Classical Civilisation

Embark on a journey through the ancient worlds of Greece and Rome with the WJEC A-Level in Classical Civilisation. This immersive qualification invites you to explore the literature, history, art, religion, and politics of classical antiquity, fostering a deep understanding of the cultures that shaped Western civilisation. You will examine a diverse range of primary sources – from epic poetry and theatrical scripts to sculpture and vase painting – building your skills in critical analysis, historical interpretation, and evaluation of evidence. The course balances breadth and depth: you study key texts across the whole domain of heroic literature, then select thematic areas in culture and the arts, and beliefs and ideas, offering flexibility to pursue your own interests.

Central to the specification is the concept of the hero, where you study Homer’s 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey', and Virgil’s 'Aeneid', comparing Greek and Roman ideals of heroism, leadership and morality. In the optional components, you might analyse the world of Greek tragedy and comedy, the visual propaganda of Rome’s first emperor Augustus, or the evolution of Greek art from the archaic to the classical period. Alternatively, you could delve into Greek religious practices, explore ancient concepts of love and relationships through philosophy and poetry, or investigate the political intrigues that led to the fall of the Roman Republic. Each option is assessed through a mix of structured questions, source analysis and extended essays, demanding a high level of literary and visual literacy.

A distinctive feature of the WJEC A-Level is the independent Personal Investigation – a non-examined unit that accounts for almost a third of the marks. This allows you to undertake a sustained piece of research on a topic of your choice, from religion and mythology to women in the ancient world, honing skills of planning, research, referencing and extended writing. The course is designed to prepare you for university study, whether you go on to read Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology, or pursue other humanities disciplines. With no requirement for prior knowledge of Latin or Greek, it’s an accessible yet rigorous pathway into the ancient world.