Classical Civilisation A Level

Applications Open: - 28th November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th January 2026

How to Apply: - via Kent Choices

Entry Requirements: - Students must meet the following academic criteria:

(a) Applicants must achieve at least an average GCSE grade of 5.7 from eight subjects (this must include at least one modern foreign language, at least one science and at least one humanity).

(b) Applicants must also have GCSE Mathematics and at least one English GCSE at a minimum of grade 5.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants wishing to be accepted on to a particular subject must achieve the requirements set down for that particular course in the Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

https://mgs.kent.sch.uk/admission/sixth-form-entry/

All students study 4 A Levels in Year 12 (Choose 5 subjects on the application form, with the 5th being a reserve). It is important that students refer to the 6th Form Curriculum booklet to ensure that they choose their courses appropriately. (There is the option to drop one of these subjects at the end of Year 12 and undertake an EPQ).

We do not require applicants to write a Personal Statement.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Alongside our extensive A level offering, students are offered the opportunity to gain an Extended Project Qualification (Level 3). This research based qualification is an ideal way to prepare ahead of further academic studies and / or the working world. Students are able to research, plan and realise a 5000 word study on a topic of their choosing. Topics are wide ranging. Many students choose to explore topics that either complement their interests and academic studies or create a bridge to future career aspirations, for example in law or medicine. An EPQ provides ideal content for CVs, university applications and is worth up to 28 UCAS points. Importantly, many universities will lower their offer to students studying an EPQ because they recognise the skills and expertise students gain from studying an EPQ.

Classical Civilisation is a fascinating and diverse subject including both literature and visual/material culture. It will inspire and motivate students to engage further with the classical world giving them the opportunity to study some of the oldest surviving works of literature in the Western literary canon; the origins of democracy; the birth of theatre; art and artistry.

This new Classical Civilisation A Level qualification has been developed for first teaching in September 2017. There are three components to the course to be studied over two years. ‘The World of the Hero’ is a literary module bridging Years 12 and 13. After studying Homer’s ‘Odyssey’, a Greek epic, its Roman counterpart, Virgil’s ‘Aeneid’ is read and analysed. The texts are examined via gobbet questions on literary style and longer discussions of themes and the concept of heroism. This module is worth 40% of the A Level.

The second module (30% of total A Level) focuses upon ancient culture and the arts through study of the Greek Theatre. Three plays (two tragedy and one comedy) are studied along with material evidence which reveals how plays were staged and the significance of the theatre to daily life.

Finally, students will develop an understanding of Classical thought and philosophy through the study of the Politics of the Late Roman Republic. The module focuses on the works of Cato the Younger, Julius Caesar and Cicero. The exploration of the very different ideas of three contemporary political figures brings this tumultuous period to life for learners and moves beyond simply studying ideals and abstracts, and into discussion of the practical difficulties familiar to states throughout history.

For more information, please see Miss Adams.

As above.

To study this course, it is not necessary to have studied Classical Civilisation at GCSE Level. If you have studied Classical Civilisation at GCSE, you should have at least a Grade 6. If not, at least a Grade 5 at GCSE in a Humanities subject is acceptable. Also, at least a Grade 5 in English and Maths.

You could take this course to complement other Advanced Level courses, which could lead onto Higher Education in Classical Civilisation or related subjects such as History, English, American Studies, Politics, Archaeology or more general courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to Classical Civilisation by seeking employment in areas of Heritage such as working for a Museum or working as a History Teacher. The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.