OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation
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44 topics
Course topics44 topics
- Content of Roman City Life (J199/22)
- Satire and Fiction
- Warrior Women
- Experiencing Roman city life
- Tombs, graves and burial
- Content of War and Warfare (J199/23)
- Literary Context
- Pliny and his Letters
- Content of Women in the Ancient World (J199/12)
- Leisure and Entertainment
- The Romans at War
- The Roman Home and Family
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About this course
About OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation
OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation offers a fascinating exploration of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, covering their literature, art, history, and social structures. This qualification is designed for students who wish to understand the foundations of Western civilisation through the study of myth, religion, warfare, city life, and the roles of women in antiquity.
Students develop critical thinking, analytical, and evaluative skills by engaging with primary sources such as Homeric epics, Roman letters, and archaeological evidence. These skills are highly valued by employers in fields like law, journalism, education, and heritage management, as they foster the ability to interpret complex information and construct coherent arguments.
The course provides a strong foundation for further study in Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology, or related humanities at A-Level and beyond. Career paths include academia, museum curation, teaching, and roles in the cultural sector, where understanding ancient societies offers unique insights into contemporary issues.
Assessment Structure
OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation is assessed through two written examinations, each worth 50% of the total GCSE. Component 1 (Myth and Religion, J199/11) and Component 2 (one of three options: Women in the Ancient World, The Homeric World, or Roman City Life) are each 1 hour 30 minutes long. Both papers consist of a mix of short-answer questions, source-based questions, and extended-response essays. There is no coursework or controlled assessment; all assessment is external and based on prescribed source materials and topics.
Why Choose OCR?
- OCR offers a broad and balanced syllabus that covers both Greek and Roman civilisations, allowing students to compare and contrast different cultures.
- The qualification emphasises the study of original sources (literary, visual, and archaeological), developing authentic historical and literary analysis skills.
- OCR provides clear assessment objectives and a structured mark scheme, helping students understand exactly what is required to achieve top marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know Latin or Ancient Greek to take this GCSE?
How much reading is involved?
Are there any practical or fieldwork requirements?
Assessment and exam guidance
What Gets Top Grades
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
Give a single fact or term
Name or select
Account of process or features
Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes
Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome
Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Confusing the roles of specific Greek and Roman religious officials
- •Failing to link the physical layout of the temple to its religious function
- •Generalising religious practices without distinguishing between Greek and Roman contexts
- •Neglecting to use both literary and visual/material evidence in arguments
- •Confusing the roles of specific Greek and Roman religious officials
- •Failing to link the physical layout of the temple to its religious function
- •Generalising religious practices without distinguishing between Greek and Roman contexts
- •Neglecting to use both literary and visual/material evidence in arguments
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Ensure you can identify and describe the key features of the prescribed temples
- •Be prepared to compare the role of priests and priestesses in both cultures
- •Use specific terminology (e.g., naos, cella, hiereus, haruspex) accurately
- •Practice linking visual evidence from temple architecture to the literary descriptions of sacrifice
- •Ensure you can identify and describe the key features of the prescribed temples
- •Be prepared to compare the role of priests and priestesses in both cultures
- •Use specific terminology (e.g., naos, cella, hiereus, haruspex) accurately
- •Practice linking visual evidence from temple architecture to the literary descriptions of sacrifice
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