Pupils can opt to take classical civilisation as a GCSE subject from Year 9. Those who enjoyed Latin in years 7 to 8 often select this course.

GCSE Classical Civilisation from Year 9
The examination is split across two papers. The first deals with civilisation. In preparation for that, pupils will study Roman Britain and Greek art and architecture. Paper two deals with literature. To prepare for this paper, pupils will read and investigate texts by Homer, Sophocles and Virgil.

Learning about classical civilisation is a tremendous way to develop comprehension, appreciation, understanding and sensitivity to different cultures. In addition, an understanding of classical civilisation can bring a greater understanding of modern societies and cultures which, thousands of years on, retain structural, organisational, ethical and philosophical concepts developed by classical civilisations.

GCSE assessment
Four topics are examined in two GCSE papers at the end of the course, which can be in Year 10 or Year 11 according to individual pupils’ progress and learning needs. Paper 1 is the literature option and paper 2 covers civilisation topics. Three short essays also have to be submitted on a fifth, literature based topic.

Enrichment activities
To enrich their studies pupils will have the opportunity to visit Roman Bath and visits to other local sites of Romano-British historical interest are planned.

Beyond GCSE
The school offers AS and A2 level classical civilisation to sixth form students.

Beyond school
An interest in the classics opens the mind; more specifically qualifications in this area are useful to those wishing to study classics at university level. Students taking classics at higher education will often enter careers such as archaeology, historical research, museum curation, sociology, social sciences or government.