CLASSICAL CIVILISATION
Aims Classical Civilisation GCSE provides an opportunity to study the Greek and Roman worlds without any study of the Latin or Greek languages . Students will gain an understanding of the history , culture and literature of the Classical world and consider its impact on modern society . Studying such a crucial period of European development helps students understand their own lives through the similarities and differences between their own values and the views and way of life of ancient Romans and Greeks .
Skills The course is essentially cross-curricular in that it includes literature , art , archaeology , social history , religion and politics . It develops a wide range of crucial transferable skills including literary appreciation and interpretation , source analysis and critical thinking . Students are not expected to know beforehand , or study during the course , any Latin or Greek ; as a result , we welcome any student with an interest in the ancient world , irrespective of what they have studied previously .
Content Students explore a series of topics which cover the literature , culture and history of the ancient world . Topics change from year to year , but can include : Mythology , Greek Festivals , Roman Religion , Homer ’ s Odyssey , Mycenaean Society or Women in the Greco-Roman World . These topics engage the imaginations of students while also providing a rigorous basis for the in-depth study of a number of aspects of ancient culture . Students are expected to make links between historical topics and literature , and to compare their own society with those of the Classical period . Exam questions expect knowledge and understanding of the topics studied , plus personal evaluation and opinion . There is no coursework element to Classical Civilisation GCSE
Enrichment Although by no means compulsory , students are very much encouraged to take part in the Year 10 Classics study trip to Pompeii and the Bay of Naples , which normally takes place in the Easter holiday or May half term . Students are also encouraged to think beyond the requirements of the syllabus through wider reading and occasional theatre trips as well as visits to museums . The broad spectrum of skills gained in Classical Civilisation GCSE are transferable to many Sixth Form and university courses . As one admissions tutor puts it : ‘ Classicists think the pants off issues .’
26 THE MIDDLE SCHOOL | AT SEVENOAKS