Grade 5 in GCSE Ancient History or GCSE History (modern)
Grade 5 in GCSE English language (if not previously studied Ancient History / History)
Alongside the entry requirements for each course, you will also need to achieve the minimum Sixth Form entry requirements.
Assessment
2 externally assessed exams at the end of Year 13, 50% each
Next Steps
Ancient History is a highly respected subject both by employers and universities, who view it as a facilitating subject. Many students continue their studies at university, whether that be in Ancient History, Classics, or another related subject.
Ancient History develops a wide range of skills such as critical thinking, forming judgements, and evaluating evidence that are valued in a range of professions.
A-Level in Ancient History
This exciting course follows two learning pathways: Greek history and Roman history. Students will learn about both these ancient cultures and those who came into contact with them. They will investigate the literary and archaeological evidence to uncover the stories of these ancient peoples. As a facilitating subject, universities particularly value history.
Students investigate the main events of 5th century Greece. During this fascinating period new ideas in politics, philosophy and drama developed against a backdrop of war, betrayal and heroism. Students will build up an understanding of the culture of the Ancient Greeks through examining their actions towards each other and those they came into contact with. Students will study famous events such as the battles of Marathon and Thermopylae, and the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta
Roman History The Julio-Claudians 31 BC - AD 68 (exam)
Students spend Year 12 researching the reigns and policies of Rome’s early emperors. Often ruthless, sometimes mad, and always interesting, the Julio-Claudian Emperors were involved with some of the most famous stories in history: Augustus defeated Cleopatra and engineered a dictatorship of the sort he had claimed to be fighting against; Claudius successfully invaded Britain; and it was in the context of Nero’s reign and the fire of Rome that independent evidence mentions Christians. Students will investigate how each emperor sought to establish their authority as the Empire moved away from the more democratic republican system of the past.
Year 13
Greek Depth Study: Sparta 478 BC to 404 BC
In Year 13 students focus on one culture: the Spartans. The course examines the beliefs, values, organisation, politics and daily life of this intriguing and ruthless people. One of history’s most mysterious peoples, Spartan ideals have influenced many later cultures.
Roman Depth Study: Ruling Britain, AD 43-c.128
In Year 13 students focus on the Roman invasion of Britain: events on a local and national scale are examined to find out how the Romans gained control and to evaluate the impact they had. Many famous events are studied including the Boudiccan Revolt, the foundation of York, and the decision to build Hadrian’s Wall.