Classical Civilisation | Sixth Form | King's Ely | Private School near Cambridge

Kings Ely sixth form

Academic

A Level Classical Civilisation 

Students enjoy the opportunity to immerse themselves in some of the best literature in the world.

 

The course will equip you with the skills to analyse texts, visual and material sources and understand people; above all, it will teach you how to think deeply.

A Level Classical Civilisation will enable you to explore key Classical texts and visual and material sources in depth and, through studying their ancient context and themes, draw insights which you can apply to the world today.

Classroom teaching is complemented by talks from internal and external speakers, visits to museums and theatres, and trips at home and abroad.  

A successful trip to Greece took place in 2025 and we hope to repeat this in 2027.

Classical Civilisation is usually taken as a full A-Level but may be available as an AS Level in certain circumstances. If you are interested in this option, please contact the Classics Department to discuss further.

Prerequisite

Although a prior knowledge of the Classical world would be useful, it is not necessary to have taken Classical Civilisation at GCSE in order to study the A-Level. No knowledge of Classical languages is necessary as the texts are studied in English translation.  

However, Classical Civilisation is an essay-based subject so a grade 6 or above in GCSE English or equivalent would be beneficial.
Topic overview

 

At the heart of all sixth-form Classical Civilisation study is the exploration ancient epic poetry in translation, in particular what its themes and plot can reveal about the values and beliefs of ancient societies.

All students will study Homer’s Odyssey and those working towards the A-Level will also have the opportunity to study Virgil’s Aeneid. 

In addition, students of Classical Civilisation will also study one (AS Level) or two (A Level) in-depth topics pertaining to Classical literature and culture.

A-Level students at King’s currently study papers on Greek Art, which explores the vases and sculpture of Athens and elsewhere in Classical Greece, and Love and Relationships, which looks at Greek and Roman ideas, philosophy and culture regarding desire and interpersonal relationships. 

Classical Civilisation A Level Exam Specification
Assessment

 

AS Level 

World of the Hero – 1hr 30 min written paper (50%) 

Greek Theatre OR Imperial Image – 1hr 30min written paper (50%) 

 

A Level 

World of the Hero – 2hr 30 min written paper (40%) 

Greek Art – 1hr 45 min written paper (30%) 

Love and Relationships – 1hr 45 min written paper (30%) 

Classical Civilisation A Level Exam Specification

 

Meet the HEAD OF CLASSICS 

Daisy Knox

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King's Ely Sixth Form Pupils doing the hoop trundle outside Ely Cathedral

King's Ely Sixth Form Pupils doing the hoop trundle outside Ely Cathedral

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To prepare each individual to live positive, productive, successful and fulfilled lives, for the betterment of themselves and the world around them.

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