Ancient History

During the Ancient History A-Level course, you will undertake an in-depth exploration of classical civilisations, focusing on both Greece and Rome across two key periods:

• Greek History: 

• The Persian War and the Great Peloponnesian War: Explore key military conflicts that shaped ancient Greece.

• Development of Democracy: Trace the origins and evolution of democratic practices in Athens.

• Rise and Fall of the Athenian Empire: Study the political and military history of Athens during its Golden Age.

• The Culture of Athens: Dive into classical contributions in drama, art, architecture, philosophy (featuring the Sophists and Socrates), and religion.

• Roman History:

• From Republic to Monarchy: Analyse the political transition and its implications on Roman society.

• The Julio-Claudian & the Flavian Dynasty: Examine the reigns of emperors like Caligula, Nero, and Domitian, focusing on their governance and impact on the empire.

After completing the A-Level Ancient History course, many students opt to pursue higher education. While History is a popular choice, the analytical and writing skills developed during the course also prepare students well for a variety of other humanities and social science degree programmes.

This solid foundation supports careers in areas such as education, law, public sector roles, and more.

The OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations) is the designated exam board for the Ancient History A-Level programme.

They are responsible for setting and assessing the examinations, making sure students meet the required standards for this qualification. 

To enrol in the Ancient History A-Level at Cardinal Newman, students are required to have at least five GCSEs graded 5 or above. This includes a minimum of grade 6 in History (if previously studied) and a grade 6 in either English Language or English Literature.

For those interested in a broader curriculum, we also offer a Mixed Programme, which combines A-Level studies with a BTEC qualification.