What should I focus on for AQA A-Level Classical Civilisation?

Use precise terminology: reference 'epic simile', 'formulaic epithet', 'type-scene' where relevant.

What should I focus on for AQA A-Level Classical Civilisation? (2)

Structure essays thematically, not character-by-character, to demonstrate analytical depth.

What should I focus on for AQA A-Level Classical Civilisation? (3)

Always support claims with specific quotations or references to book and line numbers.

What are common mistakes in AQA A-Level Classical Civilisation?

Conflating all female characters as passive victims without recognising their subtle influence.

What are common mistakes in AQA A-Level Classical Civilisation? (2)

Ignoring the divine female figures and their distinct role from mortal women.

What are common mistakes in AQA A-Level Classical Civilisation? (3)

Making presentist judgements about ancient gender norms without historical contextualisation.

Classical Civilisation

AQA

A-Level

Specification: AQA-A-Level-Classical-Civilisation

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

50%-55%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: • literature and either visual/material culture or classical thought • how sources and ideas reflect, and influence, their cultural contexts • possible interpretations of sources, perspectives and ideas by different audiences and individuals

AO2

50%-55%

Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate literature, and either visual/material culture or classical thought, using evidence to make substantiated judgements and produce coherent and reasoned arguments

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

AQA

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Conflating all female characters as passive victims without recognising their subtle influence.
•Ignoring the divine female figures and their distinct role from mortal women.
•Making presentist judgements about ancient gender norms without historical contextualisation.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Use precise terminology: reference 'epic simile', 'formulaic epithet', 'type-scene' where relevant.
•Structure essays thematically, not character-by-character, to demonstrate analytical depth.
•Always support claims with specific quotations or references to book and line numbers.

Specification Topics

1 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic explores the portrayal of women in Homer's Iliad, examining their roles within the epic's heroic society. Students will analyse characters such as Helen, Andromache, and Briseis, considering their agency, morality, and symbolic functions. The exploration links to broader themes of honour, fate, and the divine, providing a nuanced understanding of gender dynamics in Classical literature.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

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