Classical Civilisation GCSE

The OCR Classical Civilisation GCSE consists of two Component Groups. To complete the qualification, students need to study one component from each of the two groups.

Sulis Learning offers a choice of components for both groups.

Component Group 1: Thematic Study

Students can choose to study either Myth and Religion (J199/11) or Women in the Ancient World (J199/12).

Component Group 1 consists of 50% of the marks available.

Myth and Religion (J199/11)

This component option combines the study of aspects of the Greek and Roman world which are studied both separately and in comparison to each other. Learners will study the myths of both cultures through the texts and material culture of antiquity.

As well as studying the myths associated with the pantheon of the Greek and Roman gods, the learner will look at religious beliefs and rituals, as well as places of worship, their location and architectural features. In each session, the learner will be directed to a variety of study materials, as well as being given an overview of some of the main discussions and debates connected with the topic under study.

New - additional session on answering a high mark question

In this new session, Dr Beer guides the learner through a higher mark question. Students can build and develop their exam technique, gaining confidence and valuable insights into how to achieve high marks.

At the end of the session, Dr Beer provides an exemplar answer. This further highlights what is required to succeed in the longer questions. Students can also compare their own work with the exemplar answer.

Women in the Ancient World (J199/12)

In this module, learners explore the lives of women in a variety of capacities, focussing particularly on women’s lives in the societies of Athens and Republican Rome. Learners will consider the realities of life as a woman in these societies, fostering discussion of how women are represented and what may be understood about ancient ideas about gender.

For learners in a society where issues of equality and political rights are central, this area of study will be interesting and engaging as they inevitably draw comparisons with their own experiences.

Component Group 2: Literature and Culture

Students following our Classical Civilisation GCSE course have the benefit of a choice of three options for Component Group 2.

Please note: students only need to study one of these options to complete the qualification. All the course material will be available on purchase.

The three options are:

The Homeric World

Roman City Life

War and Warfare

The OCR specification can be read here.

The Homeric World (J199/21)

The Homeric World can be subdivided into two parts. The first looks at the Bronze Age culture that we refer to as the Mycenaean Age (the latter part of the second millennium BC). Study is centred around the architecture and material culture of major palace sites such as Tiryns, Pylos, Mycenae, Troy and Knossos.

Learners will also learn about the language knows as Linear B and will be asked to consider how we interpret the archaeological material (including looking at comparative and contemporaneous cultures such the New Kingdom Egyptians).

The OCR Classical Civilisation GCSE consists of two Component Groups. To complete the qualifcation, students need to complete one component option from each group.

From Component Group 1, Dr Beer has selected Myth and Religion which consists of 50% of the marks available. This component option combines the study of aspects of the Greek and Roman world which are studied both separately and in comparison to each other. Learners will study the myths of both cultures through the texts and material culture of antiquity.

As well as studying the myths associated with the pantheon of the Greek and Roman gods, the learner will look at religious beliefs and rituals, as well as places of worship, their location and architectural features. In each session, I’ll be directing you to a variety of study materials, as well as giving you an overview of some of the main discussions and debates connected with the topic under study.

The Homeric World (J199/21)

Students following our Classical Civilisation GCSE course have the benefit of choosing one from the following three components for Component Group 2:

The Homeric World

Roman City Life

War and Warfare

The second subdivision directly builds on the material studied in the first. We look at the poetry of Homer, with particular focus on sections of the Odyssey. Learners will study the features of oral poetry and notions of heroism, before moving on to study the narrative themes and poetic features of the Odyssey. The Odyssey will be studied in translation.

At the end of both modules, as mentioned previously, there will 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.

Click here for Classical Civilisation GCSE specification.

Roman City Life (J199/22)

This fascinating component allows the student to explore topics such as Roman Housing, the Roman home and family and aspects of society. The varied areas covered include the education of children, preparation for participation in society and the legal position of an enslaved person.

New modules available in September and October 2023!

Roman City Life (J199/22)

In September 2023 we will be adding the component ‘Roman City Life’. for Component 2.

War and Warfare (J199/23)

With a focus on Athens and Sparta in the 5th century BC and on Rome in the Imperial period, this section will not only look at what happened during key battles but also why and the impact on the societies involved. This component has significant and moving relevance to the modern world, providing an insight into the cultural and human cost of war.

War and Warfare (J199/23)

The second component that has been added this Autumn is ‘War and Warfare’.

Please note: to complete the qualification students study the following:

Component Group 1: Myth and Religion

Component Group 2: one of the following:

The Homeric World

Roman City Life

War and Warfare

On purchasing the course, students are able to access all the material and decide which of the above options they would like to study.

For further details of the new component options click here.

Classical Civilisation GCSE

£129

Purchase 12 months access

Classical Civilisation GCSE

£159

Purchase 24 months access

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. If you wish to follow Myth and Religion for Component Group 1, you will need to purchase the following textbook: OCR Classical Civilisation GCSE Route 1 Myth and Religion (Bloomsbury).

If you wish to follow Women in the Ancient World for Componet Group 2, you will need to purchase this textbook: OCR Classical Civilisation GCSE Route 2 Women in the Ancient World (Bloomsbury).

Both are available from online retailers 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.

Is there a discount if I buy two or more courses?

Yes. If you purchase two or more courses you can benefit from a 10% discount. Simply add the code ‘Save10’ at the checkout and click ‘Apply’.