Classical Civilisation A Level 3

Applications Open: - 8th October 2025

Applications Close:- 20th August 2026

How to Apply: - Please contact The Skinners’ School directly to apply. We do not accept applications via KentChoices

Please see here for more information about our Sixth Form and to complete an application form.

Classical Civilisation focuses on the civilisations of Greece and Rome, and is a wide ranging subject involving the study of literature, material culture, ancient thought and ideas, and the ancient historical context. You don't need to know any languages, all the texts are in translation, and it doesn't matter if you haven't studied the Greeks and Romans since primary school; all you need is an interest in the ancient world and its cultures.

While Classical Civilisations is a subject that will naturally complement other A-levels already offered at Skinners’ including History, RS, English, Politics and Art, it also provides you with a unique opportunity to study an area not offered to you lower down in the school.

Classical Civilisations as a subject is seen in a very good light by Oxbridge and many Russell group universities and can help your application to the top universities.

Unit 1 – The World of the Hero:

This unit comprises of a study of two classical texts – Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’ and Virgil’s ‘Aeneid.’ You will cover:

* Literary techniques and composition.

* The heroic world: characterisation and themes.

* The social, cultural and religious context.

You will also study literary style, audience, and the socio-political context the works were written in.

Unit 2 - Content of Imperial Image:

This unit comprises of a study of the rule of Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. You will cover:

* The importance of Augustus’ association with Julius Caesar.

* His role as ‘Imperator’ including a study of the Roman Civil Wars.

* Augustus’ role as a religious reformer and his own image as a god.

* His role as a cultural hero.

* Later representations of Augustus.

You will look at a range of historic texts including: Horace, Suetonius and Ovid and visual material

including: The Forum of Augustus in Rome, Augustus of Prima Porta statue and Head of Livia.

Unit 3 - Greek Religion

A study of the religion of Ancient Greece looking at way religion permeated all strata of society and an

individual’s life. You will study:

* The nature of the Olympian gods.

* Personal experience of the divine.

* Religion and society.

* Places of worship.

* Rituals and priests.

* Religion and philosophy.

You will look at a range of historic texts including: Socrates, Hesiod, Homer and Xenophanes and visual material including: The Athenian Acropolis, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and the shrine of Asclepius.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities:

There are many opportunities to enrich your understanding of the subject outside of the classroom. Internal visits will include a trip to the British Museum, the opportunity to attend external lecture given by some of the leading experts in Ancient History and the possibility of a 3-4 day residential trip to Rome/Greece.

The A-level will be taught over 9 lessons a fortnight.

The course will be assessed by 3 examined papers:

Paper 1 :The World of the Hero

(2 hours 20 minutes) 40% of the A-level

Paper 2 - Component group 2: Culture and the arts – ‘Imperial Image’

(1 hour 45 minutes) 30% of the A-level

Paper 3 - Component group 3: Beliefs and ideas – ‘Greek Religion’

(1 hour 45 minutes) 30% of the A-level

Level 7 or above in English and History is advisable, but not compulsory.

Oscar Wild, JK Rowling, Tom Hiddleston, Boris Johnson & Chris Martin are just a few of the people in the public eye who studied Classics, Classical Civilisation or a similar subject. You will learn important transferable skills such as analysing sources and developing independent, critical and evaluative approaches during the course. A-level Classical Civilisation can lead to university level study of Classics, Drama, English, History, Philosophy & Politics and other subjects. The skills you’ll gain studying classics can help prepare you for careers in Politics, the Civil Service, Research, Teaching, Journalism and Law and more.