Examination Board :OCR
Link to Specification : http://www.ocr.org.uk/Data/publications/.../AS_ALevel_GCE_Classics_Specification.pdf
Units Taken : F384 CC4; F391 AH1

The AS course covers 'Politics and Society of Ancient Sparta' and 'Greek Tragedy and its context'. Students will learn about the history, politics, sociology, theatre and literature of ancient Greece and Sparta, two of the most influential periods in human development. At A2 there are further opportunities to study literary and historical sources from ancient Greece and Rome.

Analytical skills: literary, political and historical
Reading skills: texts with challenging content and language
Written expression and ability to plan and write essays.
Independent enquiry skills
Understanding of moral, social and political structures which are foundations of our own

Entry Requirements (all A2 subjects carry a minimum requirement of a D-grade AS level)

The school offer for entry is 5 GCSEs at B Grade and above with English Language or Literature and Mathematics at A* - C grade.

Students must gain a B or above in English Literature GCSE and English Language GCSE.
Students taking History GCSE must gain a B or above. History GCSE is a preferable but not compulsory qualification for the subject.

Entry Suggestions

Successful students will have intellectual curiosity, will be motivated and inspired by the study of ancient sources, will not be put off by unusual and sometimes difficult texts and will actively develop their knowledge through wide reading. Students with an interest in the origins of literature, theatre and civilisation are encouraged to take the course.

If you are made an offer and meet the required grade, you will be expected to complete the following before your first lesson in September:


- read at least 6 Greek myths
- read 'The Spartans: an Epic History', by Paul Cartledge
- read 'A Short Introduction to the Ancient Greek Theatre' by Graham Ley.

Resources needed for this course (Books, Field-trips etc)

Agamemnon by Aechylus, translated by RF Fagles (Penguin)
Oedipus the King by Sophocles, translated by RF Fagles (Penguin)
Medea by Euripides, translated by P Vellacott (Penguin)
Bacchae by Euripides, translated by J Davie (Penguin)
The Spartans: an Epic History, by Paul Cartledge