An awareness of a sense of identity
A sense of purpose and direction
An appreciation of a multi-disciplinary approach to studies

So where does Classical Studies lead?

The knowledge and skills acquired during its study may be applied in the study of art, anthropology, archaeology, languages, philosophy, science and medicine, and in the practice of law, teaching, business and management. A knowledge of Classical Studies increases the capability of anyone employed in a position which demands accuracy, logical thought and articulate speech.

 

Classical Greece and Rome (NCEA Level 2)
Classical Studies offers an introduction to the two civilisations seen as instrumental in the development of western civilisation: Greece and Rome. It spans a variety of topics from the history, philosophy, literature, society and the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome.

The topics studied are selected from: Homer’s Odyssey, Greek tragic drama, Roman politics and social life, Athenian sculpture and architecture, Athenian democracy and social life.

There are two internal NCEA standards at this level.

This course starts in Year 12. There is no pre-requisite for enrolment, although some skill in essay techniques would be helpful. All texts are studied in English and no knowledge of Greek or Latin is required.


Classical Greek and Roman Society (NCEA Level 3)
Classical Studies offers an introduction to the two civilisations seen as instrumental in the development of western civilisation: Greece and Rome. It spans a variety of topics from the history, philosophy, literature, society and the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome.

The topics studied are selected from: Alexander the Great, Greek Vase Painting, Virgil’s Aeneid, Greek and Roman Mythology.

There is one internal NCEA standard at this level.

The Level 3 course is a self-contained one. It is therefore not essential for students to have first completed the Level 2 course, though this would be an advantage as some themes are common to both levels. All assessment at this level requires the students to write essays, so some skill in this area is needed. All texts are studied in English and no knowledge of Greek or Latin is required.


The Civilisations of Greece and Rome (AS)
In this syllabus, Classical Studies is defined as the study of the civilisations of Greece and Rome in the Classical period. The AS Classical Studies course aims to provide candidates with an understanding and appreciation of Classical civilisations.

There are four topics studied: Aristophanes’ plays (drama), Alexander the Great (history), Virgil’s Aeneid (mythology) and Juvenal’s Satires (literature).

This course may be studied at either Year 12 or Year 13 level. All sources are studied in English and no knowledge of Greek or Latin is required.

As it is largely a content-based course, there is a considerable volume of material to be learnt, and the exam requires skill in writing essays. Students wishing to progress to the A2 course in Year 13 must first have passed the AS course.

Athens, Gods and Heroes (A2)
Cambridge A2 Level Classical Studies forms the second half of a two-year A Level Classical Studies course. This course offers opportunities to discover and uncover the Classical world through the critical interpretation and evaluation of its literary texts, studied
in their own contemporary or near contemporary contexts.

There are two topics studied: The Changing World of Athens: its friends and enemies (history) and Gods and Heroes: the importance of epic (literature)

This course has a wide reading component, consisting of several set texts per topic. In the examination for each topic, two extracts (often conflicting/ contrasting) from the prescribed texts will be given, together with an unseen quotation from a primary or secondary author. Candidates will be required to compare and assess them critically in the light of the unseen passage introducing the question.
In order to take A2 Classical Studies, students must first have passed the AS Classical Studies course.


Classical Studies (Scholarship)
This course requires the student to: evaluate critically aspects of the culture of the classical world, which may include history, literature, philosophy and art history, demonstrate analytical perception and both depth and breadth of knowledge, and to  communicate ideas effectively

Students who are studying NCEA Level 3 or CIE AS may wish to sit the NCEA Scholarship exam in addition to their course-based exams. Questions will be set on the topics studied for these two courses. Candidates choose three of the topics.

There is no timetabled class for NCEA Scholarship. Exam preparation is completed in tutorials in Terms 3 and 4.