A Level in Ancient History (2017 Specification)

A Level Ancient History Entry Requirements

Although the A Level Ancient History programmes build on the course content of GCSE, it is not necessary to have this qualification before undertaking an A-Level. However, in order to meet the demands of the course, it is recommended that candidates have literacy and communication skills equivalent to C or higher at GCSE. Please note that full tutor support is still provided throughout your course duration.

All students must be 16 years of age or above.

A Level Ancient History Course Duration

2 years.

Study Hours Required

Approximately 350 hours.

Awarding Body

OCR

OCR A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations must be taken in a registered UK exam centre. It is recommended students check with UK examining centres that the chosen exam is available.

Examination Information

Students are required to arrange and pay for their A Level Ancient History examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.

All examinations are held during the May / June exam period of every year.

A Level Ancient History Unit Content

A Level Ancient History Unit 1: Greek period study – Relations between Greek states and between Greek and non-Greek states, 492–404 BC

This period study will focus on the unfolding narrative of the relations between the Greek city-states, particularly Athens and Sparta, and between Greek city-states and the Persian Empire during the period 492–404 BC.

• The challenge of the Persian Empire 492–479
• Greece in conflict 479–446 BC
• Peace and Conflict 446–431 BC
• The Archidamian War 431–420 BC
• The end of the Peloponnesian War and its aftermath 419–404 BC

You will study the changes in relations between states and the substantial developments in interstate relations between both Greek and non-Greek states. You will study the main events and issues in order to understand how these events and issues shaped these developments.

A Level Ancient History Unit 2: Greek depth study – The Politics and Culture of Athens, c.460–399 BC

The Greek depth studies focus on a substantial and coherent shorter time span. They require you to study significant individuals, societies, events and issues within the complexity of a historical event or situation, and the interplay of different factors including military, political, religious, social, technological and cultural within that event or situation.

• Athenian political and social culture
• The influence of new thinking and ideas on Athenian society
• Art and Architecture and their significance in the culture of Athens
• Drama and Dramatic Festivals and their significance in the culture of Athens
• Religion and its significance in the culture of Athens

A Level Ancient History Unit 3: Roman period study – The Julio-Claudian Emperors, 31 BC–AD 68

This period study will focus on the unfolding narrative of the establishment and development of the principate under Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius, Claudius and Nero. There will be a particular focus on the military, social, religious and political issues and developments of the emperors in Rome and the Empire and their treatment by the ancient sources.

• Augustus 31 BC–AD 14
• Tiberius  AD 14–37
• Gaius AD 37–41
• Claudius  AD 41–54
• Nero AD 54–68

A Level Ancient History Unit 4: Roman depth study – Ruling Roman Britain, AD 43–c.128

The Roman depth studies focus on a substantial and coherent shorter time span. They require you  to study significant individuals, societies, events and issues within the complexity of a historical event or situation, and the interplay of different factors such as military, political, religious, social and cultural within that event or situation.

• Roman military policy towards Britain: conquest and expansion
• Frontier policy: consolidation and retrenchment AD 85–c.128
• Resistance to Roman rule
• Roman control
• Effects of Roman rule

Assessment Overview

A Level Ancient History Component Group 1: Greek Period study and Greek Depth study (H407/12)

Component Group 1 is a source-based Greek period study combined with a source-based Greek depth study. The depth study is linked to the period study to create a substantial and coherent element of Greek history. There is an embedded interpretative element focussing on historians’ interpretations of the key historical debates about the significant individuals, events, developments and issues studied as part of the period study.

• 98 marks total
• 2 hours 30 minutes
• Written paper

Exams from 2019 via this specification will not be available in Welsh.

A Level Ancient History Component Group 2: Roman Period study and Roman Depth study (H407/23)

Component Group 2 is a source-based Roman period study combined with a source-based Roman depth study. The depth study is linked to the period study to create a substantial and coherent element of Roman history. There is an embedded interpretative element focusing on historians’ interpretations of the key historical debates about the significant individuals, events, developments and issues studied as part of the period study.

• 98 marks total
• 2 hours 30 minutes
• Written paper

Exams from 2019 via this specification will not be available in Welsh.

Progression