with the weighting of the various elements of the syllabus being:

• 50% topics (City of Rome and Pompeii)
• 25% literature (Odyssey)
• 25% controlled assessment (Usually literature)

Further details of the OCR syllabus can be found at: Classical Civilisation Specification
The skills which are developed include the following:

• assimilating information and taking notes from reading and class discussion.
• understanding and responding to works of Classical literature in translation.
• appreciating the value of primary source material, written, archaeological and inscriptional, and using it effectively in an essay.
• comparing the achievements and values of the ancient world with those of later generations, not least our own.

These skills therefore combine to produce a cultural, literary and artistic education that is without parallel, a diet that can be further enriched if a boy takes advantage of the opportunity to participate in one of our regular study tours of ancient sites.