Classical Civilisation AS/A Level 3

Applications Open: - 12th October 2026

Applications Close: - 17th November 2026

How to Apply: - Please apply directly to the school via our website www.twggs.kent.sch.uk. Follow the route 'Joining TWGGS', 'Joining The Sixth Form' to complete your application on Applicaa. For enquiries please contact admissions@twggs.kent.sch.uk.

We don't accept applications through Kent Choices.

Entry Requirements: - Entrance Criteria

Pupils entering the Sixth Form will be expected to have attained an average overall GCSE point score of at least 6 from their top 6 subjects. They must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in either English Language or Mathematics and a grade 4 in the other of English Language or Mathematics, and are usually expected to achieve at least a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to pursue at A level (or related subjects, as agreed by the school). In addition, pupils wishing to take Art or Design Technology will be expected to submit a portfolio of artwork and pupils wishing to take Music will be expected to have reached at least Grade 5 in their instrument or voice.

Offers will be made on the basis of predicted performance at GCSE, with the requirement that the above grades are achieved in the final examinations prior to entry to the Sixth Form and the pupil’s 3 or 4 chosen subjects being accommodated on the timetable, with no group size exceeding its maximum number of pupils.

All offers made during Year 11 are conditional on pupils meeting the grade criteria specified and will only become firm offers upon confirmation of actual GCSE results.

OCR’s A Level in Classical Civilisation will be offered at TWGGs for the first time in 2026. The course offers a broad and fascinating exploration of the Ancient Greek and Roman worlds, as well as an examination of the influence of these societies today. This course is designed to develop your critical thinking, analytical and essay-writing skills by engaging with a diverse range of sources, from plays and poems to historical accounts and archaeological evidence. It provides a strong foundation for a wide variety of university degrees and careers.

Component 1 – The World of the Hero

This component will explore both Greek and Roman epics, with the study of Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid. The works of Homer are the foundation of the Western literary canon, and the Greeks themselves considered them the cornerstone of Greek culture. In his Aeneid, Virgil pays homage to Homer, but also to Rome and its leader, Augustus. With their unique composition, and exciting tales of gods and heroes, these works of literature form an excellent grounding for exploration of the classical world.

Units Assessment

1.1 Homer’s Odyssey Type: Written paper

Duration: 2hr 30mins, Marks: 100,

Weighting: 40%

1.2 Virgil’s Aeneid

Component 2 – Culture and the Arts

Learners must study one component in this component group. Components in this group involve the study of visual and material culture. This is combined with the study of literature in translation.

Units Assessment

2.2 Imperial Image

The idea of a politician ‘spinning’ their public image is one which is very familiar from our contemporary media; and so this exploration of Roman politician Augustus Caesar

and his successful propaganda campaign is both highly relevant and engaging for learners. Type: Written paper

Duration: 1hr 45mins, Marks: 75,

Weighting: 30%

Component 3 – Beliefs and Ideas

Learners must study one component in this component group. Components in this group involve an area of classical thought, in combination with either the study of literature in translation or visual/material culture.

Units Assessment

3.2 Love and Relationships

Ideas about love and relationships are key aspects of the literature, thoughts, and ethics of any society. This component offers the opportunity for learners to recognise and relate to the passions, frustrations and delights of love in the ancient world. The ethical questions raised by these ideas continue to be wrestled over by successive generations and this unit will generate interesting and important discussions about love, desire, sex, sexuality and the institution of marriage. Type: Written paper

Duration: 1hr 45mins, Marks: 75,

Weighting: 30%

7 or higher in English and/or History

Further information: OCR A Level Classical Civilisation H408 Specification v1.8