The Knowledge Schools Trust

We aim to provide children with a classical liberal education, regardless of background or ability.

Classical Civilisation

About the Course

Classical Civilisation is a rich and vibrant study of many celebrated aspects of ancient Greece and Rome.

The finesse of these ancient civilisations is explored through the study of primary sources related to history, philosophy, literature, art, architecture, politics and religion. All sources are studied in English translation to allow deep engagement and comparison with a range of materials.In Classical Civilisation you will have the opportunity to read extracts from the Aeneid and from Homer’s Illiad to discover what it really means to be a hero and to study one of the most influential works in Western Literature. The mathematical as well as artistic beauty of Greek art will be examined to understand the political, religious and aesthetic value of art in the ancient world. In addition, you will study the turbulent period of the end of the Roman Republic, studying the politics of the great influential names of the time; Cato, Cicero and Julius Caesar. This course offers a detailed and balanced insight into the Classical world. It allows students to engage with a variety of sources to develop an understanding of what the ancient world was like in its full glory and also explores the legacy that the ancient world offers to our own modern world. Classical Civilisation is excellent preparation for students considering university study of Classics, Latin, History, Law or English literature.

Examination Board

OCR (H408)

Course Structure

Unit 1 The World of the Hero
Unit 2 Greek Art
Unit 3 Politics of the Late Republic