A Level Teaching Staff

Mrs N J Moore MA PGCE

Introduction

The first thing to say is that you don't need to have studied Classics GCSE in order to take the A Level course.

The numbers in the department are small, so students receive a great deal of individual attention.

What is Classical Civilisation?

We study the ancient Greek and Roman world through the literature of the period in English translation.

We are introduced to the thought and morality of an era which seems so remote but has in fact exercised a huge influence on the culture of Western Europe. Law, drama, literature, architecture and politics all owe a debt to our Classical ancestors.

Why study Classical Civilisation at St Mary's?

• Friendly department with specialist teacher.
• A very good general subject which fits easily with English, Drama, History or indeed  provides a contrast with scientific subjects.
• We have great success with university entrance as the subject is not available in most schools, so applicants stand out.
• Our students have gone on to study a variety of subjects at top universities such as Oxford and Durham.

The A level Specification (OCR)

AS

There are two papers which are both sat in the June at the end of the Lower Sixth.

• Homer's Odyssey and Society

Study the Odyssey of Homer and gain an appreciation of his society and the values it represents.

50% of AS - 25% of A Level

• Greek Tragedy in its context

Study of the Ancient Greek tragedies of Sophocles, Euripides and Aeschylus as works of literature and as social documents.

50% of AS - 25% of A Level

A2

There are two papers which are both sat in the June at the end of the Upper Sixth.

• Comic Drama in the Ancient World

Study of the plays of Aristophanes, Menander and Plautus in their historical, cultural and literary contexts.

50% of A2 - 25% of A Level

• Virgil and the World of the Hero

Study of Virgil's Aeneid in its literary and cultural context, and also Homer's Iliad to complete the study of ancient epic.

50% of A2 - 25% of A Level

| More...