Classics | Senior School | King's Ely | Private School near Cambridge

By studying GCSE Classical Civilisation, students learn to develop and appreciate the influence of the Classical world on today’s society, which in turn helps to enrich the students’ understanding of many areas of modern life.  

What do I need to study GCSE Classical Civilisation?No prior experience needed! You do not need to have studied it at all, but if you have studied either Latin or Classical Civilisation previously, you may have some understanding of the periods covered. All texts are studied in English.

What does the department offer?Expert tuition in the classroom from experienced and enthusiastic teachers. Real insight into a fascinating subject. Our classes contain pupils who have made a conscious decision to continue with this subject to GCSE. Consequently, the sets are smaller than compulsory ‘core’ subjects, teachers are able to spend more time on individual concerns and the atmosphere within lessons is always one of enjoyable and willing participatory study.

What does the course involve? There are two papers, each worth 50% of the total GCSE mark. Paper choices will vary, depending on the interest and expertise of your teacher, but to date Papers have been studied on Myth and Religion, Women in the Ancient World and the Homeric World.
The papers ask a variety of questions, ranging from 1-mark and 2-mark factual recall questions, to 8-mark stimulus questions (analysing a picture or a piece of writing), to a 15-mark essay question.

Additional Notes

Pupils with no previous knowledge of the subject can begin the course in Year 10. They will not be at a disadvantage if they have not studied the ancient world before. All elements of the course are in English.
The course is taught on 3 lessons per week, in both Year 10 and Year 11.
In addition to the language studied in the classroom, we enjoy theatre trips, museum trips and study days. We have taken departmental trips to Rome and anticipate taking a trip to Greece in 2025.
Latin and Classical Greek are also available, at GCSE, AS and A Level.
Studying Classical Civilisation gives insight into other cultures, places and historical periods. It is a subject which requires rigorous attention to detail and a liking for precision. From studying past cultures, you will develop good imaginative powers and the ability to enter into the thoughts and worlds of others, which is a very useful skill at work.

Assessment 

In Year 10 choose one paper from: 

Myth and Religion, 50%

Learners will study myths regarding the role of the gods and heroes in the founding of Athens and Rome and the importance of Heracles (Hercules) to both the Greek and Roman world. Myth as a symbol of power will also be explored, as will popular myths about the underworld. Learners will also look at the role of religion in the lives of ancient Greeks and Romans. The study of temples, sacrifice, festivals, death and beliefs in the afterlife will give an overview of religion in the ancient world, and provide a focus for the study of a wide variety of material remains, including famous temples and works of art.

Women in the Ancient World, 50%

Learners will examine the realities of life as a woman in these societies; both women who are portrayed as living a respectable, ideal life of virtue, and those who created more scandal. This enables discussion of how such women are represented and what this reveals about ancient ideas about gender. The major role of women in religion will also be examined, as will their lack of voice in the state decision-making processes. For learners in a society where issues of equality and political rights are central, this area of study will be interesting and engaging as they inevitably draw comparisons with their own experiences.

In Year 11 you will study:

The Homeric World, 50%

The Greeks themselves recognised the world of Homer’s poems as the cradle of Greek literature and civilisation, and this component provides the opportunity for the study of a fascinating period of history and a work of literature with great enduring appeal. The Culture section involves a study of life in Mycenaean times, including the study of particular sites, their archaeology and the valuable role they play in our understanding of the age. The Mycenaean Age is also rich in sculpture, frescos and jewellery, as well as the famous tombs and their accompanying treasure.  A selection of books from Homer’s Odyssey forms the Literature half of this component. The selection includes aspects such as palace life and the lives of women, and the battle between Odysseus and the suitors. This enduring poem is always very popular at GCSE.

Classical Civilisation GCSE Exam Specification

A GCSE in Latin will help students to acquire the linguistic and literary skills required to read ancient literature, both prose and verse, in the original language, with appropriate attention to literary techniques, styles and genres.

Students will develop insights into the relevance of Latin and of ancient literature and civilisation to our understanding of our modern world of diverse cultures.  

Students will be able to deploy their knowledge and understanding of Latin to deepen their understanding of English and other languages as well as relate their knowledge and understanding of the ancient world to other disciplines.  Moreover, students develop research and analytical skills which will empower them to become independent learners and enquirers, equipping them for further study in arts, humanities and sciences.

Where can Latin take me? 

GCSE Latin develops skills which are recognised and highly valued by universities and employers and as such, Latin is regarded as a ‘facilitating subject’ for Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities.  These skills include:

The ability to think clearly and to analyse, organise and manipulate data.
The willingness and ability to rise to a challenge and to achieve high standards through hard work and commitment.
The ability to produce coherent, clear, well-written essays, reports and evaluations.

As a result, Latin is often taken by students aiming at careers in Medicine or Law. Additionally, Classics graduates have a very high employment success rate and pursue careers in many different areas.  These include ICT, Finance, Investment Banking and Business and Accountancy since Latin develops many of the same skills as Mathematics as well as the ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and fluently.  Alternatively, many Latin graduates have gone on to pursue degrees in Classics, Ancient History or Archaeology and have entered careers in Teaching and Research or gone on to careers in the Civil Service, Politics and Journalism.

Assessments

There are 3 papers:

Unit 01 (Compulsory): Language 100 marks: 1 hour 30 minutes written paper.     

50% of the total GCSE marks.
Translation, comprehension and short easy grammar questions from two or more passages of Latin prose.

Unit 02 (Optional) : Latin Prose Literature 50 marks: 1 hour written paper.

25% of the total GCSE. A study of Latin prose through the prescribed set texts.
For June 2026 the set text will be about the scandalous Messalina, third wife of Emperor Claudius (subject to confirmation).

Unit 03 (Optional): Latin Verse Literature 50 marks: 1 hour written paper.

25% of the total GCSE. A study of Latin verse through the prescribed set texts.
For June 2026 the set text will be extracts from Virgil’s Aeneid Book 1 (subject to confirmation).

Unit 04 (Optional): Literature and Culture 50 marks: 1 hour written paper.

25% of the total GCSE. A study of Roman civilisation in English, e.g. The Romans in Britain, Roman Entertainment, Roman Myths and Gods.

Latin GCSE Exam Specification

A GCSE in Classical Greek will help students to acquire the linguistic and literary skills required to read ancient literature, both prose and verse, in the original language, with appropriate attention to literary techniques, styles and genres. Students will develop insights into the relevance of Classical Greek and of ancient literature and civilisation to our understanding of our modern world of diverse cultures.  

Students will be able to deploy their knowledge and understanding of Classical Greek to deepen their understanding of English and other languages as well as relate their knowledge and understanding of the ancient world to other disciplines.  Moreover, students develop research and analytical skills which will empower them to become independent learners and enquirers, equipping them for further study in arts, humanities and sciences. 

Where can Classical Greek take me? 

GCSE Classical Greek develops skills which are recognised and highly valued by universities and employers and as such, Classical Greek is regarded as a ‘facilitating subject’ for Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities.  These skills include:

The ability to think clearly and to analyse, organise and manipulate data.
The willingness and ability to rise to a challenge and to achieve high standards through hard work and commitment.
The ability to produce coherent, clear, well-written essays, reports and evaluations.

As a result, Classical Greek is often taken by students aiming at careers in Medicine or Law. Additionally, Classics graduates have a very high employment success rate and pursue careers in many different areas.  These include ICT, Finance, Investment Banking and Business and Accountancy since Classical Greek develops many of the same skills as Mathematics as well as the ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and fluently.  Alternatively, many Classical Greek graduates have gone on to pursue degrees in Classics, Ancient History or Archaeology and have entered careers in Teaching and Research or gone on to careers in the Civil Service, Politics and Journalism.

Assessment

There are 3 papers chosen out of the following:

Unit 01: Language 100 marks: 1 hour 30 minutes written paper.      

50% of the total GCSE marks. Compulsory.
Translation, comprehension and short easy grammar questions from two or more passages of Greek prose.

Unit 02: Greek Prose Literature 50 marks: 1 hour written paper.

25% of the total GCSE. Optional. A study of Greek prose through the prescribed set texts.
For June 2026 the set text will be from the Tales of Herodotus with extracts on the Persians. (Subject to confirmation).

Unit 03: Greek Verse Literature 50 marks: 1 hour written paper.

25% of the total GCSE. Optional. A study of Greek verse through the prescribed set texts.
For June 2026 the set text will be extracts from Homer’s Iliad Book 6 with tales from the Trojan War.

Unit 04: Literature and Culture 50 marks: 1 hour written paper.

25% of the total GCSE. Optional.
A study of Greek literature and civilisation, in English. No Greek required. Topics include The Olympic Games, Myths and Women in Greece.

Greek GCSE Exam Specification