
Classical Civilisation
Course Overview A subject not commonly offered by many school sixth-forms and colleges, Classical Civilisation offers the opportunity to study the li…
Full course details
Course Overview
A subject not commonly offered by many school sixth-forms and colleges, Ancient History will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn about the history of ancient Greece in the fifth century BC, and late Republican Rome and the first emperors of Rome. You will investigate the writings of famous ancient historians such as Herodotus and Plutarch, and the careers of influential movers and shakers from classical Athens and Republican Rome including Themistocles, Pericles, Julius Caesar and Pompey Magnus. Topics include the Greek wars of the fifth century BC – The Persian War and the Peloponnesian War, the political and culture of ancient Athenian society, a survey of the dramatic events that marked the fall of the Roman Republic, and the infamous Julio–Claudian emperors; Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius (Caligula), Claudius and Nero.
Ancient History as a subject is highly valued by both universities and employers, due to the knowledge and transferable skills it develops, ranging from analysis and comprehension to research and presentation skills.
This course will particularly appeal to students with a personal interest in classical history, and combines well with subjects including History, English Literature, Art and Classical Civilisation.
The Henley College is delighted to announce that the world-renowned classicist, Professor Mary Beard of Newnham College Cambridge, has agreed to lend her support to its Classics and Ancient History Department (Find out more).
Acclaimed classicist, writer and broadcaster, Natalie Haynes, has agreed to be a Patron of our Classics and Ancient History department. With an extensive career spanning radio, television and journalism, Natalie is a regular contributor on Radio 4 appearing on shows such as Woman’s Hour, You and Yours and A Good Read. Natalie also presents her own show, Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics, with the fourth series airing in 2018. Natalie's support will be a huge benefit to us and our students (read more.)
Assessment: |
Exam (100%) |
Duration: | 2 years |
Entry requirements: |
Standard entry requirements plus grade 5 in GCSE English and grade 4 in Maths |
Exam board: | OCR |
Costs: |
£30 per year for textbooks plus optional field trips. |
Programme leader: |
In the first year you will study two modules, focusing on 5th Century BCE Greece. The first module is Relations between Greek States and Non-Greek States, c.492-404 BCE, this looks at the conflicts that erupted in th Greek world in the fifth-century, and sees the rise of Athens and Sparta as the two pre-eminent city-states. The second module is The Politics and Culture of Athens, c.460-499 BCE. This comprises of an in depth study of the city of Athens, looking at the politics, society, art, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion, and many other areas.
In year two you will focus on Rome, studying two modules which take you through the history of Rome from 88 BCE-68 CE. The first module will be The Breakdown of the Late Republic, c.88-31 BCE, which examines how the Roman Republic collapsed over this time-period. It will focus on some of the most important and influential figures from Roman history, including Caesar, Pompey, Cicero, Sulla, and many more. The second module is the Julio-Claudians, 31 BCE-68 CE. This examines the first five emperors of Rome, who emerged in the aftermath of the fall of the Republic. You will look at how their reigns are characterised and presented in the sources, and how they change Rome throughout the years.
This course provides a strong grounding for those wishing to pursue many other subject areas at degree level. In recent years students have gone on to various destinations including university places at Durham, Queen Mary (London), Reading, Kent, Southampton, Exeter, Oxford Brookes, Royal Holloway, Manchester and Sussex to study subjects including History, English Literature and Classics.
Alternatively, students may consider direct entry into employment or further training.
You may be required to complete an activity before you start in order to help introduce you to the subject. Check back in the summer term for more details.
There are many career options for those with a passion for history including archaeologist, archivist, teacher/lecturer, film production assistant, researcher, architecture and conservation, heritage, media, law and many more.
Whilst many students continue on to study subjects including History, English Literature and Classics at university, this course provides a strong grounding for those wishing to pursue many other subject areas at degree level.
Name: | TALLULAH |
Course: | ANCIENT HISTORY |
I came to The Henley College from Beaconsfield High School. I chose to study Ancient History as it really appealed to my love of learning about ancient cultures, which is something I find fascinating. Learning to sift between myth and fact and also researching famous figures of antiquity like Leonidas and Julius Caesar is also something that really persuaded me that Ancient History was the right choice for me. It wasn’t offered as a subject in my previous school, so coming here and trying something new and different was definitely a decision that paid off.
I've found all of the course inspiring, but learning about certain individuals and their lives really captures my interest the most. I love learning general facts about Greek/Roman society and how they compare and differ to our own. I’d love to continue studying Ancient History or a similar course at university and I’ve been looking at the Ancient History and Classical Civilisation courses at Exeter University.
The teachers I’ve had have been really helpful and have encouraged me to push myself in class and accelerate my love of the subject.