Ancient History GCSE

‘A romp through the most exciting parts of
Roman and Greek history, focusing on the key
individuals and events that helped shape the
ancient world’, is how OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA) describe the specification of this Ancient History GCSE

Learners will cover two modules, with the first being Greece and Persia. This consists of a compulsory period of study of the Persian Empire 559-465 BC, and then a Depth study which is chosen from three options.

This module combines the study of aspects of the Persian empire, and its interaction with the Greek world. This period study follows the unfolding narrative of the rise of the Persian Empire under the first four Achaemenid kings between 559 and 465 BC.

After an initial focus on the foundation of the empire under Cyrus the Great, the study examines the expansion of Persian territory and construction projects of Cyrus’ successors before exploring the Persians’ attempts to expand into Greece and the resistance they faced.

Learners will need to understand the nature of the Persian Empire in this period and the role of the kings in shaping its development. In each session, learners will be directed to a variety of study material and will also be given an overview of some of the main discussions and debates connected with the topic under study.

The Depth study for this part of the course will be Alexander the Great, 356–323 BC. Students will consider the complex factors that allowed Alexander the Great to become one of ancient history’s most famous men.

Furthermore, this section explores the political, military, religious, cultural and technological factors that enabled Alexander of Macedon to achieve so much in such a short space of time.

Topics include the upbringing, character, beliefs and life of Alexander, his military campaigns (the Battles at the Granicus, Gaugamela and the Persian Gates), significant events in his life and the Macedonian army under Alexander.

The second module is about the Roman World. This can be subdivided into two parts. The first, the compulsory period study, looks at the foundations of Rome: from kingship to republic, 753–440 BC. Study is centred around the legendary foundations of Rome, the period of the kings and the foundation of the Republic.

Focus will be given to the development of political and religious institutions through the textual sources for this period. Students will then consider how we interpret the archaeological material (whether it supports or contradicts the literary material).

The second part is the Depth study and students will have the opportunity to study one of ancient history’s incredible characters – Cleopatra VII of Egypt. Students will consider her life and rule, with particular focus on her relationship with Rome. This study will consider Cleopatra’s relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, culminating in the events of the Battle of Actium in 31 BC.

Each session will be based around a PowerPoint that will cover the main material for each topic, and a series of resources for the learner to use. The course provides comprehensive material, so that the student can be fully prepared to successfully sit the exams. Students are also encouraged to make the most of the many additional resources that Dr Beer has provided. Utilising these resources can help students to deepen their understanding and improve their performance in the exams.

Each module is worth 50% of the overall marks available. At the end of both modules there will be opportunities to review and revise material before practising skills and knowledge through examination papers. Mark schemes and exemplars will help candidates to understand what is required by the examiners to achieve the highest grades.

Ancient History GCSE (OCR) specification – click here

Furthermore, this section explores the political, military, religious, cultural and technological factors that enabled Alexander of Macedon to achieve so much in such a short space of time.

Ancient History GCSE (OCR) specification – click here

Ancient History GCSE

£129

Purchase 12 months access

Ancient History GCSE

£159

Purchase 24 months access

We also offer the option to pay via 5 affordable, monthly instalments.

view instalment option

FAQs

How much is the course?

Access to the course for 12 months is £129. Access to the course for 24 months is £159.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes, it is possible to pay via 5 monthly instalments:

12 month access: 5 monthly instalments of £27.80 (final total: £139)

24 months access: 5 monthly instalments of £33 (final total: £165)

These options are available here.

Do I need to buy a textbook?

Yes. You will need to purchase the following textbooks (one for each module):

OCR Ancient History GCSE Component 1, Greece and Persia (Bloomsbury).

This is available from online retailers, including: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/ocr-ancient-history-gcse-component-1-9781350015173/

OCR Ancient History GCSE Component 2, Rome (Bloomsbury).

Again, this is available from online retailers, including: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/ocr-ancient-history-gcse-component-2-9781350015197/ or you could contact your local bookshop.

Further questions?

Do get in touch if you have any further questions. Our email is info@sulislearning.co.uk. Or you can click on Contact Us. You may also find answers to your questions under FAQs.